Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City
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Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City
Italy is a popular tourists’ destination that is rich in history and culture. She has many interesting cities where old, monumental buildings built in Gothic, Classical, Medieval, Baroque and Neoclassical architectural styles still exist.
Italy Tour of 7 Cities
Tour-Group and Tour-Manager
Malaysian Tour Group
My wife and I joined a group of 20 Malaysians under a Golden Destinations(Malaysia) tour manager, Jenny, and travelled to Italy for a five-day land tour of 7 cities, namely Rome, Vatican City, Pisa, Verona, Florence, Venice and Milan.
Map of Italy showing Cities to be Visited
Italy tour of Rome, Vatican City, Pisa, Florence, Venice, Verona and MIlan
Writer and Wife
Writer, Choo Chaw, and wife, Peng
Tour-Manager, Jenny
Jenny, tour manger of Golden Destinations(Malaysia)
Day 1 Thursday, 2 November 2017
Air Flight to Italy
On the first day we left KLIA(Malaysia), travelled to Hong Kong and then to Rome in Italy. The air-flight was long taking about 15 hours.
Day 1: Flight to Italy from Malaysia via Hong Kong
Day 2 Friday, 3 November 2917
Visiting Rome and Vatican City on Day 2
Rome Tour Guide, Christina
When we arrived in Rome, Italy, on the 2nd. day, a Polish coach-driver, Bart, brought us to some historical places in Rome and later to other cities in northern Italy for a total of 5 days.
Bart, the Coach-Driver
Bart, a Polish coach-driver, bringing Malaysians on a tour to 7 cities in northern Itaky
Map of Italy showing the location of Rome and Vatican City
Visiting Rome and Vatican City on Day 2: Friday, 3 November 2017
Jenny, our tour-manager, led us to the historical places in Rome and they were as follows:
Monument of Victor Emmanuel II
The first place we visited was one in the centre of Rome City where we saw the massive Monument of Victor Emmanuel II(1820-1878). It was built in honour of Emmanuell II for unifying Italy in 1861 and becoming her first king. It was built by several well-known sculptors in the 1885-1925 period.
Monument of Victor Emmanuel II, Rome
Pantheon
Then we walked to Venezia Square where a Roman temple was built in 113-125 A.D periodk. Now it is a Catholic church dedicated to “St. Mary and Martyrs”. The front of the church is supported by 12 Cornithian columns and a rotunda with a dome is behind them.
Pantheon in Rome
Top of the Pantheon dome allows light to pass through.
Visitors in the interior of Pantheon
Tombs of Kings
Tombs of two Italian kings, Victor Emmanuel II(1820-1878) and Umberto I(1844-1900), are displayed in the building. The tomb of Umberto I’s wife, Margerit(1851-1926), is inside, too.
Tomb of King Umberto I(1844-1900) in Pantheon, Rome
Piazza della Rotunda
Outside Pantheon is a square known as Piazza della Rotunda which has an obelisk and fountain.
Pantheon Square or Piazza della Rotunda, Rome
Colosseum in Rome
From Pantheon we walked to a historical site where Italy’s iconic Roman amphitheatre was built. Known as Colosseum, it was built in the 72-80 A.D. period by two Roman Emperors, first Vespasian and later, Titus. Built for gladiators’ contests and public spectacles, it could accommodate 65 000 spectators.
Christina, the Colosseum Tour-Guide
At the Colosseum we met our local tour-guide, Christina, who showed us around the amphitheatre.
Colosseum tour-guide, Christina
Colosseum of Rome
Colosseum in the Olden Days
Fall of the Western Roman Empire
The Colosseum ceased to be used for gladiators’ contests and public spectacles in the early Medieval Period or Middle Ages(5-15th. Century) after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Then it was used for such purposes as a cemetery, workshops and for housing.
Earthquake
In 1349, a strong earthquake damaged the southern part of the Colosseum and it was repaired later.
Colosseum in Ruin
Owing to weathering, erosion and neglect for over a 1000 years, the Colosseum is in ruin, but millions of visitors continue going to Rome to see the legacy of the Roman Empire every year.
Ruined interior of Colosseum
A bare Colosseum without statues and stucco decorations
Steps of Colosseum in ruin after over 1000 years
Colosseum Decorations Were Stolen
Since the Colosseum was not used after the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 4th. Century, marble statues and stucco decorations were all stolen; leaving the amphitheatre bare with ugly holes in the walls.
Ugly holes in walls of Colosseum
Stucco decorations in Colosseum taken off from walls
Headless statue in Colosseum
Colosseum’s Wooden Floor of Arena
The wooden floor of the Arena of the Colosseum soon rotted and was removed, exposing the underground rooms and passageways.
