Lacul Dracului, The Devil’s Lake

In a wonderful corner of the mountainous region in Banat, the Nera river has dug in the imposing rocks one of the most beautiful gorges in Romania. The wilderness and the unique sceneries are outstanding.

An amazing karst lake situated at the middle of Nerei Gorges is a very deep lake, with a light blue water color which covers an area of approximately 700 square meters, having a diameter of 20 meters, a depth varying between 9 and 12 meters and is known as the largest karst lake in the country. The Devil’s Lake is a subterranean hollow – and the biggest of its kind in Romania. It used to be a subterranean lake, in a cave, but one of the walls of the cave collapsed and brought it to the surface. Its color is blue-green but it varies according to the color of the sky and to the light. It has an intense color and due to this attracts numerous visitors. This lake can be reached by boat on Nera River or by two marked trails, one coming from Carbunari and the other one coming from Sopotu Nou or Sasca Romana.

The Devil’s Lake came to surface after the ceiling of the cave housing it crashed. The galleries of the cave are visited as the access is difficult, the calcareous formations are not impressive and the rooms are flooded most of the time. In the same splendid greenish-blue water with which you have become accustomed you will see lively fish and crags. The Devil’s Lake has its own legend. It is said that the devil threw into the lake after losing a bet to an old shepherd. They say that one day an old shepherd was looking after his goats in the meadows when a strange little man came out of nowhere. He challenged the old shepherd to fry a fish without bending it. The shepherd accepted the challenge with one condition: the strange little man had to fry the head of a goat without the animal showing its teeth. The shepherd took the fish and fried it without the fish bending an inch. The Devil took the goat’s head and tied it really tight but when he put it in the fire the goat showed its teeth. Out of pique, the devil threw into the lake. From that moment the lake is called the Devil’s Lake. The locals say that the lake has been bottomless ever since, swallowing anyone who dares to disrupt its ca

Local people say the lake is bottomless and those who dare to dive into its blue waters never come back to the surface.

RAVENESCA, UP IN THE SKY!

Caras-Severin county has a number of 6 villages where the Czechs (pemi) live. The majority of Romanian Czechs live in the south-west of the country, with around 60% of them living in Caras Severin county, where they make up 0.7% of the population.

The Czechs were among the last peoples colonized by the  Habsurgs in Banat.Their colonization took place in three main stages in the following years : 1823, 1827 and 1862, as a consequence of the need to populate the sparsely populated territories, to clear the forests and to ensure, together with the inhabitants of the Romanian villages, the protection of the borders.

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The large fields are fertile for plants to grow as well as good food for animals,such as cows,horses or pigs.

Ravensca (in Czech Rovensko) is located on the hill at an altitude of cca 750 meters above sea level and about 7 km south-east of the village Sopotu Nou, under which administration it falls.

From the Czech villages in the Banat,it is the highest-located and the best preserved Czech language is spoken here. Thanks to considerable isolation the language is not overly influenced. The village lies in isolation on the wes side of the Almaj Mountains. Electricity was introduced here as late as in 1994.

Local inhabitants make their living mainly in agriculture. They also raise animals that can provide food. Life on the mountain range is very hard, particularly in winter, when the village is almost completely cut off from the rest of the world. This is probably the reason for the rapid decrease of residents. today ,maybe a number of 60 people still live here. There is even school where 4 students learn.

At first, in 1826, 64 were built. Then the number increased and after it fell again.

A chapel was built in 1863. The nowadays church appeared in 1922.

Traditional Czech house, painted in white.

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Deva,the gymnastics capital of Romania

The name of Deva was first recorded in 1269 as  Dewa. The origin of the name gave rise to controversy. It is considered that the name comes from the ancient Dacian word dava, meaning “fortress”.

Deva is situated in the central part of Hunedoara County, on the left bank of the middle course of the Mures river at 187 m above sea level.

