The botanical garden of Europe
Caprino Veronese 37013
Review © 2007, Wcities
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The botanical garden of Europe |
Via Giovanni XXIII, 1 Caprino Veronese 37013 |
Baldo Mountain rises up between Lake Garda and the Lagarina Valley. During the last Ice Age, a watershed was created on its summit by the ice which appeared on the mountains, where various forms of plantlife began to grow. They then adapted to the rise in temperature when the ice melted. When the large Garda basin was formed, the side of the mountain that faced it underwent climatic changes which affected the vegetation and modified it to suit a Mediterranean climate. For this reason, the mountain is home to both olive groves and edelweiss, as well as hundreds of other types of plants, both coastal and alpine. It is possible to climb Baldo Mountain from different directions and in different ways. The easiest way is by cable car from Malcesine, and the most evocative way is to go up by car towards Lumini and Prada, and then to follow the military track in the Trovai Valley. From here, the path leads towards Telegrafo Peak (2110m high, it is an area full of interesting phenomena brought about by water erosion: 'campi carreggiati') and towards the glaciers ('circhi glaciali'). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gianluca |
 Photo: Laurie Lopes |
 Photo: spartacry |
A haven south of the Arno |
Piazza de` Pitti Florence |
To escape the crowds and late summer heat on the Florentine tourist trail, head south of the river Arno to the calming and charming environs of the Boboli Gardens. This wonderful retreat was laid out by the Medici after they bought the Palazzo Pitti in 1549 and they were opened to the public in 1766. As well as formal gardens there are wilder groves of cypress and ilex and many fine statues. At the summit of the Forte di Belvedere there is an open area where you can sun yourself and relax whilst enjoying the stunning views of the city and Tuscan countryside. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Katie Phelps |
 Photo: Paula Martin |
 Photo: Monique Daigle |
 Photo: darks2007 |
 Photo: David Rizzio |
 Photo: Mrs.Catman |
 Photo: Anna Fraser |
 Photo: Blondi  |
 Photo: DV & BV |
 Photo: Adam McGale |
 Photo: mcloud1 |
 Photo: Keshan Gunasinghe |
 Photo: Erik Brown |
 Photo: ply&burl |
 Photo: Eric Martin |
 Photo: Kevin Simpson |
 Photo: taratara97 |
Panorama of the town walls |
Piazzale Castel San Pietro Verona 37129 +39 45 834 9990 |
The Castel San Pietro was originally joined by a continuous wall around the Soccorso now stands on the ruins (still partially visible) of a viscount's castle built in 1389. In 1450 it was joined to other fortifications but was partly dismanteled by the French with the Austrians finishing the job off so that they could build neoromanic barracks on the site. From the castle's terrace there is a splendid panorama of the city walls. On the left hand side, the internal part of the medieval walls are visible from the Grotta to San Zeno in Monte whilst on the extreme right you can make out the castles of Santa Sofia, San Leonardo(now converted into the Madonna di Lourdes sanctuary), San Mattia, and other defence structures built by the Austrians. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jill Storm |
The most powerful lighthouse in Europe |
Strada del Friuli, 141 Trieste, Trieste +39 40 41 0461 |
Reopened after years of restoration work, the Victory Lighthouse is certainly worth the 200 or so steps to arrive at the top. There is a magnificent view of the whole of the gulf of Trieste, the city and part of the karstic coast. Built from white stone on a wide base, the lighthouse was constructed during the 1920's on the design of a famous local architect, Arduino Berlam, and is dedicated to all the sailors that were lost during World War I. Above the column, the capital supports the top designed to resemble the mast of a ship in which the light itself is fitted. The light container is covered with a bronze dome and decorated with a scale design. On the tip of the dome stands the embossed copper statue of Victory designed by sculptor Giovanni Mayer and produced by Giovanni Srebot. Mayer was also responsible for the statue of the sailor attached to the anchor of the torpedo boat Audace, the first Italian ship to enter the port of Trieste in 1918, so signalling the return of the city to Italy. This lighthouse is thought to have the greatest range in Europe. Today its function is much reduced but it remains one of the symbols of Venezia Giulia. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christer Zeeck |
 Photo: Helmut Iungwirth |
 Photo: Giulio Novel |
 Photo: orcapeppa |
 Photo: Pedro Leão |
Decorative bell tower |
Piazza Duomo Florence 50122 +39 55 230 2885 |
