The Musée Dar Si Saïd, also known as the Museum of Moroccan Art, is housed in a stunning palace in Marrakech. The palace was built in the mid 19th century for Si Saïd ibn Moussa, the Minister of War, and boasts a beautiful courtyard with flowers, cypress trees, a gazebo, and a fountain. The exhibition rooms surrounding the courtyard are adorned with intricately carved doors, intricate stucco work, and mosaics, as well as a domed reception room and harem quarters.

The museum’s collection is highly regarded and includes jewellery from various regions in Morocco, carpets, oil lamps, pottery, and leather work. A standout piece in the collection is a 10th-century Spanish marble basin, which was brought to Marrakech by Sultan Ali ben Youssef in 1120 and initially placed in a mosque despite its depiction of an eagle and griffons, which goes against Islamic law. The basin was later moved to the Ben Youssef Madrasa and eventually donated to the museum after the college’s restoration.

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The Bahia Palace, also known as the “Palace of the Brilliant/Beautiful,” is a stunning late 19th century palace that spans 8 hectares, including a garden. Located close to the royal El Badi Palace and about 900 meters southeast of Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Bahia Palace is an oasis of calm in the midst of the bustling medina souk and offers a respite from the noise of traffic. The complex features 150 rooms, patios, courtyards, fountains, and gardens, and is adorned with intricate tile work, mosaics, coloured glass, carvings, and elaborate ceilings.

Originally built for Si Moussa, the Grand Vizier of Sultan Hassan I, the Bahia Palace was the largest and most luxurious palace in Morocco at the time. During the French Protectorate, it was the residence of General Hubert Lyautey, who added electricity, fireplaces, and heating. Although the rooms are not furnished with period furniture, the tiled walls and ceilings more than make up for it. Visitors can explore the palace in about 30 minutes, but it is also enjoyable to spend more time taking in all of the details of the palace.

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The El Badi Palace, also known as the “Incomparable Palace,” was once a grand and stately palace but now stands in ruins. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed el-Massour of the Saadian Dynasty in 1572 to celebrate his victory over the Portuguese in the Battle of the Three Kings, the El Badi Palace was intended to be the most impressive building in Marrakech. However, the sultan died before the palace was completed in 1603.

The El Badi Palace was a massive complex with 360 rooms surrounding an interior courtyard that measured 135 meters by 110 meters and featured fountains and a large pond. The palace was funded using reparation debt imposed on Portugal after the battle and was decorated with mosaics from Italy, gold fittings from the gold mines of Sudan, and onyx, ivory, cedar wood, and semi-precious stones.

After the Saadian Dynasty fell to the Alaouites in 1683, Sultan Moulay Ismail stripped the El Badi Palace of its valuable decorations to use in his new palace in another town, and the El Badi Palace slowly fell into ruin. Visitors can explore the ruins of the palace and climb an internal staircase on the northeast side to a small terrace with a view of the complex. The palace also houses a small museum containing a restored 12th-century carved minbar (Imam’s pulpit) from the nearby Koutoubia Mosque.

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The Saadian Tombs, located in the Kasbah of the royal district in the medina of Marrakech, offer a glimpse into the beauty of ancient Morocco. The tombs were commissioned by Sultan Ahmed Al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty in 1554 for himself and his family, and are the only surviving remnants of the dynasty’s reign, which lasted from 1554 to 1659. When the dynasty fell to the Alaouites, the new sultan attempted to destroy all evidence of the Saadians’ rule, but spared the tombs, which were partially sealed off (although important individuals were still buried there until 1792).

The Saadian Tombs are incredibly well-preserved due to their partial sealing and protection from external elements. The “Hall of the Twelve Columns,” where Al-Mansur and 60 members of the Saadian family are entombed, is adorned with imported Italian marble, intricate tile work, gilded honeycomb muqarnas, and elaborate, detailed and colorful ceilings. The “Hall of the Three Niches” houses important princes, while approximately 170 chancellors and their wives are buried in the garden.

The tombs were discovered in 1917 through aerial photography and were lovingly restored by the French organization, the Beaux-Arts Service. The tombs offer a peaceful resting place for those interred within.

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The Kasbah Mosque is one of the oldest and largest mosques in Marrakech, having been built in 1190. It is the second-best-known mosque in the city after the Koutoubia Mosque and features typical Almohad architecture. The mosque opens onto a square surrounded by interesting buildings and has a distinct minaret, which served as a prototype for many later minarets in the Maghreb and al-Andalus and is decorated differently from the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque. The exterior of the mosque is imposing, with high walls topped by merlons above a row of corbels and large pointed horseshoe arches, some of which are now walled-in, while others frame the gates of the mosque or house shops.

The Kasbah Mosque has undergone multiple restorations and is now in excellent condition. It is an active place of worship, with the call to prayer drawing in hundreds of worshipers daily (although it has the capacity to accommodate many thousands more). Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque, but it is still enjoyable to sit outside and take in the atmosphere. The area around the mosque is quieter and more open than other parts of the medina, and there are several nice cafes where visitors can sit and appreciate the surrounding architecture.

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Bab Agnaou, located in the southwest corner of Marrakech, is one of the 19 huge gates that once guarded entry into the city as part of its protective walls. It is the most noteworthy of the surviving gates, with rich decoration reflecting the 12th-century fortification design and embellishments. At one point, the gate served as an entrance to the El Badi Palace, home to the royal family, and was more of a decorative feature than a defensive one.

The entryway of the Bab Agnaou gate is a large horseshoe arch with concentric circles of symmetrical carvings – four semi-circular carved arcs, one above the other, with geometric floral patterns and a frieze along the top inscribed with verses from the Koran in Kufic lettering. The gate is constructed of Gueliz sandstone, which gives it its blue/ochre color. The two broken areas at each end of the top suggest that two slender towers once stood in this location, which may be the source of the gate’s name, “Agnaou,” which means “sheep without horns” in ancient Berber.

Today, the Bab Agnaou gate is a popular photo opportunity in the old city of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Lalla Hasna Park is a pretty garden just west of the Koutoubia. Laid out with pools, roses, palms and orange trees. it’s the prefect place to stroll or sit while enjoying views of the mosque.

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The Koutoubia Mosque and minaret, located 200 meters west of Jemaa el-Fnaa on Avenue Mohammed V, is the largest mosque in Marrakech and serves as a useful landmark for orienting oneself within the medina’s labyrinth. The mosque’s name, “Koutoubia,” is derived from the Arabic “al-Koutoubiyyin,” which means “bookseller,” as the area was once home to many sellers of books and manuscripts. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims, but everyone can enjoy the adjacent park, which features trees (palms, orange, olives), flower beds, fountains, and benches, at all times for free.

A smaller predecessor mosque was built on this site in 1147 by the Almohad dynasty after they defeated the Almoravides and took control of Marrakech. However, the qiblah wall of the mosque, which should have faced Mecca, was incorrectly oriented, so instead of correcting its position, the Almohades built a new, larger mosque nearby and the old one fell into disuse. The current mosque is constructed of reddish-brown sandstone and is decorated with curved window arches and pointed “merlons” or crenellations.

The Koutoubia’s minaret is a square structure that stands 69 meters high and 13 meters wide, with six rooms stacked on top of one another and crowned with a ceramic strip, small tower, and four gilded copper balls decreasing in size. The north-western side of the minaret contains ruins and cisterns from an Almoravid palace that stood on the site before the Almohades took over.