Deva is dominated by the Citadel Hill, a protected nature reserve,renovated because of its rare floral species and the presence of the horned adder,a venomous snake. Perched on the top of the hill are the ruins built in the 13th century. Tourists can visit the Citadel by climbing the hill or using the cable car.  The ruins of Deva fortress contain the prison where Francis Davíd (Ferenc Dávid) – the Unitarian founder of Europe’s first official declaration of religious toleration – died in 1579.From the top of Dealul Cetatii hill visitors can view the route of the “Salt Road” the old Roman that – from the early 100s AD until late 200s AD – used to connect Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire, with Transylvania.

Deva’s tourist attractions include the Arts Theatre, the Patria Cinema, the Old Centre and the Citadel Park.There is also the Aqualand Complex, a recently built leisure centre situated near the Citadel Park.

Deva is considered the Gymnastics capital of Romania because the National gymnastics training center is located within the city. Many of the country’s Olympic gymnasts have trained in Deva. Since 1978, the country’s best gymnasts – including Olympic, World and European champions Nadia Comaneci, Ecaterina Szabo, Lavinia Agache,Daniela Milosevici,Maria Olaru, Catalina Ponor,have trained and got their education in this city.

Magna Curia Palace is maybe the second touristic attraction of the city, It is now home to the Museum of Dacian and Roman.It is a Renaissance style structure built in 1621.

The Art Theatre built in mid 1800s is Deva’s fines example of Secession Viennese architecture and the city’s main cultural institution. The building was opened as a theater in 1911 after extensive renovations based on plans by Jewish architect Marcell Komor whose other major works include Targu Mures Municipality Building , Reduta concert hall in Bratislava (Slovakia) and Subotica synagogue (Serbia).

A bronze statue is dedicated to the king of Dacia: Decebalus who ruled the Dacians between AD 87 and 106. The statue of Roman Emperor Trajan stands in front of Deva town hall.

 

 

Szeged, a bit of Hungarian life

Closed to the Romanian border, Szeged is the third largest city of Hungary, the largest city and regional centre of the Southern Great Plain and the county seat of Csongrád county.

At the confluence of the Tisza and Maros/Mureș Rivers, Szeged is a city that was reborn at the end of the 19th century. In 1879 a flood almost wiped Szeged out, leaving only 265 of 5723 houses standing. Somehow the city reborn.

One of the most known attractions is The Szeged Synagogue.It is a 1907 building designed by the Jewish Hungarian architect Lipót Baumhorn, whose work is considered to contain the finest examples of the unique fin de siècle Hungarian blending of Art Nouveau and Historicist styles sometimes known as Magyar style.The interior of the great dome, and all of the building’s stained glass, are the work of the artist Miksa Róth.

The Szeged Synagogue is the second largest in Hungary after the Dohány Street Synagogue in Budapest, and the 4th largest in the world.The dome’s 24 columns symbolise the hours in the day, while the rose flowers symbolise the Revelation.The synagogue has high-grade acoustics and is often used for classical concerts.

Szeged is home to some beautiful outdoor spaces. Dom ter is the city’s most beautiful square, surrounded by iconic buildings such as the Votive Church and Dömötör Tower (the oldest building in Szeged)

Móra Ferenc Múzeum , founded in 1883 and opened in 1896, houses a number of permanent and temporary collections of works relating to natural sciences, art, traditional trades and more. The building itself was constructed in the neoclassical style and is named after Móra Ferenc, who was the museums director . The Neoclassical Palace for Public Education has a regal portico supported by Corinthian columns.The permanent exhibitions deal with natural history and regional culture and crafts, all explained with moving models, multimedia and interactive displays.

