Often referred to as La Città Bianca, or the White City, from certain vantage points, it does appear somewhat like the houses on Santorini island of the Greek Archipelago. It is however difficult getting a good photograph that represents it from a distance, unless you drive a car.
Panoramic view of the Adriatic – Ostuni, Italy
Getting There
A twenty minute train ride from Brindisi Centrale and a five minute bus drive from Ostuni Zona Sisri, is the small ancient city of Ostuni. The trains run at least every hour in both directions and perhaps even more often around rush hour times.
Follow the signs to the bus stop – Ostuni, Italy
Follow the signs to the bus stop – Ostuni, Italy
Fermata, bus stop – Green Times – Ostuni, Italy
Even more importantly, it should be noted that getting back, not all Fermata are active where the bus should stop. Apparently, during the off-season the only one that remains active is the one at via tenente Specchia, where we were left off at the start of our journey. So plan on returning there and not at the one of the other two bus stops sometimes indicated in the city by other information sources.
Sign indicating Fermata closed from 13th January – Ostuni, Italy
The White City
The White City, or the Città Bianca[1]which is actually the Città Vecchia or old city, is located on a mount or hill with a commanding view of the plain below. The newer part of the city stretches out towards the south and is rather residential and nondescript in nature.
Santuario Madonna della Grata – Ostuni, Italy
Adriatic Sea – Ostuni, Italy
While in the main piazza, or Piazza della Libertà, this is a good place to stop for a coffee or drink. Here you will find several things to see, including the Colonna di Sant’Oronzo and the Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi.
Colonna di Sant’Oronzo – Ostuni, Italy
Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi – Entrance – Ostuni, Italy
Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi – Nave – Ostuni, Italy
Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi – Ceiling – Ostuni, Italy
Comune Di Ostuni & Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi – Ostuni, Italy
Skyline – Ostuni, Italy
Ahead, the climb is not that bad, but the city streets and passageways are rather serpentine and have a myriad of steps that go up and down, so bring rested legs. We spent a good part of a day here, we walked and climbed all over the place and traveled just over seven miles.
Steps up to part of the city – Ostuni, Italy
City streets – Ostuni, Italy
Skyline – Ostuni, Italy
Religious motives – Ostuni, Italy
The Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta and Arco Scoppa are located in the same place in the Centro Storico di Ostuni at the top of the hill.
Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta
– Ostuni, Italy
Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta – Nave – Ostuni, Italy
Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta – Ceiling – Ostuni, Italy
Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta – Old Wooden Doors and Old Iron Hinges – Ostuni, Italy
Arco Scoppa – Ostuni, Italy
Arco Scoppa – Ostuni, Italy
While meandering through the streets of Ostuni, we noticed several interesting doorways that had unusual flourishes and ornate features.
Ornate doorways – Ostuni, Italy
Ornate doorways – Ostuni, Italy
Ornate doorways – Ostuni, Italy
Aside from that, there are mostly lazy narrow streets, stairways and white houses in the city. From time to time, you will come across places to eat, but during this time of year, most of them are closed. They most likely open later in the March timeframe, when the tourist activity picks up.
Residential area – Ostuni, Italy
Patti – Ostuni, Italy
Way to the north part of the Citta Vecchio – Ostuni, Italy
The Adriatic – Ostuni, Italy
Stairs, stairs, stairs – Ostuni, Italy
City streets – Ostuni, Italy
Restaurants
Al Cortiletto Vino e Birra Ostuni
The Al Cortiletto Vino e Birra Ostuni restaurant offers typical Italian food with some Pugliese items thrown in, so there is something for everyone. We had met some fellow travelers while on the bus from the Ostuni train station with whom we engaged in conversation during the ride. In order to finish what we had begun, they suggested we meet for lunch and this is the place they picked.
Roland and Amanda – Ostuni, Italy
Patti and I ordered and shared the Bruschetta. Then she ordered a Tuna Salad and I had the Cheese Gnocchi with ragu. Unfortunately, we took no photographs and you will have to build a mental image of what we ate.
When we left, Roland and Amanda were on their way back to Lecce, where we are headed tomorrow and we returned to Brindisi. We traded telephone numbers and promised to stay in touch for a lunch or dinner when there, since they will still be there during our visit later this week into next.
If it is raining out and there is not much else to do, then a trip to Brindisi could be the cure for your rainy day. Though not much to see, nor much to look at, Brindisi does offer a few points of interest. We mainly used it for a short respite during our eighteen day visit to Mezzogiorno.
Getting To Brindisi
From Bari we reserved seats on the FrecciaArgento[1]FrecciaArgento, or TrennItalia’s Silver Arrow service, as opposed to the FrecciaRosso, or Red Arrow service in other areas which only takes a hour. There are other regional offerings, however they usually take longer but are less expensive, so there are options.
Bari Centrale – Waiting for our FrecciaArgento – Bari, Italy
Brindisi Centrale – Brindisi, Italy
Brindisi does have a airport that is serviced by RyanAir. While here we saw several airplanes land and take off during the day and the airport was directly across the water on the other side of the city from our hotel.
Bindisi The City
Brindisi’s Citta Vecchia, or historical center, is a bit elongated but does reach to the bay where the port is located. The Corso Roma is the main avenue for shopping, though it cannot be compared to the one in Bari or other larger towns or cities we have visited along the coast.
Corso Roma – Brindisi, Italy
Corso Roma – Brindisi, Italy
City Market – Brindisi, Italy
Piazza Il Duomo And The Roman Column
The Piazza Il Duomo has the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista and some other sites to see. The cathedral is rather plain inside, but somewhat impressive from the outside.
Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista – Brindisi, Italy
Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista – Modern Interior – Brindisi, Italy
The Colonne Romane, or Roman Column, was erected in the city to define one of the endpoints of the Appian Way, or the extent of Rome. Others have countered that they were merely erected as a visual aid for mariners to know where the actual port was located. There were two originally, of which only one still exists in all of its glory, the other crumbled in the mid sixteenth century. The crumbled remains of the one were donated to Lecce for their column.
Colonne Romane – Brindisi, Italy
Unesco site – Brindisi, Italy
Colonne Romane – Brindisi, Italy
Grande Albergo Internazionale
Our hotel was the Grande Albergo Internazionale located on the Viale Regina Margherita down by the water. We booked a suite which overlooked the water.
Grande Albergo Internazionale – Front – Brindisi, Italy
It is a somewhat dated hotel, but has enough amenities to be comfortable. However, the outside and inside looks like it is in need of some restoration. Our room was spacious and the bathroom modern which was a big benefit.
