Though one would have thought that at this point, old mechanical watches would have out-grown their usefulness, but there must still be enough interest in them to support all the manufacturers. Apparently it is more like the diamond trade, than a typical consumer item.
Geneva – The City
It is difficult to categorize Geneva since the city appears to have many different sections and subsequently a different look and feel around every corner. It some places almost haphazard, where a blend of modern and provincial architectures are often seen close together.
A three star hotel in the Cornavin area of the city. It sits a few blocks from the lake on the north side of the city. Conveniently located to the train station and the lake cruise station, it is a quiet little hotel with a restaurant. The rooms are adequate, though the air conditioning does not work until some undisclosed time in late spring, so your room can be uncomfortable with the sun coming in, so opening the windows is a must.
There are numerous parks throughout the city, enough to call Geneva a Green City. Though you may not agree or enjoy some of the haphazard architecture that composes the city, they were mindful enough to include a lot of green space throughout it environs.
Banc de la Treille – Longest Bench – Geneva, Switzerland
Bastion Park
One of the main parks, Bastion Park, is located across from the Geneva Theatre and contains the Reformation Wall. It is a very nice park for an afternoon stroll and to cool off. Many of its walkways are shaded and there are fountains where you may collect water for drinking.
Bastion Park – Chess Sets – Geneva, Switzerland
Bastion Park – Luther’s Reformation Wall – Geneva, Switzerland
Bastion Park – Water Fountain – Geneva, Switzerland
Bastion Park – Old Fortress Wall – Geneva, Switzerland
Park du Pin
A smaller park further to the east is Park du Pin. It resides on the knob of hill with many pines and other shrubbery. Strolling through it is enough to take your mind off the busy streets that are around it. On the top, there is seating where one can enjoy the breeze that blows in from the lake.
United Nations – Flags and Main Entrance – Geneva, Switzerland
The park is laid out in four sections. One housing most of the botanical gardens plants from each continent. A second has livestock and out buildings for the housing of exotic species from the tropics. A third has a view of the lake and a final section is purposed for outdoor activities.
There are a number of important churches in Geneva, below are a few to note.
Basilica Notre Dame of Geneva
The Basilica Notre Dame in Geneva is compact in size and is reminiscent of some large cathedrals we have seen elsewhere[1]Saint Mary’s Church and Cathedral in Hudson, New York. Unfortunately during our stay, mass was being said and we felt obligated to leave.
Basilica Notre Dame de Geneva – Entrance – Geneva, Switzerland
Basilica Notre Dame de Geneva – Nave – Geneva, Switzerland
The Russian Orthodox Church in Geneva carries the characteristic golden domes of other orthodox churches. The inside is also gilded in area and very compact. There is a sign asking for donation of 2CHF at the entrance, however during our stay we carried no cash at all on us, so just took a photograph from the doorway.
Russian Orthodox Church – Entrance – Geneva, Switzerland
Russian Orthodox Church – Inside – Geneva, Switzerland
Cathedral Saint Pierre – Back View – Geneva, Switzerland
Cathedral Saint Pierre – Side View – Geneva, Switzerland
Cathedral Saint Pierre – Archaeologic Site – Geneva, Switzerland
Cathedral Saint Pierre – Front and Entrance View – Geneva, Switzerland
Tour du Romandie
In 2025 Geneva hosted the Tour du Romandie, the last stage race of the spring before the large stage races of the summer. We were fortunate enough to catch the last stage, Stage 5, or Time Trial Stage, on the end of Pont du Mont Blanc. Very exciting.
Tour of Romandie – Pont du Mont Blanc Turnaround – Stage 5, Time Trial Venue – Geneva, Switzerland
Tour of Romandie – Pont du Mont Blanc Turnaround – Stage 5, Time Trial Venue – Geneva, Switzerland
Tour of Romandie – Pont du Mont Blanc Turnaround – Stage 5, Time Trial Venue – Geneva, Switzerland
Tour of Romandie – Pont du Mont Blanc Turnaround – Stage 5, Time Trial Venue – Geneva, Switzerland
Restaurants
Traveling can be daunting, especially when it comes to the different cuisines. The most challenging of which can be the meat based ones, which may not necessarily agree with everyone’s digestive system. Hence, keeping an open mind when in a cosmopolitan city like Geneva is a good thing. French cuisine can be very good, but it can also take a toll on the body after a few days.
