#chapel bridge- Europe’s oldest timber bridge

[govassist]

The Best Small Towns in Europe for a Charming Getaway

Europe, with its rich history and diverse cultures, is not just about its bustling cities. Tucked away from the urban sprawl, small towns across the continent offer travelers a charming and intimate escape. Let’s embark on a journey through some of Europe's most enchanting small towns.

The Allure of European Small Towns

European small towns are a tapestry of history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes. They offer a slower pace of life, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in local traditions, savor regional cuisines, and explore historical landmarks without the crowds of larger cities.

1. Hallstatt, Austria

Nestled between the dramatic Dachstein Alps and the tranquil Hallstätter See, Hallstatt is often described as one of the most beautiful lake towns in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site in Austria is a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history.

Scenic Splendor: Hallstatt's unique location offers stunning views of steep mountains plunging straight into the mirror-like lake. The town is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.

Historical Significance: Known for its salt production, Hallstatt has a history dating back to prehistoric times. The Hallstatt Salt Mine, accessible by a funicular, offers a journey into the town’s ancient mining history.

Charming Architecture: Wander through Hallstatt’s market square, and you’ll be surrounded by charming 16th-century alpine buildings, adding to the town’s storybook feel.

Cultural Attractions: Visit the Beinhaus (Bone House) at St. Michael's Chapel, a unique repository for painted skulls, or explore the archaeological treasures at the Heritage Museum.

2. Colmar, France

Colmar, in the Alsace region of northeastern France, is often likened to a medieval fairytale town. With its well-preserved old town, Colmar is a fusion of German and French cultures, rich in architectural landmarks, gastronomy, and vibrant street life.

Architectural Wonderland: Colmar’s streets are lined with half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings, with the Maison Pfister and the Koïfhus being notable examples.

Little Venice: The district of Little Venice, with its picturesque canals and colorful houses, is a must-visit. Boat tours offer a unique perspective of the town.

Wine and Cuisine: As part of the Alsace wine region, Colmar is an ideal base for wine tasting tours. The local Alsatian cuisine is a delightful blend of French and German influences.

Cultural Festivals: The town hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Colmar International Festival, celebrating classical and jazz music.

3. Giethoorn, Netherlands

Known as the "Venice of the North," Giethoorn is a peaceful village in the Netherlands where traditional thatched houses and wooden bridges dot a network of canals. The absence of cars in the town center makes for a quiet, idyllic setting.

Waterways and Boating: The main mode of transport in Giethoorn is by boat. Travelers can rent a "whisper boat," which, as the name suggests, moves quietly through the water, ensuring the serenity of the village is maintained.

Picturesque Scenery: The village offers scenic views of lush greenery, charming houses, and beautifully maintained gardens. It’s a haven for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Walking and Cycling Paths: For those who prefer land, Giethoorn has lovely walking and cycling paths along the canals, offering a different but equally charming perspective of the village.

Nearby Attractions: The nearby De Weerribben-Wieden National Park is perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers, providing a beautiful backdrop of reed beds, marshes, and woodland.

4. Ronda, Spain

Perched atop a towering cliff in the province of Málaga, Ronda is one of Spain's oldest towns, offering a dramatic setting and rich history.

Breathtaking Views: Ronda is famous for its Puente Nuevo, a stone bridge spanning a deep gorge, offering stunning views of the Andalusian landscape.

Historical Richness: The town's history, influenced by Roman and Moorish cultures, is evident in its architecture, including the Moorish baths and the Mondragón Palace.

Cultural Experience: Ronda has a strong bullfighting tradition, showcased at the Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest and most revered bullrings in Spain.

Natural Surroundings: The surrounding countryside is perfect for hiking and exploring nearby vineyards, where visitors can indulge in local wine tasting.

5. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Český Krumlov, in the South Bohemia region, is a jewel of medieval architecture and cultural heritage.

Fairy-tale Ambiance: The town’s centerpiece is the Český Krumlov Castle, with its baroque gardens and an original 17th-century baroque theater.

Renaissance and Gothic Architecture: Wander through cobbled streets lined with Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque buildings, preserved beautifully over centuries.

