Europe Country 6: Itally III

19 Sept 2009

Pisa

Pisa is a city in central Italy. It is the capital city of the Province of Pisa. We had a chance of exploring the "Miracle Square" where it boosts of the three of the world wonders. Most of the people have heard about the Leaning Tower, but do not realize that there are also two significant buildings lying next to it, which is UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Baptistry of the Cathedral. Well, we were aware the existence of the other two buildings after guided by our tour guide, but still we were concern with the leaning tower. Many of us posted differently with the tower, while i chose to kick the tower.

pic: The leaning tower

pic: Baptistry of the Cathedral

pic: UNESCO World Heritage

Florence

The capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. It is the most popular city in Tuscany, with 367.569 inhabitants.

St Mary of the Flowers Church

We headed to Florence. St Mary of the Flowers church stood out so much that we could still see it from our coach no matter which direction we turned. It is huge, very huge and we were not able to fit its entire body into our camera lense.

The door of paradise

It is too technical to understand and explain this. If you do really hope to know more, please read the following link:

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www.mega.it/eng/egui/monu/bo.htm

Signoria Square

Built around the end of the thirteenth century as a symmetrical contrast to the city's religious centres, Piazza della Signoria was enlarged through demolitions of the tower-houses of the Uberti, Foraboschi and other powerful Ghilbelline families.

It has always been the civic centre of Florentine life. Although same original buildings and the ancient brick paving, which gave it greater unity of style, have now disappered, it remains in all its aspects a square of incomparable beauty and elegance.

pic: Uffizzi Gallery

Ponte Vecchio

It is a Medieval bridge over the Arno River, noted for still having shops built along it, as was once common. Butchers initially occupied the shops; the present tenants are jewelers, art dealers, and souvenir sellers. It has been described as Europe's oldest wholly-stone, closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge, but there are fal older bridges.

The statue of David

The statue came to symbolize the defense of civil liberties embodied in the Florentine Republic, an independent city state threatened on all sides by more powerful rival states and by the hegemony of the Medici family. The eyes of David with a warning glare, were turned towards Rome.

pic: status of david

pic: The equestrian statue of the Duke of Tuscany

pic: fountain of neptune

pic: looking down the city of Florence

Europe Country 6: Itally II

17 September 2009

3. Venice

The city

Whatever other changes have happened, the most significant one in Venice is that the city, as our gondolier reminded us, is sinking. Venice is located in a lagoon on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. When Venice was founded in the year 421, the level of the Adriatic was about 5 meters (16 feet) lower than it is today. For centuries the water level rose very, very slowly, but in the last century or so the rate has increased dramatically. With each passing year, the difference between street level and water level shrinks faster. From time to time, the city gets a brief reprieve. On more than one occasion in early 2005, unusual weather patterns caused Venice to experience exceptionally low tides—so low that boats could not navigate most of the city' s shallower canals.

pic: bridge of sigh, connecting to the jail

pic: Mask in Venice

pic: Sinking in Venice

pic: We were forced to take off the shoes to walk

pic: Squid Spaghetti, recommended by the tour guide

pic: my teeth get dark after eating the squid spaghetti

St Marco Church

St Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco in Italian) is the most famous of the many churches of Venice and one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture in the world. Located just off the Grand Canal, the gleaming basilica dominates Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) and adjoins the Doge's Palace. San Marco is a cathedral: it has been the seat of the Archbishop of Venice since 1807.

Pic: Facade of St. Mark's Basilica from the famous St. Mark's Square. pic: Mosaic of the transfer of St. Mark's body. Photo © Branislav Slantchev.

pic: Closer look at the golden ceiling mosaics. Photo © Branislav Slantchev.

pic:Interior of St. Mark's Basilica

Gondole

The gondola is a traditional, flat-bottomed Venetian rowing boat, well suited to the conditions of the Venetian Lagoon. For centuries gondolas were once the chief means of transportation and most common watercraft within Venice. In modern times the iconic boats still have a role in public transport in the city, serving as traghetti (ferries) over the Grand Canal. They are also used in special regattas (rowing races) held amongst gondoliers. Their primary role, however, is to carry tourists on rides at established prices.

