For the past two days the city of Turin celebrated Saint John, with local events, parades and special deals on museum entry as well as other presentations.
Saint John’s Eve
The celebration of the Saint John is a big deal in Turin, as it is in other cities in Italy as well as other countries. Actually called the celebration of Saint John’s Eve, it starts on the 23rd of June at sunset and continues for two days in Italy. Marking the birth of John the Baptist, who ostensibly was born six months prior to Jesus, it is one of only a few feast days that mark births, rather than deaths.
A list of activities that were scheduled in Turin include the following:
Tuesday 23 June 2026
There was an opening parade with majorettes, municipal band and historical characters that went from Piazza Palazzo di CittĂ to Piazza Castello.
At Palazzo Madama there was the ringing of the civic bell, a ceremony that dates back to 1670.
They also had a traditional historical procession from Giardini Cavour to Piazza Castello with period costumes, for which we had front row seats.
San Giovanni Battista Day Parade and Procession – via Giovanni Plana – Turin, Italy
San Giovanni Battista Day Parade and Procession – via Giovanni Plana – Turin, Italy
San Giovanni Battista Day Parade and Procession – via Giovanni Plana – Turin, Italy
At the Turin Cathedral, they used the bell tower for a vigil bell concert using cord techniques.
There was an award ceremony for the winning thesis about Turin at City Hall.
Later on in the evening at Piazza Castello, the ceremonies for the day ended with displays of ceremonial salutes by the Pietro Micca Historical Group, musical moments, and finally the lighting of the evening bonfire in the presence of civic authorities.
Wednesday 24 June 2026
The following day there was a vintage car parade from Piazza Vittorio Veneto to the Cathedral.
During the day there were several bell concerts across the city and museums open with reduced admission prices.
A solemn mass was held at Turin’s Cathedral, with the traditional distribution of charity bread to those in attendance.
The celebration continued after lunch with a rowing regatta from Castello del Valentino, along with the submarine Provana and the Maritime Museum was opened for public viewing and enjoyment (this is often closed).
In the evening there were several parades and concerts, including a symphony concert at the Rai Auditorium.
The city sponsored a torchlight procession on the river from Castello del Valentino to Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I in the late evening.
Finally, a fireworks display with an original soundtrack playing was held at Piazza Vittorio Veneto before midnight, to close the ceremonies.
All in all, I cannot remember the feast being celebrated here before, but with our constant travels it would be no surprise. In either case, we enjoyed what we saw of the celebrations and would commend anyone, if they are in the city at the time of the celebration to visit some of the venues, especially the parades with period costumes. We found them quite interesting and beautiful.
After Split, Croatia we had planned on taking a detour to one of the islands for a bit of an escape. We knew it was going to be crowded, since tourist season was upon us and we thought it would be great to also break up the distance between Split and Dubrovnik. Our choice was the town of KorÄula, on the eponymous island in Croatia.
Town in the distance – KorÄula, Croatia
KorÄula
Is a small medieval walled town that was protected from the outside by walls. It was, in fact, not until later in the nineteenth century that citizen were allowed to build outside the walls.
Map – KorÄula, Croatia
The Town from Galerija Maksimilijana Vanka Viewpoint – KorÄula, Croatia
The main entrance to the town is the large main gate. Today it is left open, but before modern times it was closed at night. There is a street that encircles the entire town and is very nice for a slow walk, while you enjoy the scenery and hopefully the weather.
Main Entrance to Town – KorÄula, Croatia
Main Entrance Gate – KorÄula, Croatia
Small Canon used for defense – Main Entrance – KorÄula, Croatia
The town is laid out in a herringbone or pinnate leaf pattern. This allows for better air circulation, while at the same time offering protection against the most violent of storms that come in from the sea.
Ancient Drapery Pedastels – KorÄula, Croatia
Small Chapel – KorÄula, Croatia
An old bricked up entrance – KorÄula, Croatia
Narrow alleys – KorÄula, Croatia
Patti by alley filled with stairs – KorÄula, Croatia
Croatian Flag and side alley – KorÄula, Croatia
The name of the island and town is derived from an Illyrian-Greek word that means the rock passage. It has been inhabited for at least a few thousand years. The Greeks were frequent visitor in the 6th B.C.E., and perhaps arrived on the island even before that time. The original population were colonies of Illyrians, which have left their telltale marks throughout the island. From the early 3rd B.C.E. the Romans knew of the island and subdued it later for five hundred years. Some of the Latin that was taught in those days, still lingers in the speech of the town’s peoples.
Riznica Museum – KorÄula, Croatia
GettingThere
To get there, take the ferry service that runs between Split and Dubrovnik. There are several lines, unfortunately our original booking through Kapetan Luka was cancelled due to equipment issues, so we had to rebook on TPLine. It was fully booked, but very comfortable. Get in line early, because seats usually go fast.
Leaving Split – Ferry Line – KorÄula, Croatia
Our boat trip – Ferry Line – KorÄula, Croatia
Our boat trip – Ferry Line – KorÄula, Croatia
Hvar – Ferry Line – KorÄula, Croatia
Hvar – Ferry Line – KorÄula, Croatia
Another small town – Ferry Line – KorÄula, Croatia
A Word About Ferries
Just an opinion of course, but having been on both ferry lines, I would prefer the TPLine. On TPLine, your luggage is stowed indoors with you and not outside, as with Kapetan Luka line. The latter is fine otherwise, but in the event of bad weather, it appears your luggage would be soaked upon arrival to your destination. I also found their boats to have a bit more room to get around. I felt a bit cramped on the Luka line.
Departing Split – Ferry Line – KorÄula, Croatia
Patti on board – Ferry Line – KorÄula, Croatia
Our Hotel
The Aminess Liburna
A large modern hotel on the adjacent pennisula to the town. From here it was about a fifteen to twenty minute walk to inside the town walls. However, the hotel has all the amenities, including breakfast. They also have a pool and a small seaside area for swimming. The deluxe rooms are typical and met most of our requirements.
Our hotel across the inlet – Aminess Liburna Hotel – KorÄula, Croatia
Aminess Liburna Hotel – KorÄula, Croatia
Our hotel across the inlet – Aminess Liburna Hotel – KorÄula, Croatia
Path from our hotel to town – KorÄula, Croatia
Marco Polo House
Ostensibly Marco Polo lived in the house for some time during his travels. Which travels, the museum does not elaborate on. They only conjecture that Marco was there, based on the family owning property and having other interests on the island.
Map of Marco Polo’s travels – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Alley entrance – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Interior – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Weapons Display – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Battles – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
The Polos were based in Venice and the city and its residents had a strong influence on the island and the town.
Old Maps Asia – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Old Maps of Europe – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Marco Polo’s adventures and artifacts are explained and exhibited in some detail. Enough at least to enjoy the small museum that they have made in his honor.
Upsidedowm Map of Europe, Middle East, Part of Africa, Asia and India subcontinent – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Upper Left Corner Details – Continents Map – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Upper Left Corner Details – Continents Map – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Upper Right Corner Details – Continents Map – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Lower Left Corner Details – Continents Map – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Lower Right Corner Details – Continents Map – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Old Map of Europe and Asia – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Old Book – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Old Book – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Museum learning aids – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Old Books he owned – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Map of Known World – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
His long twenty-seven years journey into Asia is the central theme. Some of the artifacts are copies or replicas, but the genuine one are very interesting.
Weapons Display – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Model of a 13th Century Axe – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Model of a 13th Century Sword – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Model of a 13th Century Sword – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Coat of Arms – KorÄula, Croatia
Tapestry – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Indian Artifact – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Chinese Necklace and Copper Burner, an Indian Spice Container – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Of special interest were the model boat, a replica used in his travels, as well as assorted maps and other forms of reference used during the adventure.
Ship Model – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Ship Model – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
One special artifact is that of the Tablet that Kubla Khan had given his company for safe travel. It essentially gave them Carte Blanche through the countryside. Anyone interfering with them, risked Khan and his army descending upon them.
Khan’s Golden Tablet – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
One of the last things to visit is the house tower, which commands a modest view of the surrounding area.
Entrance to Tower – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Tower Views – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Tower Views – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Tower Views – Marco Polo House – KorÄula, Croatia
Churches and Cathedrals
There are a few churches in the town and one cathedral of importance. The people who live in the town are very religious and masses are well attended on the weekends, especially during holidays.
Front – Church of Saint Peter – KorÄula, Croatia
Church of Saint Michael
Modest from the outside and equally so inside, this church is emblematic of its worshippers’ devotion to their faith. The church’s centerpiece is Christ on the Cross.
Front – Church of Saint Michael – KorÄula, Croatia
Interior – Church of Saint Michael – KorÄula, Croatia
Saint Mark’s Cathedral
A remarkably simple example of a Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral on the small island, but no less important is Saint Mark’s. It is central to the town and is noteworthy. Visitors are required to wear respectful clothing, no shorts or inappropriate clothing is allowed, so dress accordingly.