Cultural Festivities: The town is lively with cultural events, including the famous Český Krumlov International Music Festival and traditional craft markets.

River Adventures: The Vltava River meanders through the town, offering canoeing and rafting opportunities for adventure enthusiasts.

6. Portree, Scotland

Portree, the largest town on Scotland’s Isle of Skye, is known for its picturesque harbor and stunning natural scenery.

Colorful Waterfront: The harbor, lined with brightly colored houses, is the heart of the town, rich in maritime history.

Gateway to Natural Wonders: Portree is the perfect base for exploring Skye’s rugged landscapes, including the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and the Cuillin mountains.

Scottish Culture: Visitors can immerse themselves in Scottish culture, with traditional music often heard in the town’s pubs and restaurants.

Wildlife Watching: Boat trips from Portree harbor offer opportunities to see a variety of marine wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and sometimes even whales.

7. Bled, Slovenia

Bled, with its emerald-green lake, church-topped islet, and medieval castle set against the Julian Alps, is a slice of paradise in Slovenia.

Iconic Lake Bled: The glacial Lake Bled is famous for its small island home to the 17th-century Church of the Assumption, accessible by traditional ‘pletna’ boats.

Bled Castle: Perched atop a cliff overlooking the lake, Bled Castle offers panoramic views and a glimpse into Slovenia's history.

Active Leisure: The area is ideal for hiking, cycling, and in winter, skiing in the nearby mountains.

Culinary Delight: Don't miss tasting the famous Bled cream cake, a delightful local pastry.

8. Bibury, England

Nestled in the rolling Cotswold Hills, Bibury is often described as the most beautiful village in England. It’s a quintessential English hamlet renowned for its traditional stone cottages and pastoral landscapes.

Arlington Row: A famous row of picturesque cottages dating back to the 17th century, originally built as a wool store and converted into weavers' cottages.

Trout Farm: The Bibury Trout Farm is one of Britain's oldest, offering a delightful family experience and an opportunity to catch your own dinner.

Walking Paradise: The village is surrounded by lush meadows and walking paths, perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics by the River Coln.

Architectural Charm: Bibury encapsulates old-world charm with its stone bridges, traditional English gardens, and the historic St. Mary's Church.

9. Manarola, Italy

Manarola, one of the Cinque Terre villages on the Italian Riviera, is a vibrant and picturesque seaside town known for its stunning views and vibrant architecture.

Colorful Houses: Manarola is famous for its brightly colored houses perched dramatically on rugged cliffs, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Hiking Trails: The town is a hiker's paradise, with trails offering breathtaking coastal views, notably the Via dell'Amore that connects Manarola to Riomaggiore.

Wine and Gastronomy: Known for its Sciacchetrà wine, Manarola invites visitors to enjoy local Ligurian cuisine and seafood delicacies in its quaint eateries.

Water Activities: The rocky harbor is ideal for swimming and boating, providing a refreshing escape during the warm Mediterranean summers.

10. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a well-preserved medieval town in Bavaria, Germany. It's like stepping into a time capsule with its enchanting old town surrounded by intact town walls.

Medieval Architecture: Wander through cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses, medieval gates, and towers. The Plönlein intersection is a particularly picturesque spot.

Christmas Market: The town is renowned for its Christmas market (Reiterlesmarkt), one of the oldest in Germany, offering a magical festive experience.

Night Watchman’s Tour: A popular attraction, this tour provides an entertaining and informative stroll through the town’s history, guided by a night watchman.

The Crime Museum: For a unique experience, visit the Medieval Crime Museum, which showcases legal history with a collection of curious artifacts.

Conclusion

Each of these small towns offers a unique glimpse into Europe’s soul, away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. They are perfect for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, history, and natural beauty.

If you’re planning a European adventure and need help with your Schengen visa, GovAssist can provide expert assistance. They streamline the visa application process, making it easier for you to embark on your charming European getaway.

[switzerlandvisas]

A Bridge that holds so much more than just a fine art: Chapel Bridge, its legends and significance. Get a Switzerland Visa to explore its beauty with family.

