Chiemsee, the Bavarian Sea

Chiemsee is the biggest lake in Bavaria and is often called the Bavarian sea. Chiemsee is a nice destination for a day trip in Bavaria.

The lake is located just 60km south from Munich and can be easily approached from Munich with a train to Prien and a small steam train connects the Prien station to the lake.

 

From there we take a boat trip around the lake. The ride is so nice, surrounded by mountains, boats and breeze.

The scenic lake is well-known with its picturesque sceneries and the beauty of its main three islands: Herreninsel, Fraueninsel and Krautinsel.

The biggest of the islands is Herreninsel and here is the famous Herreninselchiemsee palace, nestled in this remote island and built by the Bavarian king Ludwig II.

 

The palace itself is connected to the harbor via a nice alley and can be reached by a horse carriage as well as a lovely country walk.

 

The first stop for us is the Herreninselchiemsee Abbey was initially used as a monastery but later bought by the Bavarian king and used as a residence by Ludwig II, from here he inspected the construction of the new palace, situated several kilometers away.

The new palace is so gorgeous and was inspired by the grandeur of Versailles palace. The tastefully and richly decorated rooms are just spectacular and the bride windows reveal majestic views towards the gardens and the lake. The palace is unfinished because the king could not financially support it.

 

We also visited the museum and learning more about Ludwig’s life.

 

The spacious gardens are decorated with statues, flowers and fountains. The green areas are connected to the lake via canals.

 

Monumental and magnificent views towards the palace and the dancing fountains.

 

Charming place with nice statues harmoniously combined with fountains.

 

Simply fantastic views towards the beautiful garden decorated with flowers, bushes and trees, a perfect place to sit on a bench and enjoy the lovely panorama.

 

Chiemsee and the palace are nice tourist destination. The charming lake and the nice scenery offer the best combination for one unforgettable and delightful vacation in Bavaria.

Ammersee and Starnberger See, jewels on water

The state Bavaria in southern Germany has a unique culture, traditions, unspoiled nature and richly varied landscapes which have caught the imagination of tourists who chose the region and particularly the lakes Ammersee and Starnberger See as perfect destinations for unforgettable vacations. 

Both lakes developed as a result of ice age glacier melting and nowadays attract many tourists with clear waters and soft breezes.

Starnberger See is the nearest lake to Munich and it is the fourth largest lake in Germany. The lake can be easily reached by public transport from Munich.

 

Around the lake are located several picturesque towns and the best know is Berg, where in 1886 Ludwig II of Bavaria was found death in the lake.

 

Little corners of paradise. 

 

Peaceful, calm and very recommended.

The other vary famous tourist destination in Bavaria is the fascinating Ammersee. The lake is just half an hour away from Munchen and offers magnificent conditions for an active holiday.

The lake and the region are especially beloved by foreign and local tourists who come here to enjoy the variety of cycling and walking opportunities. 

For fans of fishing, windsurfing and sailing the lake offers a large variety of aquatic environments to practice sport in touch with nature.

 

The lake offers a lot of opportunity to eat and drink and an enjoyable walk along the promenade brings tourists to absolutely amazing corners.

Ammersee and Starnberger See are definitely places to remember and come back again, a perfect way to spend summer vacation surrounded by nature and beauty.         

Verona

Veneto is a remarkable region, situated on the northeast of Italy. Veneto has thousand different faces and exceptional variety of sceneries. The cities here are another occasion to feel and another way to discover the rich historical heritage of Italy.

One of the most beautiful experiences in Italy and Veneto is to visit Verona. The charming city is famous all over the world due to the tragedy of Shakespeare-Romeo and Juliet. Verona commemorates the passion of love and impresses with its elegance and welcoming atmosphere.

Verona preserves numerous historical monuments and the city has been declared UNESCO World Heritage site.

In the historical center is the most enigmatic and well-known sightseeing- the arena of Verona. The Roman amphitheater is located on Piazza Bra. The coliseum is very well preserved and still several operas are annually performed here.

Piazza Bra is the large open square in Verona and is surrounded by several elegant cafes and restaurants. A place full of tourists, who bring a vivid and unique atmosphere to this splendid square.

Taking a rest here is definitely a nice experience both at day and night time.

Lovely architecture, I Portoni della Bra was built in 14^th century is a passageway between Castelvecchio and the citadel. 

Through Verona flows Adige River, this is one of the longest rivers in Italy. Close to the river and the city center is the beautiful castle of Verona Castelvecchio, built by the powerful Scaliger family which ruled the city during the Middle Ages.

Close to the castle was also built the fortified bridged which allowed to family to escape safely Verona in case of revolution. 