Wooden floor of arena rotted and removed exposing rooms and passageways below
Arch of Constantine
Next to the Colosseum stands a triumphal arch known as Arch of Constantine. It was built in 315 A.D. to commemorate Constantine I(272-337)’s victory in the Battle of Milvian in 312 A.D.
(Arch of Triumph in Paris built in the 1806=1836 period, looks similar to this smaller Roman triumphal arch in Rome. The former was erected in honour of those who fought and died for their country in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.)
Arch of Constantine built in commemoration of Constantine I’s victory in the Battle of Milvian in 312 A.D.
Writer, wife, tour manager and tour guide posing in front of Arch 0f Constantine
Tour members posing in front of Arch of Constantine
Visiting Vatican City
Later, we moved on to the world’s smallest country, Vatican City, that is surrounded by the city of Rome. It has a population of about 840 and a small area of 44 hectares which is equivalent to 82 football fields.
She has the largest Catholic church in the world known as St. Peter’s Basilica that was built in the 1506-1626 period.
St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Catholic church in the world
St. Peter’s Square as seen from St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
The church is dedicated to St. Peter(one of Jesus Christ’s apostles and the first pope) and the burial site of St. Peter. It is a popular place for pilgrimage and liturgical functions.
Bronze statue of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
Rain and Long Queue
When we arrived at the church, St. Peter ‘s Basilica, it was drizzling and we had to join a long queue to enter the church. According to our tour manager, Jenny, we were lucky that we queued for about an hour before we entered the church. She had to queue for three hours the last time she brought a tour group there!
Long queue to St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest Catholic church in the world
“Pieta”
When we entered the church, the first thing that caught my eyes on the right was a marble sculpture known as “Pieta”.
Floor Plan of St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
“Pieta” is a masterpiece created by a famous Italian sculptor, Michelangelo Buonorroti(1475-1564), from 1498 until 1499. It depicts Virgin Mary holding her dead son, Jesus Christ, on her lap after his crucifixion.
“Pieta” by Michelangelo
More sculptures, monuments, paintings and statues of previous popes, founders of religious orders, etc. can be seen in the church.
Monument dedicated to Pope Leo XI(1535-1605)
Monument dedicated to Pope XI(1611-1689) in St. Peter’s Basilica
Statue of Pope Pius X in St. Peter’s Basilica
Other Basilicas
On the floor of the nave are markers showing the comparative sizes of other basilicas in other places.
On the floor of the nave of the church are makers showing other churches of comparative sizes
The Holy Door
There is a special door known as “The Holy Door” made of bronze in the northernmost entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. It depicts the life of Jesus Christ.
The door is cemented shut and only opened for Jubilee Years of the church. The Catholics believe that if they go through the door during the Jubilee Years, they may be granted the plenary indulgences.
The Holy Door is only opened in Jubilee Years of St. Peter’s Basilica
Change of Guards at St. Peter’s Basilica
Coming out of the church at 5 p.m. I was fortunate to watch the change of the Swiss guards at the entrance adjacent to the church. The ceremony lasted for 5 minutes.
Swiss guards protect the pope and St. Peter’s Basilica
The guards are Swiss citizens. Their duty is to protect the pope and the church. They wear a colourful uniform which has vertical blue, red, orange and yellow stripes.
Victoria Terma Hotel
In the evening we left the church, went for dinner and retired to our rooms at Victoria Terma Hotel that is a few kilometres from Rome City.
Tour group staying at Victoria Terma Hotel near Rome on the first night in Italy
Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City
Italy Travel Part II : Rome(continued)
Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence
Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan
Italy Travel Part II: Rome
Italy Travel Part II: Rome(continued)
Day 3 Saturday, 4 November 2017
Map Showing the Location of Rome
Visiting Rome on Day 3: Saturday, 4 November 2017
Visiting Rome(continued)
In the morning we left Victoria Terma Hotel and went to visit two more places in Rome City before we left for Pisa and Florence in the north.
Trevi Fountain, Rome
The first iconic landmark we visited in the morning was a well-known Baroque fountain, Trevi Fountain. It was built in the 1752-1762 period by several sculptors with the facade of Poli Palace as its backdrop.
Trevi Fountain was built in the 1732-1762 period by a few sculptors
Trevi Fountain viewed from right
Trevi Fountain seen from the left
Coins in Fountain-Pool
Visitors believe that if they throw coins into the fountain-pool after making one, two or three wishes their wish or wishes may be granted. Everyday many visitors throw about 30oo euro worth of coins into the water. The money collected is for subsidizing a supermarket for the poor.
Coins thrown by visitors into the fountain pool are worth 3000 euros a day
Spanish Steps
Having spent a short time at Trevi Fountain, we left and took a long walk to another place of interest known as Spanish Steps.
The Spanish Steps has 135 steps from the Spanish Square below to a Roman Catholic church, Trinita dei Monti, on top of Pincia Hill. The steps were built to link the Bourbon Spanish Embassy below with the church on the hill.