[noromannet-blog]

10 beautiful villages to see in Germany

When we think of the most beautiful in Germany, we may do it in the big cities. The Berlin Wall, the majesty of past armies, the origin of the conflicts of the twentieth century, etc. comes to mind. However, the European country is much more than that and in some areas, it still has a characteristic medieval atmosphere that will delight the most nostalgic travelers. Discover the most beautiful villages in Germany to stroll, savor and, above all, enjoy environments that seem straight out of the fourteenth century. We leave you this list with the 10 most charming German villages.

1. Rothenburg ob der Tauber

If we talk about charming villages in Germany we must start with this one, located in the mythical State of Bavaria and, specifically, in the district of Ansbach. It is one of the many medieval towns that still survive in the area and this makes walking through its winding streets a spectacle for the senses. Thanks to its extraordinary characteristics, it has already won the title as one of the most famous German corners in the world. And, if we stop to walk through it, we can see that it really has everything to be part of the most beautiful villages in Europe. In addition, it is one of the icons of the well-known Romantic Road with its great walls, narrow streets of the Middle Ages, the towers, forts in which to evoke stories of knights and rustic houses that stand out for their painted wooden ornaments. The cleanliness and calm that is breathed here will end up making you fall in love with this fairytale enclave.

2. Bacharach

Another of the places to see in Germany if we want to continue traveling as in an authentic fairy tale is Bacharach. They call attention to its characteristic half-timbered houses, as well as its towers finished in a Gothic style that highlights that strong medieval essence that it boasts. Not surprisingly, we can enjoy authentic ruins of medieval chapels, perfect for those in love with history. It is also striking that the town has its own castle. This emerges from wine crops, which we must not fail to prove if we decided to include it in our route. Its location on the banks of the Rhine River makes this one of the best landscapes in Germany. In fact, the area in which it is located is considered a World Heritage Site.

3. Cochem

There are landscapes that earn much more with a river in the background and this one, in particular, is one of them. The town of Cochem is situated on the banks of the romantic Moselle river, turning all the surroundings into a real postcard landscape. Considered one of the most beautiful places in Europe, the town is guarded by its own castle, that of Reichsburg. In general, the picturesque and colorful houses with irregular roofs stand out, and they carry all the essence of this beautiful town. It is worth taking a leisurely stroll through the vast valley and stopping to admire the imposing vineyards in the area. There are few tourists who decide to take a trip to Cochem every year to taste one of the best wines in Germany. A trick is to go to the Mosel festival, which takes place in late summer, to enjoy one of the most beautiful villages in Germany in all its splendor.

4. Schiltach

The Black Forest is another one of those areas to visit in Germany and that captures the attention of the most restless travelers. Right here is where we find this hidden treasure that is Schiltach. Sometimes it is cataloged as one of the most unknown German villages. However, it does not lack the charm that surrounds the rest. It crosses the rivers Schiltach and Kinzig, which makes it one of the places in Germany to visit if you are a lover of the ability of water to raise the benefits of a typical postcard town. It is a delight to walk through its old town and admire its beautiful houses built and decorated with authentic wooden frames of the 16th century. In winter, snow is the queen and lady of the roofs of this medieval town, another addition to not hesitate to make a stop.

5. Gengenbach

If we make a route through Germany, also in the Black Forest and less than an hour from Schiltach we find Gengenbach. This has the characteristic of being a much less unknown town since many tourists meet at the place to enjoy the charm of these enclaves located in southern Germany. In addition, it has the virtue of being bigger, so more people are not a problem. As a curiosity for moviegoers, this is where the exterior scenes of the movie "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" were filmed. This has caused tourism to shoot. As a tip, a good time to enjoy this corner of Germany to the fullest is in summer, as it is a joyful time when wooden balconies are filled with beautiful flowers, giving their streets a life of their own. Do not forget to walk without worries through the romantic streets that the old town has. Without a doubt, you will want to repeat this excursion to one of the most beautiful places in Europe.