Auberge de Savièse
The little restaurant Auberge de Savièse is on Rue des Pâquis and offers typical French cuisine. If you are into crepes, fondues and similar fare, this place offers them all at reasonable prices, at least for Switzerland. They also offer simple things, like soups and salads, if you prefer something lighter. We just had soup and a salad, so didn’t take any photographs.
Zhong Tong
A Chinese restaurant on Rue du Cendrier 10 has pretty good Chinese food. The service is good and it can get busy, but is never overcrowded. If you are craving vegetables, a must stop, especially after all the cheese and other meat oriented dishes exist within the city.
Zhong Tong Chinese Restaurant – Vegetables and Fried Rice, Pinot Noir – Geneva, Switzerland
Zhong Tong Chinese Restaurant – Dessert, Cirese (cherry) Ice Cream, Pineapple and Oranges – Geneva, Switzerland
Though some people choose to ignore basilicas, cathedrals and churches for whatever reason, Lecce is home to more than just a few. It seems that with almost every bend in the street, there is another one waiting to be entered by the faithful or curious. The truth probably is, that most visitors are just that, visitors and tourists.
Lecce’s Basilicas, Cathedrals And Churches
The Basilica di Santa Croce was the first basilica or church we visited, only because that is where we purchased our tickets. Yes, the most significant basilicas and churches in Lecce have a fee, 10€ per person, which gives you two weeks of access to all the places listed on the ticket. As of this writing, the following were accessible[1]please note: the names may appear slightly different or abbreviated on your ticket:
Basilica di Santa Croce
Il Duomo – Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant’Oronzo
Cripta della Cattedrale
Chiesa di San Matteo
Chiesa di Santa Chiara
Basilica di Santa Croce
Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra
Museo Sigismondo Castromediano
Biblioteca Bernardini – Convitto Palmieri
Chiostro Antico Seminario –Â Palazzo del Seminario
Basilica di Santa Croce
The Basilica di Santa Croce is located on via Umberto I and was the first one church on the list that we visited, only because that is where we purchased our tickets.
Basilica di Santa Croce – Outside – Lecce, Italy
Basilica di Santa Croce – Right Aisle – Lecce, Italy
Basilica di Santa Croce – Ceiling – Lecce, Italy
Basilica di Santa Croce – The Crossing and Ceiling – Lecce, Italy
Basilica di Santa Croce – Side Altar – Lecce, Italy
Basilica di Santa Croce – Side Altar – Lecce, Italy
Basilica di Santa Croce – Nave and Altar – Lecce, Italy
Basilica di Santa Croce – Side Altar – Lecce, Italy
Il Duomo – Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant’Oronzo
The Duomo in Lecce is also referred to as the Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant’Oronzo, or the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption and Saint Orontius, or simple the Lecce Cathedral, and is laid out like a proper Latin cathedral.
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – From Piazza Il Duomo – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Bell Tower – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Main Entrance and Facade – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Side Entrance – Lecce, Italy
The impressive nave, crossing and transepts are in the Baroque style and do not resemble other more impressive Gothic Cathedrals you will find in Europe, nonetheless there are things to see!
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Main Entrance – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Nave – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Right Aisle – Lecce, Italy
There a multiple radiating chapels, altar and two rather elegant transepts that one should admire for some time.
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Saint Andrew the Apostle (1687), Right Side – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Saint Charles Borromeo, Right Side – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Radiating Chapel or Altar, Right Side – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Saint Giusto (1656), Right Side – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Our Lady of Sorrows, Right Side – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – John the Baptist (1682), Left Side – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Radiating Chapel or Altar, Left Side – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Side Entrance, Left Side – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – The martyrdom of Saint Giusto (1674), Left Side – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Saint Anthony of Padua (also from 1674), Left Side – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Saint Orontius of Lecce (1671), Right Transept Altar – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – The Immaculate Conception (1689), Left Transept Altar – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – The Crucifixion of Jesus and the Blessed Sacrament (1780), Left Transept – Lecce, Italy
The ceiling is also a marvel. Built from wood, it is intricately woven into a grand geometric pattern for anyone to enjoy.
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Apse and Crossing Ceiling – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Nave Ceiling and Organ – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Nave Ceiling by Crossing – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Ceiling – Lecce, Italy
Cripta della Cattedrale
The Cripta della Cattedrale, or the Crypt of the Cathedral, was restored in 2017 to its present condition. However, archaeological activities are still ongoing and work appears in some areas to have only started. The rest of the crypt, with the exception of a few painting, appears rather sterile.