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On the eastern part of the square, we can also find the New Cathedral of Brescia (Duomo Nuovo), built between 1604 and 1825 (it took a while to build due to due to financial difficulties), in various architectural styles ranging from late Baroque to Rococo. It was designed by architect Giovanbattista Lantana and built on the remains of the old San Pietro de Dom church. It has a splendid Baroque façade in Botticino marble and it’s dome is the third tallest in Italy.

The Duomo Nuovo has eight chapels, although these are really no more than niches. The interior, a one-nave Greek cross design, is very monumental and contains several noteworthy works of art. Look out for the 15th century wooden crucifix on the first altar on the right; Isaac’s Sacrifice painted by Moretto in the lunette of the same altar; and St. Apollonio’s sarcophagus in the third altar (he was Bishop of Brescia in the 3rd century), made in 1510 and decorated with high-reliefs attributed to Maffeo Olivieri. In the Trinity Chapel, the altarpiece by Giuseppe Nuvolone is noteworthy; it’s a grandiose ex voto to celebrate the end of the plague in 1630.

The next structure is the Old Cathedral (Duomo Vecchio), known also as La Rotonda, an example of Romanesque architecture from the 11th century. Duomo Vecchio was built starting from 1100 by a very old Corporation of specialised masons. Also called “Rotunda” for its circular shape, it is the official co-cathedral of Brescia together with Duomo Nuovo.

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Santa Maria della Carità, is also known as the Church of the Good Shepherd , and is one of the most exciting expressions of the Baroque in the city. This temple of art and spirituality was built in the 16th century to be rebuilt in 1640 and finished in 1825 with the raising of the large cross on the dome. The sculptural and pictorial ornaments on the facade date back to the first half of the 18th century.

Inside, the sumptuous high altar stands out , one of the most beautiful in Brescia, with the image of the Virgin of the Terragli placed in the second half of the seventeenth century and behind which a chapel similar to the Holy House of Nazareth was built , the original of which is kept in Loreto, and the splendid octagonal floor with polychrome marble.

The result is a perfect integration with the stuccoes and frescoes of the walls and with the architectural perspectives of the dome.

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Piazza del Foro, adjacent to Via Musei.

The Piazza del Foro is one of the oldest squares in Brescia, as it was the centre of the political life of Roman Brixia. The square is framed by ancient palaces and residences. From Roman times date the Tempio Capitolino and the Basilica, which served as a courthouse at that time. The Roman columns that are still standing, used to be in front of shop spaces. The Palazzo Martinengo is graced by the Fountain of Neptune and the statue of Cesare IV Martinengo.

Opposite the Capitolium Theatre are the small Baroque church of San Zeno al Foro and the remains of the porches that ran around the square perimeter. The ground level at the time was much lower than today‘s and these remains give a great perspective of where the city was in those old days. By the square, surrounded by historic aristocratic residences, stands Palazzo Martinengo, built in the 17th century and used today to host temporary exhibitions. It also contains a wooden scale model of the whole area giving you a true window over the past of the city.

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Santa Giulia Museum is one of the main tourist and cultural attractions of Brescia. Also known as “City Museum”, its important historic displays and fascinating location make it a unique site. It’s an exceptional example of former monastery turned into a museum. It hosts incredible collections from Prehistory to the present day and temporary exhibitions of international relevance.

Together with the Capitolium archaeological area and the San Salvatore monastery complex, Santa Giulia Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Brescia’s Castle stands perched on Cidneo hill and many Brescians consider it the symbol of the city. The castle still bearing the traces of the various dominations of the past. The Mastio, the fortified keep on the top of the hill, with its mighty Torre dei Prigionieri (Tower of the Prisoners), the drawbridge and the Mirabella Tower, the last trace of the church of Santo Stefano in Arce overlooking the town, bear witness to the communal period and the Visconti domination. The imposing bastions, with their monumental gate, are testaments to the power of the Republic of Venice – La Serenissima – that ruled the city for about four centuries.

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Piazza Loggia, one of the three main squares in Brescia. Palazzo della Loggia is a beautiful palace built in Renaissance style in Brescia, located in the square of the same name, today the seat of the city’s Municipal Council. On the east side of the square are elegant porches with the Clock Tower surmounted by two automatons who strike the hours.

Palazzo Loggia was built between 1492 and 1570, like the square that hosts it, it presents itself in its grandeur and at the same time with a simple and clean style. The façade, made of Botticino marble, has columns and pilasters with rich sculptural decorations. In the lower part you cannot fail to notice the large portico , accessible from three sides through three large arches and today often used for events and musical moments. Also under the portico there are two fountains also made in Botticino marble.

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Rialto Bridge was the city’s first bridge over the Grand Canal connecting the highest points on the Venice islands settlement. The first bridge was built in 1180 and the current solid marble one was built in 1588-92.The bridge is an elegant arch with steps and shops, a mass of water traffic passing underneath, and huge numbers of tourists and locals heading across it.
Today, Rialto Bridge is one of the most photographed images in Venice and a major stop on the tourist trail. Rialto Bridge is located about the mid-point of the Grand Canal connecting the main arrival point for visitors at the Railway Station with St Mark’s Square being the main visitor destination. In the immediate area of Rialto Bridge, on the southern bank is the main food market Mercato di Rialto.

For great views of the bridge head towards the nearby Fondaco dei Tedeschi and its rooftop terrace. Book in advance at https://www.dfs.com/t-fondaco/rooftop-terrace-booking/booking/terrace_venice_en.html.

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St. Mark’s Basilica, known in Italian as Basilica di San Marco and popularly as San Marco Basilica, is a medieval church in Venice. It is devoted to honouring the remains of St. Mark, the patron Saint of Venice. The Basilica is the pride of Venice and its history dates back to the 9th century. The marvellous architecture blends Byzantine, Romanesque, Islamic, and Gothic influences. St. Mark’s Basilica is open every day from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM, if you have not booked in advance you need to purchase tickets to the side of the Basilica at Piazzetta dei Leoncini. Tickets cost €3 for the Basilica (although free for prayers, Mass and Service), €10 for the tower and €7 for the Museum & Loggia dei Cavalli (the balcony overlooking the St. Mark’s Square).

The Basilca and St Mark’s Campanile are a very cost effective way of seeing the splendour of Venice.

NB. You cannot bring backpacks into the Basilica.

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The Doge’s Palace is one of the symbols of Venice. The palace has been used for everything from the residence of the Doge to the prison of the Venetian republic. Originally a fortified castle founded between the tenth and eleventh centuries. The palace was partially destroyed by a fire and was rebuilt between 1172 and 1178, as was the Piazza San Marco. During this period, the Palazzo was used as a fortress and prison. The structure combines layers of different architectural styles, including Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance. This impressive building houses paintings by renowned Italian artists such as Titian, Tintoretto and Bellini. The building has been the Doges’ residence and public offices since the old castle was built in 810. Over nearly 1,000 years, 120 doges ruled over Venice from the Doge’s Palace.

The main areas yo will see are:

• The armory, a collection of over 2,000 artifacts including a few unusual objects.
• The courtrooms where laws were made, and cases were heard.
• The doge’s chambers are private rooms containing a shrine, priceless paintings, and two globes showing how the world was understood at the time.
• The secret rooms, which include cells, interrogation rooms, and a torture chamber.
• The chamber of the Great Council, where important state meetings were hosted.