Spanish Steps has 135 steps linking Spanish Square below and Church on top of Pincia Hill
Crowded Spanish Square
Spanish Square
In the Spanish Square there is a small fountain known as “Fountain of Ugly Boat”.
Fountain of Ugly Boat in Spanish Square
At about 11 a.m. we were lucky to hear a band on the Spanish Steps playing Italian music.
Band Playing Italian Music
Trinita dei Monti Church
The Roman Catholic church located on Pincia Hill is known as Trnita dei Monti Church. It was built to replace the old one that was constructed by King Louis XII in 1502 to celebrate his victory in the Battle of Naples. This church was consecrated in 1585.
Triniti dei Monti Church on Pincia Hill
Roman Obelisk
In front of the church is a Roman obelisk that was moved there in 1789.
Interior of Trinita dei Monti
Journey to Florence
Soon we left Rome for Florence in the north. On the way we stopped at two places. The first place was a shop, Autogrill Service Area in Val di Chiana, where we stopped to buy Italian food products for our loved ones back home(Malaysia).
Shopping at Autogrill, Val di Chiana
At 3.30 p.m. we arrived at the shop, Autogrill. It was a pleasure to shop at this well-stocked place and the tour members were spoiled for choice. Besides, the shop-assistants were friendly and helpful.
Shopping for Italian foodstuffs at Autogrill, Val di Chiana, Italy
Shopping at Autogrill, Val di Chiana
Francesca, friendly shop-assistant
Many kinds of foodstuffs at the shop
Writer befriends a shop-assistant, Andra
After spending an hour at the shop, we moved on.
Pierotucci Leather Factory
In the evening we arrived at a leather factory known as Pierotucci Leather Factory near Florence City.
Established in 1972, it produces genuine leather bags, jackets and accessories. Besides producing its own designs, it also produces those of others such as Dunhill, Valentino, Bally, Fratelli Rossetti, Cole-Haan and Hugo Boss.
Pierotucci Leather Factory Workshop, Florence
Leather Craftsmen
When we arrived at the factory, we were led into a workshop where expert craftsmen worked. As the workers had left the factory, a lady explained how a craftsman made a handbag. Then we were led to a showroom where many kinds of leather goods were displayed for sale.
Tour group at Pierotucci Leather Factory, Florence, Italy
Genuine leather for making bags, jackets and accessories
Factory showroom of leather-products
Genuine leather handbags in showroom
Genuine leather jackets in showroom
Genuine leather belts in showroom
“Authentic Florentine Steak”
A few of us bought some items and then left for dinner at a L’ema restaurant nearby to savour the “Authentic Florentine Steak”. Unfortunately, I could not finish the meat as it was too “rubbery”.
Tour group having “Authentic Florentine Steak” for dinner at a L’ema restaurant
Photo Session
At the restaurant I took the opportunity to take photos of the happy tour members and myself for remembrance.
Tye Family
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Low, Penny and Fong Eng
Mr. and Mrs. Lim
Mr. and Mrs. Lim
Mr. and Mrs. Look
Ai Lan and Mee Lan
Mr. and Mrs. Ho
Mr. and Mrs. Leow
Writer(Choo Chaw) and wife(Peng)
Hotel President, Prato
After the dinner we left and went to stay at a hotel, Hotel President, in Prato that is near Florence. We would be going to Pisa to see Leaning Tower of Pisa the following day.
Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City
Italy Travel Part II : Rome(continued)
Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence
Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan
Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence
Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence
Day 4: Sunday, 5 November 2017
Visiting Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa
Visiting Pisa and Florence on Day 4, Sunday, 5 November 2017
Rain in Pisa
In the morning we left our hotel. Hotel President near Florence and went west to Pisa. On arrival at Pisa, we walked in the rain from the coach parking area to Cathedral Square which was a few hundred metres away.
Pickpockets
On the way we came across some foreigners selling umbrellas and ponchos. They forewarned us that there were several pickpockets around, trying to steal tourists’ money. As we were walking to the square, we looked out for one another. Luckily, none of us fell prey to the pickpockets.
Walking in the rain to Leaning Tower of Pisa
Souvenir stalls along a street leading to Pisa Tower
Three Monumental Buildings
When we were in the square we saw three prominent monumental buildings, namely Baptistery of St. John, Cathedral of Pisa and a world’s famous leaning tower known as “Leaning Tower of Pisa”.
Cold and wet in Cathedral Square of Pisa
Baptistery of St. John
Baptistery of St. John is a Roman Catholic church that was built in Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles in the 1152-1363 period.
