Cetatea Rasnov

Cetatea taraneasca din Rasnov este una dintre cele mai vizitate cetati din tara noastra (inca din copilarie fiecare excursie in zona Bran-Moieciu includea inevitabil si o oprire la Rasnov). Datorita vizitei recente, m-am gandit ca as putea trece in revista istoria si legendele legate de aceasta, pe care  le-am auzit/citit de-a lungul timpului. Cetatea Rasnov […]

Pescara

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ALCALA – MUSEO Casa natal de Cervantes

Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) s-a nascut si si-a petrecut adolescenta in Alcala de Henares,  oras care se afla in patrimoniu UNESCO. Casa unde cercetarile istorice indica ca acesta s-a nascut devine Casa-muzeu si a fost deschisa pentru public pentru prima data in 1956, dupa ce a trecut prin mai multe renovari si transformari, pastrand insa […]

Ghid Alba Iulia

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Ghid Sighisoara

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Istanbul

April 20th, 2012 travelal

 

Istanbul is truly a world city, a city which everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. It is an enchanting blend of Eastern and Western culture, a vibrant, modern city, with a unique identity. Its rich past coexists alongside its youthful exuberance. Although no longer the capital of Turkey, Istanbul still remains the country’s cultural and business centre.

It is a city of contrasts, bustling with the cacophony of 21st century life, and is yet achingly beautiful. It is set in a stunning location, surrounded by water, which is the narrow strait of the Bosphorus and the serene sea of Marmara separating Europe from Asia. Istanbul has a foot in each, celebrating the best of both heritages. As Byzantium, Constantinople and finally, Istanbul, it has been the capital of three Empires, each leaving their mark in the form of stunning palaces, castles, mosques, churches and monuments. The legacy of its chequered past can be seen on every turn of the modern city.

The layout of Istanbul can seem confusing at first. The Bosphorus divides the city into the European and Asian sides, linked by two magnificient bridges, spanning the continents, the first of which was opened in 1973 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Republic. Most visitors to the city, staying for a few days, will have little reason to visit the Asian side, except for as part of a Bosphorus tour, on a boat which zigzags from side to side, to take in the best of each.

The European side, however, is also divided in two by the Golden Horn or Haliç, which roughly divides the historic part of old Istanbul, encompassing the areas of, Sultanahmet and Laleli, from the modern city. It is crossed by a number of bridges, the most famous of which is the pontoon, the Galata Bridge. Most visitors on short city breaks stay in the old town as the vast majority of the sites which they will be visiting are in this area. Istanbul’s most famous sites – The Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia), Topkapı Sarayı (Palace) and the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) – are all within a 30 minute walk of each other. It is easy to get around on foot or by making use of the tram, which provides a regular service on the pedestrianised main street. In terms of accommodation, there are now a number of characterful boutique hotels in the area of Sultanahmet, many of which are restored Ottoman wooden mansions. These are ideal for those who really want to savour the authentic atmosphere of the Old Town. Those on a budget, may want to consider the more modern, and competitively priced hotels of the Laleli district, although this area is much busier.

Although it is convenient, the disadvantage of staying in the Old Town, is that, since it is not a residential area, you don’t really benefit from the ambience of the modern city of Istanbul, with its excellent restaurants, lively bars, and cosmopolitan feel. Some of Istanbul’s finest, most luxurious hotels are located on the Bosphorus with stunning views over the straits, or in the modern business districts. There are also some historic establishments in the area known as Pera, which blossomed at the turn of the last century. The heart of modern Istanbul, is Taksim Square and the streets around. The advantage of staying here is that in the evenings you have a wealth of restaurants and relaxed bars within an easy walk of your hotel.

Wherever you choose to stay, it doesn’t take much to make the most of the city, and even three days will give you the opportunity to see the highlights. It is such a large city, however, that even if you visit time and time again, you can still discover something new each time. It is easy to get around. There are a couple of handy trams – one in the old town, and the other in the main shopping street in Pera, Istiklal Caddesi. Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap and there are also dolmush and bus services for those who really want to explore. Most tour operators can arrange tours to see the main sights.

The Bosphorus

 Some of Istanbul’s finest vistas are to be seen from the Bosphorus. If you have time it is well worth spending at least half a day viewing the sights and savouring the atmosphere. You can take a guided tour on a small boat, or Turkish Maritime Lines (TDI) runs a good value public ferry service which leaves two or three times a day and does the full round trip as far as Anadolu Kavağı, the nearest village to the Black Sea on the Asian side, and back to Eminönü. It is a charming place, known for its fish restaurants, and the walk up to the ruined fortress overlooking the village, is well worth it for the stunning views. As you leave from Eminönü you can benefit from some beautiful views back towards the old town with its evocative skyline of turreted roofs and minarets. As you head towards the Black Sea you will pass the Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace and the 15th century fortresses built by Mehmet II, Rumeli Hisarı and Anadolu Hisarı. Also look out for the stunning wooden Ottoman mansions, many of which have been renovated and form some of the city’s most desirable residences. Even if you don’t have time for a Bosphorus trip just take one of the distinctive city ferries for a quick trip from Eminönü to the Asian shores and back – to Üsküdar for example, just to admire the views of the old town.

The Princes Islands
 Those who are staying for a little longer in Istanbul, should really set aside a day to visit these charming islands in the sea of Marmara, just off the coast of Istanbul. The picturesque scenery of wooded hills, charming beaches and authentic Ottoman mansions, combined with the tranquil atmosphere, make for a pleasant contrast to the city itself. Easily reached by ferry or hydrofoil, the ambience of the islands seems worlds away. Büyük Ada, or “Big Island” is the most popular with visitors. No cars are allowed but you can take a trip in a horse and carriage to visit the Monastery of St. George.

 

 

Place to visit:

Topkapi Palace

Thats a real “must see” place of Istanbul, whether you are a tourist or a local citizen …
As being the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years (1465-1856) of their 624-year reign, Topkapi Palace is an amazing combination of architecture and history.
Construction began in 1459, ordered by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Byzantine Constantinople. The palace complex consists of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings. At its peak, the palace was home to as many as 4,000 people and covered a large area with a long shoreline.
The complex was expanded over the centuries, with major renovations after the 1509 earthquake and the 1665 fire. The palace contained mosques, a hospital, bakeries, and a mint.

