For a relaxing day
Avigliana 10051
Review © 2007, Wcities
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For a relaxing day |
8 Piazza Conte Rosso Avigliana 10051 |
Going from Turin to the Sacra di San Michele, take a break to visit the lakes of Avigliana which are located near the city of its namesake. There are two lakes: the Lago Grande and the Lago Piccolo or di Trana, both are of glacial origin and have a surface area of 840,000 and 580,000 square metres respectively. There are many sports activities available along the banks of the Lago Grande. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Cinzia Iacovelli |
 Photo: francesca bisconti |
 Photo: Laura |
 Photo: morphyne [vacanza ro |
Popular with families |
Piazza C. A. Dallachiesa Cogoleto 16016 |
Entire Genoese familes spend the summer months in the town of Ponente (Cogobeach), taking advantage of its vicinity to the city which enables parents to reach their workplace in little more than half an hour. The Bagni Marinella, at Cogoleto, have become an institution. This bathing establishment is in a very central location and has more than ten years of experience. Additions are always being made, such as the recent children's swimming pool and the floating island. It has a bar, which serves drinks and snacks, and hires out pedalos. It is open from mid-May to mid-September. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: giobloggo_foto |
Former city port |
Ripa di Porta Ticinese Milan, Milan 20123 |
The small lake of Darsena, next to the Porta Ticinese, is all that remains of the complex system of canals and rivers which have crossed the city of Milan since Roman times. The Naviglio Grande which ran from Abbiategrasso,ran into this lake, as well as the Pavese canal which joins it at the junction of the Ticino and the Olona river which today runs underground. La Darsena was built in 1603 by the Spanish governor the Count of Fuentes. It was there that cargoes were loaded and unloaded from the barges which reached the city via the Lombardian rivers. It found its present form in 1920 when, with the demolition of the Spanish ramparts it was expanded and the long commercial quay was constructed along Via D'Annunzio where on Saturday the traditional Sinigaglia market takes place. It was through the Darsena that the regional canals were linked up with the city system, enabling and developing the commercial and artisanal activity of the city. The city centre was thus linked by a water network to the Ticino, the Adda to the sea and the great lakes of Lombardy Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: pidublu  |
 Photo: Nicolò Canestrari |
 Photo: .ulde. |
 Photo: Marco Molinari |
 Photo: Alessio Odini |
 Photo: Aube insanité |
 Photo: galabgal |
 Photo: Cirano (Marco Lama) |
 Photo: SalentuCore |
Artificial lake and sports centre |
Via Circonvallazione Idroscalo Segrate Milan, Milan 20090 +39 2 7252 4301 (L'ufficio Turistico) |
This artificial basin is considered to be the lake of Milan and is used for high-level motorboat, canoe and rowing competitions. There are also many sports centre around the shore which offer windsurfing, canoeing, rowing and waterskiing. It is also possible to get a fishing permit here. Open in the Summer months only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: marcuscalabresus |
 Photo: sarderella |
 Photo: Nico Cavallotto |
 Photo: Tommaso Penna |
 Photo: luiginter |
 Photo: Piccacecca |
The only bathing establishment in Europe with a women's section |
Molo Fratelli Bandiera, 3 Trieste 34123 +39 40 30 5922 |
Near the city centre, this is the only beach in Europe where there is a barrier separating an area reserved for women and children from an area reserved for men. This is considered a piece of history, and is like a monument. Apart from this detail, there are no special facilities here, yet hundreds of people come here daily after the office or for a relaxing day out. The entrance fee is extremely cheap and there is a peaceful atmosphere, as well as equipment to facilitate disabled access into the sea. It is open from the first June to 30th September every day from 6a to 8p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: diariodiari |
A jewel in Lombardy |
Lago di Como Como, Como 22100 +39 (0)31 822 1004 (L'ufficio Turistico) |