The Zoo covers 106 acres and houses over 200 different species. Large enclosures are climate controlled and kept as natural as possible, providing a great environment in which to visit and learn more about the animals who live in the zoo – including a number of endangered species. Educational programs, feeding shows and a petting zoo are just some of the activities to be enjoyed here. Everything is organised geographically so it’s pretty easy to get around, and you can try to time your visit to coincide with the regular feeding sessions.The Quarantine house houses animals and birds recovered from illegal smuggling. Covering about 600 animals through 140 species, exhibits at the zoo include: the wolverine, L’Hoest’s monkey, fossa, Alaotran gentle lemur, bat eared fox, North Chinese leopard, lowland anoa, Chinese water deer, silvery marmoset, red-cheeked gibbon, giant anteater and maned wolf. the lion, slender-tailed meerkat, Bactrian camel and Siberian tiger.

The Votive Church

In 1879, a great flood wiped away many of Szeged’s buildings, wreaking destruction on the city. As a result, the city vowed to create a Catholic Cathedral and in 1913, construction began . The interior of the cathedral is opened to visitors, and its tower can be climbed for stunning panoramic views over Szeged. On a plaza with the same dimensions as St Mark’s Square in Venice, the Votive Church is the fourth largest building in Hungary, with a capacity of 5,000 and towers cresting 91 metres above the square.

Highlights include: 

  • The Hero’s Bell, which weighs 8600 kg.
  • Europe’s third largest pipe organ, with 9040 pipes.
  • A statue of the Madonna, 3 metres high.
  • Some beautiful art inside the church, not to mention stunning interior decorations.
  • The murals on the roof.

Széchenyi Square

This landscaped five-hectare plaza is traced by Eclectic-style mansions and monuments like the City Hall and Hotel Tisza, which was once a magnet for famous writers, composers and poets.

Napfényfürdő Aquapolis

On the left bank of the Tisza is an indoor waterpark and pool complex with slides for youngsters and fitness facilities and thermal treatments for grown-ups . There are 13 slides here, adding up to a kilometre in length.

The city is also known for its famous festivals which begin in March and end somewhere in October. The wine, sausage, fish or beer festival are not to be missed! During them the city becomes quite crowded. Do not forget to try the spicy Hungarian food. It can be found in their traditional restaurants. Make sure it has paprika in it!

PORTO,too good to be missed!

Lisbon and Porto are the most famous places of Portugal. The spirit of Portuguese life can be felt better in Porto, a city whose western part extends to the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. So a day at the ocean is also a variant for this destination!On the shores of the Douro River and the North Atlantic Ocean, the Foz Do Douro is blessed with beaches, castles, galleries, markets and many restaurants. 

The second biggest city of this country developed during Roman occupation as an important commercial point.In 711 fell under the control of the Moors. In the 14th and 15th centuries the shipyards contributed to the development of Porto. In 1415,Prince Henry the Navigator started its conquests.

What is facinating about Porto are the narrow streets and colorful houses, breathtaking views from both the city and the Douro river , its galleries full of ancient and contemporary art, its gardens and museums, and its restaurants with both traditional food:codfish recepies,tripes based food and Fracesinha( a sandwich containing different type of meats, cheese and a beer and tomato sauce).

The Ribeira District, a labyrinth of cobbled ,ancient houses and Dom Luis I Bridge, a double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the river Douro between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, built in 1876 and having 172 meters ,became a World Heritage Site (Unesco) in 1996.

Riberia is one of the oldest areas of the city and one of the most beautiful, as well. The landscape over the river and the rabelo boats (a traditional Portuguese wooden cargo boat used to transport people and goods along the Douro River) that cross the waters make the delights of tourists and locals alike.

Igreja de São Francisco one of the famous landmarks of Porto looks from the outside to be an austerely Gothic church, but inside it hides one of Portugal’s most dazzling displays of baroque finery.