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

 Hagia Sophia (means Holy Wisdom in greek) is one the most important religious sites in the world for the orthodox people, that’s why it’s always on the top of the list for the Greeks that visit the city after the Grand Bazaar 🙂 Of course it’s not anymore an orthodox patriarchal basilica -centuries now since then- because it turned into a mosque from the Turks that conquered Constantinople in 1453. In our days (since 1935) it’s a museum.

In an amazing structure that was erected in the 6th century on the site where 2 other smaller churches of the Holy Wisdom were standing before. It was designed by two greek scientists, Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles.

Grand Bazaar

  The Grand Bazaar can be a bit overwhelming not only because of its size but also the adamancy of the shopkeepers. There are also a lot of options and sometimes I think it’s useful for someone to tell you what the best stores are before you go there so you can head to those directly and not waste time with products that might not be of such great quality or at prices that are a ripoff (yes that happens too sometimes).

 

Bosphorus River

Recommend this ferry trip for anyone visiting Istanbul. The Government run ferry (Turkish Maratime Lines)departs Eminonu 2 or 3 times daily for the return trip along the Bosphorus. The 3 hour ferry trip we took stopped for 1 hour at Anadoulu Kavagi, the half way point, for passengers to alight to enjoy lunch or just enjoy the sights of this small fishing village on the Bosphorus.

 

 

 

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet )

 Blue mosque, as I imagine, is one of main landmarks of huge Istanbul, also its minarets could be visible in panoramas that present Turkey, Istanbul, Sultanahmet historical suburb.

Actually I was amazed by huge size and both elegant mosque. Blue mosque (or Sultan Ahmet mosque) was constructed in 1603 – 1617; it needed to be as a rival for famous Aya Sophia.
Blue mosque was named after its rich decorated interior, where the main color is blue. Also mosque is famous about its 6 minarets, found only in 2 other World places – Mecca and Medina. Sultan, approving such plan, wanted to state that Istanbul is also as important as other Saint places.

 

Dolmabahce Palace

  For someone living in “glass world”, the palace impresses by the artworks produced in the golden days of glass manufacturing.
All the European giants are present, with pieces so great, so hardly built and mounted, that the palace could work as a display of the best in glass history. Well… maybe with something more from Lalique.

Princes’ Islands

  The Princes Island is the island that the sultans sons had their holiday villa’s on. hence the name.
It is a really beautiful island, with plenty to see or do.
There are horse drawn phaetons that are for hire to take you round the island.
There re plenty of restaurants on the island and plenty to see.
The organised tour cost about 69TYL, but I bought my own ferry tickets and got there return for 20TYL
The ferry is escorted by a flock of gulls both ways . The gulls will sometimes fly past taking bread from your hand in mid flight.

How to get to Istanbul?

 

By air

The easiest way to get to Istanbul is by plane of course. Turkish Airlines and many other world airlines have regular daily flights to Istanbul. There are also local airliners that run charter flights to Istanbul especially during holiday season such as summer months or Easter and New Year’s period. Some of the direct flying times are: Newyork – Istanbul 10:20 hours, London – Istanbul 3:45, Milan – Istanbul 2:45, Hong Kong – Istanbul 11:50, Moscow – Istanbul 3:05, and so on.

Istanbul has two international airports; one on the Asian side (Ataturk Airport) and the other one on the European side (Sabihna Gokcen Airport). From Istanbul you can fly to many other cities of  Turkey as there are frequent daily flights of different airline companies. Istanbul – Izmir or Istanbul – Ankara  flight takes about 1 hour, Istanbul – Adana about 1:30.

By land

Istanbul is well connected to many European cities by highways. Some private Turkish bus companies run scheduled buses to Istanbul from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Greece, Bulgaria, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, Jordan, Russia, Georgia, and Romania. Once you’re in Istanbul, there are countless of local bus companies that can take you to all corners of  Turkey with their modern buses. Buses are frequent and plentiful, they usually depart from the Bus Station (Otogar) in Esenler neighborhood but they also have ticket offices all around the city, especially in Taksim, Sultanahmet, Besiktas, Kadikoy etc.

You can also easily drive to Istanbul from any European country with your own car or motorbike. By car, there are mainly two borders to get into Turkey: Kapikule in Edirne coming from Bulgaria, or Ipsala coming from Greece. There is a nice highway between Edirne and Istanbul, it’s about 225 kilometers (140 miles). After Istanbul, you can drive anywhere in Turkey as there is an extensive road network. However, it’s not recommend to drive with your own car in Istanbul because the traffic in this mega-city is pretty dense and sometimes caotic. The best way would be to park your car and use public transportation or taxis.

By rail

Turkish Railways Authority (TCDD) has regular train schedules from Istanbul to Budapest – Hungary, Bucarest – Romania, Kishinev – Moldova, Salonica – Greece and Sofia – Bulgaria in Europe, or to Damascus – Syria and Tehran – Iran in the Middle East. For example, Istanbul – Salonica takes about 12 hours by train, Istanbul – Tehran takes about 68 hours.

International trains arrive at Sirkeci station on the European side, or Haydarpasa station on the Asian side of Istanbul depending on where you’re coming; from the West or from the East. Once you’re in Istanbul, you can get a train connection mainly to Ankara,Eskisehir, Denizli, Van, Kars, Gaziantep, Adana, and Konya.

By sea

There are several maritime companies that run car and passenger ferries from Greece or from Italy to Turkey. Most of these arrive at Cesme near Izmir, but some to Istanbul as well, especially during the summer. There is also a regular ferry line between Odessa (Ukraine) and Istanbul which takes about 35 hours. Many cruise ships dock at Istanbul too for daily excursions.

From Istanbul, you can get a ferry connection to Izmir, to Bandirma near Balikesir, to Mudanya near Bursa, to Yalova, or to Marmara Island. Within the city, Urban Maritime Transportation (IDO) runs passenger ferries between both sides of the Bosphorus.

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Thessaloniki

April 20th, 2012 travelal

 

Amphitheatrically built around Thermaikos Bay, the cosmopolitan city of Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and constitutes the most important centre of the wider area. It is situated on sea and land crossroads and constitutes a significant centre of attraction as a cultural metropolis of the Balkans. A modern city with irresistible charm and the aura of Vardaris, Thessaloniki is an ideal destination throughout the whole year and has some well-hidden secrets worth finding out…

A walk at the capital of Macedonia will reveal roman monuments, beautiful Byzantine churches and neoclassical buildings to the visitor’s eyes. Its symbol, the White Tower, which once constituted part of the seafront fortification of the city, is now a Museum for the History and Art of Thessaloniki (currently not open to the public).