The third largest lake in Italy (145km2), Lake Como (or Lario) is fed by the river Adda and 36 smaller rivers. It is one of Lombardy's most beautiful spots. It lies between Brianza and Valtellina like an upside down "Y" and so has three distinct sections: the Colico stretch to the north with its mountainous and varied shores, the Lecco stretch to the east with its bare, rocky shores, and the arm of Como with gentle, green banks. Historically, the lake has been a place of transit since ancient times (in proto-historical times there was a road that ran along the crest on the western side of the lake). Remains of the various cultures and peoples that have lived there throughout history have been found around it: villas, sanctuaries, chapels and monasteries lie all around its lovely surroundings. Villa D'Este at Cernobbio, the ancient church on Comacina island, Villa Carlotta at Tremezzo, Bellagio, Piona abbey, the small hamlet of Varenna, Como and its monuments, the ancient mule track of Mount Bisbino, the wide views seen from Brunate are just some of the many attractions the shores of the lake offer to tourists and artists. Besides the standard visits by car, the ferry lines of the lake's transport company offer superb views of the lake. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Berry |
 Photo: Anton de Young |
 Photo: Jeff |
 Photo: Henrik Engdahl |
 Photo: Joe Routon |
 Photo: boonkeong |
 Photo: John Beldock |
 Photo: jamiekugler |
 Photo: Leili Towfigh |
 Photo: Hans Wong |
 Photo: Harry Mowat |
 Photo: slint4587 |
 Photo: Andrew Moore |
 Photo: Shihad79 |
 Photo: Alex Kean |
 Photo: Clemens Orth |
 Photo: Nathan Hapke |
 Photo: St.Lorefice |
 Photo: Kirsty Su McGoooo |
 Photo: Martin Hull |
 Photo: Dominic Sardina |
Between Lombardy, Piedmont and Switzerland |
Verbania, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola +39 (0)761 64 5404 (L'ufficio Turistico) http://www.lagomaggiore.net/ |
Lake Maggiore - or Verbano - is Italy's second largest lake after Garda and lies in the shelter of the alpine circle between Lombardy, Piedmont and Switzerland. The lake's catchment area is very large and it receives its waters from the Ticino and Maggia rivers, Lake Lugano via the Tresa mountain stream, from Lake Orta via the river Strona, and from Lake Varese via the river Bardello. It's only emissary is the Ticino near Sesto Calende. The lake was of fundamental importance to communications in northern Italy from the Roman era. In the 15th c., it helped to defend the Signoria of Milan from Swiss territories when the city's various lands were enfeoffed to the Borromeo family. This was the beginning of a dominion that still marks the lake (the Borromeo islands, the forts of Arona and Angera, the castles of Cannero). Favoured with a mild climate, the shoreline became a holidaying area in the 18th c. The green banks were filled with villas, parks and gardens which are still very popular tourist destinations. Beyond Stresa, the jewel on the lake with its splendid Borromeo islands, Lake Maggiore is blessed with superb landscapes, views and monuments. The ancient Sanctuary of Santa Caterina del Sasso and the Fort at Angera on the Lombard shore, the attractive nature park in Ticino and Valgrande, the superb botanical gardens at Villa Taranto and Isola Madre, and the many villas and parks along the shore are some of the attractions that the lake offers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: fireblade669 |
 Photo: Vincenzo Federico |
 Photo: Jennifer Steuber |
 Photo: marta marchetti |
Beach at the foot of the Miramare castle. |
Viale Miramare, 90 Trieste 34100 |
This bathing establishment boasts some of the cleanest water on the Giulian coast thanks to a favourable combination of sea currents. It's only a stone's throw from the romantic but tragic Castello di Miramare which was the residence of Maximilian and Carlotta Hapsburg. The beach is not sandy. There are no sandy beaches in Trieste). The panorama is breathtaking and the place is absolutely peaceful, indeed so much so that it is the destination for many families and mothers with their babies. There is a well stocked bar and can provide breakfast and lunch or light snacks. It is possible to hire sun beds, loungers and have a hot shower at the end of the day. There is a large changing room. The only thing that is missing really is the parking. It's a good idea to come by bus because you really need a miracle to find a parking space (unless you come at dawn). The establishment is open every day from 8a-7p (from the first of May to 30th September). It is not equipped for disabled customers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mirko Santarelli |