Front Facade – Saint Mark’s Cathedral – KorÄula, Croatia
Saint Mark’s Cathedral – KorÄula, Croatia
Entrance Details – Saint Mark’s Cathedral – KorÄula, Croatia
Nave – Saint Mark’s Cathedral – KorÄula, Croatia
The cathedral has some very interesting eavestroughs and other architectural tidbits that any visitor, with some time on their hands, may explore. The interior layout is typical, even though a bit simple.
Eavestroughs – Saint Mark’s Cathedral – KorÄula, Croatia
Attached to the left of the cathedral is a side chapel, which is a bit more elaborate than that of the cathedral itself.
Side Chapel – Saint Mark’s Cathedral – KorÄula, Croatia
Side Chapel – Saint Mark’s Cathedral – KorÄula, Croatia
Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows
A small votive chapel directly after you enter the main gate and to the left. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows also commemorate Saint Bartholomew and the Battle of 1483. According to someone who transcribed the events of the battle between the Venetians and Genoese, Marco Polo was captured during the battle and later imprisoned.[1]It is actually unclear if he was captured at this battle, or a previous minor engagement at Laiazzo.
Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows – Main Entrance – KorÄula, Croatia
Restaurants
In some parts of Croatia, and especially KorÄula, most of the restaurants go by Konoba. This is to denote thier Dalmation or Istrian heritage and may they take the form of cellar-like tavern or other small place that serves authentic local food. Most of them we found to be reasonably priced.
Konoba Riva
A new restaurant that open just before we arrived which offers a very delicious menu with food to match it. We ate here three times, twice for lunch and once for dinner and were never dissappointed. The food was never salty or overcooked and when it arrived, it was still hot! The service was also extremely attentive, no doubt trying to assert some sway over any reviews they would receive. It didn’t matter, it ended up as our go to place.
Konoba Biankura is located about three streets down in the old town on the right. It offers a wide variety of food, along with pasta and some meat dishes. The fish soup is amazing and can be commended highly.
Fish Soup and Salad – Konoba Biankura – KorÄula, Croatia
Panncotta with honey – Konoba Biankura – KorÄula, Croatia
Konoba Aterina
The Konoba Aterina is a restaurant in the old town. It offers a view somewhat of the sun setting and has covered terrace outside seating. The food is good, the majority of which is seafood, so a good place to scratch your fishy itch. We ordered the Sea Bass, traditionally cooked, and were not dissappointed.
About a hundred and sixty miles from Zagreb and a hundred and ten miles from the Italian coast is Croatia‘s second largest city, Split. Today it is a tourist hot-spot and destination for cruise ships, whereas two thousand years ago it was Emporer Diocletian’s retirement home and where he would repose in his declining years.
Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Split
The old city center of Split is reminiscent of towns on the Ligurian coast of Italy, covered in bright limestone and other materials mined from quarries in the area. When the sun beats off of it, it can be blinding and almost uncomfortable hot.
Riva – Split, Croatia
Many of the streets in town are very narrow and cannot support vehicular traffic, so walking the old town should not be an issue. Having said that, it does not discourage mopeds, so stay alert while walking in any case.
Narrow Street – Marmontova Ulica – Split, Croatia
Trogirska Street – Marmontova Ulica – Split, Croatia
Let Me Pass Street – Very Narrow Street – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
The city is in the province of Dalmatia, which has a very distinctive culinary culture and influence on the food. There are heavy Italian and Roman influences in the food, construction and city layout, with the central building in the area being in and around Diocletian’s Palace.
Side Street – Split, Croatia
Tomislava Street – Marmontova Ulica – Split, Croatia
Main Shopping Street – Marmontova Ulica – Split, Croatia
Fountain and Cup – Marmontova Ulica – Split, Croatia
Two other noteworthy points of interest are the Republic Square and the People’s Square. One is near the water, while the other is in the middle of the city.
Republic Square – Split, Croatia
Republic Square – Marmontova Ulica – Split, Croatia
Peoples Square – Marmontova Ulica – Split, Croatia
Peoples Square – Marmontova Ulica – Split, Croatia
Peoples Square – Marmontova Ulica – Split, Croatia
There is also a very active port area and a large number of berths for ferries, which frequent the city daily.
Ferry Piers in Split – Split, Croatia
The city also has a large sign for tourist, which appears to be customary in some southern European cities. Here you can take a photograph to remember your adventure.
Patti – City Sign – Split, Croatia
Getting There
From Zagreb, we took Croatian Airlines which operates flights to Split that continue onto Rome, Italy. At forty minutes it is the fastest way to get to the coast. From the airport to the old town of Split will take on average an additional thirty to forty minutes, depending on the time of day and whether there is any construction.
Flying Over Croatia – Croatia
Coming into Split – Split, Croatia
Teardrop Landing – Split, Croatia
Split from our Lyft ride – Split, Croatia
Diocletian’s Palace
The Diocletian Palace is a large complex just off center of the old town of Split. It was to retirement home of the Roman Emperor Diocletian and was built some time around the third century CE. It is the reason that Split exists and is the ultimate destination here for those interested in Roman history.
Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Roman Arches and Fortress Wall – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Triklinij – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Triklinij – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Side Street – Diocletians Palace – Split, Croatia
Another entrance – Diocletians Palace – Split, Croatia
There is an excellent example of fifth century Roman mosaic tiles behind the cathedral which should draw your attention.
Some of the more interesting points of the complex are the cellars, where much of the work maintaining the palace was performed. These consist of a free part that provides access to the palace via the Brass Gate.
The Temple of Jupiter is in line with Saint Domnius Cathedral and its Tower, but on the other side of the Peristil. It is rather small and contains a statue of Jupiter, along with other objects on note. There is also what appears to be a font in the center of the room.
The Vestibule and the Rotunda are major open-air sites to see near the cathedral. The entrance to the vestibule contains two ancillary lintels of note, with inscriptions atop each.
Left Lintel – Vestibule – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Right Lintel – Vestibule – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Arch leading into the Vestibule – Diocletians Palace – Split, Croatia
The Rotunda is a large area with a round ceiling and oculus that is very reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome.
Vestibule – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Diocletian’s Fortress
The outside fortress walls that protected the palace had four large towers on each corner, for which only few still remain.
There are several gates to the palace, some of which are not so prominent as the others and a few are no longer functional. The Golden Gate is the main gate of the palace, though one could make an argument that the Brass Gate was more important since it faces the sea.
Golden Gate – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Golden Gate – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Golden Gate – Diocletians Palace – Split, Croatia
Iron Gate – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
The Silver Gate faces the east and along with the Golden Gate is one of the better preserved gates to the palace. The Iron Gate is buried within the walls and narrow alleyways of Split to the west. Transformed after the emperor left and the palace fell into disrepair.
Silver Gate – Diocletians Palace – Split, Croatia
Silver Gate – Diocletians Palace – Split, Croatia
Iron Gate – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Iron Gate – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Gradski Park
Just outside the Golden Gate is Gradski Park. Here you will find a statue from Gregory Ninskomu, a fountain and Bell Tower and Chapel of the Holy Arnir.
Gregory Ninskomu Statue – Split, Croatia
Fountain – Park Josipa Jurja Strossmayer – Split, Croatia
Gregory Ninskomu Statue – Split, Croatia
Tower of Chapel of Holy Arnir and Gregory Ninskomu Statue – Split, Croatia
Saint Domnius Cathedral
One of the main buildings within the palace is Saint Domnius Cathedral. Along with its bell tower it commands attention next to the vestibule.
Bell Tower – Saint Domnius Cathedral – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Bell Tower – Saint Domnius Cathedral – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Bell Tower – Saint Domnius Cathedral – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Saint Domnius Bell Tower – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Saint Domnius Cathedral Crypt – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Jesus as Eucharist – Saint Domnius Cathedral Crypt – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Tranfiguration of Christ on Mount Tabor – Saint Domnius Cathedral Crypt – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Kingdom of God Proclaimed – Saint Domnius Cathedral Crypt – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Wedding at Cana in Galilee – Saint Domnius Cathedral Crypt – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Baptism of Jesus – Saint Domnius Cathedral Crypt – Diocletian’s Palace – Split, Croatia
Marjan Hill
One the western part of the city is the Marjan Hill. Known locally as a hiking destination, is has several hundred steps to climb, before one gets a commanding view of the countryside.