The famous and overcrowded market places of the city, Modiano and Kapani, overflow with scents and colours since they have any kind of foodstuff for the local people as well as the visitors.

Endowed with intense cultural heritage and internationally established museums, vivid artistic activity and tradition in good food, Thessaloniki has endless choices to offer to its visitor. A walk along the seafront promenade enjoying a dreamy sunset is an experience that noone should miss and will fill you with pictures strong enough to make all your problems disappear…

Sightseeing in Thessaloniki

  • The Roman agora (forum) is found in the south of Agios Dimitrios church – where  Dikastirion Square is today – and belongs to the 2nd – 3rd century A.D. The entrance to the agora was on Egnatia Street via the imposing stoa of the “Eidolons”, where exhibitions take place today. You can also visit a big cobbled square, the conservatory which operates as a summer open theatre and roman baths.
  • Rotonda (Filippou and Dim. Gounari Street):  a circular church with a diameter of almost 24m., covered by a semi-spherical dome built in 306 A.D and believed to have been the Pantheon or the Mausoleum of Galerius. Its mosaic walls are very interesting and today the building is used as a church as well as an exhibition center.
  • Kamara or Galerius Arch (Egnatia and Dim. Gounari Street) was built a little before 305 A.D. in memory of Galerius’ victory over the Persians in 297. The monument had 4 gates as there was another arch next to this with a dome which still exists today. In the sculpted marble slabs one can see depictions of the Romans’ victory against the Persians.

  		•

    The imposing Galerius Arch

     

    • The Palaces of Galerius (Dim. Gounari street – Navarinou Square) were built in 300 A.D and today in this place there is a two-floor quandrangle complex with a rectangular central open yard.

      The Palaces of Galerius at Navarinou Sq.

      The forts of the city constitute one of its most magnificent monuments. The walls preserved until today were built during the years of Theodosius the Great (4th century A.D.) and had to be restored many times due to the numerous invasions.

      Ahiropiitos Church ( Agias Sofias street) is a wooden-roof Basilica with three aisles built in the mid-5th century on the relics of a roman bath,in which you can admire the sculpture, mosaics and paintings.

      Agia Sofia Church ( Agias Sofias street): it is a rectangular temple divided into three aisles with tessera and columns supporting the dome, built in the 7th century.

       

      Aghia Sofia Church

      The small temple of Osios David is found at Ano Poli (end of Agias Sofias street) and is a buiding of the 5th century, once a catholic one belonging to the Monastery of Latomou.

      The church of Panagia Chalkeon (Egnatia street) took its name during the period of the Turkish occupation because there were many copper-workers’ shops in this area at the time.

      Saint (Aghios) Dimitrios Church (Agiou Dimitriou street) was built in the 7th century by the bishop Ioannis on the relics of an older temple. It is a five-aisle Basilica with a cross aisle and a decoration rich in painting and marbles.

      		•

        The church of Aghios Dimitrios, patron saint of the city

        In the underground crypt of the church there is the place of Saint Dimitrios’ martyrdom which has been operating as an exhibition place since 1988 with a collection of sculptures, capitals, parapets and pottery from Agios Dimitrios Church.

      • In Koule Kafe Square (Ano Poli) there is the only Byzantine bath left in the city which was built in the end of the 13th century.
      • The White Tower – the symbol of Thessaloniki standing on the waterfront boulevard of the city – was built in the middle of the 15th century by Venetian builders and was a part of the city’s fortification.

        White Tower, symbol of the city

        It was used as a garrison and a prison and this was the reason that it acquired the name “Tower of Blood”. Today it periodically houses exhibitions of the Byzantine Culture Museum (temporarily not open to the public).

      • Paradeisos Baths – Bei Hamam (Egnatia str. – Aristotelous Square): it is the first Ottoman bath built in the city (1444) consisting of separate men and women sections. It has a big cool chamber, a small interim one and  hot private rooms with marble basins and low seats.
      • OTE Tower: it was built in 1969 at the entrance of the International Trade Fair to house OTE stall. Today the visitor can enjoy a magnificent view of the whole city from the cafe operating inside the tower.

       

      OTE Tower, located at the entrance of the International Trade Fair

      Statue of Alexander the Great: it is on the seafront promenade, near the fully-renovated Royal Theatre ( it hosts the National Theatre of Northern Greece) and was placed there in the 1970s.

      Museums of Thessaloniki

      There are many museums worth visiting in Thessaloniki, the most important of which are:  Archaeological Museum, Museum of Byzantine Culture, War Museum, Museum of the Macedonian Struggle, Ataturk Museum, Museum of Cinematography, Museum of Photography, State Museum of Contemporary Art (Moni Lazariston), Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Ancient Greek, Byzantine and Post Byzantine Musical Instruments, Folklore and Ethnological Museum of Macedonia and Thrace, Water Works Museum, Railway Museum, Natural History Museum (Kedrinos Lofos), Teloglion Foundation of Art, Sports Museum.

      How to get there

      • By plane: Aegean Airlines has 11 daily flights lasting approximately 45 minutes from and to Athens and the ticket prices start from 25 € one way but you have to book quite in advance ( there is a restricted number of cheap tickets and the time flight is usually not suitable). Olympic Airways also has daily flights from and to Athens. Ticket prices vary according to the availability (starting from 70€ one way) but you can find some offers if you book your ticket well in advance. Thessaloniki is also connected by plane to other cities both in Greece and abroad.

      • By bus: another way to get to Thessaloniki is by bus from Athens as there are regular bus routes every day lasting about 6 hours and 15 minutes, always depending on the traffic. You can travel either by Thessaloniki Bus Service (it has more regular routes) or with Attika Bus Service. (Ticket Prices: Normal: 34€ single root, 50€ return ticket. Student: 25€ single root, 40€ return. In Attica Bus Service the return ticket for students costs 25€).

      • Thessaloniki is connected by bus with most of the big Greek cities. You can contact the official services to find information about the itineraries, the duration of the trip and the ticket prices.• By car: an alternative way to reach Thessaloniki is by car. In that case, you will need approximately 6 hours from Athens to cover the 500 km distance between the two cities, always depending on the traffic there might be.

        • By train: another convenient choice is to travel to Thessaloniki by train. There is a railway connection to Athens, to cities in Macedonia and Thrace, to central, west and east Europe as well as to Near East via Turkey.