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Patti entering the Crypt – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Closed Exit, Crypt – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Entry into Crypt – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Sarcophagus, Crypt – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Vaulted Ceiling and Altar, Crypt – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Side Altar, Crypt – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Side Altar, Crypt – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Side Altar, Crypt – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Restored in 2017, Crypt – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Archaeological Artifacts from the Crypt – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Archaeological Site, Crypt – Lecce, Italy
Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta e Sant Oronzo – Archaeological Site, Crypt – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di San Matteo
The Chiesa di San Matteo, or Church of Saint Matthew, is small and very ornate and well decorated inside for its size. The marble was unquestionably carved by master craftsmen on top of their game.
Chiesa di San Matteo – Outside or Facade – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di San Matteo – Outside or Facade – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di San Matteo – Left Wall along the Nave – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di San Matteo – Right Wall along the Nave – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di San Matteo – Ambo or Pulpit – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di San Matteo – Nave – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di San Matteo – Side or Radiating Chapel – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Chiara
The Chiesa di Santa Chiara , or Church of Saint Claire, is a beautiful Baroque church in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II in Lecce. It has some marvelous side altars honoring some of the important saints from the area.
Chiesa di Santa Chiara – Outside and Facade – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Chiara – Ceiling – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Chiara – Altar – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Chiara – Side Altar – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Chiara – Side Altar – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Chiara – Side Altar – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Chiara – Side Altar – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Chiara – Side Altar – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Chiara – Side Altar – Lecce, Italy
Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra
The Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra, or Sacred Art Museum, has a unique collection of religious artifacts of Catholic origins from the area.
Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra – Main Hall – Lecce, Italy
Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra – Sacred Paintings and Art – Lecce, Italy
Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra – Sacred Paintings and Art – Lecce, Italy
Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra – Sacred Paintings and Art – Lecce, Italy
Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra – Sacred Paintings and Art – Lecce, Italy
Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra – Sacred Paintings and Art – Lecce, Italy
Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra – Saint Oronzo – Lecce, Italy
Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra – Other Sacred Works – Lecce, Italy
Other Basilicas, Cathedrals And Churches
There are a number of other cathedrals and churches worth your attention. Most map applications and a good map from a hotel, B&B or rental may have them marked. As of this writing, none of these cathedrals or churches required any entry fee or donation.
Basilica Del Rosario E Di San Giovanni Battista
The Basilica Del Rosario E Di San Giovanni Battista, or the Basilica of the Rosary and of Saint John the Baptist, was under restoration when we visited. The outside appears to be falling the street and they have erected scaffolding to protect the public. Inside, the entire roof trusses under the crossing were under reconstruction. Aside from that, the inside was rather bare and actually looked like a construction site, so aside from the alters which are still in place, there is not must else to see.
Basilica del Rosario e di San Giovanni Battista – Outside and Facade – Lecce, Italy
Basilica del Rosario e di San Giovanni Battista – Inside with bare Cupola, Altar – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Grazia
Located directly across from the Roman amphitheater on via Ernesto Alvino and near the Castello Carlo V di Lecce (Castle Charles of Lecce) , is another excellent choice to visit.
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Grazia – Outside – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Grazia – Nave and Altar – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Grazia – Religious Painting in Foyer – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Grazia – Intricate Ceiling – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Grazia – Altar – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Grazia – Side Altar – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Grazia – Side Altar – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Grazia – Carving on Wood – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Grazia – Carving on Wood – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa Del Gesu Del Buon Consiglio
Another church that you may enter for no fee is the Chiesa Del Gesu Del Buon Consiglio which is on the Strada Romana, or the Roman street, referred to today as Via Francesco Rubichi. The ornate altar and backdrop of the Apse is worth a stop. This along with the amazing wooden ceiling, these two things are demand some consideration and adoration.