Marjan Hill – Split, Croatia
Steps – Marjan Hill – Split, Croatia
Steps – Marjan Hill – Split, Croatia
Patti – Marjan Hill – Split, Croatia
Overlook – Marjan Hill – Split, Croatia
Port – Marjan Hill – Split, Croatia
Patti – Marjan Hill – Split, Croatia
Solta Island – Marjan Hill – Split, Croatia
Church of Saint Nicholas
Atop the hill is the small chapel and Church of Saint Nicholas, first commissioned in 1219. It has a small Gothic-Renaissance bell tower and is still outfitted and used for mass, especially on December 6th. The Croatians are a deeply religious catholic people and you will often find attendance very high if you were to peak your head in during a Sunday Mass.
Church of Saint Nicholas and Bell – Marjan Hill – Split, Croatia
Entrance – Church of Saint Nicholas and Bell – Marjan Hill – Split, Croatia
Inside – Church of Saint Nicholas and Bell – Marjan Hill – Split, Croatia
Restaurants
Cicibela Restaurant
Very near our place of hotel was the Cicebela restaurant. A very good restaurant that serves traditional food, albeit at a higher price. Everything we ordered was very tasty and the service was equally responsive.
Entrance – Cicibela Restaurant – Split, Croatia
Soup – Cicibela Restaurant – Split, Croatia
Waiting – Cicibela Restaurant – Split, Croatia
Pasticada – Cicibela Restaurant – Split, Croatia
Tuna Steak – Cicibela Restaurant – Split, Croatia
Panacota and Orahovac – Cicibela Restaurant – Split, Croatia
Buffet Fife
Located near the waterfront is the Buffet Fife, a local restaurant that is similar to a trattoria in Italy. Here you will find and enjoy many Croatian home-cooked dishes. We ordered the stuffed cabbage rolls in sauce with mashed potatoes, which are very similar to the Polish variety of GoĆÄ bkis, or Galumpkis. They were delicious and come well commended.
Placemat – Buffet Fife – Split, Croatia
Patti waiting for dinner – Buffet Fife – Split, Croatia
Soup – Buffet Fife – Split, Croatia
Stuffed Cabbage and Mashed Potatoes with Salad – Buffet Fife – Split, Croatia
Focaccia Antico Spalato
On the more modest side of things is the Focacciaria, Antico Spalato. A veritable hole-in-the-wall, we visited it while trying to stay out of the pouring rain.
Zagreb, the etymology of the name even today is disputed, is actually composed of two historic city centers, Kaptol to the east and Gradec to the west. Today, it consists of an even larger metropolitan area, where more than a million people live.
Zagreb
On a normal day, the historic parts of the city are filled with tourists and sightseers, however the weekends can be quieter. We arrived on a Sunday and found it strangely quiescent.
Rainy Day in Zagreb – Spomenik Stjepanu RadiÄu Statue – Zagreb, Croatia
Marketplace – Zagreb, Croatia
The Old Part of Town – Gradec – Zagreb, Croatia
Kaptol was the first to be formally recognized as pertaining to Zagreb, followed by Gradec some time later through King Bela IV edict of the Golden Bull. They both sit upon their corresponding hills and lay alongside one another, being separated somewhat by a slight depression where the ĐąkalÄiÄeva ulica street runs.
ĐąkalÄiÄeva ulica Street – Zagreb, Croatia
ĐąkalÄiÄeva ulica Street – Zagreb, Croatia
ĐąkalÄiÄeva ulica Street – Zagreb, Croatia
Getting There
Coming from Turin we flew with Air Dolomiti to Munich and then later on to Zagreb, two short one hour flights which took us about five hours to complete with layover.
Arriving in Munich – Munich, Germany
Flying over Croatia – Croatia
Landing – Zagreb, Croatia
City in the distance – Zagreb, Croatia
The Zagrab airport is small, perhaps smaller than most would expect. It took us approximately an hour to get our luggage, once we had left the plane. So do not expect the speedy luggage service you may enjoy elsewhere, here, things definitely move slower. In such cases, it might be good to have air-tags, just to keep an eye on where your luggage is, before getting alarmed. We got them as a gift and they really came in handy.
Airport Baggage Claim – Zagreb, Croatia
Of course you can also come by car, but from what we can see, parking is a problem and quite expensive. Train, is also an option, though we ruled it out due to scheduling issues and other considerations.
Train Station – Zagreb, Croatia
Train Station – Zagreb, Croatia
Lower Zagreb
We stayed in Lower Zagreb very close to Kaptol and the main square. From here we were able to visit most parts of the old city within a ten to fifteen minute walk.
Manda Hotel – Zagreb, Croatia
Zrinjevac Park
Actually many parks in tandem and tied together by several buildings and monuments. It is actually a nice place to take a stroll and enjoy the salubrious spring weather.
Patti – Trg Nikole Subica Park – Zagreb, Croatia
Trg Nikole Subica Park – Zagreb, Croatia
Science Musuem – Trg Nikole Subica Park – Zagreb, Croatia
Trg Nikole Subica Park – Zagreb, Croatia
Strossmayer Stature – Trg Nikole Subica Park – Zagreb, Croatia
Art Pavilion – Trg Nikole Subica Park – Zagreb, Croatia
King Tomislav Monument – Trg Nikole Subica Park – Zagreb, Croatia
King Tomislav Monument – Trg Nikole Subica Park – Zagreb, Croatia
Gradec
To the west of Kaptol and across small depression represented by Pavla Radica, where you will find many bars, cafes and some restaurants, is Gradec, also referred to as GriÄ.
Opatovina Park – Zagreb, Croatia
Opatovina Park – Zagreb, Croatia
Opatovina Park – Zagreb, Croatia
The Stone Gate
One of the entrances to Gradec is via the Stone Gate. It is adorned by a statue of Saint George before you get there and actually contains a small chapel.
Pavla Radica Street – Zagreb, Croatia
Saint George Statue – Pavla Radica Street – Zagreb, Croatia
Saint George Statue and Stone Gate – Pavla Radica Street – Zagreb, Croatia
Stone Gate – Zagreb, Croatia
Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Zagreb, Croatia
Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Zagreb, Croatia
Saint Mark’s Church
The most prominent structure here is Saint Mark’s Church. Noted for its polychrome roof tiles depicting the coats of arms of Croatia and Zagreb, it is a beautiful to see. Again, like other structures in the area, it too was damaged by the earthquake and was still undergoing renovations at the time of our visit. Therefore, we were unable to go inside or even get up close to its facade.
Church of Saint Mark – Zagreb, Croatia
Observation Tower
The Observation Tower, or LotrĆĄÄak Tower, can be found near Saint Mark’s Church in Gradec. It is right next to the Furnicular station to Lower Zagreb and can be ascended for a modest fee. We chose not to, since the weather was terrible and it was raining and overcast.
Lotrscak Tower – Zagreb, Croatia
Overview of Lower City and Furnicular – Zagreb, Croatia
Overview of Lower City and Furnicular – Zagreb, Croatia
Tunel GriÄ
Built during World War II as a bomb shelter, the Tunel GriÄ, or Gric Tunnel is commonly used as a pedestrian path now, even though several sections of it are in disrepair and no longer used. The main section spans about a quarter of a mile an connects western side of Gradec with the eastern side on Pavla Radica street.
Entrance to Gric Tunnel – Strossmayer Park – Zagreb, Croatia
Gric Tunnel – Zagreb, Croatia
Gric Tunnel – Zagreb, Croatia
Gric Tunnel – Zagreb, Croatia
Kaptol
Even today it appears that most of the real estate here is consigned to the Roman Catholic clergy in one form or another. It is here where you will find the Cathedral of Zagreb, the seat of arch bishop.
Monument to Kumica Barica – Zagreb, Croatia
Dome of the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Zagreb, Croatia
Cafes and Bars – Zagreb, Croatia
Typical Side Street – Zagreb, Croatia
Walking in Kaptol – Zagreb, Croatia
Old Building – Zagreb, Croatia
Walking the Kaptol street is very relaxing. All of Zagreb is rather well cared for in one repect or another, but this area even more so with its beautiful buildings and well maintained park, the Ribnjak Park.
Kaptol – Zagreb, Croatia
Kaptol – Zagreb, Croatia
Small Catholic Chapel – Kaptol – Zagreb, Croatia
Ribnjak Park – Kaptol – Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb Cathedral
An enormous and the most prominent building in Kaptol is the Zagreb Cathedral. It is the second tallest building in Croatia and is surrounded by the Kaptol Fortress. Unfortunately at this writing, it was undergoing heavy reconstruction after the 2020 Earthquake., where most of its facade and interior are shrouded in construction scaffolding and screens.
Coming up to the Cathedral – Kaptol – Zagreb, Croatia
Zagreb Cathedral – Kaptol – Zagreb, Croatia
The southern spire had snapped off during the quake and crashed onto one of the adjacent buildings. The northern spire was later removed because it was leaning and can now be seen alongside the cathedral, waiting for its eventual return.