        Thessaloniki Railway Station

        There are many train routes departing from Athens, both by Simple Train and Intercity. The trip lasts from 4 hours and 15 minutes to 6-6.30 hours, depending on the train you will travel. It is a comfortable trip and it has the advantage that you won’t have to worry for the traffic. Ticket prices start from about 15€.

      • Advice: In order to avoid long queues at the cashier, you may call and buy your ticket by charging your credit card and receive it by courier with some extra charge.
      • • By boat: There are routes connecting Thessaloniki with the islands of Limnos, Lesvos and Chios throughout the whole year and with Cyclades and Crete during the summer.
      • Accommodation
      • Thessaloniki offers many places to choose from as far as your accommodation is concerned. That’s why you should decide on two things before starting your search: the amount of money you would like to spend and how close to the city centre your hotel will be. Below, there are some interesting suggestions worth taking into consideration before visiting the city.
        In Stavroupoli, you can discover Les Lazaristes Domotel, a luxurious hotel that combines art and culture with the services of a five-star hotel. The common spaces and the rooms are decorated withworks of art. Opposite the hotel you can find Moni Lazariston, a cultural centre that houses the State Museum of Contemporary Art.

        On the other side of the city and near “Macedonia” Airport there is Hyatt Regency Hotel Thessaloniki (5*), a luxurious hotel 13 km from the city centre which can meet the needs of the most demanding guests.

        If you don’t have a means of transport you might choose to stay near the city centre. Electra Palace is a five-star hotel in the heart of Thessaloniki – on Aristotelous Square – which captures the eyes of the visitor.

        Continuing your wandering in the roads of luxury and in the quarter of Ladadika you will findMediterranean Palace, a five-star hotel of 118 rooms offering high quality services and comfort. With a view at Thermaikos Bay, convention centres and a variety of special services for its guests, this hotel will become your base when exploring Thessaloniki.

        Some of the hotels found in the western part of Thessaloniki are Holiday Inn Thessaloniki(5*), Porto Palace Hotel (5*) and Grand Hotel Palace (5*) which all combine an ideal location with easy access to the city to a comfortable and luxurious stay.

        A new suggestion in the category of luxurious accommodation in the centre of the city isDaios Hotel (5*) on Nikis Boulevard, in the heart of the city’s most crowded cafes and shops. Comfort and style are its basic characteristics, while you will enjoy the view of a breath-taking sunset from its balconies…

        On the east, Macedonia Palace (5*) is at one of the city’s most beautiful waterfront locations offering a magnificent view at Thermaikos Bay.

        For those of you looking for a less expensive accommodation in the centre of Thessaloniki we suggest Zaliki Hotel (4*), Capsis Hotel (4*), Anatolia Hotel (4*), Minerva Premier Hotel (4*), The City Hotel (4*), Davitel Tobacco Hotel (4*), Plaza Art Hotel (3*),Luxembourg (3*), Nea Metropolis (3*), Park Hotel (3*), Rotonda Hotel (3*), Olympia Hotel (3*) and Anessis Hotel (3*).

        For those of you who have a means of transport and don’t mind staying away from the city centre, combining accommodation quality with a good price, you will be happy to choose the newly-renovated (2007) Galaxy Art Hotel (3*) in Oraiokastro.

      • Places to visit
      • •  Ladadika: this is the only district of the city to survive the 1917 fire. Due to its location (near the harbour), all the commercial exchanges took place there. The ground floor of the two-floor buildings housed shops without any windows and the products were kept at the loft. After the 1917 fire, only olive oil traders remained there (where the district owes its name). The area came to a decadence in the early 1980s, while in 1985 it was characterised as a preservable area and in 1990 a recreation programme was initiated in the neighbourhood. The buildings have been restored and today the place is full of bars, restaurants and ouzeries that bring the past liveliness back to its picturesque lanes.• Seih Sou Forest: dominating the north part of the city, it is an ideal destination for activities close to the nature. You can enjoy your walk in the green, visit the zoo that has been operating since 1987 in a forest area of about 60.000 square metres or enjoy your coffee at Kedrinos Lofos cafe, looking at the panoramic stunning view of the city. In the summer you shouldn’t miss the numerous cultural events taking place at Theatro Dasous(Forest’s Theatre), an open amphitheatre in the Seih Sou forest: there is always the case that the imposing view of Thessaloniki by night might distract your attention, but either way it is worth visiting…
      • • Hortiatis: in the South-East of Thessaloniki and within a thirty-minute distance from the city there is Hortiatis Mountain, at the foot of which you can find the village of Hortiatis, well-known for its many tavernas serving meat delicacies. After rambling in the lanes of the village you can continue towards the mountain shelter which is 1000 metres above sea level. This is the starting point for those who want to go mountain climbing or hiking.• Panorama: it is some kilometres away from Thessaloniki, covering an area of 33.000.000 square metres, in an altitude of 250 metres from Thermaikos Bay. The name of the district is ardently connected to the famous “trigona Panoramatos” (traditional Thessaloniki’s pastry) and it is considered to be one of the most beautiful suburbs in Thessaloniki. The name alludes to the panoramic view that locals and visitors can enjoy which, in combination to the forest and the green element of the area, justify its fame as one of the most beautiful areas.

        • Thermaikos Bay: around the bay there are some seaside areas worth visiting, the most famous of which are: Aretsou, Nea Krini, Peraia, Neoi Epivates, Agia Triada, Nea Mihaniona and Epanomi.

        • Lagadas: in the South and in a distance of 20 km from Thessaloniki you can find Lagadas that is well-known for Anastenaria, a traditional fire-walking ritual. In Lagadas and Nea Apollonia you will also find thermal baths offering relaxation and rejuvenation to the visitors.

        • Vergina: the ancient city of Aiges was discovered here. Aiges was the capital of the Macedonian Kingdom until 400 B.C, when Archelaos transferred the capital in Pella. Here, you can see the royal graves discovered by the archaeologist Manolis Andronikos in 1977-78. (Distance: 75 km from Thessaloniki, 12 km from Veria).

        • Thermal Baths in Agkistro (Serres): close to the Greek-Bulgarian borders in the way to Promahonas and in a 130 km distance from Thessaloniki (11/2 h. by car) you will find Agkistro Thermal Baths: the old hamam, a dome-roof stone building dating to 950 A.D. is the centre of attraction of the area. It is the favourite weekend destination for many people (especially those living in Thessaloniki) who can enjoy a unique experience at a low cost (30 minutes in the hamam cost 5 euros per person).

        • Lake Volvi: it is the 2nd largest lake in Greece and one of the 11 protected Greek wetlands of international significance with clean waters and a rich flora and fauna.