6. Füssen

One of the most beautiful villages in Germany is Füssen. This, in addition, is responsible for announcing to travelers that the German Romantic Road is about to end. It stands out for its High Castle which, although it was built to serve as a summer residence for the archbishops of Augsburg, is currently in charge of safeguarding the impressive Bavarian Painting Museum between its walls. In this beautiful enclave, we can also enjoy other places such as the Benedictine Abbey or the Spitalkirche Church, where you can admire authentic 18th-century wall paintings. Undoubtedly, one of the monuments that attract the most attention and that make it one of the most beautiful villages in Bavaria is the eclectic Neuschwanstein Castle, located to the southeast and which is a mandatory stop for any traveler in the area.

7. Monschau

Monschau is one of those German villages where it seems that time stopped many years ago. Hidden in the Eifel natural park, located in the Rhur River valley, we find this beautiful enclave that is located in the Aachen district, in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is curious that there are only two kilometers that separate it from Belgium, since this makes it an obligatory visit if we are, for example, in Brussels. What most attracts the attention of this picturesque town, in addition to its classic elements such as the water mill, is the bucolic landscape that makes up its characteristic houses made of brick and wood and that follow the course of the river, winding with it too along with big trees. This medieval charm makes it one of the most beautiful places in Germany, so an excursion deserves, and much, worth it.

8. Dinkelsbühl

A survivor This is what we can say Dinkelsbühl is. It is striking for being one of the best-preserved medieval villages in Germany after having survived the two World Wars that happened in the last century. Therefore, this town, in addition to a wide visit, deserves all our respect. Not surprisingly, it is one of the most claimed attractions of the well-known German Romantic Road. Here we will find buildings that give it that air of being one of the oldest villages in Germany; four artillery towers that we can admire; and beautiful cobbled streets to walk along alone or well accompanied. It is known as the "fortified medieval city."

9. Schwäbisch Hall

There are many medieval towns in Germany and this is another one of them. But not for that reason it is less important or enjoys less charm than the rest. Although it is not a place where there are too many attractions designed for tourists, that is precisely what attracts attention here. It is the perfect place to disconnect, walk and calmly enjoy that peace and tranquility that it offers at all times. We cannot miss the Unterwöhrd park area. This is made up of a group of islands that connect to each other through beautiful wooden bridges through the Kocher River. And if we should highlight something that attracts attention in this place, it is the amount of romantic wooden bridges through which to cross the river while enjoying, for example, ice cream on hot summer days. Without a doubt, a good plan to enjoy the best landscapes in Germany.

10. Mittenwald

At the beginning of the Alps and very close to the Austrian border, we find Mittenwald, a beautiful mountain village in which it seems that every detail has been perfectly taken care of. If we talk about ancient villages in Germany, it also stands out, as it is considered the oldest in Bavaria. This makes it still intact all those medieval charms for which it has undoubtedly become so famous. If you are in love with art, this is your place, because you breathe in the streets, in its people and in all the stringed instruments for which this enclave is famous. We talk about violins, violas, etc., which give their corners a special air that smells like music in every corner. Not surprisingly, it is known worldwide for the quality with which these types of specific instruments are built here. Read the full article

[chriskarrtravelblog]

City guide: Attractions in Chester

With its own historic racecourse and a unique shopping experience, the Roman city of Chester is packed with pastimes both ancient and modern. Here’s our city guide to help you make the best of a trip

Despite, or perhaps as a result of, being well and truly outgrown by neighbouring Liverpool and Manchester, Chester arguably retains far more history and charm than both. Its claims to fame are so numerous that on several counts it puts even the capital to shame.

Chester’s history extends almost two millennia, beginning life as a Roman fort known as Deva and named after the River Dee at its heart. Thanks to a large harbour and imposing city walls, it was one of the most important settlements of the time, until the Dark Ages, when Viking raiders sailed up the river in their longships and attacked.

Following the Norman invasion in 1066, William I created the first Earl of Chester, who constructed Chester Castle. While the city thrived as a trading port, the Rows were built – streets of galleried shops that today makes Chester one of the most compact shopping destinations in the UK. The English Civil War starved the city’s population until they surrendered, whereupon geological rather than societal evolution became the governing power in the remapping of Chester. 

The rows in Chester. Credit: Chris Howes/Wild Places Photography/Alamy

The harbour gradually silted up and the port was virtually gone by the Georgian era. Elegant new houses were built to house wealthy merchants, and the county town of Chester bloomed in the Victorian period.