Bells – Zagreb Cathedral – Kaptol – Zagreb, Croatia
Nave – Zagreb Cathedral – Kaptol – Zagreb, Croatia
Restaurants
Gostionica Ficlek
The restaurant Gostionica Ficlek is a good place to enjoy the gastronomy of Croatia and Zagreb. It has a fine collection of tasty treats on its menu that can be tried for a more than reasonable price. The traditional chicken soup tastes like a typical chicken soup, until you notice the dumplings, which just puts it over the top.
Entrance – Ficlek Restaurant – Zagreb, Croatia
Menu – Ficlek Restaurant – Zagreb, Croatia
Patti – Ficlek Restaurant – Zagreb, Croatia
Ajngmahtec – Traditional Chicken Soup with Dumplings – Ficlek Restaurant – Zagreb, Croatia
ZagrebaÄki odreyak – Breaded Pork stuffed with Ham and Cheese, Potato Salad – Ficlek Restaurant – Zagreb, Croatia
Cruffin with Vanilla Creme and Brioche with Almonds – Korica Cafe – Zagreb, Croatia
Patti’s Turkey with mlinci – Ficlek Restaurant – Zagreb, Croatia
Heritage Street Food
For lunch, Patti selected a tiny establishment on Petrinjska street, known as Heritage Street Food. Their concentration is on Paninis and Focaccia style sandwiches, which when combined with other delectable sides, create a truly enjoyable and tasty little adventure for your palate.
Entrance – Heritage Street Food Restaurant – Zagreb, Croatia
Bread with spicy olive oil – Heritage Street Food Restaurant – Zagreb, Croatia
Istrian Pearl Sandwich – Heritage Street Food Restaurant – Zagreb, Croatia
House Sauvignon Blanc with Gligora Cheese platter with Walnuts, Fig Jam and Figs – Heritage Street Food Restaurant – Zagreb, Croatia
Puslek Honey Herbal Liqueur – Heritage Street Food Restaurant – Zagreb, Croatia
Caffe & Bar Jupi
The day that we left Zagreb we visited a small cafe for breakfast called Caffe & Bar Jupi. Patti ordered the pancakes with fruit and I had the scrambled eggs. Both were delicious and hit the spot on a busy and somewhat chilly morning.
Patti – Cafe and Bar Jupi – Zagreb, Croatia
Scrambled eggs, HĂŒttenkĂ€se and Cucumber salad – Cafe and Bar Jupi – Zagreb, Croatia
Pancakes with Berries – Cafe and Bar Jupi – Zagreb, Croatia
If anyone travels all the way down to the very tip of Italy they will discover Reggio Calabria, a Calabrian city with all the classic touches of Southern Italy. Offshore, you will see the ever present Mount Etna smoking in the background.
Mount Aetna – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Getting There And Back
To get there we took TrennItalia’s Calabrian Regional train service from Tropea. Approximately a two hour train ride that eventually hugs the coast and offers a preview of the Italian island of Sicily.
Our First View of Sicily – Train Ride – Calabria, Italy
Messina Ferry – Train Ride – Calabria, Italy
Coming Into Reggio Calabria – Train Ride – Calabria, Italy
To get back we used Reggio Calabria’s airport, where RyanAir offers direct service to Turin’s Caselle Airport. Another trip just short of two hours which also hugs the coast of Italy and also offers views of Sardinia and other prominent points of interest from the air.
Reggio Calabria Airport – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Reggio Calabria
The official name for the city is Reggio Calabria, but it is also known by its traditional names of Reggio di Calabria and just plain Reggio. The city was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in the beginning of the last century and its more hopefully robust version has new amenities the former city lacked.
Boardwalk with Large Banyan Trees – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Large Banyan Trees – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Corso Garibaldi – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Corso Garibaldi – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Piazza d’Italia – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Piazza d’Italia – Reggio Calabria, Italy
If you love food, visit the shops along Corso Garibaldi. Many have interesting and local foods that you can bring home with you to enjoy, while you reminisce about your time in Calabria.
Calabrian Volcanic Spread – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Just up from our hotel and on the transformed via Giudecca street, is the eponymous stairway.
Giudecca Stairway – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Giudecca Stairway – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Giudecca Stairway – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Torrine Hotel
On the edge of the older and more vibrant part of the city, the Torrine Hotel is about four blocks from the waterfront. This is just as well, since it provides a quieter place to stay, with the exception being rush hour; it is located on a busy one-way thoroughfare through the city that buses frequent. Our room came with breakfast, a mixture of continental with some warm food thrown in.
Breakfast – Hotel Torrione – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Lungomare
The city has an extensive waterfront and a beautiful Lungomare to go with it. Near the end of it, in the urban park, you will find a nice long sign with the city’s name where you can take memorable photographs.
Boardwalk – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Boardwalk – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Beach – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Looking North – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Patti by City Sign – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Erick by City Sign – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
There are several points of interest along the boardwalk and a leisurely stroll along it will eventually bring you to all of them.
Abandoned Boats – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Wave Science Experiment – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Unknown Statue – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Somewhere near the end, down by the Roman Baths, Patti found the Big Bench. Apparently just installed, since it had no placename on it yet.
Patti finds the Big Bench – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Monumento Della Vittoria
From our hotel on Via Giula, almost directly down the street and on the waterfront and Lungomare, is the Monumento della Vittoria. It is a monument erected for Italy’s World War I victory and Victor Emmanuele III, which also has replica of the Statue of Athena Promachos inside it.
Monumento della Vittoria – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Monumento della Vittoria – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Monumento della Vittoria – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Monumento della Vittoria – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Monumento della Vittoria – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Arena del Stretto – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Arena del Stretto – Lungomare – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Roman Baths
Along the Lungomare is a site of old Roman baths from antiquity.
Roman Baths Site – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Basilica di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo
A large cathedral in the Piazza Duomo is the Basilica di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo. It was partially destroyed in the 1908 earthquake and rebuilt with a fusion of Romanesque and Gothic styles.
Basilica di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo – Piazza Duomo – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Bronze Doors – Basilica di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo – Piazza Duomo – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Aisle – Basilica di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo – Piazza Duomo – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Clerestory by Entry – Basilica di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo – Piazza Duomo – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Clerestory by Entry – Basilica di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo – Piazza Duomo – Reggio Calabria, Italy
The most interesting interior element of the cathedral is its ceiling. A timbered edifice that is remarqued and painted in a most interesting style, including pagan elements which appear to be handpainted.
Nave – Basilica di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo – Piazza Duomo – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Nave’s Ceiling – Basilica di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo – Piazza Duomo – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Crossing – Basilica di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo – Piazza Duomo – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Urn – Basilica di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo – Piazza Duomo – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Altar and Apse – Basilica di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo – Piazza Duomo – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Organ in Transept – Basilica di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo – Piazza Duomo – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Side Chapel – Basilica di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo – Piazza Duomo – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Organ in Transept – Basilica di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo – Piazza Duomo – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Castello Aragonese
The Castle Aragonese no longer functions as a castle and has been renovated into something more useful, an art museum. Here for a small fee you are able to enjoy two galleries, one in each tower.
Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Tickets For Two – Entry to Art Collection – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
North Tower – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Patti on South Tower – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
South Tower – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
North Tower – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
North Tower Gallery
During our visit this gallery had an exhibit of modern paintings, most of which bright colors were used in an almost three dimensional approach.
Art Collection – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Art Collection – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Art Collection – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Art Collection – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
South Tower Gallery
While we were visiting this tower housed a collection of art known as Voci senza Volto, or Voices without a Face. An effective and provocitive collection of art, which appears part surreal and part dystopian and gets the viewer to think about signs of struggle, longing and hardship. This was the high point of the trip for me.
South Tower – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Voci senza Volto Art Exhibit – South Tower – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Voci senza Volto Art Exhibit – South Tower – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Voci senza Volto Art Exhibit – South Tower – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Voci senza Volto Art Exhibit – South Tower – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Being Neutral Serves No One – Voci senza Volto Art Exhibit – South Tower – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Voci senza Volto Art Exhibit – South Tower – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Voci senza Volto Art Exhibit – South Tower – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Voci senza Volto Art Exhibit – South Tower – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Voci senza Volto Art Exhibit – South Tower – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Voci senza Volto Art Exhibit – South Tower – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Voci senza Volto Art Exhibit – South Tower – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Voci senza Volto Art Exhibit – South Tower – Castello Aragonese – Piazza Castello – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Villas And Palazzos
There are a few villas and palazzos of import in the city.
Villa Genoese Zerbi
A beautiful Venetian Art Nouveau style building on the Corso Emanuele is the villa of Genoese Zerbi. The original was destroyed in the great quake, but it was completely restored and now is one of the main charms of the city.