Unfortunately unless you booked a month in advance online entrance will be €30 each. (Audioguide: 5 euro extra) – But does include the The Doge’s Palace, Museo Correr, National Archaeological Museum and the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana.

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You have a number of options here. Punta della Dogana – Pinault Collection is an art museum, in a triangular former customs house, exhibiting international contemporary artworks. Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and Gallerie dell’Accademia.

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Looking at the Basilica you will notice the four bronze horses on the loggia above the porch. originally part of a monument depicting a quadriga (a four-horse carriage used for chariot racing). The horses were placed here after the sack and looting of Constantinople in 1204   The four horses have historically been symbols of the great power of Venice.

The Basilica di San Marco was built in 832 AD to house the remains of the city’s patron, Saint Mark. The holy man’s body was brought from Alexandria, Egypt by two Venetian merchants who smuggled it concealed in the barrels of pork meat, which they rightly regarded the Muslim guards would never touch. According to legend, the night the body arrived in the lagoon, St Mark was greeted by an angel, saying, “Peace be with you Mark, my Evangelist. Here shall your body rest”. Over the centuries, this legend has inspired many works of art.

200 years later, a sumptuous temple was built upon the foundations of an earlier church, and was consecrated when St Mark’s body was interred beneath the high altar. The new basilica was modelled after the celebrated Church of the Apostles in Constantinople. To enhance its opulence, the structure was subsequently clothed in marble and mosaics depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, as well as the lives of Christ, Virgin Mary and St Mark himself.

Many of the mosaics were later retouched or remade, as artistic tastes changed and the damaged mosaics had to be replaced, so the ones currently in place represent 800 years of artistic styles. Some of them derive from traditional Byzantine representations and are masterworks of Medieval art; others are based on preparatory drawings made by prominent Renaissance artists from Venice and Florence, such as Paolo Veronese, Tintoretto, Titian, Paolo Uccello, and Andrea del Castagno.

Andrea del Castagno was active at San Marco in the mid-15th century, introducing a sense of perspective largely achieved with architectural settings. Attributed to him is the mosaic in the Mascoli Chapel, depicting the Dormition of the Virgin. Tintoretto, in his turn, created the mosaic in the central nave depicting the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (16th century), while Titian designed and executed, between 1524 and 1530, the mosaic decoration of the Sacristy vault depicting Old-Testament prophets.

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The Piazzetta dei Leoncini (Piazzetta meaning small piazza) is named after the two red marble lions sitting in the Piazzetta that were presented to Venice by Doge Alvise Mocenigoin in 1722.

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In a square filled with iconic Venetian buildings, this remarkable Renaissance clock tower holds its own. Its base has always been a favorite meeting point for Venetians as it marks the entrance to the ancient Merceria, one of the busiest streets in Venice, now home to both high-end boutiques and trinket shops.

The tower’s clock itself was made the official timekeeper of Venice as far back as 1858. It notably not only tells the time but is also aid to the astrologer, matching zodiac signs with the position of the sun.

Above the clock’s face, against a field of golden stars, you can see a winged lion of St Mark, symbol of Venice found practically everywhere around the city. Beneath the lion is a statue of the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus who also seem to be watching over Piazza San Marco.

The two men striking the bell at the extreme top of the clock tower are some of the most peculiar Venetian characters. Originally, these were two shepherds who, but after being reproduced in bronze, grew significantly darker with time, and thus, got the nickname of “Moors”.

If you decide to climb the tower, you may want to book a tour. There are two English tours run every day, each limited to 12 people only. On this tour you will see a secret door and then stop at every level all the way to the top to observe the clock mechanism and other curious things within the tower, along with San Marco square itself down below.

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Established in 1750 café Lavena has its origins in the popular Venice of the 17th century. As the other cafés of St Mark’s Square, Lavena equally had its part in intellectual life in the city. The person who gave lustre to Caffé Lavena, patronizing it from his first coming to Venice and becoming an habitual customer, was the composer Richard Wagner. Almost every day from five to six in the afternoon, Wagner used to visit Caffé Lavena and stay for half an hour, conversing very often with the owner Carlo Lavena.

Other famous persons that has frequented Caffé Lavena include the Venetian violinist Raphael Frontalli, famous composers and writers along with the current plethora of famous and not so famous movie stars that visits during the annual Venice Film Festival. Café Lavena is a great place to sip coffee with your loved one in a sunny afternoon and watch the world go by.

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Museo Correr is a fine arts museum found in Piazza San Marco. From the Neoclassical Rooms in the Napoleon Wing to the spacious rooms of the Procuratie Nuove. Museo Correr offers a wonderful insights into Venetian history, culture and art. Here you’ll discover the daily life of Venetians through the ages and see fascinating examples of their art up until the early 16th century. Even if you’re not a big admirer of classical art, it’s worth a visit for the amazing views over the Piazza!

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The city’s tallest bell tower was originally constructed in the 12th century, as a combined lighthouse and belfry, and was continuously modified up until the 16th century, when the golden angel was installed on its summit. Back in the day, each of the five bells here had a distinct function: the largest bell tolled the start and the end of a working day; another bell rang midday; two other bells either proclaimed a session of the Senate or called members of the Grand Council to the meetings; while the smallest of the bells gave notice of a forthcoming execution.

It was at the top of this belfry that Galileo Galilei famously demonstrated his telescope to the Venetian Doge on 21 August 1609 – the event commemorated by a plaque at the tower’s observation deck. Still, the most dramatic event associated with the Campanile took place on 14 July 1902, when the tower fell down shortly after giving a sound of warning to the leisurely coffee drinkers at piazza below, sending them run for their lives!

The Venetians put the Campanile back “where it was and how it was”, and the tower is now safe to climb to the very top. Unlike other belfries where you have to brave a narrow, steep spiral set of stairs to reach the top, the Venetian one has an elevator so you can easily get a pigeon’s eye view just for a fee.

Standing 99 meters high, the Campanile is the tallest structure in Venice; an ideal vantage point for observing the cupolas of the San Marco basilica and further afield, including the surrounding lagoon.

The Marciana Library or Library of Saint Mark is a public library in Venice, Italy. It is one of the earliest surviving public libraries and repositories for manuscripts in Italy and holds one of the world’s most significant collections of classical texts. It is named after St Mark, the patron saint of the city.

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The Palazzo Ducale or Doge’s Palace in Venice is one of the main landmarks of the city. The building is an unmistakable testament to Venice’s historic wealth and power. Its facade features a gorgeous pink Verona marble – is a real Gothic masterpiece. For almost 1000 years it was the building from which 120 Doges (or chief magistrates) wielded their awesome power and decided Venice’s fate. This seat of government housed a Senate, court facilities, the secret police, and also prisons. It was also the residence of the Doge of Venice, who – once elected – would remain in his position for life.

The Palace is key to understanding the city’s history. Built on the foundations of a 9th-century fortress, this palace is unquestionably the finest secular European building of its time which, in the course of centuries, had served many purposes, including Doge residence, seat of the Venetian government, court of law, civil office, and even a prison.