Grande Albergo Internazionale – Patti in our room – Brindisi, Italy
Grande Albergo Internazionale – Our room – Brindisi, Italy
Grande Albergo Internazionale – Restaurant for Breakfast – Brindisi, Italy
Grande Albergo Internazionale – Outside our window – Brindisi, Italy
Grande Albergo Internazionale – Outside our window – Brindisi, Italy
Lungomare di Brindisi
As the name implies, you are able to walk along the water for some length along the Lungomare di Brindisi. It starts near the parking area when you enter the port down to, but no further than the Approdo delle Indie. After that begins an Italian Naval Base and you are redirected up a set of stairs and away from the shore.
Viale Regina Margherita – Lungomare di Brindisi – Brindisi, Italy
Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia – Italian Mariner monument from the Lungomare di Brindisi – Brindisi, Italy
Viale Regina Margherita – Lungomare di Brindisi – Brindisi, Italy
Brindisi Shuttle Service
From the Lungomare, or Viale Regina Margherita, about where it intersects with Piazza Vittorio Emanuele III is one location you can pick up the shuttle. It has a four stop route along the inlet and completes the circuit about once every twenty minutes. One use, simple route charge was 1.20€ per person, which only excepts contactless credit card or NFC contactless payments from your phone, NO CASH.
Brindisi Shuttle Service – Brindisi, Italy
Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia – Brindisi, Italy
Dock on the Airport Side – Brindisi, Italy
Brindisi Shuttle Service – Brindisi, Italy
Saint John At The Sepulchre
The St John At The Sepulchre is an ancient eleventh century Church of the Holy Sepulcher with circular construction built over a pre-existing church. It was built to resemble the ancient Anastasis Rotunda of the Holy Selpuchre in Jerusalem with the intention of providing a memory of that structure.
St John At The Sepulchre – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Brindisi, Italy
The monument is intended to show the close relationship between Brindisi and the Holy Land during the time of the crusades. Built by the Knight Order of the Canons Regular sometime before 1128, it was conceived to give those who could not pilgrimage to the Holy Land a feeling for that destination, and for those who have, a reminder of it.
St John At The Sepulchre – Main Entrance – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Media Presentation – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Media Presentation Showing Route To Isreal – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Other Items – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Old Nails, Hinges – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Side Entrance Lintel – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Patio – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Garden In Back – Brindisi, Italy
The hole in the floor shows Roman mosaics belonging to a large Roman house dating back to the first and second century CE.
St John At The Sepulchre – Columns – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Roman Ruins – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Roof Timber Works – Brindisi, Italy
There are multiple frescoes on the walls depicting several different important themes of Christianity. All of which have been damaged by previous ownership, no doubt to repurpose the building for other uses.
St John At The Sepulchre – Deposition From The Cross, 13th Century – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Deesis, 13th Century – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Saint Inside Arcat, 13th Century – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Flagellation, 13th Century – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – The Virgin And The Child, 13th Century – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Pentecost, 13th Century – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Saint George And The Dragon, 13th Century – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Side Entrance Lintel – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Patio – Brindisi, Italy
St John At The Sepulchre – Garden In Back – Brindisi, Italy
Porta Napoli
The Porta Napoli, also known as the Porta Mesagne, is the oldest entrance to the ancient city. It was constructed during Roman times by Marc Anthony to isolate the city from land side invasions. The Ruga Magistra or main street originated from this gate, which coincides today with via Carmine and via Filomeno Consiglio today.
Porta Napoli – Brindisi, Italy
Porta Napoli – Brindisi, Italy
Castello Svevo
Unlike the map that one of the major search providers tries to imply you can walk the entire way around bay to the Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia; this cannot be done. We found out the difficult way by walking to Castello Svevo or the Swabian Castle of Brindisi, only to find out that you cannot enter without a pass, it is an active Naval Base. Temporary passes can be obtained online, but there is a forty-eight hour waiting period (don’t ask – I have no idea why, however it is required before you may return and enter). Since we are not staying here that long we decided to forgo that pleasure.
So, denied entry, we changed our plans and headed for the Fontana Tancredi, thinking that it might be a sight to see, and afterwards we could just walk toward the bay and find the Lungomare; no such luck on both accounts. Most of the area in and around the castle is restricted and cannot be entered, the fountain is fenced off, overgrown and only trickles water, so total failure on both accounts.
Via Provincial San Vito – Brindisi, Italy
Aldo Moro Monument – Brindisi, Italy
Southern Italian Naval Base – Brindisi, Italy
In fact, they have very large naval ships anchored here as well temporary housing for illegal immigrants. We attempted to go as far as the tennis club, or Circolo Tennis Club, but then turned around. Had we known beforehand, we could have continued further and picked up the bay shuttle about a half kilometer further.
Castello Svevo – Map and where not to go – Brindisi, Italy
While walking back, we discovered the Santuario Santa Maria degli Angeli church. A nondescript church from the outside offers a better view from the inside. If you are in the area of Via Ferrante Fornari and see the church, it is worth to stick your head in and take a look.
Santuario Santa Maria degli Angeli – Brindisi, Italy
Santuario Santa Maria degli Angeli – Nave and Ceiling – Brindisi, Italy
Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia
The large monument across the bay is the Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia, a naval monument erected for the fallen navy personal of Italy. It has two shore guns on either side and may be climbed for a fee, there is a lookout on the top that has a commanding view of the city.
Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia – Brindisi, Italy
Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia – Brindisi, Italy
Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia – Brindisi, Italy
Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia – Brindisi, Italy
Restaurants
Most of the restaurants that we visited were down by the water and along the Lungomare.
Ristorante Windsurf
We chose this restaurant out of convenience, mostly because of the rain and threat of thunderstorms, and glad we did because while we were eating it poured. It was also conveniently located thirty meters from our hotel entrance.
Windsurf Ristorante Pizzeria – Lobster tank – Brindisi, Italy
The food is typical pizzeria food with a concentration on sea food for everything else. I chose a pizza and Patti stuck with a panini that they offered on the menu. The Negroamaro from Puglia was actually very nice, dry but not overly tannic.
Windsurf Ristorante Pizzeria – A Negroamaro from Puglia – Brindisi, Italy
Betty Gelateria Cafe Ristorante Pizzeria A Brindisi
A similar cafe and pizzeria as WindSurf is Betty Gelateria Cafe Ristorante Pizzeria A Brindisi, located just below the stairs to the Roman Column. We stopped here for a simple lunch consisting of salads, bread and pizza points. The wine was house wine, but was very good.