Villa Genoese Zerbi – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Villa Genoese Zerbi – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Villa Genoese Zerbi – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Villa Genoese Zerbi – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Palazzos Spinelli and GiuffrÚ
These two palazzos are side by side on the Corso Emanuele by the waterfront. Both appear to need some work. Palazzo Spinelli offers a great example of Calabrian architecture and Art Nouveau, or the liberty style.
Palazzo Spinelli – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Palazzo GiuffrÚ on the other hand offers a more mundane example, and is reminiscent of other buildings you will find in other large Italian cities.
Palazzo Giuffri – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Restaurants
Drogheria Culinaria
Using its former name for the grocery store the family used to own, it now serves food and drinks. It has a decent wine list, with several good varietals by the glass.
Entrance – Drogheria Culinaria Ristorante – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Inside – Drogheria Culinaria Ristorante – Reggio Calabria, Italy
The food is also pretty good and you will definitely be able to find something to slake your appetite at this establishment.
Meatballs, Bread with Hot ‘Nduja and Wine – Drogheria Culinaria Ristorante – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Pat’s Spaghettone and Erick’s Tagliotella, both with Pork RagĂș sauce – Drogheria Culinaria Ristorante – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Le Vie Del Gusto Ristorante
One of the restaurants in the area that is highly recommended for local Calabrian dishes is the Le Vie Del Gusto Ristorante. Located on via Reggio Campi and via II Dezembre, this small little restaurants attacts all the locals, so have your reservation in hand before leaving your hotel or place of stay.
Entrance – Le Vie del Gusto Ristorante – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Old Citroen – Le Vie del Gusto Ristorante – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Everything we tried had that home cooking taste without any loss to attention to detail. The Stufato is highly recommended and will melt in your mouth.
Menu – Le Vie del Gusto Ristorante – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Stufato di Maialino a bassa Temperatura with Coleslaw – Le Vie del Gusto Ristorante – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Cavatelli al Sugo di Capra – Le Vie del Gusto Ristorante – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Stufato di Maialino a bassa Temperatura – Le Vie del Gusto Ristorante – Reggio Calabria, Italy
While we were there a local class was having their end of year party, so noise levels were through the roof. However, it was still enjoyable, especially watching the children eating all that food. Made me remember how hungry I used to be as a school kid.
End of Year Lunch for Children – Le Vie del Gusto Ristorante – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Fennel Aperativo with Expresso – Le Vie del Gusto Ristorante – Reggio Calabria, Italy
Tartufo – Le Vie del Gusto Ristorante – Reggio Calabria, Italy
A destination for tourists and those interested in southern Italian cuisine, a stop in Tropea is almost a must. Known for their mixture of Sicilian and Greek influences, this part of Calabria is famous for the Tropean Red Onion, or Cipolla Rossa, one of the most tasty onions in the world. Onions anyone?
Tropean Onions – Corso Vittoria Emanuele – Tropea, Italy
Getting There
In order to get to Tropea from Sapri we had to take the InterCity train from Sapri to Lamezia Terme Centrale and then connect. Unfortunately there is no logistical way around it. From there we took the local TrennItalia Regional train service to Tropea. This gave us a two and a half hour layover in Lamezia Terme, just enough time for lunch!
Lamezia Terme
Other than connecting with our other train, there was no other reason to visit this place, that is, other than lunch! With two and a half hours layover, we had plenty of time.
Restaurants
Europa da Albano
While we were on our InterCity train, I took the liberty of researching what our options were at Lamezia Terme. There weren’t many, but this restaurant and pizzeria caught my eye. It was a good choice. It was very busy inside and out and packed with local people, which is actually a good sign. Though we waited a bit to order, the wait was not bad in the end and our drinks and food arrived within customary promptness.
Greek Salad with Tuna – Europa da Albano Ristorante – Lamezia Terme, Italy
Spaghetti Bolognese – Europa da Albano Ristorante – Lamezia Terme, Italy
One of the Canons – Piazza del Cannone – Tropea, Italy
Affaccion del Corso – Tropea, Italy
Another Canon – Via Lungo Mare – Tropea, Italy
Unknown to us, Tropea is a very busy tourist destination and we were there on a weekend, so the crowds we experienced were kind of unexpected, especially for this time of year.
Typical Side Street – Tropea, Italy
Typical Side Street – Tropea, Italy
Typical Alley – Tropea, Italy
Piazza Ercola – Tropea, Italy
Old Portal – Largo Galluppi – Tropea, Italy
17th Century Palazzo Marchesi Toraldo di Francia – Tropea, Italy
Narrow Streets – Tropea, Italy
Narrow Streets – Tropea, Italy
One of the main squares or piazzas close to our hotel, was the Piazza Vittorio Veneto, which our street ran right into, if you walked far enough. It has plenty of seating and a few monuments amongst the trees that have been planted to provide some shade against the sun.
Piazza Vittorio Veneto – Tropea, Italy
Piazza Vittorio Veneto – Tropea, Italy
Piazza Vittorio Veneto – Tropea, Italy
Statua ai caduti di Tropea – Tropea, Italy
Statua ai caduti di Tropea – Tropea, Italy
Statua ai caduti di Tropea – Tropea, Italy
From there the main street in town is the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which turns into Via Stazione as one gets closer to the train station.
Weekend Visitors – Corso Vittoria Emanuele – Tropea, Italy
Corso Vittoria Emanuele – Tropea, Italy
Corso Vittoria Emanuele – Tropea, Italy
Corso Vittoria Emanuele – Tropea, Italy
Hotel Colomba D’Oro
In Tropea we stayed at a hotel between the old part of town and the train station. It was just as well, our hotel in the city was the Hotel Colomba D’Oro on via Vittorio Veneto and it proved to be quiet and very comfortable. Our room came with a free morning continental breakfast, which included cooked eggs, pancetta and other warm offerings.
Hotel Colomba D’Oro – Tropea, Italy
Cathedral of Maria Santissima of Romania
The twelfth century cathedral of Saint Mary of Romania is on Largo Duomo. The interior houses guilt altar for the Virgin of Romania and the Black Crucifix of 1600.
Entrance – 12th Century Cathedral of Maria Santissima of Romania – Tropea, Italy
Chapel Dome – 12th Century Cathedral of Maria Santissima of Romania – Tropea, Italy
Tomb by Entrance – 12th Century Cathedral of Maria Santissima of Romania – Tropea, Italy
Organ and Altar of the Virgin of Romania – 12th Century Cathedral of Maria Santissima of Romania – Tropea, Italy
Black Crucifix of 1600 – 12th Century Cathedral of Maria Santissima of Romania – Tropea, Italy
Altar – 12th Century Cathedral of Maria Santissima of Romania – Tropea, Italy
Statues – 12th Century Cathedral of Maria Santissima of Romania – Tropea, Italy
Mother Mary and Jesus – 12th Century Cathedral of Maria Santissima of Romania – Tropea, Italy
Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea
On the presque-isle of Tropea, which is actually to an island than a peninsula, stands the Sanctuary of Santa Maria. In order to get there one has to climb down from the city and ascend the stairs to the sanctuary, which opens around ten in the morning. It is best to get their at opening, because as we where leaving throngs of people appeared and the inside of the chapel is quite tiny.
Tickets For Two – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
View – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
Facade and Entrance – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
The entrance to the sanctuary is adorned by three painted cielings.
Entrance – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
Entrance – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
Entrance – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
The interior is actually quite small and fitted out with pews, an altar and other accoutrements of catholicism. There is also a small shop where you can by a keepsake, postcards or other memorabilia.
Pews – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
Confessional – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
Nave – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
Altar – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
There are a few vantage points in which to take photographs of the surrounding coast and beach, as well as the city of Tropea perched on its cliff.
Patti – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
Erick – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
Belvedere Gardens
An adjunct to the sanctuary are the Belvedere Gardens, access to which is controlled by entry to the chapel. The gardens command a view of the coastline and with perfect weather equally good photographs of it.
Belvedere Gardens – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
There are a variety of trees in the garden, as well as other bushes and flowering plants. In the day it must have been an amazing place to repose and enjoy the day.
Patti – Belvedere Gardens – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
Belvedere Gardens – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
Belvedere Gardens – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
Belvedere Gardens – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
Belvedere Gardens – Sanctuary of Santa Maria of the Island of Tropea – Tropea, Italy
Parking – Tropea, Italy
Via Lungo Mare
Though the walk along the Lungomare in Tropea is not the best we have been on, it is a nice walk that can bring you back up on the other side of Tropea. It also provides access to the sandy beach that enjoys protection from the wind and the waves and appears to be a favorite for the locals.
