My horizons have broadened a little more after our week spent in Northern Italy. It’s no surprise that those 17th, 18th & 19th century aristocrats, aesthetes, and architects were so inspired by what they found there. We based ourselves in the beautiful and prosperous city of Modena, not hugely well known in the UK, other than for its association with balsamic vinegar and Ferrari. In addition, did you know that a Queen of England & Scotland also came from Modena? Namely, Mary, second wife of James II, and grandmother of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
During our stay, we made trips to Bologna, Ferrara, Padua, and Venice. Armed only with my iPhone, I’m afraid I got a little carried away with it all!
The Duomo in the centre of the city, and its leaning Ghirlandina bell tower
Gothic arches inserted between the bell tower and duomo to prevent collapse.
Not only is the bell tower wonky, the duomo itself has a distinct lean.
Catherine & Jochen on the steps of the Duomo
Via Emilia, the Roman road that not only bisects the city, but the whole country too.
The irresistible combination of yellow ochre, burnt sienna, and sky blue
VIGNOLA & THE MODENESE COUNTRYSIDE
Just south of Modena are the hills which spread south to Tuscany, here you will find archetypal Italian villages set among the vineyards.
Levizzano Rangone
Vignola
Rocca di Vignola
The Coat of Arms room, Rocca di Vignola
I was totally captivated by the scale and intensity of this city. While Venice has it’s canals, Bologna has colonnades. Almost every street in the historic centre is lined with them.
Cafe overlooking the Piazza Maggiore
Bologna’s own, slightly leaning tower
Chiaroscuro in San Petronio
Staircase in the Museo Internazionale e Biblioteca della Musica di Bologna
Memorials in a courtyard of Bologna’s university
A stunning and buzzing city of which I knew nothing. Well worth spending time here.
The candy striped cathedral
Shops built up against the cathedral walls
Castello Estense
Palazzo dei Diamanti
Brief pitstop in this pretty city en route to la Serenissima!
Quite possibly the oldest clock in existence
And finally, VENICE
My second visit to this wondrous place, already planning the third.
A first glimpse from beneath Calatrava’s new bridge
On the Canale Grande
Fondamente de Canaregio
Being eyed up during breakfast on the canal
Decay in Venice
The church of San Polo
Busker in Campo San Barnaba
Our ‘campo’ hotel room
A favourite cafe
The Gritti Palace
From the terrace of the Gritti Palace, this scene unfolded like a renaissance painting. Unforgettable!