Betty Gelateria Cafe Ristorante Pizzeria A Brindisi – Patti’s Green Salad With Fruit And Nuts – Brindisi, Italy
We also stopped later in the evening for dinner, since they were one of the few restaurants around showing pasta with ragu sauce on their menus. Patti ordered the Penne all’Arrabbiata and I ordered the Tagliatelle al Ragú.
Final Thoughts
Although we both thought that Brindisi is rather clean and has some things to offer, we weren’t so sure that we visit, if we didn’t have so much time on our hands being retired. Therefore, for the casual visitor to Italy, we would not commend a visit, Bari and Trani have more to offer.
On a lark, Patti decided to go to Trani, Italy for the day. The morning was clear, blue and fantastic, so we could not expect better weather.
Trani Centrale – Trani, Italy
VIa Cavour – Trani, Italy
Trani is a seaside town on the Adriatic Sea in the region of Apulia. It has great wine, olive oil and food. It has an active fishing community which supports the local economy.
Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta
– Parco Giochi Villa Comunale – Trani, Italy
Lighthouses – Parco Giochi Villa Comunale – Trani, Italy
Castello Svevo di Trani – Basilica from the castle – Trani, Italy
The City
The city itself is well laid out, even for an ancient town. The historic center though windy and curvy is very clean and well labeled for tourist. After about an hour here we found it a most unexpected delight and were glad we came.
Chiesa Beata Maria Vergine del Monte Carmelo (o del Carmine) – Trani, Italy
Piazza Sacra Regia Udienza – Port of Trani – Trani, Italy
Narrow streets – Trani, Italy
One of the many portals – Trani, Italy
One of the many portals – Trani, Italy
Door with no stairs – Trani, Italy
Orologie Tower – Trani, Italy
Long portal – Trani, Italy
Auditorium San Luigi – Trani, Italy
Church of Saint Claire – Trani, Italy
The Golden or Ancient door – Trani, Italy
Another church – Trani, Italy
The Piazze Quercia has a least one cafe or bar which has outside seating. It is a great place in the spring to stop before lunch and get a drink. We find it relaxing just to watch the locals and the boats going in and out of the harbor, and of course, enjoying the sunshine and the fifty degree weather.
There is a beautiful walkway or sidewalk that enables you to walk around the entire port. Unlike Bari, where you can do this if you can tolerate the smell, the port is clean and well maintained.
Live shrimp – Port of Trani – Trani, Italy
Fishing boats – Port of Trani – Trani, Italy
Port of Trani – Trani, Italy
Port of Trani – Trani, Italy
The fishing community appears to be active daily and some of the ships sell their catch right on the pier. You can find anything from live shrimp and fish to octopus. So, if you can cook in, bring your grocery bag and your wallet.
Parco Giochi Villa Comunale
The Parco Giochi Villa Comunale is located to the right of the Port of Trani as you walk as far as you can in the city. It has a portal that leads up to a great observation place, so that you get a commanding view of the boats and the jetties containing the lighthouses, which are all a different color.
Porto or entrance – Parco Giochi Villa Comunale – Trani, Italy
Parco Giochi Villa Comunale – Trani, Italy
Parco Giochi Villa Comunale – Trani, Italy
Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta
– Parco Giochi Villa Comunale – Trani, Italy
Bar Boschetto – Parco Giochi Villa Comunale – Trani, Italy
Fishing boat going out to sea – Parco Giochi Villa Comunale – Trani, Italy
Park Seal – Parco Giochi Villa Comunale – Trani, Italy
There are some interesting monuments and an old anchor. Walking further, you will happen upon a aviary at the end of the park where they house parakeets.
We actually found it to be an amazing little park with little things to see, along with the aviary with parakeets they also have real parrots, which you will eventually notice are in the trees all around you. When we were here, they were all doing their crazy mating calls and dances on the ground, what a cacophony!
Parrots – Parco Giochi Villa Comunale – Trani, Italy
Parrots – Parco Giochi Villa Comunale – Trani, Italy
Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta
In the Piazza Duomo is the Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta, also known as Trani Cathedral. This cathedral is dedicated to Saint Nichola the Pilgrim. It is a very large structure, but it only opens later in the day around 15:30.
Piazza Duomo Front – Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta – Trani, Italy
Piazza Duomo Front – Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta – Trani, Italy
There are some restrictions when you enter, so please read the signs, though we saw no enforcement; having said that, it was winter and the slow season, so it may be impractical for them to oversee traffic during that time.
Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta – Frescoes – Trani, Italy
Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta – Frescoes in the Crypt – Trani, Italy
Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta – Orthodox bust in the Crypt – Trani, Italy
Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta – Altar in the Crypt – Trani, Italy
Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta – Entrance – Trani, Italy
Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta – Nave – Trani, Italy
Castello Svevo di Trani
The Castello Svevo di Trani in just a small walk from the Piazza Duomo and Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta. There is actually not much to see, but it does have a few small things of interest. At one time it was a prison and had other incarnations as you go back in time to protect the town. It is also noted to have a large clock on its edifice.
Castello Svevo di Trani – Entrance – Trani, Italy
Castello Svevo di Trani – Patti and the Basilica from the castle – Trani, Italy
Castello Svevo di Trani – Diorama of the castle – Trani, Italy
Castello Svevo di Trani – Painting as you enter – Trani, Italy
Castello Svevo di Trani – Sala Federico II room – Trani, Italy
Castello Svevo di Trani – Ruins leading to the prison area – Trani, Italy
Castello Svevo di Trani – Architecture of the castle – Trani, Italy
Castello Svevo di Trani – Old side portal in the castle – Trani, Italy
Castello Svevo di Trani – Strange window – Trani, Italy
Castello Svevo di Trani – Old prison area of the castle – Trani, Italy
Castello Svevo di Trani – Lookout to the sea – Trani, Italy
Castello Svevo di Trani – Old prison area of the castle – Trani, Italy
Castello Svevo di Trani – Large outside area – Trani, Italy
Restaurants
Since we were only doing a day trip, we were only able to visit one restaurant and that was for lunch.
Giù a Sud, Green Bistro
The Giù a Sud, Green Bistrot is located at Piazza Cesare Battisti in Trani. After viewing the menu outside we decided we would give it a try and we are glad we did.