First built in the 14th century, much of the original palace was destroyed by fire in the 16th century reducing to ashes most of the art treasures held inside. Some of the greatest Venetian masters of the time, such as Tintoretto, Veronese, Titian, Bellini, and Tiepolo, contributed to restoring the palace to its former glory, recreating gilded stucco, sculptures, frescoes, and canvases.

The interior of the palace – spectacular furnishings and paintings, marvelously adorned ceilings – reveals lavishness on the scale that is hard to match. The most outstanding is the Grand Council chamber, featuring Tintoretto’s “Paradise”, reportedly the world’s largest oil painting. Running up to it, in terms of grandeur, is the Sala dello Scrutinio or the “Voting Hall” embellished with paintings depicting Venice’s glorious past.

By the end of the 13th century, Venice was one of Europe’s richest cities, mostly due to trading spices, silks, and wool between Europe and the Middle East. Its wealthy citizens became patrons of the arts, commissioning fabulous sculptures and paintings to decorate their palaces.

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Another grand Venetian landmark, the Bridge of Sighs runs between the Palazzo Ducale and the prisons. The view from the Bridge of Sighs was the last view of Venice that convicts saw before their imprisonment. The bridge’s English name was bequeathed by Lord Byron in the 19th century as a translation from the Italian “Ponte dei sospiri”,from the suggestion that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through the window before being taken down to their cells.

A local legend says lovers will be granted eternal love if they kiss on a gondola at sunset under the Bridge of Sighs as the bells of the Campanile are ringing.

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The first thing you will see of the Porta Nuova are a pair of colonnaded, neoclassical buildings dating from the 1830s. These were old customs houses by the city gate into the lower town of Bergamo.

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Take the most impressive means of transport into the old city. The Lower Funicular has been connecting the centre of Bergamo with the Upper Town (“Città Alta”) for more than 120 years, more precisely with Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe, where many business activities used to be carried out. The square (whose name means “shoes market square”) was used as a shoes market since 1430, while the building overlooking the square used to be the headquarter of the shoemakers’ guild and it currently hosts the funicular station.

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You used to be able to climb the 263 steps to the top of the 12th-century Gombito Tower, this is not possible for the foreseeable future.

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Piazza Vecchia the core of Città Alta. As you enter it on your left is the Palazzo Nuovo or New Palace, which served as Bergamo’s Town Hall until 1873. Today it is the seat of the Angelo Mai Library. Its incredible collection includes ancient and precious books: incunabula, books from the 1500s, engravings, manuscripts and other inestimable artefacts making it one of the most outstanding libraries in Italy. Directly opposite this is the Palazzo della Ragione, the oldest municipal seat in Lombardy. In the northwest side of Piazza Vecchia, the fresco-dappled Palazzo del Podestà was traditionally home to Venice’s representative in Bergamo. Today, the medieval building houses a small imaginative museum with audiovisual and interactive displays that tell the story of Bergamo’s Venetian age. Admission also includes access to the Torre del Campanone, with superb views over Bergamo.

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On your right you will see the octagonal Battistero di Bergamo, directly in front of you the Cappella Colleoni a 15th-century funerary chapel with its coloured marble exterior & frescoed ceiling inside. To the left and behind the Cappella Colleoni is the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore built in 1137  and to its right with its  neo-classical facade the Cathedral of Sant’Alessandro, built in 1459.

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The Cappella Colleoni, situated on the north side of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, stands as a splendid mausoleum and chapel that was constructed between 1472 and 1476. Its purpose was to honor the memory of Bartolomeo Colleoni (c. 1400–1475), a renowned Bergamese mercenary commander who led the armies of Venice in campaigns across northern Italy. Bartolomeo Colleoni now rests within this magnificent tomb.

Beneath the central dome of the chapel, Venetian rococo master Giambattista Tiepolo (1696–1770) adorned the interior with exquisite frescoes. The exterior of the chapel is adorned with a stunning display of red and white marble, showcasing an authentic Italian Renaissance masterpiece. Inside, you will encounter a captivating array of artworks, including the equestrian statue of Bartolomeo Colleoni, the marble sarcophagi, the exquisite tomb of his daughter Medea, and the intricately designed wooden desks.

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The Baptistery of the Cathedral is not just a physical structure but a profound embodiment of history, art, and faith.

It is a place steeped in history, spanning centuries. Its origins trace back to 1340 when it was built by Giovanni da Campione. However, it carries the legacy of an ancient baptistery that had stood near the Cathedral since the early days of Christianity, dating back to the 5th century. The Baptistery’s connection to the Cathedral is longstanding. Initially situated within the confines of S. Maria Maggiore, which, until the 15th century, was part of the same cathedral complex as the ancient church of S. Vincenzo. When S. Maria became independent from the Cathedral, the Baptistery was dismantled in 1660 and relocated first to the cloister of the Rectory and later, in 1898, to its present location in front of the Cathedral.

As a place of art, the Baptistery holds significant artistic treasures. It houses two remarkable sculptural cycles crafted by Giovanni da Campione: eight panels depicting key events from the life of Jesus Christ (such as the Annunciation, Nativity, Adoration of the Magi, Presentation in the Temple, Baptism, Capture and Condemnation, Crucifixion, Deposition, and Resurrection) within its walls. On the external corners, statues representing the theological Virtues (Faith, Hope, Charity) and the Cardinal Virtues (Justice, Prudence, Fortitude, Temperance) are displayed, with the virtue of Patience completing the ensemble. These original Gothic architectural elements were complemented during the relocation process.

Above all, the Baptistery is a place of faith where Christians receive the sacrament of baptism and embark on their journey of bearing witness to their commitment to Christ. It is where they are baptized and symbolically participate in the death and resurrection of Christ, supported by the grace received in baptism and nurtured through the other sacraments. The Baptistery’s octagonal shape symbolizes the fullness of God’s gift, the resurrection of Christ, and the new creation that baptism signifies.

This sacred space serves as a powerful reminder of the Christian heritage of our city and civilization, connecting us to our deep spiritual roots.

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In the center of Piazza Vecchia stands the Civic Tower, fondly referred to as the Campanone. This impressive structure soars to a height of 52.76 meters and grants visitors a truly awe-inspiring panoramic view of the historic old town.

At its summit, which can be reached either by ascending 230 steps on foot or more comfortably via an elevator, resides the largest bell in Lombardy. To this day, at the stroke of 10 pm each night, the Campanone tolls one hundred times, serving as an enduring reminder of a bygone era when the city gates along the walls were sealed during the rule of the Venetians.

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Adjacent to the Palazzo della Ragione, symbolizing civil authority, and the Bishopric, representing religious authority, the Palazzo del Podestà stands as a commanding presence overseeing the two main squares that served as the epicenters of medieval Bergamo: Piazza Duomo and Piazza Vecchia.

Constructed towards the conclusion of the 12th century, this magnificent palace was commissioned by the influential Suardi-Colleoni family, who generously offered it to the city. Over time, it evolved into the official residence of the Podestà, a foreign governor appointed for a six-month term to govern the municipality. In times of necessity, the Podestà had access to the prisons situated beneath the Civic Tower.

During the extensive period of Venetian rule, which commenced in 1428, the building underwent significant expansion and structural modifications, transforming it into the central hub for the administration of justice within the city.