        • Delta of Axios River: it is in an 18 km distance west of Thessaloniki and is one of the most important wetlands in Greece, protected by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands signed in 1971. It covers 22.000.000 square metres and hosts many bird rare species ( herons, swans, cormorants et.c). Due to the fact that the conditions for mussel cultivation are ideal, there are many mussel crops in the area.
        Where to eat in Thessaloniki
        From the first moment you arrive at Thessaloniki you will understand that it will be difficult for you to decide what and where to eat first, since there are many gourmet suggestions and time and appetite is the only thing you need (Greeks always spare both)! The gourmet map of the city can satisfy any kind of taste and demand, while some of the specialties of the city are patsas soup (tripe soup), peinirli, sea food and especially mussels (fried and with rice), roast chicken and soutzoukakia (minced meat pellets).

        Politiki cuisine, which is the legacy that Greeks living in Asia Minor brought with them after the destruction of Smyrna in 1922, has an important role to the city’s gourmet choices.
        The Greek cuisine has been greatly affected by the Asia Minor and Politiki cuisine, the basic ingredients of which are the spice and the good mood during the preparation of the dishes which are remarkably delicious.

        Below we offer you some suggestions representative of the kinds of cuisine you can find in the city. In Thessaloniki the taste delight begins in the morning from the breakfast, which is considered to be the most important. We can’t stop eating the famous “koulouri” (with sesame) and bougatsa, either sweet (with creme, sugar and cinnamon) or with cheese, always depending on what you want to eat.

        If you prefer ouzo, mezes (selection of appetisers or small dishes taken with alcohol) and other delicacies the best choices are Athonos Square, Louloudadika (a district with flower shops), Bit Pazar, Modiano market or Ladadika where you will find many restaurants and taverns with a delicious cuisine.

        Another choice in the same style but with a very creative cuisine and a different note is Ouzou Melathron on Venizelou street where it will be difficult to find somewhere to sit, especially at the weekend and at busy hours, although there are 3 different taverns at the same block.
        For the lovers of oriental and politiki cuisine there is Molivos on Iasonidou street and Tiffany’s, a standard quality restaurant at the centre of Thessaloniki on Tsimiski street.

        On your way to Ano Poli, it is worth trying meat in one of the traditional taverns in Kastra. You can also eat meat dishes and other delicacies at Navarinou Square, where food is not served in conventional plates but in ladokolla (grease wrapping-paper).

        Tavernas at Ano Poli – Kastra

        If you find yourselves in the suburb of Hortiatis don’t miss the meat specialties that make many meat-lovers visit the taverns of the area. If you love chicken you should chooseHalaro Restaurant in Kalamaria in a more formal style, specialising in chicken dishes.

        For seafood and fish you can choose one of the fish taverns in Aretsou, Nea Krini and Nea Mihaniona.

        In the centre of the city you will also find “7 Thalasses” (7 Seas) on Nikis Boulevard as well as Sea Food Restaurant in front of Macedonia Palace Hotel: they both offer a refined atmosphere combined with a breath-taking view to the sea and delicious food.

        Another choice for fish lovers is Peraia, where you can enjoy your food next to the sea: it is an ideal location especially in the summer when most of the tables are on the beach, bearing great feelings to its visitors. The fish tavern “O Thomas” is our favourite place in Peraia since it offers delicious food with a very nice interior decoration.

        On Paleon Patron Germanou street there is Tres Marie, an Italian restaurant with a very nice environment and an open kitchen where you can enjoy your meal and buy products to make your own Italian dishes for your friends.

        Thessaloniki has many high-quality restaurants with a Mediterranean and international cuisine. Here are some of our favourite ones: Naftikos Omilos and Interni on Nea Paralia (New Beach), Garcon Brasserie on Nikis Boulevard, Times near  YMCA, Kitchen Bar at the port. Except for our suggestions, it is always up to you to discover your own gourmet treasures.

        However tasty the food may be, the dessert constitutes the best part in a meal  for many people and Thessaloniki really favours this opinion. In most of the restaurants you will be offered a piece of the city’s traditional sweet delicacies such as kazan dipi, halvas, karidopita (walnut cake) and chocolate, ice-cream and cream crepe. In the case that these delicacies don’t quench your thirst for something sweet, you should try one of the following:

        Trigona Elenidis that make the best Trigona Panoramatos,  Terkenlis tsoureki with many flavours and the old traditional Hatzis andAgapitos patisseries (they both have branches in many areas of the city) as well as Averof patisserie on Vasilissis Olgas street.
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Lemnos Island

April 18th, 2012 travelal

Lemnos (Limnos), the island

where the god Hephaistus lived, will thrill any visitor seeking a quiet vacation spot, as well as those who wish to combine entertainment with tranquility.  The hidden treasures of Lemnos are not apparent at first glance, but rather grow on you over time.  Those who wish to combine vacation with the discovery of unique places and a tour of archaeological sites will enjoy Lemnos.Lemnos’ rich history stretches back thousands of years, and the island has many unique places of natural beauty, such as the sand dunes and marine environments at Hortarolimni and Aliki, areas of exceptional ecological significance which play host to hundreds of flamingos, ducks, and herons.  Furthermore, the rocky coasts of Lemnos, as well as the multiple reefs around the island, make it an ideal location for subaquatic fishing.  The crystal-clear waters of the sea and the remote beaches of the island are a magnet for visitors who make the sea a priority in their vacation plans.The best way to enjoy the well-hidden beauty of Lemnos is to allow about a week’s time to wander into every corner of the island, by car.  The use of a 4×4 is advised.How to get there:At Peiraias, the Lemnos ferries leave from Gate E2. If you come in on the metro, get off at the terminus, and cross the street at Gate E4. From there, take the local shuttle-bus that will take you to Gate E2 free of charge.
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Zakynthos

April 18th, 2012 travelal

In Town you may stroll at the historic St. Mark’s Square and visit the Solomos & Kalvos Museum which is also their Mausoleum. There are kept original artifacts of the island’s gentry along with their seals. At the nearby Solomos Square with all the neoclassical buildings you may visit the Byzantine Museum and marvel at the old icons and frescoes that survived from the medieval churches which did not survive the disastrous earthquake of 1953.

On Zakynthos you will find the mountain villages and those of the plains besides those by the sea-side. In between the sharp edged rocks, the white sand and the turquoise water bays the Caretta-Caretta sea-turtles find refuge to reproduce. The beaches of Lagana(8km) and Geraka(17km) are welcoming them every year when they come out at night to lay their eggs.