The palatial 19th-century Palácio de Bolsa, formerly a stock market, was built to impress potential European investors. It served as a stock exchange building in the 1800s. The Neoclassical style façade dates back to the 19th century. Even though the general structure of the palace was finished by 1850, ornate architectural details continued to be added till the early 20th century by different architects. It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Clerigos Tower is one of the biggest landmarks of the city. And the tour through Invicta (another name for Porto) is not complete without a visit to this monument. At the time of its completion in 1763, it was the tallest structure in Portugal. This imposing masterpiece is the work of Nicolau Nasoni, an 18th century Italian architect whose stroke of genius can be found all around northern Portugal The rooms off the stairs are home to an exhibit documenting the history of the 18th-century tower’s inhabitants and architects. One of the best views of the city is at the top of this tower 75 meters high, but to enjoy it you will have to climb 225 steps.(they can be pretty narrow!)

Lello Library is one of the most emblematic bookstores. It is right in the center of Porto and is part of its historical heritage. It appeared in 1906 at number 144 Rua das Carmelitas. And it remained there until today, with the neogothic architecture that characterizes it, the carved wood, the golden columns and the ornate ceilings that form a unique calling card. If you are a fan of the Harry Potter saga, know that this bookstore served as an inspiring setting for author J.K. Rolling, who lived in Porto.It is very crowded and quite expensive. But it is worth a visit!

Soares dos Reis National Museum is a good choice is you are into art. The museum has a vast collection of paintings from the 16th to the 20th centuries, ceramics, sculpture, engraving, jewellery and textiles. On the walls of this museum you will find paintings by great Portuguese artists such as Henrique Pousão, Silva Porto, António Carneiro, Aurelia de Souza or Amadeo de Souza Cardoso. An exterior garden would charm you with its Portuguese flavour.It is housed in the lavish Carrancas Palace and named after famous Portuguese sculptor Soares dos Reis. 

The best known cafe in Porto, the Majestic Cafe, is famous for its elegant architecture. The gilded woodwork, chandeliers, paintings, and upholstery of Majestic Cafe can give any of Porto’s monuments a run for its money. The cafe opened in late 1929 and is a must see for everyone coming to Porto.

Porto Cathedral is the city’s largest place of worship. It was built around the 12th century but significant renovations of the facade have taken place since then. And although the Cathedral is identified as a fine example of Romanesque design, it embodies an eclectic mix of Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque architecture.

Fascinating streets, old and impressive churches, bridges and of course, the wine! Too good to be missed!

THE DOURO RIVER

Olănești,the relaxing spa

A promenade to the wells is a great way of walking through the alleys surrounded by trees

Olănești is a touristic place in Vâlcea county, Oltenia,in the south of the Romania. The first documentary attestation of Olănești dates from 1527. The mineral waters of Olănești are mentioned for the first time in 1760 when they were called healing waters. In 1873 Oănești mineral waters are sent to the Vienna Exhibition, obtaining the Golden Medal and assuring its future success. The resort has more than 35 hydro sources, both as natural springs and as a result of drilling and mining works (wells and galleries). A total of 15 mineral springs are fugitive captured for internal treatment. Two mineral springs with mineral water and four wells are used to cure external (bathing). If you want to access them you need a card that you have to pay for.

The cure should be prescribed by doctors since the amount of water can have damaging effects if it is too much.

What if you want more than cure? Or if you want something else? In this case you have to make sure that you do not stay too much because it may become a bit boring. It is not a silent resort, there are a lot of people who come here and prefer to have a holiday, especially those living in Vâlcea county.

Fresh and clean air
Water lilies lake

There is park which includes 2 lakes full of water lillies. When I was there (August) the white ones were in blossom, but a lady told us there are also pink one that blossom earlier, somewhere around June or July.

If you are looking for an easy walk in the forest you can take a 45 minute trip to Tisa which is a village that later became part of Olănești. I liked this place a lot , it has a few old houses and even a guest house. There is a lot of peacefulness and tranquility in here. Plus, you get the chance to see some traditional Oltenian village.

You can continue your walk in a different direction and reach the place where is the villa of the former president of Romania, Nicolae Ceausescu. Unfortunately, you can not visit it. Security is on your way! Still the walking is worth it!