Giù a Sud, Green Bistrot, Piazza Cesare Battisti – Inside – Trani, Italy
Giù a Sud, Green Bistrot, Piazza Cesare Battisti – Bar and Inside – Trani, Italy
Giù a Sud, Green Bistrot, Piazza Cesare Battisti – Primitivo and bread – Trani, Italy
Giù a Sud, Green Bistrot, Piazza Cesare Battisti – Bean and Lentil soup with croutons – Trani, Italy
Giù a Sud, Green Bistrot, Piazza Cesare Battisti – Orecchiette and Broccoli Rape – Trani, Italy
The food and restaurant is sourced locally from green producers and prepared using artisanal recipes. They had a bean and lentil soup with croutons which was just delicious. I am pretty sure it is probably something that comes off the menu in the summer, but you may ask, in Italy you never know, especially in Mezzogiorno. We thoroughly enjoyed it.
Before I went to Alberobello, I had never heard of a Trullo house and I must say I find them rather odd. To me, they just appear as though they are a bit small and perhaps uncomfortable inside. But I guess it’s what you get used to in life.
How To Get There
From Bari the easiest way to get there is by the TrennItalia website, application or buying a ticket at the station. The bus arrives in front of the DOK supermarket on the back side of the train station, so from town you will have to use the underground train station passage to get to the bus stop, it is across the street of Via Giuseppe Capruzzi. The cost is minimal, 2€ per person each way. You may hear them referred to as the TrulliBus, but if you ask anyone locally they will be confused by your question. So use the destination name of Alberobello and there will not be any confusion.
Bus from Bari to Alberobello – Alberobello, Italy
Bus ride – Truli buildings – Alberobello, Italy
Bus ride – Truli buildings – Alberobello, Italy
It arrives in Alberobello at that city’s train station and it is about a fifteen to twenty minute walk to the houses.
Our bus from Bari – Alberobello, Italy
Train Station – Bus Stop – Alberobello, Italy
Alberobello
When one first sees a Trullo house one’s first impression might be that it is a rather strange place to live. However, there are other precedents in other cultures. Alberobello contains many such examples of these houses, now converted toward the tourists industry.
Typical Italian street – via Giuseppe Girabaldi – Alberobello, Italy
Monumento Dei Caduti in Guerre – Alberobello, Italy
Fountain – Piazza Giangirolamo II – Alberobello, Italy
Stairs with Truli house view – Alberobello, Italy
Via Brigata Regina – Alberobello, Italy
Via Brigata Regina – Alberobello, Italy
The Trullo House
Initially developed by farmers and herders as a temporary place to stay while performing their tasks. However, once learned that they could be used as a tax dodge, the Italians in the area converted them to more permanent residential building, while forgoing the need to pay their taxes.
Patti – Via Monte San Marco – Alberobello, Italy
Truli homes – Alberobello, Italy
Truli homes – Alberobello, Italy
Truli homes – Alberobello, Italy
Truli homes – Alberobello, Italy
Truli homes – Alberobello, Italy
Trattoria and Bar – Alberobello, Italy
Via Duca D’Aosta – Alberobello, Italy
Donna Lia Intrecci – Alberobello, Italy
Via Monte San Michelle – Alberobello, Italy
Via Monte San Michelle – Alberobello, Italy
Truli house tops – Alberobello, Italy
Truli shops – Alberobello, Italy
Truli houses – Alberobello, Italy
Chiesa Parrocchiale di Sant’Antonio da Padova – Chiesa a Trullo – Alberobello, Italy
Truly an authentic Truli home – Alberobello, Italy
Another authentic Truli home – Alberobello, Italy
Al Pozzo Illuminato shop – Alberobello, Italy
Restaurants
During the off season there are limited restaurants for lunch, so plan accordingly. However, there are a few that open all year.
Terra Mossa Ristorante Pizzeria
The Terra Mossa Ristorante Pizzeria was our second pick, but we happen to go there because it opened a half an hour earlier than our original pick.
Ristorante Terra Mossa – Entrance – Alberobello, Italy
Ristorante Terra Mossa – Inside – Alberobello, Italy
Ristorante Terra Mossa – Inside – Alberobello, Italy
Located on Via Indipendenza, 4, it is a totally modern establishment and able to handle large crowds and tour groups. There were two visiting while we were eating and we did not experience any change in our service. The food is very good and they have English speakers, due to their location in a tourist area. It is prices slightly on the high side, but if you don’t go nuts two people can eat a fair lunch for around 40€.
Ristorante Terra Mossa – Patti’s Frittura di Calamari e Gamberi – Alberobello, Italy
Ristorante Terra Mossa – Erick’s Maritati Al Ragu – Alberobello, Italy
Ristorante Terra Mossa – Erick’s Insalata Mista and Fritta Patate – Alberobello, Italy
The small seaside town of Polignano A Mare is perched upon cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea. It is believed to be the ancient Greek town of Neapolis, or new city, but this has never been confirmed by archaeological research.
Train Station – Polignano A Mare, Italy
Map – Polignano A Mare, Italy
The town is a five minute train ride from Monopoli and about thirty minutes away from Bari to the north. A variety of trains run rather often, with the regional (R) trains taking a bit longer to reach their destinations. We always try to use the regional fast (RV) trains when we are able.
Limestone cliffs – Polignano A Mare, Italy
Cliff sides – Polignano A Mare, Italy
The draw for this ancient town and its historic center are the grottos and cliffs that line the seaward side of the town. Noted for cliff diving and other amusements during the summer months, it becomes a mecca when the weather turns warmer.
Grotta Azzurra Monachile
The Grotta Azzurra Monachile is one of the more famous grottos in the town and the easiest to reach. Once you have navigated the narrow streets toward the sea, it can be found on the norther edge facing Bari.
Grotta Azzurra Monachile – Polignano A Mare, Italy
Other Sights
We did not spend a lot time in this town, the historic district just does not offer much, especially during the off-season. In fact, we did not find many cafes or bars that were open, in the event you were thirsty and needed a drink. So, if you come in the off-season, prepare appropriately.
Street outside train station – Polignano A Mare, Italy
Modern town area – Polignano A Mare, Italy
Piazza Aldo Maro – Polignano A Mare, Italy
Town square – Polignano A Mare, Italy
Ancient gate – Polignano A Mare, Italy
Decorated for Christmas – Polignano A Mare, Italy
Beautiful stone building – Polignano A Mare, Italy
Narrow streets – Polignano A Mare, Italy
streets – Polignano A Mare, Italy
Typical residence – Polignano A Mare, Italy
A piazza – Polignano A Mare, Italy
Viale delle Rimembranze – Polignano A Mare, Italy
This town is another example of one I would not put high on my list. If you have the time, or you specifically are looking for a summer seaside place to stay, then this must fit the bill. Otherwise, I would rank it low on my places to see.