Well, the gondola trip was bit expensive. And the gondolier's service was terrible enough. They did not talk/explain much to us, but among gondoliers themselves when the gondolos passed by each other. And they demanded high tips.

pic: Mozart's house as seen from our gondola

Europe Country 6: Italy I

16 September 2009

1. Verona

The Arena

Verona is a city in nothern Italy, one of the seven provincial capitals in the region. We visited Verona Arena, which is internationally famous for the large-scale opera performances given there. It is one of the best preserved ancient structures of kind. We met a group of men wearing like spatans. We approached them and took a few picture together with them As expected, there was charge for the pictures.

Balcony of Romeo and Juliet

Verona of course, is the city that Shakespeare based his most famous "Romeo & Juliet". Juliet might have been a fictional character, but that did not stop her from having a house and a balcony. Supposedly this house really did belong to 14th century Veronese family which just might have been one of the families which just might have been one of the families Shakespeare had in mind when he wrote Romeo and Juliet in 1594.

We saw the courtyard which inspired the infamous balcony scene. Right below the balcony is a bronze statue of GiulIetta/Juliet. There is a statue of Juliet inside the courtyard and it is said if you are male and you rub her right breast it will bring you great vitality and a woman may meet her Romeo! So, you can see Juliet's face is almost black but her breasts, especially the right one, are shining, polished by millions of mostly male hands. It is amazing to see how the people are queuing up for a picture touching her breasts.

pic: write your name and your beloved's for long lasting love

pic: scary reflection of mirror. Mirror in the mirror in the hotel's bathroom

2. Rome

Colosseum

It is an elliptical amphitheatre in the center of the city of Rome, Italy. It is the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering. Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was under for gladiatorial contests and spectacles. It was used for public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, and execution. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era. It was later reused for such purposed as housing, workshops and quarters for religious order. It has been estimated that about 500, 000 people and over a million wild animals died in the Colosseum games.

In the 21st century it stays partially ruined because of damage caused by devastating earthquakes and stone-robbers.

Spanish steps / Scalinata di Spagna

This is possibly one of the most delightful and stunning settings of the baroque period. The spectacular staircase, built in 1723, gets its name from the nearby Spanish Embassy building, which is still the headquarters of Spain's embassy to the Holy See. In the spring, large pots of flowering azaleas make a stunning display on the steps.

pic: right in front of the Spanish Steps

Trevi Fountain

Everyday, it is visited by crowds of people, many tossing coins into the water. As a result, the fountain actually grosses a large amount of money each year and most of this is denoted to charity. In 1730, Pope Clemente XII decided to replace the existing fountain, designed in 1453, with one of much more majesty and asked the city's best artists of that time to help him with the project. The resulting Trevi fountain is one of undeniable splendour. The carved, marble centre piece is a large shell pulled by two sea-horses and driven by two tritons, from which a majestic statue representing the ocean emerges. The water is turned off in the early hours of the morning and occasionally at other times for cleaning.

If you were there, you may try the ice cream at a shop just next to the fountain. Heard it is nice. But I did not try it. What a waste!!!

Other unknown places:

pic: Unknown name

Europe Trip Country 5: Austria

16 Sept 2009

Schloss Fernsteinsee

We stopped by at Schloss Fernsteinsee on the way to Innsbruck. This is the most panoramic scenery I have ever seen. The water was so clear like crystal, the reflection of the mountain on the lake was so green. The bells on the cows' neck created an interesting and special sound where you could hardly hear them elsewhere. There was fog around. I felt as if I was in heaven.

However, I just realized that there are even more places with much better scenery in Austria. Just like this. Your first impression would be "wow....". Location and name is unknown.

Innsbruck

A small township with its old town lined with charming shops and cafes. It is the capital city of the federal state of Tyrol in western Austria. The word bruck comes from the German word Brucke meaning "Bridge" which leads to "the bridge over the inn".

We went to see the Old town with the balcony of Maximellium of 15th century. It resembles a stage set and the purpose of the balcony was meant for the Duke to speak down to his subject or being adored and admired by them. One of the most outstanding elements of the balcony is non other than its roof - The Golden Roof of Innsbruck, is now the symbol of the township.

Austria is also the home of the world famous Swarovski crystal. We had a chance to marvel at the endless creation of its product from the local show room.

pic: buy the cheapest crystal I could afford, only 11 euro. But the crystal dropped off before I managed to wear them on my finger after back to Malaysia