European Transit - Italy

The new day brought a new country, when the overnight ferry docked in Ancona Italy. I rode off the vehicle ferry about 08.15 am, eventually found the correct road out of town and settled in as best I could for the ride through the Italian country side. It was cold, the temperature moved between -1 and 3 degrees throughout the morning, there was snow on some of the surrounding hills and ice on shadowed sections of road, but at least the sun was shining in a clear blue sky.

My destination for the day was Sienna Tuscany, where I settled into hotel accommodation then set off on foot to view the “Old Town” sites. During the afternoon I visited Sienna Cathedral, Santa Maria Assunta, construction of the Cathedral started in 1215 and was completed in 1263, it is known as one of the most beautiful Cathedrals of Christendom with works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Bernini, Pinturicchio and Piccolomini. I then walk to and around Piazza de Campo, one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares and the site of Torre de Mangia a tower constructed from 1338 to 1348 and Palazzo Pubblico, a palace constructed in 1297.

 

The following morning I walked to the Basilica of San Domenico, while not too pretty from the outside, inside the church was a different story with huge columns, domed ceilings and beautiful sculptured marble figurines. I then climbed a spiral stair way to the terrace of the Facciatone on the Duomo Nuuovo and enjoyed a fine panoramic view over the city of Sienna and the outlaying Tuscan countryside. Then I walked back to Sienna Cathedral, one visit was just not enough to absorb the structure, the art work masterpieces, the huge marble columns, marble floor, marble fittings and fixtures, I strolled around then sat quietly and soaked in the beauty, it is truly spectacular.

 

Once again it was time to move on, I has an easy 103 kilometre ride though more Tuscan country side, I stretched the journey out to three (3) hours by riding slowly and stopping regularly, reaching Pisa mid-afternoon. I checked into a lovely renovated bed & breakfast then walked several blocks to Piazza del Miracoli, formally known as Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square), recognized as an important centre of European medieval art and one of the finest architectural complexes in the world. Considered a sacred area by its owner, the Catholic Church, the square is dominated by four great religious edifices, the Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistery, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery). The whole square declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. I walked up the Bell Towers spiral stair case noticing the lean as I circled the structure each time then enjoyed the great view from the top.

 

 

The next morning I walked back through Piazza del Miracoli, continuing on to Piazza dei Cavalieri, where the Palazzo della Carovana, with its impressive façade designed by Giorgio Vasari can be seen along with a fountain by Pietro Francavilla, then looped back to the B & B via the River Arno.

 

 

 

During the afternoon I rode my motorcycle to the nearby city and commune of Lucca, famous among other things for its intact Renaissance-era city walls. Once again I walked the streets viewing the sites including Duomo di San Martino (St Martins Cathedral), San Michele in Foro (St Michael’s Church), then a high vantage view of Lucca and its surroundings from atop Guinigi Tower.

 

 

The following morning while riding West I was buffeted by strong winds on the Mediterranean coast dual lane toll way, relief was short lived while passing through the roads numerous tunnels. My destination for a one (1) night stop over was Sanremo, a city on the Mediterranean coast of western Liguria in north-western Italy. Founded in Roman times and best known as a tourist destination on the Italian Riviera, it hosts numerous cultural events such as the Sanremo Music Festival and the Milan – San Remo cycling classic. The city is widely accepted as the origin of the five-card stud variant telesina.

 

Sanremo city centre features some beautiful Art Nouveau buildings including the Municipal Casino built in 1905, the Russian Orthodox Church also provides interesting viewing as does the boat harbour.



Being low season I was able to spend a night in a classic old four (4) Star hotel for a reasonable price, the room was old but still pretty good value, the high light of my stay was the four (4) course meal I enjoyed during the evening. First course was Smoked Ram Ham of Val Gardena with jam of Orange, then Walnuts & Conchiglie Pasta with Wild Game Ragout and Selection of Blueberries, followed by Baked Guinea Fowl with Cream of Artichokes in Sweet & Sour Sauce & Baked Potatoes, then Paradise Pie with Chocolate & Coconut also included was a glass of wine, a bottle of water and coffee, it was all delicious and very reasonably priced.

I have got to say Italy was an extremely pleasant surprise to me, the cathedrals I visited were extraordinary and beautiful, the old towns, cities and the country side of Tuscany was beautiful, the food was delicious, the locals are friendly and the language just rolls off the tongue (not mine) and is delightful to listen to, though I had very limited time to venture further into the country I really enjoyed Italy. So where to next on my adventure, keep checking in to find out.