Monopoli, Italy – Not Park Place nor Marvin Gardens
If you are looking for something to do and have a free day to explore, then you might consider Monopoli, Italy. Located about forty minutes by train south of Bari, Monopoli is a true workers town, there is no fluff here.
Monopoli Train Station – Monopoli, Italy
Via Conti di Torino – Monopoli, Italy
Narrow streets in the city – Monopoli, Italy
Narrow streets in the city – Monopoli, Italy
Typical residential streets in the city – Monopoli, Italy
Residential area – Monopoli, Italy
Buttresses against houses – Monopoli, Italy
Jetty for port – Monopoli, Italy
Patti where streets diverge – Monopoli, Italy
Pescaturismo
The city has a basic port and does conduct fishing and fishing tours or fish tourism (pescaturismo or Fatti piu là), during the spring and summer months, on simple craft that you can reserve. I am not sure of the details, but if you are into catching your own food, this may be something to investigate. In any case, their boats are a bright blue and easy to see in the harbor.
Pescaturismo – Monopoli, Italy
Pescaturismo – Monopoli, Italy
Pescaturismo – Monopoli, Italy
Churches
Probably one of the most frequent ancient building to see in Monopoli, perhaps like any other Italian city, is the church, cathedral or basilica. In Monopoli they are all around. Since there is not much else to see in this quaint little city, looking at churches may pass the time.
Chiesetta di San Giovanni secolo XVIII – Monopoli, Italy
Chiesa Rettoria di S. Maria Amalfitana – Monopoli, Italy
Monastery San Martino Sec. XVII Monopoli – Monopoli, Italy
Chiesa Rettoria Sant’Angelo – Monopoli, Italy
Chiesa di Santa Teresa – Monopoli, Italy
Chiesa Rettoria Sant’Angelo – Monopoli, Italy
Clock tower – Monopoli, Italy
Monuments And Piazzas
There are few monuments and piazzas in this town. The piazzas that we found, were either squeezed in somewhere or rather elongated and looked more like a road than a square.
Piazza – Monopoli, Italy
Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi – Monopoli, Italy
Buttresses against houses – Monopoli, Italy
However, in the new part of town, there is one large piazza that works instead of all the ones lacking in the old quarter, that is Piazza Vittoria Emanuele II.
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II – Monopoli, Italy
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II – Monopoli, Italy
Restaurants
There is not much to offer, especially during the winter seasons. There are frankly no restaurants in the old city open, so you will have to try your luck during off times in the newer sections of the city.
Michelangelo – L’arte del gusto
For lunch we ate here. Nothing extravagant, just a simple salad and the daily pasta. We were able to sit outside on the corner and watch the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and enjoy our meal.
Bari is an ancient city built on a peninsula in the Adriatic Sea on the east coast of Italy. It is part of the Apulia region of that country and for many centuries considered part of Southern Italy, which until early twentieth century was considered distinct from the Northern Italy.
The historic city streets – Bari, Italy
Welcome signs in the city streets – Bari, Italy
More signs in the city streets – Bari, Italy
The pasta ladies offerings – Orecchiette pasta – Bari, Italy
One of the arches in the city – Bari, Italy
Roman scaffolding – Bari, Italy
The Italians here speak their own language, which is distinct from Italian and descended from the Neapolitan Dialect called the Barese Dialect. The differences here are also reflected in the food, pasta and other cultural areas.
The pasta ladies offerings – Orecchiette pasta – Bari, Italy
The pasta ladies offerings – other treats – Bari, Italy
Piazza Mercantile – Bari, Italy
Via Melo di Bari – Bari, Italy
The city itself has four distinct areas or sections, the old ancient part of the city is located on the peninsula. The train station is located in Murat, which may be considered the business section of the city.
Lungomare Imperatore Augusto – Bari, Italy
Lungomare Imperatore Augusto – Patti – Bari, Italy
Via Andrea da Bari – Decorated for Christmas – Bari, Italy
Via Andrea da Bari – Bari, Italy
Getting There
Since we are located in Northern Italian city of Turin, there are two options for us to get there, either the Turin or Milan airport. Since RyanAir has service to many small cities in Italy, Turin being one of them, they were the right choice for us. They provide a direct non-stop flight from Turin to Bari which only takes an hour and a half. It’s not cheap, but on the reasonable side. Even in January, with two flights a day, the plan was almost full.
Leaving Turin – Turin Airport, Turin
RyanAir – Turin Airport, Turin
Flying over the Adriatic Coast of Italy – Italy
Bari Airport – Bari, Italy
Once we landed there were several options to get from the airport to the city. Train, bus, taxi and rent-a-car. When we can, we always prefer and ride the train. We just find it more relaxing and trouble free, but that of course depends on the country and the railroad that is available.
Apulia has its own train system, separate from TrennItalia, so we purchased tickets at the desk before entering the train station (I figure, I can always install the phone application later for any return business). The trip from Bari Airport to Bari Centrale (C.le) takes about thirty minutes with about four of five stops in between.
Bari Airport Train Station – Bari, Italy
Next stop, Bari Centrale – Bari, Italy
Where We Stayed
Frankly, I no longer care for BnBs and will take a hotel over them any day. However, given the opportunity to check other Bed and Breakfast places, outside the crap these applications serve up, we will book our stays with them, provided we have thoroughly checked them out ahead of time using other people’s recommendations as our source material.
More signs in the city streets – Bari, Italy
Welcome signs in the city streets – Bari, Italy
The historic city streets – Bari, Italy
Murex B&B
Murex B&B is a very nice modern Bed & Breakfast in the heart of the ancient city of Bari. The owners are young, attentive and respectful of our needs. The amenities that are provided are sufficient and plentiful. Our room came with breakfast each morning and other treats, that would not normally be provided at some hotels and definitely not at those other places.
Main door – Murex B&B – Bari, Italy
The ascent to our B&B – Murex B&B – Bari, Italy
Our host Antonio – Murex B&B – Bari, Italy
One word of caution however, the staircase to enter is rather steep. So, if you require assistance with your luggage, you should ask. The owners are more than obliging to any requests and will carry it up and down for you.