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Parco Del Castello Di San Vigilio is clearly visible symbol of power, the Castle of San Vigilio has for centuries been the residence Bergamo rulers for centuries. It is located 496 meters above the sea level, on top of the hill that gives it its name, overlooking the Città Alta: that’s why it used to have a strategic role in case of attacks.

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Bergamo’s magnificent Venetian Walls encircle a circuit spanning over six kilometers, making it the ideal locale for a romantic stroll and the perfect vantage point to savor breathtaking sunsets. These walls have safeguarded the splendors of the Upper Town for more than four centuries and are honored as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a testament to their invaluable artistic and cultural significance.

Their construction commenced in 1561 under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Venice, initiated as a defense against potential enemy incursions. Remarkably, history, perhaps entranced by their sheer beauty, spared these fortifications from ever experiencing a siege. Consequently, they have endured virtually unchanged to the present day.

Comprising 14 bastions, 2 platforms, 100 embrasures for cannons, 2 armories, and four gates, not to mention an intricate network of underground structures featuring sallies, passages, and tunnels, the Venetian Walls offer a wealth of exploration opportunities. Don’t miss the chance to venture within the walls and explore the casemates of San Michele and San Giovanni!

However, the construction of these walls necessitated the demolition of over 250 buildings, including 8 religious establishments like the Sant’Alessandro Cathedral and the Dominican convent of Santo Stefano. Consequently, eight excommunications were issued during the course of these works.

A multitude of workers, under the guidance of both Venetian and Bergamo architects, were engaged in raising these formidable defenses due to the sheer scale of the undertaking.

The UNESCO World Heritage designation integrates the Venetian Walls into a broader, transnational site titled “Venetian fortifications between XVI and XVII Century,” intended to highlight the collective defensive systems erected by the Republic of Venice during the 16th and 17th centuries.

It’s noteworthy that some sections of these walls can trace their origins back to the Roman era, with documentation dating as far back as the 8th century. Remnants of these ancient fortifications can still be observed in locations such as via Vagine, beneath the Santa Grata cloister, and on the left side of Viale delle Mura, to the west of the funicular layout (formerly via degli Anditi). Although these ruins were in dire disrepair by the early 16th century, they were nearly entirely replaced by the new Venetian Walls, resulting in a completely fresh defensive perimeter without any vestiges of the prior fortifications.

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from here either take the Via S. Giacomo to the funicular, which yo catch to get to the bottom, or walk down the ramp and head left to catch the bus back to the station.

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Prato della Valle, Italy’s largest square, stands as one of Padua’s most iconic attractions. Covering an expansive area of 90,000 square meters, it boasts an elliptical shape. The square is bordered by a canal that encircles an oval space known as the Isola Memmia, named after Andrea Memmo, the visionary behind Prato della Valle in the 18th century.

Two concentric rings of statues grace the perimeter of the canal, totaling 78 in all, each representing prominent figures intertwined with the rich history and culture of Padua. For instance, statue number 36 pays homage to Galileo Galilei, who famously declared that he “spent the happiest 18 years of his life living and teaching in Padua.” Statue number 35 commemorates the renowned humanist and poet Petrarch, who was a frequent visitor to Padua in the 14th century. Statue number 21 immortalizes the illustrious Renaissance artist Andrea Mantegna, who both studied and worked in Padua. Notably, pinpoint 12 on this list leads to the opportunity to view Mantegna’s renowned cycle of frescoes in the Church of the Eremitani in Padua.

Prato della Valle serves as a vibrant hub for many of Padua’s major events and festivals. It regularly hosts bustling markets, featuring an array of fresh produce, vintage items, and assorted treasures.

Take a moment to explore Prato della Valle, and you’ll discover a treasure trove of picturesque opportunities. The stately Lodge Amulea and the imposing structure of the Basilica of Santa Giustina present splendid subjects for your photography. Be sure to capture the beauty of these landmarks with your camera to preserve the memories of your visit.

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The Orto Botanico di Padova is a small botanical garden in Padua, in the northeastern part of Italy. Founded in 1545 by the Venetian Republic, it is the world’s oldest academic botanical garden that is still in its original location. The garden – affiliated with the University of Padua – currently covers roughly 22,000 square meters, and is known for its special collections and historical design.

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One of the main reasons for visiting the Piazza del Santo is it see the Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata. It is one of the most famous statues in Italy, made by Donatello in 1446, it represents Erasmo da Narni, who was a soldier fighting for the church and for the Venetian Republic. His nickname was Gattamelata. It was the first equestrian statue of this size since antiquity and was commissioned by the soldier’s wife and son. The house in which Donatello lived during his time in Padua is located opposite the Basilica.

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Padua is affectionately known as the City of the Saint due to the deep and heartfelt devotion of its locals to St. Anthony. The term “Il Santo” is used by the citizens of Padua to refer both to the Saint himself and to the exquisite basilica that enshrines his relics.

Originally constructed between 1232 and 1310, with subsequent modifications over the centuries, the Basilica of St. Anthony stands as Padua’s most significant religious landmark. Annually, it welcomes five million pilgrims. This basilica is a must-visit, showcasing a harmonious blend of architectural styles, magnificent frescoes, numerous chapels holding precious relics, and a wealth of masterpieces.

Key highlights within the basilica include:

• Chapel of St. Anthony: A splendid Renaissance masterpiece where visitors come to offer their prayers before the Saint’s tomb.
• Chapel of the Relics (Treasury Chapel): Here, you can behold the Incorrupt Tongue of St. Anthony, along with numerous other revered relics. The meticulous craftsmanship and artistry evident in the design and creation of the reliquaries, chalices, and religious artifacts preserved here are truly breathtaking.
• Presbytery and Main Altar: This area is a magnificently frescoed and ornamented space, adorned with 15th-century statues and bas-reliefs by the renowned artist Donatello. These are among the most prized artistic treasures within the Basilica.
• Cloisters: These cloisters are not only beautifully maintained but also house fragments of preserved frescoes, providing a glimpse into the basilica’s rich history.
• Museums of the Basilica: These museums offer an opportunity to delve deeper into the life and work of St. Anthony and to admire a collection of artworks owned by the Basilica.
• Oratory of St. George and School of the Saint: Two small buildings adjacent to the main body of the Basilica. The first hosts one of the most precious 14th-century fresco cycles. The second features a series of frescoes by Titian and other renowned local painters.

Information for Visiting Anthonian Museum, Oratory of St George & Little School: Open Tuesday to Sunday 9.00 to 13.00 and 14.00 to 18.00, Adult Ticket €7 https://www.santantonio.org/en/content/times-and-single-ticket-various-museums-shrine

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MUSME is a collection of exhibits that describe the history of medicine. Since the University of Padua houses one of the oldest medical schools in the world, it is fitting for this museum to be located in the historic center of Padua, within walking distance of the medical school. Exhibits explain gross anatomy, the development of pharmacology, surgery and also focus on the evolution of medical education.

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Take a guided tour of the University of Padova, one of the oldest in Europe, where Galileo taught for a dozen years, and which awarded the first Ph.D. in the world to a woman in the 17th century). It is a fabulous renaissance building and tiered courtyard that housed the main campus of the University of Padua’s medical school for centuries. As such, it is decorated to the hilt with the family crests of all the illustrious teachers and alumni who have walked these old stone floors.

Look out for the lectern where Galileo taught!