 Like all the Romanian spa resorts this one too has got its own ruins. The image of huge, destroyed hotels are a part of the view. But along with them ,you will find also new buildings ,guest houses and smaller hotels. There are a few restaurants, fast foods and many people who sell their products on the street. So do not worry that you will not find a souvenir to bring home.

The wooden church of Horea brought from Albac is a majestic presence in Olănești. Being a small resort you will have no problem in finding it !

Govora park

The monasteries of Oltenia are easily reached from here. Govora , another spa and also a splendid monastery is not far away either , in case you want to have some nearby trips.

Kotor, seductive and chic

Montenegro, a very small country gives you the chance to enjoy some lovely summer days.Kotor, a fortified town, on the Adriatic coast has winding and narrow streets and squares which gives it a splendid look. The port is surrounded by fortifications which were built by the Venetians. The city was part of the Venetian Albania from 1420 to 1797. It was besieged by the Ottomans in 1538 and 1657. Four centuries of Venetian domination have given the city the typical Venetian architecture, that contributes to make Kotor a Unesco world heritage site. Although seriously damaged by the 1979 earthquake, the principal monuments and historic urban areas have been carefully restored and reconstructed under the auspices of UNESCO, and have retained their architectural, urban, and historical authenticity.

The Church of Saint Luke (Sveti Luka) from the 13th century, Church of Saint Ana (Sveta Ana) from the 12th century, Church of Saint Mary (Sveta Marija) from the 13th century, Church of the Healing Mother of God (Gospe od Zdravlja) from the 15th century, the Prince’s Palace from the 17th century and the Napoleon’s Theatre from the 19th century are all treasures that are part of the rich heritage of Kotor. The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Sveti Tripun) is at the center of one of these squares, and it’s a monument of Roman culture and one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. Carnivals and festivals are organized each year.

Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor is often called Europe’s southernmost fjord .

Something that surprised me in Kotor the most – a really big number of incredible palaces dating back to 15th-18th centuries, the time of the town’s biggest prosperity. As Kotor has always been a place of big importance numerous noble families has lived here. When you wander around Kotor Old Town you can spot lots of palaces. Some of them don’t look all that impressive, only when you look closer you can see details that disclose the real value of the place. Others, like Pima Palace, catches the eye as soon as you leave the narrow lane leading to the square it’s located at.

I found a cat museum there. However, no living one there!

Madrid,a city full of joy

From art to nightlife, Madrid is the city that offers you almost anything you want. The most important place in Madrid is definitely Prado Museum, a museum that possesses a collection of 7000 paintings,including El Greco, Rembrandt, Rubens or Boticelli. The place itself is a jewel, the building has got Renaissance and Baroque elements. A visit here can be tiring so be prepared for 4 or 5 hours that you can spend here.

Retiro park, the most central and known park used to be a royal property up to the end of the 19th century.

The Royal Palce was built around the year 1700. It is the largest royal palace in Western Europe and from an architectural point of view being a mixture of Baroque ans neoclassic styles. the frescoes are also a must see. You can also visit the collections of paintings by Goya or Caravaggio or watches, tapestries,porcelains and silverware. Make sure not to miss the only string quartet of Stradivarius instruments in the world. It is here!

Another important treasure is the private collection of personal weapons which belong to Charles II, in the 16th century. The Royal Armoury is something that would make you reconsider history.

Whether you are a football fan or not, visiting Bernabeu, the stadium of Real Madrid can be an experience of a lifetime. It is an opportunity to get into the subtle world of football. The winner of 11 European Cups, has a 85000 seater stadium and it gives you a taste of the football world. You can step into the dressing room, the dugouts and the conference room. The trophy collection leads you to a shiny, glamourous world.

Gran Via is maybe the most crowded place of the city, since here is the center of shopping, entertainment and culture. Take a walk here, stop to admire the sights and enjoy Spanish life!