La Citta room – Murex B&B – Bari, Italy
La Citta room – Murex B&B – Bari, Italy
La Citta room – Murex B&B – Bari, Italy
Our room was La Città, it was spacious, well lit and warm. The bed was firm with a cushion top and it definitely helped me nod off.
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola
The Basilica Pontificia San Nicola was built in the late eleventh and early twelfth centuries and consists of a basic architecture of a nave with neighboring aisles.
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Main Entrance – Bari, Italy
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Courtyard – Bari, Italy
The ceiling and interior has a rarity to it, that only an ancient church can provide. The roof is made of wood and is occluded by arches buttressing the sides together, few if any at right angles to each other, giving the entire interior a rather haphazard look.
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Interior – Bari, Italy
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Interior – Bari, Italy
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Interior – Bari, Italy
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Interior – Bari, Italy
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Interior – Bari, Italy
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Ornate Ceiling – Bari, Italy
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Altar – Bari, Italy
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Interior – Bari, Italy
The Crypt
Here you can find the tomb of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of Christmas. The crypt is a beautiful room with myriad arches all of which are adorned with unique capitols.
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Crypt – Bari, Italy
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Crypt – Bari, Italy
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Crypt – Bari, Italy
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Crypt – Bari, Italy
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Crypt – Bari, Italy
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Crypt – Bari, Italy
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Crypt – Bari, Italy
Basilica Pontificia San Nicola – Crypt – Bari, Italy
Restaurants
Our first day here we only had time for one meal. Since we ate rather late in the afternoon, around three o’clock, we simply weren’t hungry enough for dinner later that evening.
Matiti Pasta Bistrot
This bistrot did not get very good ratings online, however we found both the food and service adequate for lunch. I ordered a glass of red Primitivo wine from the area which was just delicious, and a 5€ glass, it didn’t hurt my wallet either.
Patti’s Caprese – Matiti Pasta Bistro – Bari, Italy
Erick’s Insalata Mista – Matiti Pasta Bistro – Bari, Italy
We kept things simple with a Caprese Salad, an Insalata Mista and later some pasta. After that I had an espresso and a sambuca. The total came to 62€ for two people, with two glasses of wine and coperto.
Patti’s Orecchiette with Speck and Pistachio Cream Sauce – Matiti Pasta Bistro – Bari, Italy
Erick’s Spaghetti and Meatballs – Matiti Pasta Bistro – Bari, Italy
Well after a somewhat long hiatus in the States, we returned to Turin at the beginning of January. As we have been getting older, we have noticed that we have to take things in stride and perhaps not rigidly plan so much, you never know what life can throw at you, especially grandchildren!
Salad, Lobster in mustard sauce, cheese and fruit salad, all as an appetizer
French Prime Rib with fried carrots and onions
Continental breakfast
We flew Air France business class from RDU (Raleigh Durham, NC) to CDG (Charles de Gaulle, Paris, France). Not only do we find you get better bang for your points with Air France, the food is much better!
Though we are not a fan of CDG, it is better than flying in and out of JFK or some other domestic airport. We find they handle the entire passport entry and exit process a whole lot better than in the U.S. From Paris we took EasyJet to MXP (Milan, Italy), which is only a little over an hour. Though this carrier nickel and dimes you for every little thing, like some domestic carriers, it is still much cheaper than Air France’s HOP! flight to Turin.
The problem with going from Paris directly to Turin, Italy using air travel amounts to timing. The schedule for any flights leaving to Turin later leave you with either less than an hour to make your connection, which anyone knows who has traveled through CDG is almost an impossible task; or, waiting for one much later in the day. Then there is also the increased cost, which can be several hundred euros per person more expensive than flying into Milan. We therefore choose to fly into MXP and take the train back to Turin and saved almost $500.
Aside from the cold the city is more or less the way we have left it. Yes, there are public work projects in process; when we left via Po was more or less all dug up for city water and sewage line replacement. It appears they even replaced the tram lines that had to be removed, so it looks like the piazza and the street should be good for another fifty years.
Restaurants
Nuovo Zhen Bao Chinese Restaurant
One of our first places to eat was the chinese restaurant Nuovo Zhen Bao. There is no better way to break in the New Year than with a nice wine and a plate of chinese food.
Our first dish of Chinese food since being back, thank you Zhen Bao!
Patti enjoying her Chinese food
As already noted in past entries they have excellent chinese food that would bring any chinese restaurant in the States to shame, and it is very economical, two people can have soup, salad, egg roll, a main and secondi dish with half liter of wine, small bottle of water and coffee and sambuca for around $35.
Il Buongusto
This week we found ourselves wanting a quick bite to eat and wandered our way over to Il Buongusto, which happens to be right around the corner, so to speak.
Il Buongusto Restaurant – Patti – Tajarin al Ragu
Il Buongusto Restaurant – Patti – Tajarin al Ragu
They always offer a good dish of Tajarin, either in Ragu (meat sauce) or Sugo (red sauce). It is a special version of pasta made mainly in the Piedmont region, I cannot say that we have anything quite like it in the States. Of course, they offer other options and have a full line of daily specials, but it was cold out and we needed something that would warm us up as well. Again, two people can eat here for lunch for right around $30.
Trattoria D’Agata
Today for lunch we went to Trattoria D’Agata, another staple on our list of restaurants to visit when in Turin. The menu reflects its Sicilian roots and the food tastes as though it adheres to that tradition, at least based on my experience on that beautiful island.
Trattoria D’Agata Restaurant – Menu
Trattoria D’Agata Restaurant – Patti waiting for lunch
Trattoria D’Agata Restaurant – Erick enjoying his glass of wine
Sticking with tradition and shying away from their no doubt amazing pizze offerings, we stuck with a seafood theme for lunch. My dishes were a concentration in tuna, tuna polpetti and a main of tuna fish with red onion relish; while Patti preferred to go the route of Arancini with a Paccheri pasta with swordfish and eggplant.
Trattoria D’Agata Restaurant – Inside
Trattoria D’Agata Restaurant – Tuna Polpetti
Trattoria D’Agata Restaurant – Tuna with red onion relish
Trattoria D’Agata Restaurant – Paccheri with swordfish and eggplant
Trattoria D’Agata Restaurant – sambuca, espresso and sicilian grapa
Patti and the river Po
Unlike the other two restaurants that were previosly commented on, this one is a bit more expensive, perhaps twice as much. However, having said that, we can say that the portions are on the larger side, so if you order too much, like we always seem to do, there are always plenty of left-overs. Our total for lunch, after our two hour stay, was €67 for two persons.