A beautiful promenade along Adige River reveals lovely views towards the fortified bridge Ponte Vecchio.

Shakespeare has brought to Verona fame and immortality via the tragically love story of Romeo and Juliet. The Capulet House is one of the highlights in Verona. Here is also the famous balcony on which is said that Juliet has met Romeo.  The attractions of Verona are closely related to its history, traditions and religious cultures.

Piazza della Erbe is another splendid part of the Verona and the heart of the city. The square was used as a forum during the Roman Empire and today impresses with its wonderful architecture and atmosphere.

The lovely square and the surrounding buildings create a fantastic atmosphere.

Here is located the ancient town hall and the 84 meter high Torre dei Lamberti. 

 

 

The oldest part of the square is the fountain decorated by a statue called Madonna Verona. Behind is Palazzo Maffei decorated by statues of Greek Gods.

Piazza dei Signiori, also known as Piazza Dante. Buildings of great architecture dominate this square. One of them is Loggia del Consiglio, a splendid Renaissance palace which used to be a town council.In the middle is the statue of Dante. 

This is the oldest part of the city and the area here is so marvelous.

Located close to Ponte Pietra is the church of the Dominican order dedicated to St. Anastasia.

Close is the arch bridge Ponte Pietra also known as the stone bridge. The oldest bridge in Verona is a perfect motif for photographers and the gentle breeze provides a relief from the busy city life. 

A beautiful walk from Ponte Pietra to the top of the hill, where the ruins of an old castle are.

On the top is the beautiful Piazzale Castel San Pietro, the best place to see Verona.

Gorgeous panoramic view of the city from Castel San Pietro.
 

Lots of fantastic view points through the trees. 

Basilica St. Zeno in Verona.

Verona, a beautiful city of great passion and movement, full of so much history. This spectacular and inspiring city is unforgettable.  

Brescia, the lioness of Italy

One of the most beautiful experiences in Lombardy is to visit the small historical cities.

 

Graceful and elegant, Brescia is one of the main historical places in Lombardy. The city has been a protagonist of many important historical events. It is very emotional to hear the stories of its historical past and to feel its glorious spirit.

 

 

A piece of the extraordinary history of Brescia can be admired at every corner. Visiting Brescia is a perfect opportunity to discover a place rich in charm and priceless ancient historical treasures.

 

 

The charming city is also known for its huge castle complex, one of the largest in Italy and his construction took several centuries.

The tower of prisoners.

Located on the top of a hill, the castle reveals splendid views towards the city of Brescia and the region. This is definitely a fabulous place to visit and admire.

 

 

 

Brescia has its flair and fascinating atmosphere. Tourists remain impressed by the beauty of the main square Paolo IV, surrounded by several buildings, particularly interested with their architecture.

The historical heart of Brescia is an amazing vivid place, full of life and music and offers unique views. A perfect spot which should be seen and experienced.

 

 

The Old round Cathedral, La Rotonda built in 11^th century.

 

 

Close to it is the New Cathedral. Inside is a monument of Pope Paul IV, one of the famous Brescia’s citizens.

 

 

Right close to the cathedral is Broletto, housing governmental offices.

 

 

A view of the two cathedrals and the tower of Broletto.

 

 

 

Another main highlight in the city is the magnificent Benedictine monastery Santa Giulia-San Salvadore, offering a splendid travel through history and art. The Basilica of San Salvadore is dating back to 8^th century and was founded by the kings of Lombardy. The expositions organized here represent wonderful examples of several historical periods like: Antiquity, Celtic, Roman, Langobardic, till the Venetian domination. The monastery Santa Giulia-San Salvadore is definitely an important emblematic cultural and historical site of Brescia

 

 

 

Close is Piazza del Foro with impressive remains of the ancient Braixa, the Roman city represented the glorious history of the Roman Empire.

 

 

The Capitolium built in 73 AD is a part of a new archaeological park. Right behind it is located the Roman Theater, one of the largest in Northern Italy and representing the glory of the Flavian period.

 

 

It is so wonderful to stroll through the streets here, immersed in its historical atmosphere.

 

 

The city bears the marks of the greatest architects of its time.

Piazza della Loggia and the arcades with the splendid astronomical clock.

The attractive old square is remarkable with its old buildings. Best place to sit here and enjoy the typical Italian feeling with a nice food or a cup of coffee.

 

 

The Renaissance city hall. The atmosphere here is indescribable.

 

 

 

Brescia is a remarkable and memorable place, a small Italian jewel with a wonderful Mediterranean atmosphere.

The memory of its glorious past is still vivid in every corner.What an outstanding experience! Definitely a different way to learn more about Lombardy.