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Walk past the historic Pedrocchi Café. Known for its part in the 1848 riots against the Habsburg monarchy, as well as for being an attraction for artists over the last century from the French novelist Stendhal to Lord Byron to the Italian writer Dario Fo. Pricing is as you would expect for a historic building.

The Roman Arena of Padua was an amphitheatre used for gladiator games in the ancient Patavium. The Arena ruins are now part of the Giardini dell’Arena park. Today, only a few ruins remain part of the bearing walls and a series of arches. The remains of the Arena have recently undergone a cleaning and restoration process. In parallel, an excavation project is also underway to bring to light the original structures of the Arena, floors and foundations, buried over the centuries by numerous stratifications and subsequent building works.

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The palazzo is home to the Museum of Applied and Decorative Arts, with over two thousand exhibits that might be called the hidden patrimony of the Padua City Museums. It also houses the Museo Bottacin, which has a rich collection of medals and coins. The neoclassical facade of the building has elements influenced by the Liberty style – the Italian version of Art Nouveau.

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The Church of the Eremitani (Chiesa degli Eremitani) is a 13th-century Gothic-style church known for its rich collection of artworks. Tragically, during the Second World War, the church suffered damage when it was mistakenly bombed by the Allied Forces. It is said that the proximity of the German headquarters in Padua to the church led to this unfortunate incident. Despite being on the ‘do not bomb’ list of cultural heritage sites, it became a casualty of war.

The most severe damage was inflicted on the church’s Ovetari Chapel, which had been adorned with frescoes by a group of renowned Renaissance artists in the 15th century. Among these artists, Andrea Mantegna’s name shines brightly. Mantegna had a unique approach to painting, which resembled the work of a sculptor wielding a paintbrush. His skill in depicting finely sculpted bodies, expressive faces, and intricate architectural backgrounds has garnered admiration for centuries. Many of his paintings now grace famous museums and galleries worldwide.

When the bombs struck the Church of the Eremitani on March 11, 1944, Mantegna’s frescoes crumbled into a staggering 88,000 fragments. This incident represented Italy’s most devastating art loss during the war. Only many decades later, thanks to advanced software, were the frescoes meticulously reconstructed, resembling a massive jigsaw puzzle with numerous missing pieces. Observing the restored frescoes in person brings to light the truly devastating impact of war on cultural treasures.

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Part of the Eremitani Civic Museums complex, the palazzo houses the Museum of Applied and Decorative Arts and the Bottacin Museum in its rooms. The museum complex is headquartered in Piazza Eremitani, in the cloisters of the former Augustinian monastery adjacent to the Church of the Eremitani. But the Eremitani Civic Museums encompasses a series of monumental sites and various museums located in different buildings in Padua, showcasing an expansive collection ranging from archaeological objects to medieval and modern art.

The Scrovegni Chapel, located in Padua, was adorned with an array of magnificent frescoes by the renowned artist Giotto in the early years of the 14th century. This remarkable transformation of the chapel was commissioned by the local moneylender, Enrico Scrovegni.

Giotto’s position as one of the most significant painters in history is indisputable, as he played a pivotal role in redefining the boundaries of pictorial expression. His influence on the art world is immeasurable, casting a long and enduring shadow across the annals of art history. To discuss the history of art without acknowledging the profound impact and enduring legacy of Giotto would be incomplete.

Among Giotto’s many masterpieces, the fresco cycle in Padua’s Scrovegni Chapel stands as his crowning achievement. This breathtaking work of art is a testament to his unparalleled talent and artistic vision, and it remains a cherished treasure for all who have the privilege of experiencing it.

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Ponte Molino is an ancient Roman bridge featuring five graceful arches. Its construction dates back to the years 30-40 AD, and it offers enchanting vistas of the Bacchiglione River. This bridge is among the few surviving Roman bridges in Padua and a rare example of an ancient bridge designed for the passage of both pedestrians and vehicles.

The bridge earned its current name, “Molino,” due to the presence of floating watermills operating adjacent to it from the 10th century until the late 19th century.

The road that traverses this bridge was historically Padua’s most important street, known as “Stra’ Maggiore.” It was watched over by the Torre di Ezzelino, an imposing tower constructed by a famous medieval tyrant. While the tower can still be seen at the far end of the bridge, your attention may also be captivated by another significant structure that stands beside Ponte Molino – the renowned Porta Molino.

Porta Molino, a substantial gate, was erected in the 13th century and formerly served as the most critical gate in Padua’s medieval defensive walls. Local legend has it that the gate’s height was such that Galileo Galilei used it as an observatory for his celestial observations.

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The Torre dell’Orologio is a clock tower situated in Piazza Dei Signori, nestled between the Palazzo del Capitanio and the Palazzo dei Camerlenghi in Padua, Italy. It is also known as the astronomical clock of Padua. The tower’s construction commenced in 1426 and was completed around 1430. The tower was commissioned by Prince Ubertino de Carrara, a member of the Carrara clan in Padua, who served as the Lord of Padua from 1338 to 1345. Subsequently, it was expanded to accommodate the new clock, which was crafted in 1427. The clock itself was finished in 1434. In 1436, decorative elements were added to the clock’s dial, and a year later, the clock tower was inaugurated. At the tower’s base, the grand triumphal arch, designed by Giovanni Maria Falconetto, was incorporated in 1531.

The clock’s design and construction were overseen by Giovanni Dondi dell’Orologio, also known as Giovanni de’ Dondi, an Italian physician, astronomer, and mechanical engineer. Gian Petro Dalle Caldiere provided assistance during the process. The clock’s design features references to the zodiac. However, the original clock did not include the Libra sign, as in the pre-Roman system, Scorpio and Libra were considered one zodiac sign.

The clock’s dial portrays the Earth at its centre, displaying the phases of the Moon, days, months, and the zodiac signs. Today, the clock is accessible to the public, with a group of volunteers known as Salvalarte ensuring that such sites remain open for public enjoyment. This group is affiliated with a nationwide environmental association.

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Although the interior of the Duomo is quite simple, it is worth to visit this beautiful renaissance style church.  There is separate entry to the baptistry so you do not need to go in via the cathedral, which costs 3 euros. The 12 century baptistry of the Duomo contains one of the most complete medieval fresco cycles to survive in Italy.

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It is worth visiting Palazzo Della Ragione and you should make time to go inside to see the frescoes. It is a stunning medieval town hall that was built in the 13th century. There are three floors, the underground has Roman ruins but is not always accessible to the public. Secondly, the ground floor is a wonderful place to get something to eat because it is full of cafes and then finally the top floor is where you will find the frescoes.

Head south down Via Roma to return to Prato della Valle.

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The Bra Square is the largest city square in Verona. It is the location of Verona Amphitheater, City Hall, Palace of Gran Guardia, and many other historical buildings. The square is surrendered by many cafes and restaurants. A statue of Victor Emanuel II on horseback, the balcony of the Honori Palace where one of Italy’s founding fathers Garibaldi gave his famous speech “Rome or Death”, and stone carvings of saints are just a few of the sites you will see here.

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Located on Piazza Bra, this Roman amphitheatre can seat up to 22,000 people and was built in 30 AD. It is home to the Verona Opera season each summer. The arena is known for its superb acoustics. Over 500,000 people visit this place each year.