Porto di Savona
If you are looking for something a bit more unique or special to taste, then Porto di Savona would be a good pick. Here, most entries are made in house, including their pasta.
Porto di Savona restaurant – Inside Decor – Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Turin
Porto di Savona restaurant – Inside Decor – Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Turin
Located on the Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Porta di Savona has all of the Piedmont specials you might want for a nice dinner.
Porto di Savona restaurant – Patti ready to order – Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Turin
Turin at night, Christmas Decorations – via Po – January 2025
Turin at night – Piazza Vittorio Veneto – January 2025
Turin at night, Christmas Decorations – via Po – January 2025
The Tajarin is made in-house using the age old forty egg recipe, making the pasta that unique color of yellow. That along with the Castelmagno cheese that is generously sprinkled on the top, you are looking at your body’s weekly cholesterol intake in one dish.
Porto di Savona restaurant – Erick’s Braised Veal Tongue and Insalata Mista – Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Turin
Porto di Savona restaurant – Erick’s Tagarine with Castelmagno cheese – Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Turin
Porto di Savona restaurant – Patti’s Agnilotti al sugo – Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Turin
Porto di Savona restaurant – Patti’s Braised Veal Tongue and Insalata Mista – Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Turin
A bit more pricey than our usual picks, with the dishes seen above and a half liter of house red, the bill came to €62 for two people. But the food is absolutely delicious and worth every penny. Go early or book a reservation if you wish to go later, this restaurant gets full even during the early weekdays. Enjoy!
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is not doubt a miracle town amongst towns in Germany. Partially bombed during World War II, it took an American officer and the German commander of the city at the time to spare this town. The results of which, we are able to enjoy this middle-age town as it appears today, forty percent of which was nevertheless destroyed by allied bombing before it was stopped.
Panorama Tauber river valley – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
It is located in Bavaria and is about one and a half to two hours drive from the Frankfurt area on the A3 and A7, weather permitting of course. There are several parking areas to choose from for visitors, though we found street parking a block or so further out for free.
Plönlein with Kobolzeller Steige and Spitalgasse – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Rothenburg ob der Tauber
If it weren’t for it’s strange history at the end of World War II, this town would be easily overlooked. Not necessarily by Germans, but definitely by international tourists always looking for some interesting sidebar or reason to visit. Luckily, even on a Saturday, we did not find it all that busy for a tourist destination. We only hope that it will stay that way.
Patti, Dana, Gabi and Ericka – Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Patti and Erick – Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Patti and Dana – Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Ericka and Dana – Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Patti and Ericka – Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Seelbrunnen – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Marktplatz
The center square hosts various shops and restaurants, as well as the Town Hall and Ratstrinkstube Clock Tower. Saint George’s fountain can also be found here toward the lower part of the square.
Business shields – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Italian Ice place – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Spitalgasse with Spitalturm in distance – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Marktplatz – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Rathausturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Apotheke shield – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
St. George fountain – Marktplatz – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Dana – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Towers
Rothenburg has many towers on all sides of the town, especially on the eastern side. The main entrance towers are of course grander, but the little ones are no less impressive.
Gallows Gate – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Gallows Gate – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
– Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Old unused staircase – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Front and entrance – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Front and entrance – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Röderturm – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
The City Wall
It is one of only three towns in Germany which is still encompassed by a fully intact town wall. The eastern part of the wall, the one which we were actually able to walk on, was mostly repaired after its destruction at the end of the war.
Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Old unused staircase – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Front and entrance – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Front and entrance – Burgtorturm – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Several parts are boarded up or unreachable, but many people from around the world contributed funds in the effort to reconstruct it, making it possible to enjoy it today. There are several main entry points, Gallows Gate, Thomas Tower and one near Ruckesse Tower, to name a few.
Sterngasse and the city wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Tower on city wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Spitaltorturm – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Stairs at entry point – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Narrow entrance – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Gabi, Ericka, Dana and Patti – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Gabi, Ericka, Dana and Patti – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Wall with removable roof – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Siebersturm – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Donation thank you – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Old guard tower – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Area by Röderturm – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Röderturm – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Motte – Röderturm – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Röderturm gate – City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Thomas tower – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Flowers and grape leaves by City wall – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Restaurants
There are many restaurants to choose from in Rothenburg, many of which are located in or near the town square. Luckily, we failed on locating an Italian restaurant that was open, but it is August and the Italians are notorious for taking the entire month off for vacation. That forced to find the amazing place that we did below.
Reichsküchenmeister – Das Herz von Rothenburg
If you are able to obtain a seat in the garden, one of the go to places in Rothenburg for a weekend lunch or early dinner.
Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
The garden is just amazing, a totally relaxed atmosphere where we were fortunate enough to have a very responsive waiter. The menu is varied enough where one should be able to find something to fit their culinary needs.
Erbsensuppe – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Mixed salad – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Mixed salad with Feta – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Caprese salad – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Erick and Patti – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Dana, Gabi and Ericka – Reichskückenmeisterer – Herz von Rothenburg restaurant – Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
After spending a week in Frankfurt, we decided to spend some time in München, or Munich, Germany. The most affective way to do this from Frankfurt is by train, particularly the ICE DB service. In three hours and some odd number of minutes, you can travel between the two main train stations in comfort.
ICE Train to Munich – Storm Front – München, Germany
With most of the family here, we were seven and traveling by train such a short distance just made the most sense, since our daughter and son-in-law had our grandson along. This gave him some added room to walk around an annoy other people instead of just us, breaking up the monotony of the journey. Not really, but it did provide him enough space to get the wiggles out, as opposed to other modes of transport, like an airplane or automobile.
München
The largest city in Bayern, or Bavaria, Munich is a large, bustling city completely accustomed to tourists and tourism. If you are a mono-lingual English speaker, you will find no problem getting around in Munich, most of the residence and restaurant staff speak fluent English.
Marianplatz
The largest and most central of the squares or piazzas in Munich is the Marianplatz. It is most likely your U- or S-Bahn destination from the Hauptbahnhof and the energetic core of the tourism industry.
Marianplatz and the new Rathaus – München, Germany
The Marianplatz is girdled with high-end shopping, caffes and tourism shops. It also has many historical monuments and fountains, as well as churches and other places of interest.
Neues Rathaus and Glockenspiel
Most people will likely concentrate on the Old City, Marianplatz where the Glockenspiel plays it’s tune everyday at eleven and twelve o’clock (sometimes at seventeen o’clock in the winter).