Designed by Giotto, the bell tower to the right of Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral was begun by the artist in 1334 but continued by Andrea Pisano (who modified part of the design) following Giotto's death in 1337. Francesco Talenti finally completed it in 1359. Originally the tower was linked to the Duomo via a passageway situated at the level of the first cornice but this was demolished before 1437. Reliefs carved on the side where the passageway once existed are later works by Luca della Robbia; Andrea Pisano's original stone reliefs can be seen in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. The concepts of universal order and redemption are recurrent themes; hexagonal tiles on the tower's lower level (now replaced by copies) portray scenes from daily human life whilst diamond-shaped reliefs on the upper level illustrate more ethereal subjects in the form of the Planets, Virtue, Liberal Arts and the Sacraments. There's no lift, but climbing the 414 steps to the top of the 85m tower is well worth the effort! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Charlie Spencer |
 Photo: rusmi |
 Photo: Nick Zaccardi |
 Photo: Andy Roberts |
 Photo: nomereyes |
 Photo: J Sheetz |
 Photo: M Drake-McLaughlin |
 Photo: Baggy & Cindy |
 Photo: Jimmy |
 Photo: Ian Ernzer |
 Photo: Jeff Pfleger |
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 Photo: Dan Waugh |
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 Photo: Derrick Diemont |
 Photo: Lindsay McQuaid |
 Photo: Richard Milner |
 Photo: Crystal Watford |
Enjoy the Tuscan countryside |
Strada dei Colli Alti Florence 50019 |
Set high up in a beautiful spot overlooking the city, this park is ideal for family days out and the perfect antidote to city stress. Spend a lazy afternoon stretched out on the grass, go for a meander along its pathways or bring a picnic. Appreciated by Tuscan Resistance members who sought refuge here during the Second World War, the park is easy to get to: just follow Via Bolognese or Via dei Colli Alti near Colonnata (enjoy the view on the way up), which lead to Piazzale Leonardo da Vinci (595m). On a clear day the entire Arno valley is visible from here and a further two-hour walk takes you to Monte Morello's highest point of 934m. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: x3o_o3 |
OK this time |
Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta Rome, Rome 00153 |
You can forget good manners here and queue so as to look through the keyhole of the entrance that leads into the complex of the Order of the Knights of Malta. The curiosity is the unusual view of the dome of St. Peter's which, framed by the trees inside the garden, seems very close. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Psychedelic Harmony |
 Photo: SCHIOCCIOLA |
Fantastic view over the city |
Piazzale Michelangelo Florence 50100 |
Renowned for its panoramic views of Florence and the Arno valley, this terrace is a popular spot with locals and tourists. Created as part of major restructuring of the city walls, Poggi's sumptuous terrace is typically 19th century. In 1871, Poggi designed a monument base dedicated to Michelangelo. The monument itself was to be composed of copies of Michelangelo's works, including David and the Medici chapel sculptures from San Lorenzo. When the terrace was finished, Poggi designed the hillside building, now a restaurant, as a museum for Michelangelo's works. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: liliaindj |
 Photo: Steven Devlin |
 Photo: Anna Maria Padula |
 Photo: varvara lozenko |
 Photo: Kikuko Takada |
 Photo: Mariano Crimaldi |
 Photo: David Claborn |
 Photo: Sinsir75 |
 Photo: Pachi Badilla |
 Photo: Andrew Ferguson |
 Photo: Mathieu Boulanger |
 Photo: Fabrizio Sciami |
 Photo: Madame Eleonora |
 Photo: Fabio Bernardini |
 Photo: E. Isopi |
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For a romantic walk |
Piazza del Pincio Rome, Rome 00187 |
These lovely gardens overlook one of the most beautiful squares in Rome, Piazza del Popolo. There were gardens here even in the time of Ancient Rome, and it is said that they were quite fabulous. The present-day gardens were designed in the early 19th century by the architect Valadier who also created Piazza del Popolo itself. They became a favourite location for walking, and who knows how many love stories blossomed amongst the pine trees? Piazzale Napoleone I offers an unforgettable view of Rome, along with the famous Water Clock that dates back to the 19th century. A visit to the restaurant La Casina Valadier is well worth it, for a coffee or a light lunch. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: augusto83 |
 Photo: Gab977 |
 Photo: Davide Florian |
 Photo: Dr Feelgood ® |
Canal Grande Bridge |
Grand Canal Venice 30124 |