Obviously one of the most iconic places to see in Verona. However after reading the reviews on trip advisor I did query whether it is worth the visit. Basically it feels like a music arena not a trip to 2000 years into the past! (If you want Roman remains that don’t miss out on Verona’s Roman Theatre & Museum, at the end of this itinerary. )  My take on it is, if you have the Verona Pass, you don’t queue and you aren’t  paying any extra to enter, then go for it. Pop in, if you are bored, leave and head straight to the Museo di Castelvecchio (Old Castle Museum), but at least when someone back home asks you if you have the Verona Arena you can look them in the sys and can say yes! If you don’t have the Verona pass, and you are facing a  €10 entrance and a 20 minute wait, then I would say, the best views are from the outside and head on.

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The House of Juliet, is a 13th-century structure situated on the remains of a Roman insula building on the Via Capello. It is located near well-known Juliet’s Tomb.

Although many dispute whether or not Romeo and Juliet actually existed, the house remains a popular attraction that thousands of tourists visit each year. In fact, the house was formerly owned by the Capello family. Many guests write notes on the wall and the doors of the courtyard. From the balcony, one can even imagine ill-fated lovers talking to each other.

The dwelling contains a museum that displays frescoes, paintings, and artwork from the 16th and 17th century. One treat not to be missed is the bronze statue of Juliet. It is said that good luck will come to those who rub the right breast of the sculpture.

Entrance into the courtyard is free, but entry into the house is not. While the house tour is pretty basic, you can upgrade your ticket to include the tomb as the grounds are lovely and have some nice frescoes.

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Market Square was originally the site of a Roman forum, or square, which hosted exciting chariot races. It is also known as the square of herbs. Historically, various aromatic spices, herbs, coffee beans, and textiles were shipped to Venice and imported to Verona’s Market Square.

In keeping with tradition, the square hosts a market from Monday to Saturday. This market features souvenir vendors as well as farm-fresh produce and flowers.

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The Lamberti Tower is an ancient tower in the Market Square. Construction on the tower began in 1172. The tower underwent restoration after a 1403 lightning strike. Visitors can see the different restoration work over the centuries by noticing different materials. For example, the marble areas were added in 1779. The clock was also added during the 1779 renovation.

The Lamberti Tower has two bells. The largest bell named Rengo is used to call residents to arms or call a city council. The Marangona bell signals fires, hourly chimes, and work times.

The tower stands 84 meters high. Visitors can book tickets in advance, take the elevator, or walk the 368 stairs to the top of the tower. The elevator is transparent so visitors can admire the internal architecture. At the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the terrace. At night, the terrace is available for events.

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The Lords Square is packed with gorgeous architecture and is a fabulous place to soak up the history and culture of Verona.

This historic square has a strong connection with William Shakespear’s Romeo and Juliet, set in Verona. The Town Hall provided the setting where Bartolomeo della Scala banished Romeo and sentenced him to exile in Mantua.

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The Scaligeri Tombs are known as the location of Juliet’s staged death. The Scaligeri Tombs are a group of five Gothic monuments. They were built to celebrate the della Scala family, 13th and 14th-century rulers of Verona.

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The Construction of the Sant’Anastasia Church began in 1280 and was completed in 1400. The church was named after a temple that once stood on the site. The Sant’Anastasia Church is the largest in Verona. The facade has three vertical brick sections and a simple rose window. A gorgeous facade panel shows St. Peter of Verona.

The Ponte Pietra, or Stone Bridge, is the oldest bridge in Verona. It was completed in 100 BC by the Romans. The Ponte Pietra crosses the Adige River. In Roman times, the Via Postumia connecting Genoa to Aquileia passed over the bridge.

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Well-known for its many concerts, music performances, and ballets, the Roman Theatre seats 25,000 people. Having actually been built during the 1st century AD, it is one of the oldest monuments in Verona.

For centuries, the ruins of the theater were buried underneath residences constructed on the property. In 1834, a Veronese named Andrea Monga bought all the houses built on the property, then demolished them and began the renovation process. It is because of his efforts that the structure was saved.

In 1904, the city purchased the property and continued renovations until the 1970s. Although most of the structure was lost due to the ravages of time, the cavea, tier of seats, several arches of loggias, and parts of the stage and the old theater were recovered. One can truly take a step back in time when visiting the Roman Theatre.

The theater is well-known for its Shakespeare Festival held from June to August each year. Jazz concerts in May, plays in June, and ballets in August are just some of the treats to enjoy. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.

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This medieval fortress is set high on a hilltop above Verona. The hilltop location was chosen as the ideal location to protect the city against intruders. The Romans used this hilltop as a defensive position.

During Roman times, the hill was known as Monte Gallo, or Rooster Mountain. The Romans also revered this location as a religious site and built a temple and theater here.

The hill was later named Colle San Pietro when a Medieval church dedicated to St. Peter was built on the site. The area was next fortified with battlements typical of medieval fortresses. Between the 14th and 15th centuries, the Castello Visconteo (the Castel of the Viscount) was built.

In 1801, the Napoleanic army destroyed most of the buildings on this historic site. Later, Austrian soldiers arrived and destroyed St. Peter’s Church. The Austrians built barracks that are still in place.

Today, visitors can climb the switchback stone steps to the top or take a funicular cable car to the top of the hill. This hilltop location is a beautiful place to view the city of Verona, take pictures, and watch the sunset. There’s also a restaurant at the top of the hill so you can relax and enjoy a meal or drinks.

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The Verona Cathedral is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was built after the previous churches on this site were destroyed. The Romanesque style Verona Cathedral was consecrated in 1187. The west facade features a double porch, Lombard bands, and small pinnacles.

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The Borsari Gate is an ancient Roman gate that was built in the first century AD. It was previously called the Lovia Gate and then the San Zeno Gate before receiving its current name. The original structure was brick and contained an inner court. It was rebuilt in 265 and given a limestone facade. The upper part of the gate features 12 arched windows.

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Arco dei Gavi is a monument in Verona, located just outside the walls of the ancient Roman city. The arch was built in the 1st century to celebrate the gens Gavia, an important Roman family of Verona.

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The Old Castle Museum is a museum located in the eponymous medieval castle. The castle was built between 1354 and 1356 to protect the family of Lord of Verona from enemies and to give them ample time to escape. The palace was used to house military weapons and munitions in the 1400s and eventually became the seat of the Venetian military academy in the 1700s. In 1925, it was made a museum.

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Scaligero Bridge is a three-arch bridge that spans the Adige River. It was built in 1375 for the Scaliger family who wanted to use the bridge as an escape route from the Old Castle to the river.

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This is the start of the Exeter Ship Canal. It first opened to shipping in 1566 and was the first canal to be built in Britain since Roman times. It was also the first canal in England to use the pound lock.

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The Quay House was re-built in 1680-1 at the height of Exeter’s woollen cloth industry. The building was used to store cloth and other goods before they were loaded and transported down the canal. It also had an overhanging roof, which enabled cargos to load and unload out of the rain.

Today the history and development of Exeter’s Quayside is brought to life with lively displays, illustrations and artefacts. There is also the opportunity to see “Exeter – 2,000 years of history,” an exciting audio-visual presentation highlighting Exeter’s history from Roman times to the present day. The Quay House Visitor Centre provides tourist information, Quayside treasure hunts, an accommodation booking service and a gift shop selling local pottery, replica maps and a wide range of local interest books.