Now, though rich with history, Chester also attracts rowdy racegoers and shrewd shoppers to enjoy its modern-day entertainment, cultivating a lively yet leisurely atmosphere. Its array of architecture makes it one of the prettiest cities in Europe, as voted by readers of USA Today.

1 Roman city walls

Chester’s Roman walls alone are reason enough to come to the city. Not only are they the most complete in Britain – Chester retains the full circuit of its ancient defences – they are also the longest and oldest in Britain, dating back almost 2000 years in some parts. With panoramic views over the city and Cheshire, once enabling Roman soldier patrols and medieval archers to spot threats from afar, today the walls can be freely accessed at Northgate, Eastgate, Watergate and Bridgegate. http://www.visitcheshire.com

2 The Roodee

During the Roman occupation, most of the present-day racecourse was underwater, part of the harbour that supplied the garrison of Deva. Centuries after the Romans left, an island developed where a cross was built, hence the name, which means “Island of the Cross”. In 1539, the mayor introduced an annual horse race here and the racecourse was born. www.chester-races.com

3 The Rows

700 years old and half-timbered, the Rows in Chester are not only unmatched around the world but they contain a bounty of distinguished boutiques and engender a bustling café culture. These high galleries can be reached via steps at street level and though some are Victorian copies, look out for original facades such as the Three Old Arches on Bridge Street. www.visitcheshire.com

4 Chester Cathedral

Credit: Mark Sandbach/Alamy

Climbing 216 steps up the 125-ft Central Tower will give you the best view in Chester: one city, two countries and five counties. Originally a Saxon Minster, the cathedral’s award-winning tours take you in the footsteps of the monks who founded a Benedictine Abbey here in 1092, as well as into the Victorian bell tower. The church was rebuilt from 1250 onwards in the Gothic style, making it an interesting architectural patchwork.           www.chestercathedral.com

5 The Eastgate Clock

Britain’s second most photographed clock after Big Ben, the Eastgate Clock is built on a gateway first constructed in the second century, though the existing structure dates back to the Georgian period. The four-faced timepiece itself was added in 1899 to celebrate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria two years earlier. www.smithofderby.com

6 Chester Castle

Founded by William the Conqueror and originally built as a motte-and-bailey castle in 1070, Chester Castle was the administrative centre of the earldom. Admire the                     13th-century wall paintings hidden within the Chapel of St Mary de Castro on the first floor of the Agricola Tower. www.english-heritage.org.uk 

7 Grosvenor Park

Dating back to 1867, this Grade II*-listed ornamental park is a haven for residents and visitors alike, with its own miniature railway, café and open-air theatre. At the western edge, Chester Roman Gardens features excavated fragments from the former fortress.         http://www.grosvenorparkchester.co.uk

8 Old Dee Bridge

Credit: Steve Gill/Alamy

The oldest bridge in the city was first built out of wood in 922. It is rumoured that when King Edward I crossed it on the way to battle with the Welsh he promised that he would sack the city if it wasn’t upgraded to stone before his next visit. Luckily, by 1280 and his return, the current bridge was in its place. Cross over onto the south side and the district of Handbridge to visit the riverside Ship Inn or Cheshire Farm Ice Cream. http://www.historicengland.org.uk

9 Chester Zoo

The second most-visited UK attraction outside London, Chester Zoo is home to 27,000 animals. From the aardvark to the zebra, the colourful array promises a day of discovery. If flora is more your thing, don’t miss the award-winning gardens, including the Orchids National Plant Collection, the Bee Garden and The Botanist’s Lab. www.chesterzoo.org

10 Chester Roman Amphitheatre

Used for entertainment and military training, Chester’s amphitheatre was the largest in Britain. Both amphitheatres built on this site differed from other British designs, highlighting the importance of Roman Chester. Time your visit to coincide with one of the city’s fierce re-enactment events. www.english-heritage.org.uk

Planner

Getting there

Direct trains from London Euston to Chester run hourly and take 2hrs. www.thetrainline.com 

Where to stay

Oddfellows is a boutique hotel slightly on the quirkier side. Its design style is rooted in the building’s previous life as a meeting place for the Oddfellows society of misfits and creatives. Located in the Georgian Oddfellows Hall, rooms are filled with fun and functional accessories and the promise of a good night’s sleep, while the walled garden is the cherry on top. www.oddfellowschester.com

Where to eat and drink

A traditional afternoon tea in the decadent surroundings of The Chester Grosvenor allows you to indulge in French pastries, scones and hand-made sandwiches made by award-winning chefs.