Three prominent buildings in Cathedral Square
Cathedral of Pisa
Cathedral of Pisa is in between Baptistery of St. John and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It was built in Romanesque architectural style from 1063 until 1092 and dedicated to the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Now it is the seat of Archbishop of Pisa
Cathedral of Pisa and Leaning Tower of Pisa
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The well-known tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is about 56 metres high was built in Romanesque architectural style. The builders took almost 200 years(1173-1372) to complete the construction. Unfortunately, the tower tilted slowly to as much as 5.5 degrees while they were building it. It was due to weak foundation on one side of the ground.
Leaning Tower of Pisa has tilted to about 3 degrees
Tower Tilting 5.5 Degrees
Later, frantic efforts were carried out to make the tower stand upright. But they could only reduce the leaning angle to about 3 degrees as we are seeing it now. I think it is because of its tilting nature that attracts the attention of millions of tourists every year.
Visiting Florence
Michelangelo Square
Michelangelo Square, Florence, Italy
In the afternoon we left Pisa and travelled east to Florence City. Before we entered the city, we went to Michelangelo Square on a small hill in the south. Standing at the square in the rain, we saw the beautiful city of Florence.
Panoramic view of Florence City from Michelangelo Square
Bronze Statue of David
In the square we saw a bronze statue of David which is a replica of Michelangelo’s marble statue of David.
Bronze statue of David in Michelangelo Square
Florence Square
When we entered the city centre, the first place we visited was a square known as Florence Square where we met a local guide, Virginia.
Virginia, Florence tour-guide talking to tour group
Florence Tour Guide, Virginia
In the square, Virginia brought us round and told us about the monumental buildings. some of which are shown below
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower
This huge cathedral with a red dome was built in 1296-1436 in Gothic architectural style. It is the largest one in Florence.
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower, the main Florence church
An entrance to the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower, Florence
The interior of Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Close to the cathedral and built in Gothic architectural style from 1334 until 1359 is a tall tower, Giotto’s Bell Tower, that is about 85 metres tall. Visitors can climb up 414 steps to the top to see the whole city of Florence.
Giotto’s Bell Tower next to Cathedral of St. Mary of the Flower in Florence Cathedral Square
Giotto Bell Tower, Florence
Baptistery of St. John
Another building near the cathedral is Baptistery of St. John in Romanesque architectural style. It was built in the 1059-1128 period in octagonal shape and has three bronze doors with relief sculptures. One of them was dubbed as “Door of Paradise” by Michelangelo.
Baptistery of St. John in Florence Cathedral Square
One of the three bronze doors of Baptistery of St. John
Signora Square
Then we walked a short distance to another place known as Signora Square. This square was the political focus of Florence for many years. On one side of the square an equestrian monument of Cosimo I(1519-1574) was erected in 1594.
Cosimo I Monument
Cosimo I was the 2nd. Duke of Florence from 1537 until 1569. The Fountain of Neptune near the monument was under repair.
Signoria Square, the political focus of Florence
Palazzo Vecchio
In the square there is a building, Palazzo Vecchio, which houses the town hall and a museum, too. It was built in the 13th. Century to show the importance of Florence and protect the magistrates of the city in times of turbulence.
Palazzo Vecchio, a town hall and museum
Statue of David
At the entrance of the building there is a statue of David which is a replica of Michelangelo(1475-1564)’s David statue on one side and statues of Hercules and Cacus by Baccio Bandinelli(1493-1560) on the other side.
Statues of David, Hercules and Cacus at the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio
Signora Square, the political focus of Florence
Loggia dei Lanzi
Loggia dei Lanzi built in the 15th. Century is an open-air gallery of Renaissance sculptures.
Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air gallery of Renaissance sculptures
This building at Signora Square displays several beautiful sculptures. The photos below show some of them.
A bronze statue of Perseus holding Medusa’s head
Statue of a Male Lion belonging to Ferdino I of Medici(1549-1609)
“Hercules beating the Centaur Nessus” by Giovanni Bologna(1529-1608), a Flemish sculptor living in Italy
“Menelaus supporting the body of Petroclus” sculpture, a much restored Roman sculpture
“The Rape of Polyxena” by Pio Fedi(1815-1892), an Italian sculptor
Uffizi Gallery
Uffizi Gallery is behind Loggia dei Lanzi. It is a famous large museum that has 101 rooms displaying artworks, particularly, from the Italian Renaissance period. It attracts many visitors every year. About 2 million people entered the museum in 2016.
Uffizi Gallery, a famous museum of artworks, particularly, from the Italian Renaissance
Uffizi Gallery has niches in exterior columns that contain statues of important historical figures, such as Michelangelo Buonarroti, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, and Dante to name a few.
Michelangelo Buonarroti(1475-1564)
Michelangelo was born in Florence, He was a sculptor, painter, architect and poet. His famous sculptures include “David” and “Pieta”.
Michelangelo Buonarroti(1475-1564) was born in Florence. He was a sculptor, painter, architect and poet. His famous sculptures include “David” and “Pieta”.