Just beyond along the canal are the olds warehouses the which today are used by crafts and antiques shops to sell their wares  and places to eat and drink. After the decline of the woollen cloth industry this area of the Quay was still busy with the storage and transportation of grain, wine and oil.

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This area you are now in was called Exe Island, it was once the very heart of the Devon cloth industry packed with mills, fulling stocks, cloth drying sheds and racks. You can imagine the noisy activity of workers with heavy hammers pounding the newly dyed cloth. The fulling mills were powered by water via man-made channels called ‘leats’.

Cricklepit Mill was one of many in Exeter, including three on the Quay, but most have gone or are in a bad state of repair. Cricklepit Mill now offers a small visitor centre and wildlife garden where we run a range of events and activities for the general public.

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This is where the first bridge across the River Exe was built in 1200. During the boom years of the woollen cloth trade, packhorses and horse drawn carts trying to get in and out of town would regularly get held up on the narrow bridge.

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Members of the Cloth Workers Guild met here to make decisions about their trade. They would discuss such things as quality standards and apprenticeships. You can see the tools of their trade in the ironwork on the gate.

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Part of this historic building was home to two of the city’s most prominent wool merchants. The Priory was built almost a thousand years ago as a Benedictine monastery and was partly destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536.

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For over 800 years the Mayor and Council have regulated the affairs of Exeter from the impressive Guildhall. The homes, shops and offices of wealthy merchants were also built in this area. You can
still see the beautiful timber fronts.

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The site of Northernhay Gardens was quarried in Roman times for stone from which to build the adjacent city walls. Walking through the gardens is a good way of seeing the walls.

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King Athelstan also built a castle on the highest ground inside the wall, on the Red Mount, now known as the Norman, Rougemont Castle. It is thought that the only part of his castle to survive is a part of the ruins known as “Athelstan’s Tower”.

Read more about Athelstan’s Tower

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Although not strictly part of the wall, the castle was an important part of the city’s defences. Built in 1068 following the Norman siege of Exeter, it established a foothold of control for the Normans over the previously rebellious citizens of Exeter. This gatehouse is the oldest standing castle building in Britain.

Read more about Exeter Castle (Rougemont Castle)

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The displays in the museum reveal Devon and Exeter’s rich history and global connections. Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and the World Cultures galleries display stunning items from all over the world.

Read more about Royal Albert Memorial Museum

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North Gate: This was the site of one of the smallest of the city’s four main gates. It was burnt down during the Perkin Warbeck Rebellion of 1497 and also damaged during the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549.

Cross the traffic lights and go straight ahead into Bartholomew Street East. Keeping the railings on your right, walk straight down the path to Bartholomew Terrace.

Snayle Tower:  On the corner of Bartholomew Terrace in front of you once stood a large semi-circular tower that dominated the defences to the west of the city. It offered an excellent observation point for the many sieges of the city particularly during the English Civil War.

Continue to the end of Bartholomew Street West. Cross Fore Street, walking down the hill to the end of West Street. 

West Gate: This gate was the main entrance to the city from Plymouth and Cornwall and was a particularly busy place at the height of the woollen cloth trade.

Cross Western Way at the pedestrian crossing. Turn left and walk uphill to the first turning on your right (Lower Coombe Street) and proceed onto cobbled Quay Hill, at the bottom you will be at  Water Gate.

Water Gate: This gate was added to the city wall circuit for commercial rather than defensive reasons. During the 16th and 17th centuries this area was involved in the woollen cloth industry, be it finishing the cloth on Exe Island or exporting the cloth from the Quay.

Continue on the footpath up the hill to Western Way.From here either cross Western Way via the Yaroslavl Bridge, or to your right over the pedestrian crossing. The next board is located on the other side of South Street. Here you will find out about the South Gate.

From here either cross Western Way via the Yaroslavl Bridge, or to your right over the pedestrian crossing. The next board is located on the other side of South Street. Here you will find out about the East Gate.

South Gate: This was the most impressive of all the city gates. This stretch of wall was very vulnerable from attack, so a number of smaller towers were built.

Follow the footpath alongside the city wall to Cathedral Close, turn right on to Southernhay. At Southernhay turn left then continue behind Broadwalk House to discover more about the East Gate.

East Gate: Being the principal entry point to the city, this gate played a vital defensive role during the many sieges of Exeter, especially during the Perkin Warbeck rebellion.

Read more about Exeter City Wall

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The Cathedral is the jewel in Exeter’s crown. Exeter became a major ecclesiastic centre in the Middle Ages, not only was there a Cathedral, but within the city there were 32 parish churches, and around the area there were 7 monastic houses.

The cathedral area has been used as a place of worship since the 4th Century and eventually a Saxon Abbey was built. The Abbey became a Cathedral in 1050. From 1114 a new Cathedral was constructed, and in the 13th and 14th centuries the Cathedral was rebuilt in the Decorated Gothic architectural style.

If you walk anti clockwise around the cathedral you will come to St Petrock’s (Exeter) Ltd, and the Gates to the Close For over 500 years entry to the Cathedral Precinct would have been controlled by seven gates. The gates were erected following the murder of a member of the Cathedral clergy.

Read more about Exeter Cathedral

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Armadale Castle is the 19th century seat of the Clan MacDonalds in the south of Skye.  The castle was built in 1815 and extended in 1855, but the MacDonald family moved out in 1925 and then the castle suffered a major fire and became the ruin that you see today. It was purchased by Clan Donald Lands Trust that started renovating it and turned it into a museum. You can explore 40 acres of beautiful woodland walks and enjoy spectacular views over the sea to the majestic mountains of Knoydart.

You can also learn about Highland history in their fascinating Museum of the Isles, Skye’s only Museums Galleries Scotland accredited museum!

Read more about Armadale Castle & Gardens

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Dunvegan Castle can be found on the Eastern shore of the Isle of Skye overlooking Loch Dunvegan. Dunvegan Castle is by far the most famous castle on the Isle of Skye. Probably occupying the site of a much earlier fortification, Dunvegan Castle was built in the thirteenth century by the MacLeod clan as part of their efforts to secure control of the Isle of Skye. It was substantially rebuilt in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries creating the structure seen today. It is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.

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Castle Ewen is a natural landmark located in Fairy Glen, in the northern part of the island. One of the hills of the glen  still has its basalt topping intact which, from a distance, looks like a ruin and has been called  Castle Ewan. It is possible to climb to the top where there is not much room, but does have wonderful views. In the low cliff behind Castle Ewan there is a very small cave where it has been said pressing coins into cracks in the rock will bring Good Luck.

Although on the mainland it would be remis of me not to mention the classic Eilean Donan Castle. The first castle was built in the 13th Century to protect the surrounding lands from Viking raiders. The island it was built on was called Saint Donan’s Isle, and its current name derives from its Gaelic name – Eilean Donan.

Over the centuries the castle expanded until 1719 when it was occupied by Spanish soldiers and blown up by the Royal Navy during the 1719 Jacobite Uprising. For nearly 200 years a neglected stump was all that was left of the castle sitting on its little island.

In 1911 John Macrae-Gilstrap bought the island and set to work rebuilding the castle. It took 20 years, but the result of his efforts is quite simply magical, providing one of Scotland’s most iconic sights and certainly one of the best castles in Scotland.

Read more about Eilean Donan Castle

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