Villa Carlotta is one of the most famous villas on Lake Como and she is a beauty! Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici decided to establish his country estate on ancestral lakeside land at Tremezzo. The estate was complete in its initial form by 1695. His great-grandson Anton Giorgio Clerici inherited the family fortune, and completed theContinue reading “Villa Carlotta”
Tag Archives: architecture
Menaggio
Today’s lake trip is to Menaggio and one of the most famous villas on Lake Como – Villa Carlotta. Menaggio has an elegant lake promenade that winds along the lake shore alongside flower beds and colourful houses. Established by the Romans as a strategic settlement on the Via Regina road, it was fortified with walls,Continue reading “Menaggio”
Varenna
We’re up early and on a ferry over to Varenna. It’s a grey day though so not holding out much hope of good photos. Varenna is a picturesque and traditional village, located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. It looks a little Austrian with the mountains in the background. Varenna’s lakefront, called Riva Grande,Continue reading “Varenna”
St Mark’s Square
Piazza San Marco, also known as St Mark’s Square, is the principal public square of Venice. It is home to some of the most iconic architecture in the city including The Doges Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. The Doges Palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the former RepublicContinue reading “St Mark’s Square”
Cruising the canals
Our first day in Venice and we’re exploring the sights of the Grand Canal including the iconic Rialto Bridge. The Grand Canal is 2.4 miles long with an average depth of five metres. The banks of the canal are lined with more than 170 buildings, most of which date from the 13th to the 18thContinue reading “Cruising the canals”
Disney houses
Finally we’re off to see one of my bucket list! The traditional Madeiran A frame houses!! Known as palheiro these are highly distinctive, and incredibly cute! Once far greater in number, the majority of these can now only be found in the village of Santana. An A-frame house features steeply-angled sides that usually begin atContinue reading “Disney houses”
Alicante old town
Here’s a few more snaps as we carry on exploring Alicante’s charming old town. I almost explode from delight when we find this colourful little dwelling (FOR SALE!!!) And there’s always colourful washing lines, tiles and swoon worthy doors to snap too.
Marvellous Murcia
Murcia is the seventh largest city in the country and an easy trip to make from Alicante by train. It is located on the Segura River, in the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula and has plenty of swoon worthy architecture to ogle. Highlights for visitors include the Cathedral of Murcia and a number of baroqueContinue reading “Marvellous Murcia”
Alonnisos old town
Alonnisos old town is a sleepy little place that was rescued from virtual abandonment following a natural disaster. When we first arrive in the morning it is completely shut up and still sleeping! So we have a quick mooch around and then plan to come back later. Even shut up and empty, the town hasContinue reading “Alonnisos old town”
Skopolos town
A few more snaps from the gorgeous whitewashed Skopolos Chora now. The town extends up to the Kastro (castle) which is the perfect spot to grab a cool drink and enjoy the view out. Skopolos town was designated a ‘traditional settlement’ in 1978 due to its beautiful character and authentic architecture that has remained relativelyContinue reading “Skopolos town”