 Photo: Giorgia Gollino |
 Photo: Matteo Crema |
 Photo: Dr. Dave Levin |
 Photo: Lauren |
 Photo: alessandro negrin |
 Photo: Nicoletta Andreini |
 Photo: Alejandro Serrano |
 Photo: danytao82 |
 Photo: Lisa |
 Photo: Lorenzo Botteghelli |
 Photo: spleeen |
 Photo: Giacomo Bonetti |
 Photo: trippiuai |
 Photo: giu.be.happy |
 Photo: Christian Faggionato |
 Photo: marco_ask |
 Photo: Yaila |
Lake reserve |
Viale Miramare, 349 Trieste 34136 +39 40 22 4147 |
This reserve stretches over more then 30 hectares in the area in front of the Castello di Miramare. This area is considered to be an important place of scientific and cultural interest because of its natural and geomorphological characteristics, for the physical and biochemical characteristics in the sea, and for the high biodiversity of the vegetable and animal life which it contains. The Centre for Marine Enviroment Education is located here, an institute which was started up in 1989 with the aim to create popular programs in the biology and marine ecology sectors. The Centre has a classroom laboratory and a room with some acquariums and some sophisticated analysis equipment (such as the plankton tank). The outside areas are also dedicated to teaching activities. Don't miss out on the underwater guided tours which are organised by the institute from time to time, these take place over a day or a weekend. These tours take you to an extraordinary and unknown world which will take your breath away. For information and bookings phone the number provided during office hours. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Damian Farnea |
 Photo: LeszekZadlo |
Attractive canal that passes through the city |
4 Alzaia Naviglio Grande Milan, Milan 20144 +39 2 8940 9971 http://www.navigliogrande.mi.it/ info@navigliogrande.mi.it |
Digging of the Naviglio Grande was begun in 1177. It was extended as far as Milan in 1257 when it flowed into the Darsena. It was one of the first canals in Milan and was one of the most important engineering works to be carried out in Lombardy during the Middle Ages. A branch of the Ticino near Tornavento, the Naviglio Grande enters Milan after about 50 km. For centuries it performed a fundamental role in the city's economy by connecting it to the great canal network in Lombardy (it was this way that the large pink marble blocks used for the construction of Milan cathedral entered the city). Today it has lost almost all its commercial value. Exiting the Darsena along the towpath of the Naviglio Grande, you will see the large residential buildings with fenced courtyards from the early 1900's, arts and crafts workshops, old barges (now turned into bars), the many areas that are undergoing urban renewal, and, further out, the country villas of the nobility (particularly between Abbiategrasso and Robecco sul Naviglio). Make a quick stop near Vicolo Lavandai, the ancient shelter with wooden beams that covers the communal wash-house. It is an image of a Milan from the past. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: OneImaginaryBoy |
 Photo: Francesco Rotondo |
 Photo: Matt O'Sullivan |
 Photo: steve-c |
 Photo: Francesca Campagnoli |
 Photo: Lorenzo Vismara |
 Photo: Francesco Cataldo |
 Photo: A. Cortese .Cortez. |
 Photo: corto.maltese |
 Photo: claudio.caos |
 Photo: andrea_ga |
 Photo: @Alex |
 Photo: Cristina Contini |
 Photo: master05double |
 Photo: my3y3s |
Broad urban canal |
Alzaia Naviglio Pavese Milan, Milan 20142 +39 2 7252 4301 (L'ufficio Turistico) |
The Naviglio Pavese leaves the Darsena below the Trofeo bridge before heading off to the river Ticino 30 km away, through 12 locks that allow boats to overcome the 52 metre difference in water level. Dug around 1300 by Gian Galeazzo Visconti for irrigation purposes, it was only made navigable in 1819 when its traffic exceeded that of the Naviglio Grande with more than 1400 convoys per year. This means of transport was only halted in 1978 due to the competition from land traffic. From the Darsena, the left bank is still characterised by old buildings with landings while the Alzaia bank was prevalently rebuilt after WW2 and has no particular character. On the right bank, the small Via Magolfa is a charming little hamlet that lines a narrow irrigation ditch, and is an example of fast disappearing Milan. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Federico A. Scolari |