Chiesa del Gesu del Buon Consiglio – Outside – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa del Gesu del Buon Consiglio – Altar – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa del Gesu del Buon Consiglio – A Side Altar – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa del Gesu del Buon Consiglio – Side Altar of Mary with Baby Jesus – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa del Gesu del Buon Consiglio – Nave Showing Renovations – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa del Gesu del Buon Consiglio – Ceiling – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa Di Santa Maria Della Provvidenza O Delle Alcantoarine
The Chiesa Di Santa Maria Della Provvidenza o Delle Alcantoarine, or the Church of Saint Mary of Providence or the Alcantoarine has a beautiful altar and wonderful Morena Glass chandelier along with a very simple interior.
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Provvidenza o Delle Alcantoarine – Outside – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Provvidenza o Delle Alcantoarine – Nave and Altar – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa Di Santa Maria Della Porta O Di San Luigi Gonzaga
The Chiesa Di Santa Maria Della Porta O Di San Luigi Gonzaga, or the Church of Saint Mary of the Gate or of San Louis Gonzaga is another free church that you can stop in and admire very near to the Porta Napoli. Simple for its layout, its architecture is developed around a dome, rather than the traditional church layout.
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Porta o di San Luigi Gonzaga – Outside – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Porta o di San Luigi Gonzaga – Inside – Lecce, Italy
Chiesa di San Niccolo dei Greci
Unable to enter, we were only able to take a photograph of the facade or outside of the church.
Chiesa di San Niccolo dei Greci – Outside – Lecce, Italy
Cappella di San Gregorio Taumaturgo
The small chapel of Cappella di San Gregorio Taumaturgo is located very near to the Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra, or Sacred Art Museum; in fact, it right at the end of that tour.
Cappella di San Gregorio Taumaturgo – Entrance – Lecce, Italy
Cappella di San Gregorio Taumaturgo – Lecce, Italy
Cappella di San Gregorio Taumaturgo – Altar – Lecce, Italy
Visitors are free to come and enjoy the basilica, as well as the Walk of Solitude, though you will often hear few people adhering to the advice of all the signs on the path.
The Ferry Ride
An hour’s journey by ferry from Omegna will take you to the Island and other points of interest along the lake. You can purchase a day ticket for a little more than nine euros, or one-way and return-trip tickets for slightly less, depending on your itinerary.
Lake Orta – Omegna – Ferry Launch
The public ferry will make several stops along the way, before it reaches its final destination of Isle of San Giulio and the town of San Giulio itself. There are two main ferry routes, the green route – which goes the length of the lake twice daily, and the red route – which constantly goes to core destinations in the middle of the lake routinely during the day.
Lake Orta – Omegna – Ferry Launch
Lake Orta
Lake Orta – Ferry Ride to San Giulio
Lake Orta – Ferry Ride to San Giulio
Lake Orta – Ferry Ride to San Giulio
Lake Orta – Ferry Ride to San Giulio
Lake Orta – Ferry Ride to San Giulio- Isle of San Giulio
Lake Orta – Ferry Ride – Looking Toward Omegna
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Boat Launch View
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – San Giulio
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Boat Launch View
Lake Orta – Ferry Ride – Isle of San Giulio
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Boat Launch View
Lake Orta – Boat Launch – Isle of San Giulio
The Island of San Giulio
There are only a few points of interest on the island. The basilica, the cafe, where one can get something to drink or a bite to eat when it’s lunchtime, and the Walk of Solitude.
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – From Ferry
Basilica of San Giulio
The basilica inside is replete with frescoes and other painting. and definitely worth a visit.
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Basilica San Guilio
The slideshow below shows additional items you will see upon entering.
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Basilica San Giulio
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Basilica San Giulio
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Basilica San Giulio
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Basilica San Giulio
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Basilica San Giulio
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Basilica San Giulio
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Basilica San Giulio
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Basilica San Giulio
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Basilica San Giulio
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Basilica San Giulio
Walk of Solitude
The walkway takes you completely around the island and requires about twenty or so minutes to complete, perhaps longer if you stop at the cafe or for photographs.
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Patti on the Walk of Silence
So, if you are looking to unwind and have a nice quiet walk in a very unique place, this island might be something for you to do if in the area. The only advice we can offer is to go early, that is, if you want maximum quiet and beat the other tourists before they crowd the beaten path. Enjoy!
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Monastery Tower
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Well
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Walk of Silence
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Boat Launch View
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Boat Launch View
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – San Giulio
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Boat Launch View
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Walk of Silence
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Interesting Gate
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Walk of Silence
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Walk of Silence
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Walk of Silence
Lake Orta – Isle of Orta – Walk of Silence – Nun Hand Knockers