Via Lungo Mare – Tropea, Italy
Via Lungo Mare – Tropea, Italy
Via Lungo Mare – Tropea, Italy
Via Lungo Mare – Tropea, Italy
Via Lungo Mare – Tropea, Italy
Via Lungo Mare – Tropea, Italy
The Grotto – Via Lungo Mare – Tropea, Italy
Beach – Via Lungo Mare – Tropea, Italy
Via Lungo Mare – Tropea, Italy
Via Lungo Mare – Tropea, Italy
Nasocchio – The Apotropian Mask
Walking though the town a visitor will occasionally notice a mask that almost looks like a caricature. The closest analog we have in the States are caricature artists that frequent fairs and draw your face with a pencil in a very stylized way. Well, these masks are specific to the Calabrian culture.
Nasocchio and the Apotropian Masks – Totemic Masks against Evil Eye – Tropea, Italy
Nasocchio as he is called in Calabrian culture is a mask whose strange and unique glare is supposed to frighten away evil spirits, or what is commonly termed here the Malocchio or Evil Eye. The Italian Horn is meant to function in the same way, as are other strange artifacts in the culture. They are also meant to bring good fortune with their use.
Restaurants
Though we stayed here only for two nights, we still had occasion to visit three restaurants, all of which offered local Calabrian or Sicilian dishes.
Royal Bar
Not known for their food, we bought some drinks here for a quick rest. Nothing special, but the drinks were okay.
Royal Bar – Tropea, Italy
Campari Spritz and Granita – Royal Bar – Tropea, Italy
Diamante Rosso Tropea Ristorante
Here we had to try to local al ragu Arancini, or Sicilian breaded and conically shaped stuffed rice balls that are deep-fried. They were amazing, but usually always good, depending where you buy and how they are made. They can actually be purchased at most good local stores, cafes and some marketplaces and quickly heated up for a snack or meal.
English Menu – Le Volpe El Uva Ristorante – Tropea, Italy
Drink Menu – Le Volpe El Uva Ristorante – Tropea, Italy
Entrance – Le Volpe El Uva Ristorante – Tropea, Italy
Filey Fresh Pasta with Tropean Onions – Le Volpe El Uva Ristorante – Tropea, Italy
Spaghetti alla Ragu – Le Volpe El Uva Ristorante – Tropea, Italy
Dessert and Expresso – Le Volpe El Uva Ristorante – Tropea, Italy
Palazzo Teotino Ristorante
This restaurant is housed in an old palazzo and has both indoor and outdoor seating. We sat indoor right in the foyer next to the stairwell. We came here for the Tropean Onion soup that they advertize and found it very rich and tasty. We can also commend the fried onion floret, you get about four when you order them, so enough to share.
The second part of our first day was filled with visiting the town Amalfi on the eponymouos coast and Ravello, a bit further away from the shore, but still part of the famous coastline. We joined our driver again, who drove the windy and treacherous coastal road between Positano and Amalfi, while we took the ferry to enjoy the coastline.
Interesting Entrance Decoration – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Getting There
To get to Amalfi, we took the ferry from Positano. It is a thirty minute boat ride along the coast, which when the weather cooperates provides beautiful scenery and a great occasion to take photographs.
Ferry Ride from Positano to Amalfi – Amalfi, Italy
Ferry Ride from Positano to Amalfi – Amalfi, Italy
Ferry Ride from Positano to Amalfi – Amalfi, Italy
Ferry Ride from Positano to Amalfi – Amalfi, Italy
Entering Amalfi – Amalfi, Italy
Dockside at Amalfi – Amalfi, Italy
To get to Ravello from Amalfi, you probably should use or hire a car. Since we were had hired a private tour guide for all day, we used the car to ascend the five kilometers up the coast to the town.
Our Tour Guides Having Typical Italian Discussion While Driving – Pasqual and Federica – Ravello, Italy
Ravello Next Stop – Leaving Amalfi – Amalfi, Italy
Our Tour Guides Having Typical Italian Discussion While Driving – Pasqual and Federica – Ravello, Italy
The Coast Up To Our Next Stop – Ravello, Italy
When we arrived, we took a photograph to remember the occasion.
Our Private Tour Group – Driver Pasqual, Tour Guide Federica, Patti and Erick – Ravello, Italy
Amalfi
Perhaps fourth best of all the towns along the coast is Amalfi. Some may be surprised, but that is based on our experience of most of the towns. There are many factors for this, including the terrible idea of using part of the waterfront as a parking area, instead of a boardwalk, or even another beach. Therefore, it comes after Positano, Vietri sul Mare[1]this town also has coastal parking, but here it works because it is part of a boardwalk and beach complex. and Ravello.
Amalfi from parking lot – Amalfi, Italy
Amalfi from parking lot – Amalfi, Italy
Typical white houses – Amalfi, Italy
Main Piazza – Amalfi, Italy
Main shopping street – Amalfi, Italy
Mermaid fountain – Amalfi, Italy
It does have a beautiful cathedral, which unfortunately was closed at the time of our visit.
Cathedral of Saint Andrew the Apostle – Amalfi, Italy
The town has the customary narrow stairs, stairways, alleyways and tunnels, providing a reprieve from the hot summer days for travelers. There are also some interesting fountains in Amalfi, one actually has a cute little diorama built into it of little character, shepards and animals, along with the customary goldfish swimming below.
Narrow stairways – Amalfi, Italy
Narrow alleyways – Amalfi, Italy
More narrow stairs – Amalfi, Italy
Tunnels – Amalfi, Italy
Narrow stairs that go up, up – Amalfi, Italy
Fountain with diorama – Amalfi, Italy
Mermaid fountain – Amalfi, Italy
Ravello
Unlike most other towns along the coast, Ravello kind of stood out. Not only is it more relaxing, since it is obviously visited by fewer people, it is quieter and more laid back. This is most likely due to its smaller size, its elevation and distance from the coast.
Piazza Centrale – Ravello, Italy
Map Of The Town – Ravello, Italy
The Countryside – Ravello, Italy
Very Old Buildings – Ravello, Italy
Some find it a better alternative than Amalfi. For one, there are better views from the town, from where visitors can see Amalfi’s classic rocky coastline. Plus the relaxed atmosphere adds to the pleasure, especially if you have time to sit and enjoy a drink, or have a gelato at one of the many artigianale gelaterias in the town.
Gelateria – Ravello, Italy
The Narrow Town Streets – Ravello, Italy
Ceramics And Glass From Coast – Ravello, Italy
Duomo di Revallo
The main church in town is the Duomo di Ravello, which was unfortunately closed while we were visiting, so the interior remains a mystery to us.
Duomo Ravello – Piazza Centrale – Ravello, Italy
Villa Rufolo
For a small entrance fee you can visit Villa Rufolo in Ravello. The entrance shows some interesting designs and details, that continue in deeper parts of the villa.
Entrance – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Cupola At Entrance – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Details By Entrance – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Looking Back Out Of Entrance – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
In Between The Rooms By Entrance – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
One Of The Towers – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Old Baking And Cooking Ovens – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Inside And Some Old Portal Lintel – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Ornate Design Of Villa Vaulted Areas – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Vaulted Area To Gardens – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
The Gardens – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
The Gardens – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Double Columed Vaulted Area – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
The villa is rather simple, but has some interesting items, like an old stove and a tower. It is kept in relatively fine shape and is a pleasure to walk through.
Richard Wagner The Composer Was Here – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Ornate Lintel And Rooms – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Old Vaulted Ceilings – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Simple Beautiful With Murano Glass Chandelier – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Another Room With Chandelier – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Old Iron Stove – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Some of the external structures include a tower, a vaulted building that appears to have been an old chapel and some other old structures near the gardens.
Outer Building – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
The Tower – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Old Stone Walls – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Outer Building – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
It has a magnificent garden with a beautiful view of the sea. They actually hold concerts from the garden, by extending a stage over the side of the hill, providing a wonderful backdrop for music and other performances.
The Coast Looking Toward Vietri sul Mare – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
The Coast Looking Toward Vietri sul Mare – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Church of Saint Mary of Grace – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Coastline From The Gardens – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
The Gardens – Villa Rufolo – Ravello, Italy
Restaurants
As part of our first day at the coast, we stopped in Amalfi for lunch some time after one in the afternoon.
Entrance – Taverna Buonvicino – Amalfi, Italy
Taverna Buonvicino
A very nice restaurant with a beautiful terrace outside, which is off the beaten path, so no worries about hordes of tourist bothering you while eating.
Ravioli and Insalata Mista – Taverna Buonvicino – Amalfi, Italy
Linguini with anchovy sauce – Taverna Buonvicino – Amalfi, Italy
They also have a very good wine list which is stocked with local favorites. I can commend one varietal, Taurasi Lo Scudiero (DOCG), which was exceptionally good.
A former eminent place where most woolen products came from in Italy is the city of Biella. As far back as the thirteenth century, the city has been known for its fine wool fabrics and products. However, with the recent globalization of products and competition of the early twenty-first century, many of the factories and businesses associated with that industry have gone away, creating what some might term – the woolen woes.