 Photo: Matteo |
 Photo: Franco64 |
 Photo: Paolo |
 Photo: ghiska |
 Photo: renato63 |
 Photo: Bart Bernardes |
 Photo: Giraluna |
The waters of the Adda in Milan |
Naviglio della Martesana Milan, Milan 20125 |
The Martesana was built at the orders of Filippo Maria Visconti between 1457-60 with the initial purpose of providing irrigation water to increase agricultural yields; it was later decided to use it as a method of communication with the Adda valley, Bergamo and Brescia. To overcome the rise of 20 metres between Milan and the river Adda, Leonardo da Vinci improved the system of locks and natural basins: over a distance of almost 40 kilometres, the waters of the Adda were taken from Trezzo to the city, then into the Scaricatore canal, and from there into the Redefossi canal that joined the river Lambro south of Milan. From the second half of the 17th century, the Martesana did not represent a trading and agricultural reality and its banks were lined with the country residences of wealthy Milanese. There were many splendid villas including Villa Alari Visconti, Villa Uboldo, Villa Biancani at Cernusco, Villa Rey at Anzago and Villa Castelbarco at Vaprio. Navigation on the canal began to fall off in the 20th c. In 1933, the stretch between Via Castelfidardo to Via Melchiorre Gioia in the city was covered over and those parts of the canal in Milan that were uncovered were neglected. Now that a cycling route has been opened along the towpath from Milan to Casano d'Adda, it is possible to explore Martesana. The locks, control buildings and elegant villas today represent a page in Milanese history. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Junio |
 Photo: Matteo Di Pumpo |
 Photo: awesome3 |
 Photo: Luigi Fiorani |
 Photo: anton3ll0 |
 Photo: Mario |
Everybody at the seaside |
Via Ostia Rome, Rome 00122 http://www.ostialido.it/ |
Ostia is the beach for Romans who want to escape the big city heat. In summer, the population of the beach resort doubles, as locals and tourists fill the restaurants (whose specialities are, of course, seafood-based). The Via delle Baleniere, the main street, is where you will find delicious home-made ice cream in dozens of imaginatively named flavours. Some pastry-shops near the beach still sell the famous Bomboloni con la Crema, fried doughnuts that are shot out of the fryer like a missile into a container with caster sugar. At night, there are discotheques and open-air parties. In winter, contrary to other seaside towns, Ostia remains lively. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jennifer Lyker |
 Photo: madcix |
 Photo: Sergio Berio |
 Photo: Alessandro Tabacchi |
 Photo: Harry Potter |
 Photo: Florian Willems |
 Photo: Emanuel Leanza |
 Photo: Filippo Lorenzi |
 Photo: Oggi sono io, Luis |
 Photo: teges98 |
 Photo: BoneBrescia |
 Photo: william sanderson |
 Photo: Mihaela Ionescu |
 Photo: labras |
 Photo: Giraluna |
The river of Turin |
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II Turin 10121 |
Between the city and the mountains the river, the symbol of the city, winds slowly and majestically. Along the right bank (the side nearest the mountains), are many sports centres, such as the well known rowing schools which have their historic homes here. There are also public areas of greenery which are the perfect places for a tranquil walk. The left bank is characterised by a notable difference in height between the city and the surface of the water. At the edge of the river are the famous 'Murazzi'; a long road which is the home of numerous nightclubs and bars, of all kinds. From 'Murazzi' it is possible to take a 'Navigazione sul Po', a tourist trip which lets you see the city from a different point of view. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Federico |
 Photo: Massimiliano Greco |
 Photo: joetherower |
 Photo: Donna Fragapane |
 Photo: Luigi Masella |
 Photo: audrix |
 Photo: Jason King |
 Photo: Rijkaard |
 Photo: anecòico |
 Photo: Jan Kelly |
On the route of the ancient Romans |
Lungotevere Tor di Nona - Ponte Umberto I Rome 00186 |