The mountain villages (Keri, Lithakia, Maherado, Koiliomeno) are famous for their true Zakynthian hospitality and you will surely enjoy the local gastronomy and unsurpassed wine tradition. Local dishes, cheases, cold meat cuts and the special sweets but most of all the semi-dry wine (mastelado) of the area will stay with you for a long time. Sgantzeto, pantseta, ladotyri, chiromeri, mantolato & pasteli are some of their names you must remember when coming.

The Monasteries is another point of interest that should not be forgotten. There history and worship along with the special Zakynthian way of chanting will lift you to another dimension. Frescoes, old icons make the simplicity of the Nuns & the Monks regal.

On this island everything is different, the musical stories sang at the tavernas, the historic wineries, the stalactite & the blue caves, the sight of the “ship wreck” sunk in the sand now, the cave of St. Damian and so much more you must explore for yourself.

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Rhodes Island

April 18th, 2012 travelal


The island of Rhodes offers castles, mosaic pathways, ancient ruins, cascading waterfalls, even a park filled with rare butterflies. There’s something for everyone on this popular Dodecanese island paradise.

Most visitors to the hilly island begin in the main harbor town, also called Rhodes (or Rhodes Town). The Ancient Greeks built it in 408 B.C. Mandrake Harbor is best known for the legend that the 93-foot-high Colossus statue stood astride it, guarding it. The statue lasted only 60 years, collapsing in an earthquake, and some 900 camels were needed to cart it away.

Today statues of a deer and a buck, symbols of Rhodes Town, have the honor of protecting Mandrake Harbor. The windmills are the most photographed area of the harbor. If you notice that local cats appear rather plump, it’s not your imagination. Peek behind the famous windmills and you’ll find a collection point for donations of coins and bills for cat food purchases. Today the town‘s population exceeds 40,000. Its famous medieval Street of the Knights leads directly to the Grand Master’s Palace and you can walk the pebbled way to admire the marbled coats of arms marking each knight’s inn. The Knights of St. John used Rhodes as their base from 1309 to 1522 A.D. It takes some legwork, but exploring the palace wouldn’t be complete unless you hiked through the old moat, today complete with an open-air theater.

Nearby you’ll find the Archaeological Museum (closed Mondays) and also the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite, dating from 300 B.C. To see the aquarium or casino (where you must be at least 23 years old to enter), you‘ll have to travel to the northern part of Rhodes Town. While there, stop by Villa Cleobolus, where Lawrence Durrell lived from 1945-47.

If you’re a sports fan, maybe you can plan your visit around the NatWest Island Games XII. If shopping is your passion, busy Socrates Street is the place to head. This is where cruise passengers come ashore to stock up on jewelry and furs. You’ll find women at looms making handwoven rugs, potters working their wheels or painting vases and vendors hawking marble or leather. You‘ll find trendy boutiques, designer shops and dozens of eateries.

Rhodes Island draws in plenty of tourists and has been pegged “the Aegean Mallorca.“ You can count on finding plenty of souvenirs – such as books about Rhodes, sea shells, sponges (imported), local wine or retsina and decorative plates edged in gold.

Each arched pathway leads to something worth seeing, be it the Hippocrates Square or another fine taverna. Select a visit to a church, or perhaps the old synagogue or a mosque.

 

How to get there:

Connections by sea: from Peiraias, ferry to Rhodes (250 nautical miles, 18 hours). The ships for Rhodes from Peiraias usually depart from gates E1 (Vasilieadi shore) and E2 (Ietioneia shore).

Connections by air: from Athens to Rhodes (50 minutes). Rhodes’ airport is located near Kremasti, 12 km from the capital.

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CRETE ISLAND

April 18th, 2012 travelal

Crete (Kriti) is one of the most fascinating, historically significant, culturally    rich, and varied regions of Greece.  Although it would take a traveler several months to see Crete thoroughly, and years to experience it all, spending as little as a week in Crete can recharge you and fix firmly into your mind the desire to return for longer visits later on.

Because Crete is so large, so varied, and so full of things to do, we don’t recommend going unless you have at least a full week to spend on the island.  If you only have a week at your disposal, we suggest that you choose one of the four regions to explore.  If you have more time, you might wish to visit them all, as all have a great deal to offer the visitor.  Crete is divided into four regions, or prefectures:  Chania, Rethymno, Irakleio and Lasithi.  Even within each prefecture there is great variety.  All four have abundant beaches on both the Aegean and Libyan Seas; all four have cities; all four have museums, villages, mountains, and great natural beauty.

The best way to visit Crete is to come for at least two weeks, and to rent a car.  It is not necessary to have a 4×4 unless you wish to access some of the more remote beaches.  Crete has a decent intercity bus system, but its connections do not serve the attractions so much as the city centers.  If you are interested in visiting the smaller, less well-trafficked historical sites and beaches, you will be glad to have your own transportation.  We do not recommend staying at one or even two hotels during your stay.  You will learn much more about the island if you move around, staying in a new town or city every few days.  If you are looking for pure relaxation, however, Crete offers plenty of resorts right on the beach.

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Mykonos

April 18th, 2012 travelal

 

   Once in obscurity and visited only as a passageway to the historical island of Delos, Mykonos gained recognition as a tourist destination in the 1950’s and 1960’s when its natural beauty, charming Cycladic flavour, and magnificent beaches, led Mykonos to the spot-light as Greece’s most well known island, visited by local and international celebrities as such, and securing its place as a principal destination within Greece.

Best described as a cosmopolitan, fashion-centered island, Mykonos is probably the most famous of the Greek islands. Notorious for its nightlife: from its infamous bars, to its wide variety of restaurants featuring Greek and international cuisine. Renowned for its immaculately clean whitewashed labyrinth of alleys and paths. Celebrated for its Cycladic character and distinguished for its numerous sandy beaches and turquoise waters, Mykonos is an island of many facades – an island typically Cycladic in character and appearance, and yet also an international resort all in one.

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SANTORINI, JEWEL IN THE AEGEAN CROWN

April 18th, 2012 travelal
There are as many opinions about which islands are best to explore as there are people expressing them. Santorini is not the largest island in the Cyclades group, but it has something for everyone.  It’s a barren island as far as forests are concerned, but it makes up for the lack of greenery with its other unique qualities.