Leonardo was an Italian polymath who had many areas of interest such as sculpture, painting, invention and astronomy. His famous paintings include “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper”.
Leonardo da Vinci(1452-1519) was an Italian polymath who had many areas of interest. His famous paintings include “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper”.
Galileo Galilei(1564-1642)
Galileo was also an Italian polymath who was interested in astronomy, physics, engineering, natural philosophy and Mathematics.
Galileo Galilei(1564-1642) was an Italian polymath interested in astronomy, physics, engineering, natural philosophy and Mathematics.
Dante Alighieri(1265-1321)
Dante Alighieri(1265-1321) was an Italian statesman, poet, language theorist and political theorist.
Ponte Vecchio(Old Bridge)
Ponte Vecchio is a 30 metre-long stone-bridge that spans River Arno. The first bridge was built in the Roman times. It had been destroyed by flood a few times and then reconstructed.
Ponte Vecchio is an old 30 metre-long stone-bridge spanning River Arno in Florence.
Shops have been built on the bridge selling jewellery and souvenirs to tourists.
Shops on Ponte Vecchio selling jewellery and souvenirs to tourists
Basilica Santo Croce
In the evening we left the old bridge, Ponte Vecchio, and walked for several minutes to a restaurant for dinner. On the way we came across a white cathedral, Basilica Santa Croce(Basilica of the Holy Cross), that housed the tombs of many influential Italians, including those of Michelangelo and Galileo. So it is also known as the Temple of the Italian Glories.
Built in the 1294-1385 period. it is the main principal Franciscan church and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic church.
Basilica Santo Croce that houses the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo
Hotel President, Prato, Florence
After dinner we went back to our hotel, Hotel President in Prato, to rest.
The following day, we left Florence for Venice.
Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City
Italy Travel Part II : Rome(continued)
Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence
Italy Travel Part V(Final): Florence and Milan
Italy Travel Part IV: Venice
Italy Travel Part IV: Venice
Day 5: Monday, 6 November 2017
Journey from Florence to Venice
We left the Florence hotel, Hotel President, in the morning and travelled to Venice in the northeast of Italy.
Map of Italy showing the location of Venice
Visiting Venice on Day 5, Monday, 6 November 2017
Venice
Venice is built on more than 100 islands in a lagoon. The islands are separated by canals, straddled by over 400 bridges. A causeway, Bridge of Liberty(Ponte della Liberta), connects the mainland to a small island of Venice.
This causeway, Bridge of Liberty(Ponte Della Liberta), connects the mainland and a Venice island
Causeway
In the afternoon we arrived at the island of Venice after crossing the causeway from the mainland. Then we boarded a boat that took us to another but larger island, San Marco Island(St. Mark Island).
Tour group taking a boat to San Marco Island of Venice
Spectacular Views
While sailing to San Marco Island we saw a few large cruise ships and spectacular views of old medieval buildings, hotels and churches on some islands.
A large cruise ship bringing tourists to Venice
Tour group’s boat passing by a beautiful building, Hotel Hilton, on Giudecca Island of Venice
Old Venetian buildings along the waterfront of Dorsoduro Island of Venice
Photographing
While sailing to the island, we took the opportunity to take some photos of ourselves in the boat for remembrance. Below are a few of them.
Writer and wife
Raymond Low and wife
Mr. Tye and family
Some Ladies of Tour Group
Mr. and Mrs. Lim
San Marco Island of Venice
After a 20 minute boat-ride, we sighted San Marco Island with a prominent bell tower known as St. Mark’s Bell Tower. The view was stunning.
After a short boat riding, we sighted our destination, San Marco Island.
Soon we arrived and disembarked at the jetty of San Marco Island.
Tour group arriving on San Marco Island of Venice
Waterfront of San Marco Island
The waterfront is wide and about 1 metre above sea-level. Hence, it is prone to flooding whenever the tide is high. But tables kept on the waterfront are ready to be used by visitors if it is flooded.
Tables on the waterfront are ready to be used by visitors if there is a flood
Tables were used earlier by visitors queuing up to enter St. Mark Cathedral in San Marco Square.
Visitors standing on tables to prevent their feet from getting wet in flooded San Marco Square, Venice
Flood in Venice
A flood occurred in Venice on the following day after our visit.
Venice was flooded on Tuesday. 7 November 2017 when we were in Florence
Venetian Buildings
On the waterfront there are several rows of old Venetian buildings. Among them are Doge’s Palace(Palazzo Ducale) and a prison separated by a narrow canal.
Wide eastern waterfront of San Marco Island
Wide westerm waterfront of San Marco Island
Doges of Venice
Doges of Venice were chief magistrates and leaders with supreme authority of the former Republic of Venice. They were elected for life. Venice was under their rule from 697 until 1797 when France under Napoleon Bonaparte(1769-1821) captured it.