Plaza Mayor has a bit of a vintage touch. It used to be a royal square. It has got 9 entrances, several portiocoes and some charming cafes, as well as souvenir shops. The 400 -year-old-bronze statue of King Philip III.

There are so many other things here, such as churches, cathedrals,museums of art,archeology ,parks and squares. What I liked were the open air markets( try Mercado San Miguel, since 1916) which are usually fresh produce markets. You can have a taste of sweets, spices, sea fruits and the famous Spanish ham. Try it,it tastes better than you think! Have a taste of Madrid life! It is full of flavour!

Plaza Mayor

Madrid

KOLN/COLOGNE, MORE THAN A FAMOUS CATHEDRAL

As you step out of  train from the central  railway station, you see the well known cathedral. And of course, the city center. But, this place is not only about this landmark. What  comes into my mind when I say Koln, is a delicious museum of chocolate where you can spend a few  good hours learning about the making of history from th Aztecs to present days. You can see every stage of chocolate here and a wide variety of it. You can find all the history related to Cocoa and the other chocolates. There is a huge area for kinder joy where children can have fun and interactive way to learn more about chocolate making process.

Cologne has one of the world’s best collections of museums and galleries, an ethnographic museum, and an abundance of Roman remains. Among its attractions are Roman remains, medieval churches, Baroque palaces, and museums.

Cologne’s importance never really slowed, and today, the city remains one of Germany’s most important cultural centers, home to numerous arts and entertainment facilities, along with more than 100 galleries and at least three dozen museums. 

A large proportion of Cologne’s area consists of parkland, woods, lakes, sports facilities, and open areas. Two major park systems follow roughly the concentric patterns of old fortifications around the Innenstadt. The first is just outside the Ringstrassen and includes zoological and botanical gardens, the Stadtgarten, and the Volksgarten. The second, the Outer Greenbelt, is a wooded area contains extensive recreation grounds and the Müngersdorfer Stadium. On the right bank of the river is the Rhine Park, a large green area, a convention centre with halls for fairs and exhibitions.

Cologne’s Old Town Hall, the Kölner Rathaus  reflects a number of different architectural influences, including the 14th-century main building, the 15th-century tower, and a Renaissance-style loggia and cloister. Even the 20th-century influences are pleasing, as seen in the atrium. Other highlights include the Hanseatic Hall, with its Gothic figures of eight prophets; the nine “good heroes” and its sonorous carillon that plays three times each day.

The cathedral is of course the star of this city.  Its twin towers rise 157 metres above the city centre. After an earlier cathedral on the site was destroyed by fire in 1248, it was decided that a new one would be built in the  Gothic style. The cathedral stood unfinished until 1842, when work was resumed. In 1880 the enterprise was finally completed. Covering an area of 6,166 square meters, its soaring roof  is  supported by 56 pillars.  The cathedral is filled with treasures: the 12th-century Reliquary of the Three Kings created by local goldsmiths; the famous relief of the Adoration of the Kings (1440); the Treasure Chamber, with precious objects that include ancient reliquaries and manuscripts. Panoramic views from the south tower are reached by more than 500 steps that pass the cathedral’s famous bells.

Alleys lined with traditional old houses, many now home to boutique shops, galleries, cafés, and restaurants take you to a lovely walk along the Rhine.

Surely, there is a Zoo here, as well. Founded in 1860, is one of Germany’s oldest zoological gardens, as can be evidenced in its fine collection of 19th-century menagerie buildings, including its Moorish-style elephant house and an old birdhouse resembling a traditional Russian church.  One of the most appealing features of the zoo is that you can see its history , with modern facilities.  Do not forget the Botanical  Garden.

If you are looking for a day without too much stress and  little planning, just take a walk. Very crowded place, lots of people, tourists, pubs, shops and other attractions that can add flavour to your day!