Aside from the fantastic views you can enjoy archaeological sites (Akrotiri and Ancient Thera), the volcano hot springs, museums, hiking trails, countless restaurants, a very active nightlife, shopping for every budget from postcards to custom gold jewelry, art galleries, ethnic music venues, organized island tours, sunset cruises, luxury hotels and spas, youth hostels, several wineries, numerous car and scooter rental agencies (wait until you get there, it’s cheaper than booking in advance) and an airport for easy access from Athens by commercial jet.

How to get there:

There is an airport on Santorini for flights to and from Athens by commercial jet.  All inter-island flights change planes back in Athens.  You have a choice between Olympic Airlines and Aegean Airlines.  Aegean is less expensive and has a reputation for being more reliable.

 

Olympic Airlines http://www.olympicairlines.com/
Aegean Airlines http://www.aegean-air.gr/aegeanen/home/

 

There are two varieties of ferries to the islands, the Passenger/Car ferry and the Express Catamaran Passenger-only ferry.

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Greece-Hydra Island

April 18th, 2012 travelal

Hydra (ĺdra) is one of very few islands which has managed to avoid the influence of modern times and to hold on to its character unchanged.  The city is built like an amphitheater, and is an example of impressive aesthetic architecture.  The first image that meets the visitor’s eye as he enters the harbor is one that has become a subject for the canvases of great painters.

 

The ramparts and cannons that dominate the left and right sides of the harbor entrance bring to mind the glorious past of the island during the Greek War of Liberation (1821-1829).  Transporation on the island is limited to donkeys and bicycles, as the use of motor vehicles is prohibited by law.  The overriding element of the island is stone.  The stone-paved alleyways of Hydra meet seemlessly with the flowers pouring over the courtyards of the houses and the old stone mansions of the island.  The aesthetic enjoyment of Hydra is unique.  Perhaps this image is one of the reasons that Hydra was for many years Leonard Cohen’s refuge and the source of inspiration for many of his works.  Hydra is a magnet for the international jet set, while at the same time one of the favorite destinations of Athenians for romantic getaways and a few breaths of fresh air.

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1 Mai-Venetia

April 18th, 2012 travelal

         1 MAI la Venetia

Venice

Pentru cei romantici propunem un 1 mai intr-un oras cu iz de basm:Venetia.

Transport-avion low cost Compania Wizzair:

Biletul low-cost dus  373.00 Ron(Bucuresti Otopeni).

Biletul low-cost intors  203.00 ron(Venetia Treviso).

 

Cazare Venetia

Cazarea in Venetia poate fi destul de costisitoare, dar noi ne-am gandit la acest impediment si va putem recomanda o optiune accesibila dar cu un aspect nu la fel de legendar ca al Venetiei Tarmul Mestre (pronuntat May-stray), una din insulele principale ale grupului, ofera o serie variata de hoteluri pentru cei care au un buget redus, este conectata cu spactaculoasa Ventie prin poduri rutiere dar si feroviare.

O alta optiune este Insula Lido, fasia ingusta de uscat ce separa centrul venetian de Marea Adriatica, statiune cu plaje intinse ce seamana cu statiunile litorale romanesti. De aici sunt curse regulate, pana noaptea tarziu cu mijlocul de transport cel mai frecvant utilizat printre insulele lagunei, “vaporetto”.

Alegerea este a dumneavoastra in functie de ceea ce va asteptati de la aceasta calatorie: daca doriti sa fiti tratati regeste de la inceputul pana la finalul sejurului, va puteti rasfata in hotelurile din Venetia, dar chiar si in acest caz, va puteti feri de centrul orasului pentru a va incadra in buget.

 

Pentru un sejur in perioada 28.04.2012-02.05.2012 va propunem:

Hotel Michelangelo este la câţiva paşi de zona pietonală din centrul Mestre, aproape de Veneţia. Hotelul oferă hărţi gratuite şi intrare gratuită la Cazino.Hotel Michelangelo oferă parcare gratuită şi se bucură de o legătură minunată cu autobuzul la centrul istoric din Veneţia. Autostrăzile, gara, Aeroportul Internaţional Marco Polo sunt, de asemenea, uşor accesibile.Michelangelo este înconjurat de o grădină fermecătoare, unde vă puteţi relaxa şi să bea o băutură.Conexiune Wi-Fi este disponibilă peste tot îm hotel, în cazul în care nu aveţi un lap-top există un punct de internet în hol.Toate camerele sunt confortabile, izolate fonic şi moderne. Meniu de perne este disponibil.

 

http://www.booking.com/hotel/it/michelangelo-venezia-mestre.ro.html?sid=41ec0fe89d6fb115092e8a5039dba1e1;dcid=1;checkin=2012-04-28;checkout=2012-05-02;srfid=703de6f64178d451a7220721151a9fe1X3

Camera dubla cu anulare gratuita si mic dejun inclus- 1838.23 RON

sau aceeasi camera dubla daca sunteti convinsi ca nimic nu va poate schimba planurile la  1663.16 RON nerambursabil si mic dejun inclus.

Principalele atractii ale orasului:

Piata San Marco

Piata San Marco

Piaţa San Marco este inima Veneţiei şi este considerată punct de referinţă pentru majoritatea turiştilor care vizitează Veneţia. Aici se desfăşoară evenimentele cele mai importante din Veneţia. Piaţa este înconjurată de case şi arcade denumite “Procuratie”, datorită faptului că în aceste edificiu locuiau şi munceau procuratorii din Veneţia antică. Există 2 tipuri de Procuratie: cei vechi şi cei noi. Merită menţionat Turnul Ceasului, care datează din secolul XV, una dintre operele arhitecturale cele mai cunoscute din Veneţia, ce se localizează deasupra unui arc ce se găseşte la începutul uneia dintre străzile cele mai animate şi pline de magazine, numită Merceri. Acest ceas astronomic prezintă reliefuri de metal aurit şi smălţuit şi înafara orei indică deasemenea fazele lunii şi semnele zodiacale. Deasupra ceasului se găseşte o fecioară cu un prunc.

Deasemenea merită să facem o plimbare prin piaţă pe dedesubtul arcadelor, să vizităm magazinele luxoase şi să ne oprim pentru a bea o cafea sau o ciocolată într-unul din barurile cele mai încărcate de istorie precum Quadri, deşi preţurile sunt foarte mari. Dintr-un colţ al pieţei se poate admira clopotul, care, inaugurat în 912, măsoară 98 de metro. Este indicat să urcăm în turnul clopotului, deoarece de sus ne putem mucura de o privelişte supebă a “Bacino de San Marco”, o albie de apă situată între Canalul Lido, La Giudecca şi Canalul Mare.