Doge’s Palace(Palazzo Ducale)
Doge’s Palace built in Gothic architectural style and established in 1340 was the residence of the Doge of Venice until 1797 when France took over Venice. Later, the palace was taken over by Austria when Venice was ruled by Austria. In 1866 Venice became part of Italy.
Since 1923 it has become an art museum.
Doge’s Palace(Left) and Old Prison(Right)
Bridge of Sighs
A bridge was built from Doge’s Palace to the prison next to it in 1614. Known as the Bridge of Sighs, it was built for criminals who were sentenced to jail. They had to walk across the bridge from Doge’s Palace where the court was situated to the prison.
While crossing the bridge, the criminals had a last look outside through the two windows, sighed and entered the prison to serve their sentences.
Bridge of Sighs links Doge’s Palace to the Old Prison
Writer and wife standing on a bridge, with the Bridge of Sighs in the background
Over 400 Bridges in Venice
There are over 400 bridges in Venice. Most of them are short, straddling narrow canals and different from each other in design.
A low bridge in Venice
A short and low bridge in Venice
A high bridge in Venice
Malaysian beauties on a Venetian bridge
San Giorgio Maggiore Church
Standing on the waterfront I looked across a waterway, the Grand Canal, and saw a large church on Dorsoduro Island. It is called San Giorgio Maggiore, a 16 th. Century Benedictine church built in Classical Renaissance architectural style in the 1566-1610 period.
San Giorgio Maggiore Church on Dorsodura Island of Venice
Venetian Ladies
On the waterfront we saw two ladies walking on stilts. They were dressed in traditional Venetian costumes and wearing masks. They were inviting visitors to take photos with them.
Venetian ladies in traditional costumes and wearing masks on waterfront
Venetian Masks
There were some souvenir stalls on the waterfront. The most common things they were selling were the Venetian masks.
Venetian masks are usually worn during the Carnival of Venice which is an annual festival in Venice. They may wear full-face masks or eye masks to hide their identity and social status.
Venetian full-face masks worn during the Carnival of Venice
Venetian eye-masks worn during the Carnival of Venice
Black Spaghetti for Lunch
When it was lunchtime, we went to a restaurant, Taverna dei Dogi, in an alley near St. Mark’s Square. We had black spaghetti or squid ink spaghetti, simple salad, fried squid rings and ice-cream for lunch.
Tour group having lunch at Taverna dei Dogi Restaurant, Venice
Interior of Taverna dei Dogi Restaurant, Venice
Black Spaghetti or Squid Ink Spaghetti
Simple Salad
Tasty Fried Squid Rings
Glass-Blowing Demonstration
After lunch, we walked to a glass-shop in Castello District which was nearby. At the shop we watched a glass-blower, Parlo, making a glass-object by traditional method. After the glass-blowing demonstration, we went to the glass showroom where many kinds of glass-objects were for sale, such as chandeliers, drinking glasses, glass figures, etc. But none of us bought any of them as it was troublesome to bring them home, 10 000 km away from Venice.
Glass-blower, Parlo, demonstrating traditional glass-making
Glass objects in different forms, sizes and colours for sale
Glass-shop assistant trying to sell Venetian glass-objects
St. Mark Square(Piazza San Marco)
Later, we went to the most important place in Venice. It is the centre for social, political and religious activities of the city. It is known as St. Mark’s Square(Piazza dei San Marco).
St. Mark’s Square is an important place for social, political and religious activities in Venice.
Malaysian tour group in St. Mark’s Square(Piazza San Marco), Venice
Group photo
St. Mark’s Bell Tower
In the centre of the square stands a tall tower, St. Mark’s Bell Tower. It is 98.6 metres tall and built in 1912 replacing the old one that collapsed in 1902. The first one was built in the 12th. Century as a watch-tower or lighthouse.
St. Mark’s Bell Tower built in 1912 to replace the old one that collapsed in 1902 is 98.6 metres high.
St. Mark’s Cathedral(Basilica dei San Marco)
On its western side is a large church, Basilica dei San Marco(St. Mark Cathedral). It was built in 978-1092 with five domes and five arches in front. It has a mixture of Italian, Byzantine and Gothic architectural styles.
It was built as a private chapel for the Doges until 1807 when the local bishop, Patriarch of Venice, took over in 1807.
St. Mark’s Cathedral(Basilica San Marco) built in 978-1092 houses St. Mark’s Treasure in St. Mark’s Square,
The Church houses St. Mark’s Treasure consisting of 293 items in gold, silver, glass and other precious materials from various sources like from Constatinople, Western art, of Islamic origin and others.
Gondola Ride
Finally, we went to a pond or small lake, Bacino Orseolo, near St. Mark’s Square to ride gondolas.