The Albion Inn offers something a little different. The last remaining Victorian street-corner pub within the city walls, it recreates the ambience of the First World War through its collection of memorabilia. www.chestergrosvenor.com; www.albioninnchester.co.uk

READ MORE: City guide: Attractions in Totnes

The post City guide: Attractions in Chester appeared first on Britain Magazine | The official magazine of Visit Britain | Best of British History, Royal Family,Travel and Culture.

Britain Magazine | The official magazine of Visit Britain | Best of British History, Royal Family,Travel and Culture https://www.britain-magazine.com/features/inspiration/chester-city-guide/

source https://coragemonik.wordpress.com/2020/01/17/city-guide-attractions-in-chester/

[travelguideworldtour-blog]

Italy Best Places Top 12

Rome

Both for the history as the backing of Europe and because of the current role as one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, Rome heads the list for the majority of tourists traveling to Italy. But between the important areas like the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s Pieta, take the time to enjoy the town. Relax in the Borghese gardens, then eat gelato on the Spanish Steps, then research the narrow streets of Trastevere, window shop on the Via Veneto, and then throw a coin in Trevi Fountain, so you can return over and over. It will take a few trips to view all of it.

The Cinque Terre

The five towns that cling to the steep, rocky Mediterranean coast north of La Spezia were almost impossible to reach by land until the railway connected them by tunneling through the headlands that different them. Today, the route across the cliffs that sailors once utilised to traveling from town to town is among Italy’s great hikes; the shortest and widest of its sections, between Manarola and Riomaggiore is popularly known as the Via dell’Amore. Riomaggiore and Vernazza, with their narrow streets dropping down to miniature rockbound Collars would be the most loaded up with personality, and despite the recent popularity with tourists, the Cinque Terre remains one of Italy’s most captivating attractions.

Siena

In its height in the 13th and 14 th centuries, Siena rivaled Florence because of the culture and arts, plus it has an abundance of architectural and art paintings. The highlight will be the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, whose tiled marble facade and striped Bell-tower rack radically one of Siena’s mostly redbrick buildings. But art paintings aren’t its appeals. The winding medieval streets and spacious plazas are inviting places to roam. Twice each summer, the colossal, sloping principal square could be the spectacle of a twisted horserace called the Palio.

Pisa and Lucca

These two nearby towns are worth visiting while you’re in Tuscany, the first for the exceptional Campo dei Miracoli complex and the other for its endearing charms. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, actually the campanile for the adjacent cathedral, is a well-known Italian icon and forms the centerpiece of a UNESCO World Heritage site that also includes the cathedral, baptistery, and Campo Santo. The highlight of the impressive baptistery is Nicola Pisano’s intricately carved free-standing pulpit, a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture. Nearby, Lucca is one of Italy’s most charming towns to explore and enjoy, surrounded by wide walls whose top is a tree-lined park. Inside are beautiful Romanesque and Tuscan Gothic churches, tower houses (one of which you can climb to the top), and a Roman arena that has been “fossilized” into an oval piazza.

Sicily

The island of Sicily has got seven regions around the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, three to get its historical websites, two to get natural wonders, and two to get architectural treasures. Some of the finest remaining examples of ancient structures are in Sicily: at Selinunte is one of the largest Greek temples; at Agrigento, at the Valley of Temples, is just one of those three perfect Greek temples anywhere; and the 3,500 square meters of mosaics in Villa Romana del Casale in Enna decorate.