For a long time this was the only way to cross the Canal Grande. There was a bridge here at the end of the 12th century, but the current one, designed by Antonio da Ponte, was built 1554-1591. There are now lots of shops on the bridge selling all kinds of souvenirs and curiosities. Fresh fruit, vegetable and fish markets line the streets in the bustling neighborhood. A second bridge was built in 1854, this bridge is still an important historical landmark and always a bright spot for tourists. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kathy Marsden |
 Photo: Michael Drury |
 Photo: Simon King |
 Photo: Bob Johnson |
 Photo: Hans Wong |
 Photo: Graham Currey |
 Photo: Sylvie Leung |
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 Photo: Maria Evans |
 Photo: pninaN |
 Photo: Ian Kennedy |
 Photo: Fred Penfold |
 Photo: Wayne Berry |
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 Photo: papillion_1 |
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The whole of Genoa in one glance |
Near Piazza Balvedere G. Caproni Genoa, Genoa 16136 +39 (0)10 57 6791 (Tourist Information) |
Asending on the red Righi cable car, up from the noisy traffic of the Largo Zecca, after a twenty minute underground journey, it is incredibly exciting to see the city open out into the wonderful panorama which can be appreciated from the terrace near the cable car stop. From the Piazza Balvedere G. Caproni, at a height of about 300m above sea-level, there is quite an amazing view: the whole of Genoa can be seen, spreading into the bay between Mount Portofino and Capo Noli. With your back to the port, you can see the mountains and the old fortifications of the Richelieu fortress extending to the sea, the distant Forte Ratti, while in the foreground stands the Forte Castellaccio, built by the Guelfs in the fourteenth century. A little way beyond the Forte Sperone (built in the eighteenth century, and without doubt the most fascinating and well-preserved of all the forts), you can make out the far-away, solitary Forte Puin and Forte Diamante. The city lies below; you can see the Valbisagno area which slopes up almost to the height of the forts. Then, following the line of the hillside, you should recognise opposite you a large 1970's building, known as the "Biscione", and in the valley below the modern Stadio L. Ferraris, rebuilt for the 1990 World Cup football, can also be seen. Nearby, the large Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno lies alongside the flowing Bisagno. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Felice Volpe |
 Photo: Federico Perola |
Enjoyable walk dedicated to German author |
Sentiero Rilke Duino Aurisina |
This beautiful shore path has woods on one side and breathtaking views over the Sistiana Bay on the other. It is only a few kilometers long and an easy walk. It starts from the seasonal base of the Azienda di promozione turistica di Sistiana and ends at the entrance to the village of Duino. To get to this path from Trieste, take the number 44 bus, which stops across the road from the head of the path. If you drive, then be aware that there is limited parking space—you might want to park further down the road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Loretta Tore |
 Photo: Francesca |
 Photo: Roberto |
 Photo: Mefistofilo |
Dining On-The-Go |
Corso Turati 19/6 Turin 10128 +39 011 576 4733-750 http://www.comune.torino.it/gt... |
With all the wonderful food and historic sights Turin has to offer, it can be hard to fit everything into one visit. However, Ristocolor provides busy travellers with a new way to dine- onboard a historic tram! Take a ride through the streets and past historic monuments while enjoying each dish specializing in the delicious Piedmont cuisine. The tram has been completely renovated to fit up to 32 passengers, with colorful decorations both inside and out. It is a great way to fit in even more of what the city has to offer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: MAX 2006 |
Cultural ground |
10 Passeggiata del Gianicolo Rome, Rome 00165 +39 6 48 8991 (tourist information) http://www.villalante.org/ |
Villa Lante, located on the slopes of the Gianicolo, offers a splendid view of the city of Rome. The villa was built by a rich Tuscan merchant between 1518 and 1531. Villa Lante was used by its owner for literary meetings and parties, but on his death it was sold to the Lante family from whom it takes its name. This family remained its owners for almost 250 years until they sold it to the Borghese family who made substantial changes. At the end of the 19th century the archaeologist Wolfgang Helbig lived there with his wife, a cultured Russian princess. In 1950 the Helbig family sold the property to the Finnish state, which made it their embassy to the Vatican and the centre of the Roman Institute of Finland, which is dedicated to archaeological research. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Elise Towle Snow |
 Photo: Justin Paszul |
 Photo: Bart van Maarseveen |
 Photo: Elizabeth Farrell |
 Photo: Francesco Minciotti |
 Photo: Alison Wooder |
 Photo: Meri Päivärinne |
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