Podul Suspinelor

O scurta plimbare de-alungul cheiului va conduce spre Podul Suspinelor – Ponte dei Sospiri, ce leaga vechile inchisori de celulele de interogare din Palatul Dogilor.

 

Acesta reprezenta ultimul drum al condamnatilor, o ultima licarire de lumina printre zabralele podului, iar numele a fost inspirat de suspinele condamnatilor ce isi traiau ultimele clipe de libertate traversandu-l.

 

Celebrul Casanova a fost  condamnat aici pentru comportamentul sau necorespunzator cu dogmele religioase, dar a fost singurul care a reusit sa evadeze, in anul 1756.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Torre dell`Orologio

Torre dell`Orologio este un turn cu ceas, pozitionat deasupra arcadei ce duce spre Mercerie, propice celor pasionati de fotografie, datorita privelistii oferite de Turnul inalt de 100 metri.

 

Construit in stil renascentist, opera de arta are capacitatea de a arata zodiacul si fazele lunii si a fost conceput pentru navigatori.

 

O legenda spune ca cei ce au construit ceasul au fost orbiti pentru a nu mai putea crea ceva asemanator vreodata. Pe turn se afla un ceas auriu, smaltuit cu albastru, iar in varful acestuia sunt pozitionate doua figuri din bronz care bat clopotele la ora exacta (numite “mauri“).

 

Ceea ce este unic in lume la acest ceas este mecanismul prin care in timpul saptamanii Inaltarii Domnului, cei trei magi ies pentru a se inchina Fecioarei Maria si Pruncului Isus aflati deasupra ceasului.

 

Palatul Ca` d`Oro

Palatul Ca` d`Oro sau Galeria Giorgio Franchetti este unul dintre cel mai bine conservate palate de-a lungul Marelui Canal din Venetia. Denumirea Ca` d`oro – Palatul de Aur se refera la fatada care insa a fost stearsa odata cu trecerea anilor, acum ramanand rozalie.

Palatul a fost construit intre anii 1428 – 1430, pentru familia Contarini ce a oferit Venetiei opt “dogi” intre anii 1043 – 1676.

Colectia din interiorul palatului cuprinde sculpturi, obiecte de mobilier, tapiterii flamande din secolul XVI, o impresionanta colectie de obiecte din bronz, precum si o colectie de picturi cu “vedete” ca “San Sebastiano” de Andrea Mantegna si “Venus in Oglinda” de Titian.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Squero di San Trovaso

Squero di San Trovaso este un mic santier naval deschis in secolul XVII, situat la nord de bulevardul Zattere, langa biserica San Trovaso. Aici se construiesc si se repara gondole.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scuola Grande di San Rocco

Scuola Grande di San Rocco este faimoasa datorita capodoperelor pictorului Jacopo Robusti (1518 – 94), numit Tintoretto datorita meseriei tatalui sau: vopsitor. Seria de aproximativ 50 de picturi murale dramatice a necesitat o munca de 20 de ani.

Aceasta cladire impresionanta din marmura – sediu de breasla – a fost construita intre anii 1515 – 1560, dupa planurile lui Bartolomeo Bon. Picturile de langa si de ep casa scarii nu-i apartin lui Tintoretto.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ponte della Costituzione

Ponte della Costituzione sau Podul Constitutiei este al patrulea pod peste Marele Canal al Venetiei, a fost creat de Santiago Calatrava si inaugurat in anul 2008.

Podul mai este numit Ponte di Calatrava a Venezia si reprezinta subiectul mai multor polemici si critici, ivite din trei chestiuni problematice: lipsa accesului special pentru persoanele in scaun pe rotile, lipsa necesitatii sale si stilul modernist – minimalist incompatibil cu arhitectura Venetiei.

 

Scuola Grande di San Marco

Scuola Grande di San Marco se afla in apropiere de biserica si piata Santi Giovanni e Paolo si a fost sediul ligii bijutierilor si comerciantilor de matese bogati, iar in prezent este spital municipal.

Cladirea a fost construita in 1260, insa in 1485 a fost distrusa intr-un incendiu. In urmatorii 20 de ani a fost reconstruita dupa planurile lui Pietro Lombardo. Fatada este decorata cu nise, stalpi si statui policrome din marmura. Trei dintre marii exploratori si Italiei au fost membri ai acestei “scoli”: Giosafat Barbaro, Ambrogio Contarini si Alvise da Mosto.

 

 

 

 

Teatrul La Fenice

Teatrul a fost reconstruit in 2003, identic cu cel care a ars in 1993. Explicatiile ghizilor sunt in mai multe limbi.

 

 

 

 

Palazzo Grassi

Palazzo Grassi a fost construit pentru familia Grassi la jumatatea secolului XVII, dupa planurile lui Giorgio Massari.

Fata de celelalte palate bizantine, romanesti sau baroce din Venetia, Palazzo Grassi are un stil clasic. In prezent cladirea functioneaza ca galerie de arta.

 

 

 

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo

Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo este probabil singurul palat din Venetia a carui curte este mai interesanta decat fatada, si asta deoarece in curte se afla faimoasa Scala di Bovolo, o casa a scarii in forma de spirala. Aceasta a fost realizata in anul 1500 de arhitectul Giovanni Candi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Palatul Ca` Vendramin Calergi

Palatul Ca` Vendramin Calergi este un exemplu superb de arhitectura renascentista venetiana, multe dintre elementele sale fiind copiate in intreaga Europa.

Palatul a fost construit intre anii 1480 – 1504, de Mauro Coducci, trecand prin posesia mai multor familii: Loredan, Calergi in secolul XVI si Vendramin in secolul XVIII. Aici a murit Richard Wagner, in anul 1883.

In prezent, in palatul Ca` Vendramin Calergi se afla cazinoul – Casinò di Venezia si Muzeul Wagner.

Palatul Fondaco dei Turchi

Palatul Fondaco dei Turchi a adapostestit Bursa de Marfuri Turca si astazi este sediul Muzeului de Istorie Naturala – Museo di Storia Naturale di Venezia.

Cladirea dateaza idn secolul XIII si in secolele XIV – XV a fost resedinta ducilor de Ferrara in Venetia. In anii 1452 si 1469 palatul l-a gazduit pe Imparatul Friedrich al III-lea, iar intre anii 1608 – 1621 a fost biroul ambasadorului imparatului, Georg Fugger.

 

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