The journey lasts about an hour and a half and goes along part of the Tiber river, under the historical bridges of Rome, starting from Umberto I Bridge and arriving at Duca d'Aosta Bridge: it offers a very different, quite enchanting view of the capital. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Roberto Congiu |
 Photo: J-d0g |
 Photo: Luigi |
 Photo: stefano dominici |
 Photo: Massimo Tallarigo |
 Photo: Paolino Censi |
 Photo: john langley |
 Photo: Andy Hay |
 Photo: ghecko |
 Photo: mcubs16 |
 Photo: Jon Hildrew |
 Photo: D. Glen Elrod Photog |
 Photo: Fox Three |
 Photo: Bryan Butterwick |
 Photo: Patrick Almond |
 Photo: rodchase |
One of Europe's most attractive and spectacular bays |
Duino Aurisina Trieste, Trieste |
In specialist magazines this has been described as 'one of the world's top ten bays. This may be an exaggeration but it nevertheless is a magic place. Try and go on a winter's day and enjoy the winter sea, go in May and you'll get a whiff of the summer air, mixed with sea pines that are opposite the beach. In a state of abandonment for years the place has recently become busy in the summer months, particularly over the last 4 years as a result of many initiatives taken by private and public organisations. The calendar of seasonal events is quite fixed and goes from markets to flea markets to concerts. In the bay there are refreshment areas and two bathing establishments. You can reach the bay by car but in summer it is best to park in Sistiana and reach the bay on foot as the walk is beautiful, or you can take the free shuttle bus supplied by the Trieste authorities between June and September. Further information can be obtained from the public relations office of the Duino-Aurisina region. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: picsbyclive |
 Photo: Motorpic |
 Photo: Lizandro Chrestenzen |
The best loved beach for young people. |
Viale Miramare Trieste |
Maybe it´s a little bit generous to call this a beach but all the same, every year this walkway is literally under siege from thousands of people of all ages from Trieste. They come to stretch their towels out and catch the sun. The walkway goes from Barcola up to the junction with the road leading to the castle at Miramare. The walkway is made up of a series of semicircuar terraces which sit above the main street. Below the street there are cement benches and two small pebble beaches. Further up towards the junction, people sit out and enjoy the sun only three metres away from the main road into the city. There are even topless sunbathers there. There are shower and bathing facilities available as well as some changing areas. If you come here between July and August, finding a space for your towel becomes like finding a carparking space in the city centre in rush-hour. Even walking about becomes difficult because the place packed with large groups of students. Of course it is free to use and there is no timetable, although swimming at night is forbidden. However, it is a relaxing and pleasant place to go for a walk throughout the year. There is disabled access to the sea. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Monica Novotny |
9 kilometres of open countryside |
Via di San Pancrazio Rome, Rome 00152 +39 6 3937 6616 (municipicio Roma) |
Villa Doria Pamphili has its main entrance at San Pancrazio Gate though it has other entrances around its 9-kilometre perimeter. Besides being Rome's largest park, it is also one of the richest in terms of vegetation with tall trees and rare plants. There are also many animals: marsh turtles, moorhens, herons, swans, geese and fish in the pool. The park was laid out on the orders of Prince Camillo Pamphili, the nephew of Pope Innocent X, between 1644 and 1652. The villa was designed with sculptor and architect Alessandro Algardi, the creator of the fountains of the Lily and the Snail. Algardi is also attributed with the Casino di Allegrezza, one of the park's best features, although it is argued by some that he only contributed to the decoration. The last changes to the villa were made by Andrea Busirici Vici who was commissioned by Prince Filippo Andrea V Doria Pamphili. Currently the Casino and the secret garden are owned by the state while the rest of the park is owned by Rome Council and is open to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sara Gavanovich |
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