A gondola is Venetian iconic boat that looks like a canoe. Painted black, it is 11 metres long with comfortable seats and ornately decorated.
Bacino Orseolo is a place for gondola rides
Fellow tour members enjoying a gondola ride
10 000 Gondolas
About 200 years ago, there were approximately 10 000 gondolas, but now there are about 500 left. Those boats were the chief means of transportation in Venice in the olden days. Today most of them are used for carrying tourists who want to enjoy the ride.
Venetian gondolas at a mooring on Grand Canal, Venice
Bacino Orseolo
A tourist gondola can carry 6 persons and is rowed by a gondolier. My wife and I together with 4 members of the Tye family sat in a gondola at Bacino Orseolo, a small lake. Our seating in the gondola was decided by the gondolier as he did not want his boat to be tilted to one side
Writer, wife and Tye family enjoying gondola ride
Slow Gondola Ride
Shortly afterwards, we were moving away from the lake. The boat was moving slowly along narrow canals and part of the large canal known as Grand Canal, passing under low bridges.
Gondola moving into busy Grand Canal of Venice
Marco, the Gondolier
Our gondolier was Marco. We asked him to sing for us while he was rowing, but there was no response from him. Anyway, we enjoyed the sights and sounds of Venice as we were moving along the canals and under low bridges. The ride which lasted for about 20 minutes is a memorable one.
Marco is a skilful gondolier plying his trade since he was a teenager.
Gondoliers row their boats with skill and care in narrow canals
Low canal bridges are a problem for gondoliers during high tide.
Rialto Bridge(Ponte de Rialto)
While riding in a gondola on Grand Canal, we saw an iconic bridge of Venice known as Rialto Bridge. Constructed in 1591, it spans Grand Canal and connects San Marco Island and San Palo Island.
Rialto Bridge(Ponte de Rialto) spanning Grand Canal was constructed in 1591.
Departure for Venice Mainland
Soon we left Venice’s San Marco Island and returned to the mainland of Venice. Then we headed west to a hotel, Hotel Da Porto, along Viale del Sole to stay overnight before going to Verona and Milan in the north the following day.
Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City
Italy Travel Part II : Rome(continued)
Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence
Italy Travel Part IV: Venice
Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan
Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan
Filed under: Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan, Italy Travel V(Final): Verona and Milan
Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan
Day 6: Tuesday, 7 November 2017
Map showing the location of Verona and Milan
Visiting Verona and Milan on Day 6: Tuesday, 7 November 2017
Visiting Verona
After breakfast at Hotel Da Porto near Venice, we headed west to Verona.
Verona has a population of about 260 000. It is a famous tourist destination due to its historical buildings, monuments and churches.
Arena
On arrival in Piazza Bra in Central Verona, we saw a circular Roman amphitheatre which is similar to the Colosseum in Rome. But its size is much smaller and is known as the Arena.
Arena, an amphitheatre for concerts and opera performances
Built in 30 A.D. for shows and gladiator games for 25 000 spectators, the Arena is now used for concerts and opera performances.
Palazzo Barbieri(Verona Town Hall)
Near the Arena is a yellow building known as Palazzo Barbieri. Built in neoclassical architectural style in the 1836-1848 period for staff associated with the occupying Austrian Army forces. it is now the city hall of Verona.
City Town Hall of Verona in the background
Shutterbugs Having a Field Day in Piazza Bra
Before we went to the next place we had some time off for taking photographs in the square, Piazza Bra.
Pretty ladies in a row
Gentlemen not to be outdone!
Juliet’s House
After that, we walked to a place which was a few hundred metres away. It was where a house that seemingly that belonged to Juliet was sited.
Juliet’s House in Verona
William Shakespeare’s Play, “Romeo and Juliet”
Romeo and Juliet were young lovers in William Shakespeare’s popular play, “Romeo and Juliet”. In the play, the families of Romeo and Juliet were enemies and therefore the lovers could not marry each other. Owing to unfortunate happenings, both drank poison and died. But their deaths made the two families end their feud.
Juliet’s Balcony
Juliet’s House
As Shakespeare had set the popular play in Verona and the owner of the house, Dal Cappello or Cappelletti, had the same name as Juliet’s family, people believed that the house was Juliet’s.
Writer’s wife with “Juliet”
Mr. and Mrs. Ho with “Juliet” in Verona
Mr. and Mrs. Tye with “Juliet”
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Low with “Juliet” in Verona
Juliet’s Balcony
The house has a balcony where Romeo and Juliet met and Romeo promised Juliet eternal love according to Shakespeare’s play. Besides, there is a life-sized bronze statue of Juliet in the courtyard.
The statue was erected in the courtyard in 1972. It was created by a Veronese sculptor, Nereo Costatini.