Waiting for Tram 13 – Vittoria Veneto Piazza – Turin, Italy
Torino Porta Susa Train Station – Turin, Italy
Torino Porta Susa Train Station – Turin, Italy
The Alps From Our Train To Biella – Turin, Italy
The Alps From Our Train To Biella – Turin, Italy
Biella San Paolo Train Station – Biella, Italy
Biella
The city sits at the foot of the eponymous mountain range of the Biellese Alps. It has been so affected by the wool industry’s decline and other issues, that it is considering cutting back on some municipal services, including the possible cessation of the funicular, or the Funicolare del Piazzo, which was severely damaged by past weather events.
Outdoor Market – Biella, Italy
Getting There
We took the train from Turin’s Porta Susa to Biella. It is easy and very cost effective and only takes about an hour.
Biella San Paolo Train Station – Biella, Italy
Biella San Paolo Train Station – Biella, Italy
Though a very liveable city, it is fairly quiet, but we found lacking in some amenities. It is also not a very pretty city, it had many empty stores while we were here and many buildings appeared to have maintenance issues. However, if you did not stray far from the main street of Via Italia you wouldn’t notice.
Entering Town – Biella, Italy
Typical Fascist Period Building – Via Torino – Biella, Italy
San Paolo Church Tower – Via Torino – Biella, Italy
SP338 – Biella, Italy
Zumaglini Park – Via Italia – Biella, Italy
Zumaglini Park – Via Italia – Biella, Italy
Via Italia – Biella, Italy
Via Italia – Biella, Italy
Via Italia – Biella, Italy
Via Italia – Biella, Italy
Via Italia – Biella, Italy
Old Building – Via S. Filippo and Via Italia – Biella, Italy
Piazza Biella
On the west side of the city, on top of the hill, is the Piazza Biella. A fifteen to twenty minute walk up the Costa del Piazza will bring you to the upper part of town. The cobbled street is a bit treacherous, so take care, especially if the weather is bad, the stones are quite slippery, even when dry.
Via Cerino Zegna – Biella, Italy
Patti – Costa del Piazzo – Biella, Italy
Costa del Piazzo – Biella, Italy
Patti – Costa del Piazzo – Biella, Italy
Patti – Costa del Piazzo – Biella, Italy
Costa del Noci – Costa del Piazzo – Biella, Italy
Here you will find the Piazza Biella, which has a few cafes and bars to enjoy. Aside from that, it is very quiet.
Piazza Biella – Biella, Italy
Church of San Giacomo – Piazza Biella – Biella, Italy
Close by is the Piazza Mario Cucco, from where you will be able to get a fantastic view of the Biellese Alps.
Piazza Mario Cucco – Biella, Italy
Patti With The Alps In Background – Piazza Mario Cucco – Biella, Italy
Erick With The Alps In Background – Piazza Mario Cucco – Biella, Italy
Piazza Mario Cucco – Biella, Italy
Piazza Mario Cucco – Biella, Italy
Old Buildings – Piazza Mario Cucco – Biella, Italy
One the way down, we took the Costa San Sebastiano, which led us directly to the Basilica of San Sebastiano in Biella.
Patti – Costa San Sebastiano – Biella, Italy
Costa San Sebastiano – Biella, Italy
Costa San Sebastiano – Biella, Italy
Basilica Biella
The Basilica of San Sebastiano, together with the monastery of San Girolamo, stands as the pinnacle of the Biella Renaissance. Commissioned and funded by Sebastiano Ferrero, it featured artists from the Lombardy region for its masonry work. The church’s foundation stone was laid in 1500, and in honor of the patron, it was dedicated to San Sebastiano. The construction was overseen by Maestro Eusebio, who was present during the laying of the foundation stone. By 1504, the church’s walls were already finished, but it wasn’t consecrated until 1540 by Monsignor Guglielmo di Gattinara, the Bishop of Nicomedia.
Entrance – Basilica San Sebastiano – Biella, Italy
Interior – Basilica San Sebastiano – Biella, Italy
Cathedral of Biella
From the outside the Biella Cathedral, or Cathedral of Saint Stefano Protomartire, might almost remind one of a mosque, if it weren’t for the cross on the apex of the roof.
Entrance and Front – Cathedral of Saint Mary Assunta – Biella, Italy
However, from the inside there is no mistaking it for anything other than a catholic cathedral. Interestingly, the interior contors of the colums and relief of the ceiling are all a visual illusion and one of the best examples of trompe-l’Ćil. This is where the intricate details are painted on the existing stone, plaster or masonry to mimick definition or relief, when in fact there is none.
Interior – Cathedral of Saint Mary Assunta – Biella, Italy
Interior – Cathedral of Saint Mary Assunta – Biella, Italy
If you look carefully you may find the original first foundation stone for the church, that is before it became of cathedral. It was set in the early fifteenth century and has been interpreted, first from the ancient latin, then into modern italian.
Foundation Stone – Cathedral of Saint Mary Assunta – Biella, Italy
The english translation would say, “1402, today on the 20th of March, construction of this church was begun by master Giovanni Borri.”
Foundation Stone Interpretation – Cathedral of Saint Mary Assunta – Biella, Italy
Biella Baptistery
Extremely close by the cathedral is the Baptistery of John the Baptist. Unfortunately, no entry is allowed. But a quick look of the outside and it is clear that it is a fairly old building.
Baptistry of John the Baptist – Via Battistero – Biella, Italy
Baptistry of John the Baptist – Via Battistero – Biella, Italy
Baptistry of John the Baptist – Via Battistero – Biella, Italy
Church of the Santissima Trinity
Directly off the Via Italia is the small church of Santissima Trinity. It has high vaulted ceilings with frescoes and a very ornate altar. Here again, the relief is mostly done using paint.
Church of the Santissima Trinity – Via Italia – Biella, Italy
Church of the Santissima Trinity – Via Italia – Biella, Italy
Church of the Santissima Trinity – Via Italia – Biella, Italy
Restaurants
Since this was a day trip, we only had time to enjoy lunch. At first we had some difficulty and our first choice, the higly rated L’Arrugginita on the upper side of town, was completely booked. Then we mistakenly sat down in what we thought was a neapolitan pizzeria, which turned out to actually be a poke bowl bistro. Then finally we found Ristorante Il Salotto.
Ristorante Il Salotto
A very fine place for lunch, Il Salotto offers a tasty fixed priced menu at âŹ17 for pasta (primi only), or âŹ24 for the two course lunch (primi and secundi). For the extra seven euros a piece, we were able to order two primi pasta dishes and two secundi meat dishes, with bread, a glass of wine and water for total of âŹ51.
Entrance – Ristorante Il Salotto – Biella, Italy
Interior – Ristorante Il Salotto – Biella, Italy
Interior – Ristorante Il Salotto – Biella, Italy
Interior – Ristorante Il Salotto – Biella, Italy
The food was excellent, as was the service and decor. If you are ever in Biella, definitely one of the places to eat.
Ravioli with Cabbage and Meat – Ristorante Il Salotto – Biella, Italy
Pork Tenderloin in sauce with pickled onions – Ristorante Il Salotto – Biella, Italy
The one unique feature this city has over others that we have visited are its BĂ€chle, or small streams or runnels that network themselves through most city streets. Though in the past they were used for waste disposal and fire suppression, their contemporary revision is much cleaner and used more for fun than anything functional.
Freiburg im Breisgau
The city lays on the lower west side of the Schwarzwald, or the Black Forest. It is an odd mixture of contemporary and renovated old buildings, but appears to be very liveable. They have an active tram system and local buses, though the residents do appear to enjoy walking for the most part.
Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Old Freiburger Zeitung Building – Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Zum Meijerhof Restaurant Building – GrĂŒnwĂ€lderstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Getting There
It is almost necessary to use the A5 to reach the city, though I imagine there might be other ways as well. We entered from the north, via Europaplatz, where we found adequate parking nearby. Europaplatz offers access to the tram system and might be a good starting point for those not wishing to walk.
HabsburgerstraĂe – Europaplatz – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Friedrichring – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Monument – Europaplatz – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Monument – Europaplatz – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
The BĂ€chle
The BĂ€chle[1]the term is BĂ€chlein in german are on most streets, at least in the older parts of the city. As a child, if you’ve ever had the occasion to play in a small stream or ditch, then you would just love Freiburg im Breisgau. They sure delight the city children. The city appears to be very child friendly and they even sell little boats on a string for children to play with in the BĂ€chle.
BĂ€chle – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Ericka, Vlad and Gabi – BĂ€chle – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
BĂ€chle – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Schwabentor
The Schwabentor, or Swabian Gate, is the most recent gate to the city and is located on HerrenstraĂe, another street which has a BĂ€chle.