Amalfi Coast and Capri

It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful – or improbable setting for the towns that spill down its steep slopes. Streets in most are stairways, and houses seem glued to the cliffs behind them. Flowers bloom everywhere, and below the towns are all shores captured in coves of emerald water. The Amalfi Drive, and the southern shore, is one of earth’s great scenic paths. Towards the end of the peninsula, and quick to reach by regular ferries, could be the fabled island of Capri, with its Blue Grotto sea rainforest, lush villas, and verdant gardens.

Tuscan Hill Towns

The undulating landscape of Tuscany is crowned by rock towns whose foundations return to the Etruscans. Each sits atop a hill, and many still have the castles and towers that formerly defended their dominating positions. It’s difficult to choose among the rest, because each has its own structure, art, character, and story to tell. Fairly bristling with towers and included walls that are largely intact, San Gimignano looks far as it did in the dark ages, if it had been a major stop to the pilgrims’ path to Rome. Volterra was an important Etruscan center prior to the Romans came but still has remains of cultures today. The tourist attractions of all Arezzo would be the legacy of many artists, architects, and poets who dwelt there. Like Volterra, walled Cortona was an Etruscan settlement and later a Roman man, but adds reminders of its Florentine past as well. Cortona is certainly one of the oldest towns in Italy.

Verona

The streamlined historic center of this former Roman stronghold is adopted by a profound curve at the Adige River. Dominating its center is your remarkable well-preserved first century Roman stadium, scene of the world-renowned summer opera festival. Several Roman heroes have been mixed among the ancient and Renaissance buildings, many of which reveal Verona’s history as a portion of the ancestral kingdom. For many its rich treasury of art and architecture, Verona’s biggest promise to tourist popularity is predicated on pure storytelling. It was the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and within the past century, sailors have falsified by creating domiciles, a balcony, and also just a grave for the fictional characters.

Pompeii and Herculaneum

The city remained frozen in time until excavations that began in the 18th century found more than 1 / 2 of its buildings and public spaces. The exact eruption also hastens the town of Herculaneum, yet this period in molten lava, never ash. So instead of raining down and devastating buildings with its own weight, the lava flowed in and filled the city from the ground up, encouraging ceilings and walls because it climbed and preserving them in place. Additionally maintained in this air tight seal ended up organic materials, such as timber, textiles, and food, giving a more complete picture of life from the very first century.

Ravenna

Unlike another city in Italy, Ravenna’s artistic origins are almost entirely Byzantine, and here you will find Western Europe’s finest collection of Byzantine mosaics, all in nearly pristine state. From the first century, Ravenna was the chair of this king Theodoric the Great, who was increased at Constantinople, and it became a centre for mosaic artistry that reached its zenith here. Native buildings adorned with some of the finest examples of graffiti artwork are comprised at a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Watch most of them, but most importantly do not skip the early fifth century Neonian Baptistery, the most striking inside of San Vitale, and the jewel-like Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, which UNESCO calls”perhaps one of the most densely perfect” and best maintained of mosaic monuments.

Turin

One of the wonderful industrial cities of the north, Turin, including Milan, is relatively small and streamlined, its own high lights easy to explore on foot. There is a grandeur to its structure and its own formal design, made from the Savoys to show that they were as imperial as any of Europe’s royal families and could encircle themselves with grandeur that rivaled Paris. Its arcaded squares and avenues and imperial palaces right in the center set the tone, but that isn’t absolutely all Turin’s charm. Even a modest medieval quarter, Roman sites, and entire areas of Art Nouveau lend variety, and a riverside park with a complete faux-medieval village prove Turin does not take itself too badly. Don’t overlook out the outstanding Museum of Cinema in a skyscraper which was a synagogue.

Venice

Who could fail to love a city whose roads are made from water, whose buses have been all ships, and at which the music of gondoliers linger in the atmosphere? It’s a magical city, also its own important appeal to tourists may be that the city . The Wonderful Basilica of St. Mark stands together with the Doge’s Palace, also overlooking is your tall Campanile. Gondolas congregate by the ending of the plaza at the Grand Canal as well as at the contrary way a gate under the clocktower contributes to a warren of narrow winding passageways, where you are certain to become lost along the path to Rialto Bridge. But becoming lost is among the best joys of Venice, in which a carnival scene expects around each corner.

Italy Best Places Top 12