Bologna, the city of porticoes

Each visit to beautiful Italy proves one certain thing. Each region has itis own features, charm, beauty and specific characteristics that can be seen nowhere else. Bologna is the capital and largest city of the Emilia-Romagna region. It is the seventh most populous city in Italy. Throughout history, Bologna has served as a major cultural and economical hub in Italy and has been ruled by the Etruscans, Celts and Romans .
Famous for its towers, churches and lengthy porticoes, Bologna has a well-preserved historical centre, thanks to a careful restoration and conservation policy which began at the end of the 1970s and which keeps the city awake. The oldest university in the world, the University of Bologna, established in AD 1088 is definetely a must see of your itinerary.
Moreover, Bologna is an important agricultural, industrial, financial and transport hub. Bologna is also one of the wealthiest cities in Italy, often ranking as one of the top cities in terms of quality of life in the country: in 2011 it ranked 1st out of 107 Italian cities, which makes it a great place to stay in.
It has a current population of approximately 387,000. with a greater metropolitan population of just over 1 million inhabitants. Bologna occupies a central location in Italy and lies to the north of Florence, to the South of Venice and to the South East of Milan.
From the 18th century onwards, this city was part of the Papal States until the Napoleonic area in the 1700’s. Major economies in Bologna include the manufacturing industry, and a strong financial sector.
Bologna’s nicknames are : “La Grassa” (The Fat – that rich cuisine), “La Rossa” (The Red – for its traditional political leanings and its ochre roofs) and “La Dotta” (The Learned – its university ).
What is interesting about this place is the architecture , noted for its palette of terracotta reds, burnt oranges, and warm yellows. The extensive town centre, characterised by miles of attractive covered walkways, known as “porticoes,” is one of the best-preserved in Europe.V isitors can walk under the typical arcades of Bologna for a total of 38 km. The Portici were originally built by order of the town authorities to house temporary visitors. They had to be wide enough that a man could lie down under them to sleep.Some of them still sleep…
There are several things to do and places to see while you are here. The number of tourists is not so big which is a big advantage these days.
The most known place of the city is the central square in Bologna, the Piazza Maggio, located right in the centre of the city it is an important historical place.
There are some important buildings including the Pallazo d’Accursio, the Palazzo del Podesta, the Basilica di San Petronio and the Palazzo Comunale.
To the north west of the square you can see Piazza del Nettuno that contains the famous Fountain of Neptune. Try to look at the statue from different angles and you may have some surprises. The fountain built in 1563 by Tommaso Laureti of Palermo later embellished by Jean de Boulogne (called Giambologna) is considered to be one of Bologna’s symbols.
Bologna has a pair of leaning towers; actually it has a myriad of towers, but the two tall examples standing in the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana are the most legendary. Asinelli and Garisenda are two tall towers that stand next to each other and are both named after important Italian families.Asinelli stands at 97.2 m and was used as a prison and a stronghold. Garisenda stands only at 48m but has an extremely noticeable tilt and overhang of 3.2m. Climb the towers ( with a bit of an effort) and see the gorgeous landscapes stretching for miles around. The colours of the buildings seen from the towers adds an extra charm to the city.
The markets full of delicious fresh fish, sea food, good cheese, ham, various fruits and vegetables are to be tried. The gastronomic power of Bolgna is to be taken into consideration.
There are some art galleries (the city’s most important art, offers an interesting panorama of the Emilian and Venetian painting from the XIII to the XVIII century: the works by Giotto, Raffaello, Parmigianino (Madonna col Bambino/Virgin Mary with Baby and the Saints Margaret, Girolamo and Petronio), Perugino, Tiziano and Tintoretto (Visitazione/Visitation and Saints Joseph and Zacharias), museums and plenty of churches which can be visited.
The Archaeological Museum houses a comprehensive collection of antiquities including Egyptian civilization (mummies and sarcophagi), iron age Villanova culture, artifacts from Etruscan Velzna, funerary art, terracotta urns, ancient vases and items from Roman times. Do not miss the bronze Certosa jar which is over 1,500 years old.20190206_172450.jpg