Oberlindenbrunnen and Schwabentor – HerrenstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
HerrenstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Freiburger MĂŒnster
The first bricks for the large gothik style Freiburger MĂŒnster, or MĂŒnster Unserer Lieben Frau, were laid around 1146. After several incantations as a small unassuming church through 1260, the church was redesigned with new importance in the late 1200s. It wasn’t until the late 1400s that it attained is final form one can see today.
Freiburger MĂŒnster Cathedral – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Freiburger MĂŒnster Cathedral – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
MĂŒnsterplatz And Merchant’s Hall
The MĂŒnsterplatz is adjacent to the cathedral and includes several city buildings and businesses.
MĂŒnsterplatz – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
MĂŒnsterplatz – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
MĂŒnsterplatz – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
One historic building that stands out in MĂŒnsterplatz is the Historisches Kaufhaus, or Merchant’s Hall. With its striking red exterior it is impossible to miss and the result of contemporary renovations, having suffered bomb damage and other design changes throughout the years. The facade today is adorned with replicas of Holy Roman Emperors and an Archduke, who did not become emperor because he died before his father and didn’t inherit all of his father’s titles.
Merchants Hall – MĂŒnsterplatz – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Merchants Hall – MĂŒnsterplatz – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Augustinerplatz
Though not much to look at the Augustinerplatz is where the museum and several other important government buildings are located, including for us ironically, the Italian Consulate.
Augustinerplatz – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Augustinerplatz – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Gerberau – Augustinerplatz – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Museum – Augustinerplatz – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Connecting Augustinerplatz to Kaiser-JosephstraĂe is Gerberau street.
Gerberau – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Martinstor
A major gate in the city, aside from the swabian gate, or Scwabentor, is Martinstor. Located on Kaiser-JosephstraĂe, more or less in the center of town, the tower stands above all the other buildings. The street runs directly through the tower, like in many other walled cities in Germany and delineates the old city from its newer parts.
Martinstor – Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Martinstor – Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Martinstor – Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Martinstor – Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Restaurants
For our day trip we chose to have chinese or japanese and found a nice modern place that opened in the remains of the old Laubfrosch restaurant.
Unkai
If you are looking for either chinese or japanese cuisine look no further than Unkai Asian Fusion.
Unkai Restaurant – Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
The decor inside is decidedly modern and the staff is very attentive to your needs, especially if that has to do with children.
Unkai Restaurant – Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Unkai Restaurant – Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Unkai Restaurant – Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Unkai Restaurant – Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Unkai Restaurant – Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
Unkai Restaurant – Kaiser-JosephstraĂe – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
On Sunday, the first of June, we traveled to Reykjavik, Iceland for a stop-over of a couple of days as we started our journey back to the United States. We arrived only to experience a truly deep extra-tropical cyclone that had set itself up off the coast of Iceland and gave us a memorably windy start to our trip back and the end of our weekend.
Getting There
From Turin we took the FrecciaRossa to Milan Central Station and then up to Malpensa Airport by regional train. The two trips combined were a bit over two hours and more or less uneventful, though one could see tourist travel has definitely picked up in recent weeks, so the trains were pretty full.
Icelandair – Airport – Keflavik, Iceland
Airport Terminal – Keflavik, Iceland
Milan to Keflavik – Flying Over – Iceland
Milan to Keflavik – Flying Over – Iceland
Milan to Keflavik – Coast Near Airport – Iceland
Having only a few days to experience what we could of this volcanic island, we decided to stay in Reykjavik. A good forty-five minute drive from Keflavik Airport to Reykjavik, you only have two options, by bus or by automobile (honestly I am not sure if there is an ocean option). It does not matter whether you arrange or book a transfer service through something like GetYourGuide, or take a taxi directly from the airport, both costs are pretty much the same. The bus however is a cheaper option at around $30 per passenger, but does leave you generally on the southern outskirts of town, so you will either have to walk from there or hire a taxi to get to your hotel.
Get Your Guide Transfer – Keflavik to Reykjavik- Iceland
Get Your Guide Transfer – Keflavik to Reykjavik- Iceland
Get Your Guide Transfer – Keflavik to Reyjkavik – Iceland
Get Your Guide Transfer – Keflavik to Reykjavik- Iceland
Reykjavik – The City
The city reminded me of a long lost outpost that has been built up over the decades. Even the airports are pieced together from left over vestiges of American activities during World War II. The house are generally clad in corrugated galvanized sheets typically used for roofing material. Many are painted in bright colors to enhance their roadside appeal.
Laugavegur – Main Pedestrian and Shopping Street – Reykjavik, Iceland
Laugavegur – Main Pedestrian and Shopping Street – Reykjavik, Iceland
Side Street to Saebraut – Reykjavik, Iceland
SafnahĂșsiĂ° – House of Collections – Reykjavik, Iceland
Typical Street – Reykjavik, Iceland
Mixture of Architecture – Reykjavik, Iceland
Houses with Corrugate Metal Walls – Reykjavik, Iceland
Colorful Houses – Reykjavik, Iceland
Our Hotel
We stayed at the Sand Hotel in town, a Keahotel, of which there are a few in Reykjavik. We found it comfortable and central for our needs. A continental breakfast was included each morning, which we found to be actually a bit more than a mere continental breakfast and more than adequate for our needs. However, if you do not have a hotel with included breakfast, don’t worry, there are plenty of cafes, pastry and waffel shops around to grab a bite to eat in the morning.
Sand Hotel by Keahotels – Main Entrance – Reykjavik, Iceland
Saebraut And The Sun Voyager
Even though the weather did not cooperate much, we learned it rarely does in Iceland, a nice stroll along the Saebraut is a must. There is both a walkway and cycling lane that runs the length of the bay in Reykjavik. Here you will find the Sun Voyager, a stainless-steel sculpture by JĂłn Gunnar Ărnason, that mimics a old Viking sailing boat.
Saebraut – Patti – Reykjavik, Iceland
Saebraut – Erick – Reykjavik, Iceland
Saebraut – Reykjavik, Iceland
Saebraut – Reykjavik, Iceland
Saebraut – The Sun Voyager – Reykjavik, Iceland
Skolavorduholt
A short walk up Rainbow Street and the highest hill in Reykjavik is the Skolavorduholt, the place where you will find the Hallgrimskirkja Lutheran Church and the monument to Lief Eriksson.
Rainbow Street – Runic Shop and the Brekkuholt House – Reykjavik, Iceland
Rainbow Street – Reykjavik, Iceland
Rainbow Street – Reykjavik, Iceland
Hallgrimskirkja Church
The church is impressive and easily the largest church on the island. It has an impressive apse and organ and an almost clean, if not antiseptic appearance inside. The pews are built so that can be easily switched, so you can either face the altar for services, or the organ for performances.
Hallgrimkirkja – Main Entrance – Reykjavik, Iceland
Hallgrimkirkja – Apse and Altar – Reykjavik, Iceland
Hallgrimkirkja – Grand Organ – Reykjavik, Iceland
Lief Eriksson
The monument of Lief Eriksson which stands directly outside in front of the entrance, gives historical credit to this noble adventurer and discoverer of the North America. The monument was gifted to the island in 1930 by the United States of America.
The Austurvöllur area is where many of the municiple buildings are located, as well as the Tjörnin, or “The Pond”. This body of water is a favorite for the school children during lunch and you can often find them feeding the ducks which collect along the shore for an easy meal.
Prime Ministerâs Office – Reykjavik, Iceland
Prime Ministerâs Office – Reykjavik, Iceland
TjarnarskĂłli ehf – Elementary School – Reykjavik, Iceland
Tjörnin – The Pond – Reykjavik, Iceland
AlĂŸingishĂșsiĂ° – State Parliament Building – Reykjavik, Iceland
Apotek Hotel by Keahotels – Reykjavik, Iceland
Jon Sigurdsson Monument – Reykjavik, Iceland
Looking Seaward – Reykjavik, Iceland
Harbor – Reykjavik, Iceland
Harbor – Reykjavik, Iceland
The Old Harbor Boat Ramp – Reykjavik, Iceland
The Old Harbor Boat Ramp – Reykjavik, Iceland
The Unknown Bureaucrat – Reykjavik, Iceland
Restaurants
The Scandinavian Bistro
Our first evening we ate at the Scandinavian Bistro and thoroughly enjoyed it. Though it does not have a lot of seating inside, it is adequate and does not feel overly crowded. The food was a bit overpriced for what you got, but that’s true of most places in Reykjavik since they import a majority of their foodstuffs.
Scandinavian Bistro – My $38 Hamburger with Fries – Reykjavik, Iceland
Rossopomodoro
A continental chain and restaurant serving Italian cuisine can be found on the Laugevegur. A restaurant that is in many European cities and provides basic italian cuisine and pizza at fair prices. We ate here one evening due to its proximity to our hotel and because it was Italian food.