Neues Rathaus – München, Germany
Der Affenturm – München, Germany
Isar Tor – München, Germany
It plays a rather long ditty that includes the operation of the top and then the bottom carousel of automatons.
Altstadt-Lehel
This region of München lies just to the north of the old city, or Altstadt. Here is where you will find the palaces, gardens and other grand accoutrements of the city.
Museum building – München, Germany
Museum of the 5 continents – München, Germany
Museum – München, Germany
Maximilian von Bayern monument – Maximilianstraße – München, Germany
Luitpoldbrücke – München, Germany
Bavarian National Museum – München, Germany
Dana – In front of the Bavarian National Museum – München, Germany
Dana – In front of the Bavarian National Museum – München, Germany
The Bavarian National Museum – München, Germany
Café – Bavarian National Museum – München, Germany
English Gardens
A large garden located to the north of the main part of the city, it is a very nice place to visit on a sunny day. A large city park with many different things to see and experience, it even has a place that people go to surf, if one can believe such a thing can exist away from the coast in a city.
English Gardens – München, Germany
English Gardens – München, Germany
English Gardens – München, Germany
English Gardens – München, Germany
English Gardens – München, Germany
English Gardens – München, Germany
Eisbachwelle
Just on the south east end of the gardens you will discover the river Eisbach and the Eisbachwelle. This is a fast moving stream that has been conveniently modified through the use of carefully placed stones into a haven for surf-boarders. It’s amazing to stop for a bit just to see their skill and how they are able to throw their boards in and hop on in all but an instant, truly remarkable.
Eisbachwelle – München, Germany
Eisbachwelle – München, Germany
Maximiliansanlagen and the Isar
Another great place for a stroll is Maximilian’s garden. A very well kept park which stretches along the Isar and the Isarinsel or island that provides a cool contemplative place for de-stressing and an escape from the warm summer midday.
The Isar – Luitpoldbrücke – München, Germany
Luitpoldbrücke – München, Germany
Luitpoldbrücke – München, Germany
Dana – In front of the Friedensengel – München, Germany
Friedensengel – München, Germany
Friedensengel – München, Germany
Friedensengel – München, Germany
Friedensengel – München, Germany
Friedensengel – München, Germany
The Isar – München, Germany
Widenmayerstraße promenade – München, Germany
Here you will find the Friedensengel monument and several other interesting points of interest. The two bridges that bound it, the Luitpoldbrücke and the Maximiliansbrücke provide pedestrian friendly points of entry.
The Great Cascades – München, Germany
The Great Cascades – München, Germany
The Great Cascades – München, Germany
The Isar below the Great Cascades – München, Germany
The Isar – Luitpoldbrücke – München, Germany
The Isar – München, Germany
Of note are the Große Kascaden, or Great Cascades, a series of weirs and fish ladders that provide a series of small waterfalls. The Wehr WKW-Praterkraftwerk, or power station, is built into the structure to provide electric power to the city. Through thoughtful design of constructing flood control they have provided electricity as well.
Restaurants
We spent time at the following restaurants. Some are must see, even though the food will not be up to expectations. We found the smaller establishments to be better, especially the service and cleanliness.
Hofbräuhaus
Well, perhaps the largest and most well-known beerhall in München, the Munich Hofbräuhaus is as large and as busy as it will get in a place to eat. They have a gift shop to match your expectations for a large one liter glass.
Entrance – Hofbräuhaus – München, Germany
Carved face – Hofbräuhaus – München, Germany
The band was great and our food was okay. Service is always going to be a problem at such a large establishment, that’s why I prefer the smaller places.
However, if you can overlook the local fauna, an interesting place to eat and drink. I have found a lack of service usually indicates a lack of cleanliness; if they cannot serve you, they cannot clean properly either – just a thought. In any case, one of the go-to places and a must see. Have a drink and if the fauna bother you, avoid the rest of the menu.
Salad – Der Pschorr restaurant – München, Germany
Sauerbraten with Knudel – Zum Dürnbräu – München, Germany
Der Pschorr
Another very good place for German food, perhaps the best that we had while in Munich. The service was very good as well, they kind of went out of their way to welcome families with children. You will find the place open and inviting with a good menu and food. Jett, Meagan and Jason’s baby ate for free, something not seen too often today.
Der Pschorr restaurant – München, Germany
Der Pschorr restaurant – München, Germany
Salad – Der Pschorr restaurant – München, Germany
Burg Pappenheim
One of Dana’s picks and an attempt to find that authentic German restaurant look and feel. It was really close, we found only one waiter that spoke English here, the others spoke German for the most part, though I was confident they could completely understand English.
Entrance – Burg Pappenheim restaurant – München, Germany
Old Augustiner faß – Burg Pappenheim restaurant – München, Germany
Burg Pappenheim restaurant – München, Germany
Burg Pappenheim restaurant – München, Germany
Dana, Meagan, Jett, Jason and Patti – Burg Pappenheim restaurant – München, Germany
Augustiner am Platzl
Overall a good place for German food. The service is better and the staff seems more attentive to customer needs. The food is also better, both tastier and presentation-wise. They can also accommodate larger families without the squeeze. There is however no band, so if you are looking for the Umpa-band look and feel, you will not find it here.
Augustiner am Platzl – München, Germany
Augustiner am Platzl – München, Germany
Augustiner am Platzl – München, Germany
The food and service were very good and the atmosphere a mix of old and new Bavaria. This restaurant is a bit out of the way and a bit of a walk from the city center, but worth the visit.
Zum Dürnbräu
Here we had a pleasant meal outside not far from our hotel, even though the weather was a bit questionable with rain possible. The service was a bit slow, but the food was good and we had a very good time. The sauerbraten was first rate and I got to try the Apfelküchle, or fried apple rings with cinnamon and light sugar, which I found delightful.
Entrance and terrace – Zum Dürnbräu – München, Germany
Sauerbraten with Knudel – Zum Dürnbräu – München, Germany
Apfelküchle – Zum Dürnbräu – München, Germany
Tavernetta Cucina con Pizza
After some time German food creates issues that only Italian food can cure. When you come to this Rubicon, you can cross by considering a place like Tavernetta, where you can enjoy some Italian food. They have a good menu, good service and the prices are not astronomical.
Entrance – Tavernetta Cucina with Pizza – München, Germany
Sign – Tavernetta Cucina with Pizza – München, Germany
Small Caprese – Tavernetta Cucina with Pizza – München, Germany
Tagliatelle Bolognese – Tavernetta Cucina with Pizza – München, Germany
