Venice |
We took the two hour train ride to spend the day in Venice, taking the Grand Canal Ferry to St. Mark's Square.
|
Bologna |
Bologna is known for its 26 miles of arcades, the tallest leaning tower in Italy and the oldest University in Italy.
|
Ravenna |
We took the optional train trip east to Ravenna, a very old city famous for its mosaics, both ancient and new. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
|
Parma |
One day we walked around Parma and the next we drove to Verdi's home area and learned about the very good, and expensive, culatello Parma ham.
|
Pontremoli |
We walked through this ancient hill town then had testaroli for lunch, after watching them being made.
|
Lucca |
Lucca was established by the Romans about 180 BC and still has the original walls around it. It was the home of Puccini.
|
Carrara Marble Mining
|
This gorgeous white marble has been mined from these mountains for centuries. The "David" came from here. We rode up the mountain in Land Rovers to see the quarry up close.
|
Florence |
Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We started the tour on the hill above for great perspective. The Baptistry doors are very famous.
|
Siena |
Siena is a medieval city with cobblestone streets that lead to a beautiful large central plaza. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
|
Pitigliano |
As early as the 15th century, Jews sought refuge here when expelled by the Papal State of Rome. Again they were accepted and hidden during WW II. It is a beautiful hill town.
|
Assisi |
The 13th-century Basilica was built in memory of St. Francis, who practiced humility and compassion in the face of poverty. We toured the Basilica. They whole area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
|
Spoleto |
We started by walking across the medieval bridge and on into the city where we toured the 11th-century Duomo. The painting on the wall shows the first use of perspective in art.
|
Trevi |
Our first dinner, on arriving in the area, was up in Trevi. Afterward we only saw it from afar.
|
Day with family
|
|
Grace and Paul Pitzer
We hope you will keep checking back regularly to see what is new. I'm always out and about with some camera and love to stretch my skills and add to my volume of work. Motto: "Pack light and take lots of pictures." |
Paul: pcpitzer@comcast.net
Grace: gcpitzer@comcast.net |