Romantic visitors’ love notes and graffitis at the entrance
Inner walls of entrance to Juliet’s house are full of love notes, locks and graffitis left behind by romantic visitors
Entrance and Courtyard Walls
Young and old visitors like to rub the statue believing that they will get eternal happiness, youthfulness and love. Besides, they like to leave behind love notes, locks and graffitis on the entrance and courtyard walls.
Love notes and graffitis on wall of courtyard
Monument of Giuseppe Garibaldi(1807-1882)
While walking further away from Juliet’s house, I came across an equestrian monument of Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Garibaldi(1807-1882) who was a famous general played an important role in the unification of Italy.
The process of the unification began in 1815 and ended in 1871 when several different states united as the Kingdom of Italy.
Giuseppe Garibaldi(1807-1882), an Italian general who played an important role in the unification of Italy
Scaliger Tombs
Adjacent to Palazzo del Comune there is a small church, Santa Maria Antica Church. In 1200s the Scaliger family took it over and made it their private church. The Scaliger family is a group of lords ruling Verona. In 1300s they used the church compound as a burial ground for the Scaliger lords.
In front of the church within the iron-grilled enclosure, there are five tombs of Scaliger lords which are Gothic funerary monuments of the Scaliger family.
Santa Maria Church and Scaliger Tombs in the front court in Verona
Scaliger Tombs which are Gothic funerary monuments of the Scaliger Family in Verona
Visiting Milan, the last Destination
Later, we left Verona and moved on. We headed north-east to our final destination of the tour, i.e. Milan.
Victor Emmanuel II Gallery(Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II)
Soon we arrived in Milan and visited the oldest shopping mall in the world. Known as Victor Emmanuel II Gallery(Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II), it was built in the 1865-1877 period. The large building is covered with iron-glass roofs and a large glass dome in the centre.
An entrance to Victor Emmanuel II Gallery, Milan
Oldest shopping mall in the world
Brightly-lit interior of the Gallery
Coats of Arms
It houses shops, restaurants and hotels. There are four mosaics on the floor in the centre of the Gallery portraying the coats of arms of the three capitals of the Kingdom of Italy, namely, Turin, Florence and Rome plus Milan.
Mosaic on the floor of Victor Emmanuel II Gallery portraying the Turin’s coat of arms
The Three Spins
It is interesting to learn that if a person spins around three times on one of his/her heels on the testicles of the bull in the mosaic of the coat of arms of Turin, he/she will get good luck. I saw a few visitors trying their luck, but they all failed. I failed too when I tried.
A visitor trying the three spins on a bull’s testicles in mosaic on the floor
Milan Cathedral Square(Piazza Duomo)
Adjacent to the Gallery is a large open space known as Milan Cathedral Square(Piazza Duomo).
Milan Cathedral Square(Piazza Duomo)
Equestrian Statue of the First King of Italy
In the middle of the square there is a bronze equestrian statue of the first King of Italy Kingdom, Victor Emmanuel II(1820=1878) on a high pedestal.
Equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II, the first King of the Kingdom of Italy
Milan Cathedral(Duomo di Milan)
On one side of the square near the Gallery stands a beautiful, majestic, Gothic cathedral, Milan Cathedral. The builders took over 600 years from 1386 to 1965 to complete constructing the Cathedral. With seating capacity of 40 000, it is the largest Roman Catholic church in Italy and the 3rd. in the world. The church is dedicated to St. Mary of the Nativity.
Beautiful, majestic Roman Catholic church, Milan Cathedral
Writer and wife in Milan Cathedral Square
Bronze Door
A large closed bronze door in the middle has 3-D figures depicting the life story of Jesus Christ. Some of them are shown below.
Birth of Jesus Christ
Mother and Child
Walk to Calvary Hill
Crucifixion
“Pieta”: Virgin Mary holding Jesus Christ’s dead body after his crucifixion
Ascension
Marble Sculptures
The exterior walls of the church and facade are full of marble sculptures. The figurines of the sculptures look like dolls from a distance. Here are some of them.
Small figures on and around window
Marble statues on wall of Milan Cathedral
Marble figures on column of Milan Cathedral
Sforza Castle
In the evening we left Milan Cathedral and Victor Emmanuel II Gallery for dinner. After dinner we walked to a historical castle known as Sforza Castle.
The original castle was built in the 14th. Century as a residence for lords. When it was destroyed in 1447, Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan, rebuilt it in 1450 and made it as his residence. Later, it became a fort used by Spanish invaders and then Austrians.
Sforza Castle in Milan
After World War II(1939-1945), the badly damaged castle was reconstructed. It has been used for housing some museums since then.
Departure for Malaysia
For the last night in Italy, we stayed at Mercure Hotel. The following morning we left Milan and flew back to Malaysia, our home, via Hong Kong.
Addio, goodbye to Italy!
That was an enjoyable, educational and unforgettable trip in Italy.
Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City
Italy Travel Part II : Rome(continued)
Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence
Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan