Milan

Milan – it’s a litmus paper of whole Italy. Milan is an unusual city. It’s a vaccination which will allow you to travel around the Italy and don’t die from the beauty around you.

For its country Milan is an exemplary city. It’s a symbol of success and progress. It’s a symbol of European Italy which keeps worthy place in the EU family.

Milan is a center of fashion and finance. You may be even heard the statement about the city, that here you can find so many banks as the churches. And another name of the city – is “Milano da bere” which means “Milan as a drink”. I suppose that this means that in Milan you can “take a bath in the luxury”.

Photo. Milan. Bustling city streets

Sure, it’s really luxuriant city. The city with its own style. But not all is so unambiguously… By the way, in Milan it’s not necessary rent a car or get a taxi. You will lose more time in the traffic bottle jams. It’s better to buy one ticket for all transport (which costs only 3 euro) and conquer the city.

Apart from metro and autobuses, in Milan there is wonderful tram. Definitely, you need to try this kind of Milanese transport. There are three kinds of tram in Milan – modern, in high tech style and rare tram which preserved from the beginning of 20 century. The last one attracts tourist’s attention and is very popular among them.

Photo. Milan. Ancient gates near D&G shop

First association which appears when you heard the world of “Milan” is shopping. It’s true. Milan it’s a center of fashion and here there are more than thousands shops where you can buy everything.

And Milan is attractive not only for shopping lovers. It’s attractive for culture treasures hunters as well as for businessmen who are coming here for different exhibitions and shows.

And if you are a fan of the football you can’t pass the famous “San Siro” stadium, where “Inter” and “Milan” are conducting their matches. And for fans of Formula One it’s a not big secret that in satellite city of Milan (I’m talking about Monza) are conducting phases of this competition.

Photo. Milan Duomo

So you see that Milan is a multifaceted? It’s impossible to see all its attractions even during a few weeks trip. You have to set your own priorities when you plan visit the city.

But there are a few things which you should to see without any doubts. It’s Milan Cathedral, La Scala Theater, Pinokateka Ambrosiana and of course “Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci.

Some house in Milan. It's not a city center

Erding

The city of Erding (Germany) located at the banks of two rivers: Fehlbach and Sempt which are meeting at south part of the city.

Most interesting streets of the Eridng (where you can find a lot of historical buildings) are Landshuterstraße and Lange Zeile. Gothic church Johanneskirche which originates from the 14th century stands at the west end of Schrannenplatz. You will easily find this church by its unusual layout. Inside of its interior most interesting exhibit is figure of Christ by Hans Leinberger which was done in 1525.

Erding . Schöner Turm. Photo provided by the Africaspotter under CC BY 3.0 license

Another Gothic sight of the Erding is Old Town Gates which is located on the opposite side of Landshuterstraße. This gates also known as the Schöner Turm. Gates are decorated by the Baroque Dome which makes it as the one of the most beautiful medieval Gates in Germany.

The former residence of the Erding’s rulers also located at the Landshuterstraße. The palace has been built in 1648. You can pass inside of the building and see how aristocracy lived few centuries ago.

In front of the palace there are Hospital Church of the Holy Spirit which originates from the 14th century and Frauenkirche church.

Erding . Rathaus. Photo provided by the Rufus46 under CC BY 3.0 license

Ingolstadt

The city of Ingolstadt is known as the city where has been founded first Bavaria’s university. It happened in 1472 by edict of King Ludwig the Rich. During the Thirty Year’s War Ingolstadt was the well-fortified town and endured few besieged of different armies.

It was damaged during the War II but short after the end of was Ingolstadt has been restored. Today Ingolstadt – is a big industrial center of the Germany. For example, here is located Audi factory. But city is also known for its medieval architecture and other cultural monuments.

The church Asamkirche Maria de Victoria is a work of Asam brothers. Also inside the church you can see famous monstrance by Johannes Zeckl which depicts the victory over the Turks in the battle of Lepanto.

Ingolstadt. City center. Photo provided by the Harald Helmlechner under CC BY 3.0 license

As I already mentioned one of the main sights of the Ingolstadt are the city’s fortifications which mainly were built in the 14th century. One of the best examples of the fortified architecture is a Kreuztor gates which survived from the 14th century.

But not all fortifications are dated from the 14th century. Some of them were built in 19 century according to the new requirements for such kind of buildings. The best preserved fortification of those times is the so-called Reduit Tilly redoubt which you can find on the bank of the Danube River.

Inside of the Liebfrauenmьnster church which originates from the 15th century you can see the altar which has been completed in 1572 and decorated by the paintings of Hans Mielich. Other interesting things of the church - are the Gothic stained glasses.

Ingolstadt. New Castle. Photo provided by the Helmlechner under CC BY 3.0 license

One of the most interesting buildings in Ingolstadt – is an Alte Anatomie which was built in the 1723. Initially here was located city’s School of Medicine and today it house hosts the Museum of medical history. Very interesting museum with a lot of nice exhibits.

Ingolstadt has a few castles. So-called Neues Schloss (New Castle) originates from the first half of the 15th century and today this former military stronghold has been converted to the Museum of Bavarian Army.

Another castle of Ingolstadt, which stands on the southwestern part of the city, originates from 1255. Today this castle hosts the city’s library but until the New Castle was erected it served as the bishop’s residence.

The city’s Town Hall has been built in 1882 in the Neo Renaissance style. Its design has been modeled by the Gabriel von Seidl while the sculptures on the building’s façade it’s work of Lorenz Gedon.

The Pfeifturn church has been finished at the end of the 15th century. Nearby you can find old hospital where from 1472 to 1800 has been hosted the city’s University.

Ingolstadt. Photo provided by the Franconia under CC BY 3.0 license

Ingolstadt. Photo provided by the Rufus46 under CC BY 3.0 license

Freising

For centuries Freising was the residence of the Munich bishops. So it’s not surprising that the one of the main sights of the Freising is city’s Cathedral which stands on the hill and dominates over the city’s center.

Cathedral of the Freising has been built in 13 century and it’s a magnificent example of the Gothic style in Germany. In the 15 century to the main structure were added the cloisters and two centuries after Asar brothers changed a little bit its design.

Inside of Cathedral you will find a lot of masterpieces. But one of them will probably take most of your attention. It’s Pieta by Erasmus Grasser which has been completed in 1492.

Another interesting place in interior is Romanesque crypt with columns decorated with symbols to counteract with devil.

Freising. City center. Photo provided by the Gerwin Sturm under CC BY 3.0 license

Through Cathedral’s cloister you can pass into the library and Benediktuskapelle – nice chapel which originates from 1345.

In front of Cathedral you can see the small Johanniskirche which is adjoined to the bishop’s residence. In this church you can visit wonderful cloister which has been built in the Renaissance times. Another interesting sight of the Freising is a largest in Germany museum of religious arts. You can find this museum not far from the Cathedral.

Freising. Andreasbrunnen. Photo provided by the vuxi under CC BY 3.0 license

St Peter and Paul Church has been designed by Italian architect Giovanni Antonio Viscardi. Inside of this church there are beautiful paintings paintings by Johann Baptist Zimmermann.

Another interesting building of Freising is Town Hall which dates from the beginning of the 20 century. And of course don’t miss the oldest working brewery in the world which is located at the Weihenstephan Street. This brewery has been founded in 1040 and still is working. Incredibly.

To recap this little survey I want to mention about the old Benedictine monastery which today hosts some faculties of the Munich’s University.

Inside of Freising Cathedral. Photo provided by the Richard Huber under CC BY 3.0 license

Centert of the Freising. Photo provided by the Violatan under CC BY 3.0 license

Scheyern

The history of Scheyern (located near the Pfaffenhofen) related with medieval abbey which grown around the estate of Scheyern family.

In some period of the Scheyern’s history abbey was abandoned by monks but in the 1837 they came back after invitation of king Ludwig I.

Scheyern. Abbey. Photo provided by the Meep under CC BY 3.0 license

Its own guise main church of the abbey took in the 18 century. Inside of the church you can see Baroque altar with Byzantine relic of the True Cross. I don’t know exactly how the abbey managed to receive this relic but I suppose that it was delivered into the abbey during the Crusades era.

Scheyern. Abbey. Interior. Photo provided by the Christian.bischof under CC BY 3.0 license

Pfaffenhofen

This small historical town lies at the banks of the Ilm River. Like many others towns in Germany, Pfaffenhofen preserved its fortifications and has four medieval city gates through which you can enter to the city.

The focal point of the Pfaffenhofen is a Gothic Johann Baptist Kirche which stands next to the City Hall. Another notable sight of the city is a tall tower which soars to the heavens near the church.

Pfaffenhofen. City hall. Photo provided by the Eppasandas under CC BY 3.0 license

In the city’s museum which is located in the Mesnerhaus (originates from 1786) you can see nice art’s collection wit artifacts are dating from the 16th century.

Pfaffenhofen. City center. Photo provided by the Philipp Hayer under CC BY 3.0 license

Pfaffenhofen. City center. Photo provided by the Philipp Hayer under CC BY 3.0 license

Pfaffenhofen. Interior of Johann Baptist Church. Photo provided by the FlorianR1991 under CC BY 3.0 license

Beilngries

Small historical town of Beilngries is well-known for its medieval walls which surround the city. The focal point of the city is a scenic Hauptstraße where stands Kaiserbeckhaus – 16th-century building which could be easy noticeable by its upper storey with corbels.

Another noticeable building in the Beilngries – is a Neo-Baroque Stadtpfarrkirche which was designed by Wilhelm Spannagl.

Beilngries. City center. Photo provided by the Bayreuth2009 under CC BY 3.0 license

If you like military fortifications you will be pleased by the vestiges of medieval castle which stands on the top of the hill. You can take in ruins of the two towers and castle’s gates. In the 18 century castle served as the hunting house for the Beilngries’ bishop so today it rather the luxury palace then gloomy castle.

Beilngries. Castle. Photo provided by the DALIBRI under CC BY 3.0 license

Beilngries. Interior of St Vitas Church. Photo provided by the DALIBRI under CC BY 3.0 license

Eichstätt

Old city of Eichstätt is mostly known by the works of Maurizio Pedetti and Gabriel de Gabrieli, great architects which lived and worked here at the beginning of the 18 century. Of course Eichstätt is older city. According to the chronicles, it originates from the 8 century and from those times it known as the important religion center.

The central place of the city – is a Marktplatz – old trade square which stands in the so-called burghers’ district. Here you can find old Town hall of the Eichstätt which was built in the middle of the 15 century. Of course in the first part of the 19 century it was refurbished and renovated.

Others key squares of the city - are Domplatz, Residenzplats and Leonrodplatz.

Eichstätt. Marketplace. Photo provided by the Pedelecs under CC BY 3.0 license

Among them especially wonderful - Residenzplatz which is treated as one of the loveliest squares in Germany. Main trait of this square is that it has uneven shape what is very untypically for Germany. At the Leonrodplatz you can find old Jesuit church.

You easily discern Eichstätt’s cathedral by its Baroque façade and twin Romanesque towers which flank its nave. City’s cathedral is a real mix of different styles of architecture with a big set of art pieces inside. Among the many works of Cathedral don’t miss the statue of St Willibald who was the first bishop of Eichstätt. It’s work of Loy Hering who completed the statue in 1514.

Eichstätt. Cityhall. Photo provided by the WaldiWuff under CC BY 3.0 license

Another nice church in Eichstätt is a Schutzengelkirche – former Jesuits’ church which originates from the beginning of the 17th century. This church has been destroyed during the Thirty Years’ War and renovated in 1660. Like others Jesuits’ church across the Europe it has lavishly adorned interior.

In additional to the sacral monuments Eichstätt has few civil sights. For example, former summer residence of Eichstätt’ bishop which has been built in the middle of the 18 century. Today this building hosts Catholic University while its galleries occupied by the commercial offices. Next to the residence you can find the city’s park which descents to the Altmühl River.

The city’s castle Willibaldsburg stands on a hill at the southwest part of the Eichstätt. It’s very hard to reach the castle by walk. To get there you will have to overcome big tunnel and it definitely will be easier if you rent the car.

Willibaldsburg preserved its 17th century fortifications. During the long period of the history castle was the main residence of Eichstätt’ bishops and some parts of its walls consist the ruins of first residence which has been built in the 16 century.

Today castle hosts a few city museums among which I want to distinguish the Museum of Prehistory.

If you have a little more time try to find Walburgskirche which has been built in 9 century. Of course during its existence church has been rebuilt and it took its current guise in 1629-31. The main relic of the church is a St Walburg tomb. Also note the Gothic altar of the church and its chapel which is decorated by wonderful murals.

Eichstätt. Willibaldsburg. Photo provided by the Joe MiGo under CC BY 3.0 license

Cave of Zeus

Cave of Zeus located at central part of the Crete on the slopes of Ida Mountains. It’s located in the picturesque place at the altitude of 1538 meters near the alpine meadow.

Don’t forget about alpine climate here. Even in the peak season of the summer the temperature near Cave of Zeus does not exceed 16-18 degrees above zero. So when you are planning your visit here don’t forget to take warm clothes.

This cave called The Cave of Zeus because according to the legends here Rhea hid Zeus when he was young from his father Cronus.

Photo Cave of Zeus

From the ancient time cave has been used as sacred place. Here was a temple dedicated to Zeus. During the archeological excavations here were found a lot of precious exhibits which today can be seen at Archeological Museum of Crete.

To recap my small essay I want to mention that from Cave of Zeus are starting few mountain routes. Also you can find small hotel nearby.

Photo Alpine meadow near Cave of Zeus

Keras

Keras monastery located near the eponymous village at an altitude of 650 meters. This monastery one of the most wonderful on Crete. It has been founded during the second Byzantine period and has murals which are dated by the 14th century.

During the Turkish ruling the Keras monastery was the rebel’s mainstay. It was the real fortress which reliably blocked the pass into the Lasithi plateau. But during the World War II, German troops established a jail on the territory of monastery.

Photo. Keras Monastrey

I personally remember Keras as a picturesque place with nice views to the Crete seashore below. It’s quite and tranquil site where you can rest a little bit after hard walk on nearby mountains.

Lasithi

Lasithi plateau is the most fertile region on the Crete. It’s located on the eastern part of the island at height of the 850 meters over the sea level and all what is cultivated on Crete growing here.

The main sight of the Lasithi it’s thousands windmills which have been used to deliver water on the fields. Many of them are demolished now since today electricity is more used but they make picturesque view of plateau.

Lasithi plateau

The main village of Lasithi is Dzermiado which originates from the times of Venetian power on the Crete. But area around it was inhabited since Minoan era what is confirmed by many archeological evidences.

The main archaeological site of Lasithi is a Psychro Cave – the place where according the legends Zeus has been born. It was discovered in 1900 and during the archaeological excavations a lot of artifacts like ancient weapons, statues of gods, vases were found. Today they kept in the National Archeological Museum of Crete.

Windmill

Another interesting place of the Lasithi is Karfi which located on the north from the Dzermiado village. It’s Minoan settlement which dated by 12 century BC. Unfortunately there is no highway to this place so you will need to overcome the distance on your feet.

And of course don’t forget to visit local restaurant and test Greek food, for example, chopped lamb or Greek salad.

Odeonsplatz

Odeonsplatz in Munich originates from the beginning of 19 century when Maximilian I Joseph agreed with plans of his son and heir (Ludwig I) to arrange this area. The idea was to make from Odeonsplatz central entrance to the city.

The Odeonsplatz inherited its name from the concert hall “Odeon”. In 1862 on this square was raised statue of the King Ludwig I designed by Max Widmann.

Munich. Odeonsplatz. statue of the King Ludwig I Photo provided by the Poco a poco under CC BY 3.0 license

Feldherrnhalle

Feldherrnhalle (or as it also called the Field Marshals’ Hall) stands on the edge between old and new city in Munich on the site of medieval tower which has been demolished in the 19 century.

This building has been raised to commemorate all heroes in Bavaria. You can see the statues of Count Tilly who was successful general in Thirty Years’ War and of Count von Wrede who was leading Bavarian troops in Napoleonic era.

Photo. Munich Feldherrnhalle

Also Feldherrnhalle has small memorial dedicated to the Bavarian army designed by Ferdinand von Miller the Younger.

Feldherrnhalle has been designed by Friedrich von Gärtner who modeled it after the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. The construction of Feldherrnhalle has been finished in 1844. In 1906 its staircase has been adorned by statues of lions.

Lucca

Picturesque city of Lucca originates from the Roman times. But most prominent pages in the city’s history were a few centuries after the fall of Roman Empire when Lucca under the Lombard’s rule became the capital of Tuscany.

Few centuries later Lucca became one of the most influential centers in Italy with highly developed financial industry and silk trade.

In 14 century under the rule of Castruccio Castracani who was successful military commander Lucca captured vast territories in Western Toscana. But Castracani unexpected death has stopped city’s military development. Lucca always was independent city with short period in the history when Lucca has been the part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

Lucca. San Michele. Photo provided by the Geobia under CC BY 3.0 license

Today Lucca keeps medieval traditions of silk production and trade and of course city is known for its beautiful cityscape with a lot of wonderful monuments.

The focal point of the city is Piazza San Michele with eponymous church. It could be good starting point for city exploration.

City’s Cathedral located not far from the Piazza San Michele. Inside you can see few prominent sculptures, murals and paintings. Next to Cathedral there is medieval Piazza Anfiteatro which is located on the place of ancient Roman Theater and preserved its shapes.

Lucca. Duomo. Photo provided by the Geobia under CC BY 3.0 license

After discovering monuments and churches on this square you can visit the most attractive art galleries in Lucca – Palazzo Mansi and Villa Guingi. And don’t forget to walk along the city’s walls which were converted into the park and green area.

Heat of the city (Piazza San Michele) is a former Roman Forum. The San Michele church originates from 795 but its current shapes it took between 11 and 13 centuries. Church is still unfinished due to the fact of lack of the finance. But its façade can be treated as most beautiful in Italy. Inside you can see paintings done by Filippino Lippi.

Lucca. Palace Ducale. Photo provided by the Geobia under CC BY 3.0 license

Like others churches in Toscana, Lucca’s Cathedral has luxuriant façade. But it also has notable interior which is known for the works of Matteo Civitali among which are pulpits, several tombs and altars. And of course the most known work of Matteo Civitali – Tempietto – gilt octagon which you can find in the center of interior. Not far from the Cathedral you can find the huge church of SS Giovannie Reparta which served as cathedral until 715. The church has been rebuilt many times. Note the Romanesque portal on its façade which has originates from the Middle Ages.

Lucca. Piazza Napoleone. Photo provided by the Miha Grmek under CC BY 3.0 license

North from the Cathedral starts most luxury shopping area in Lucca. It’s a ball of streets and alleys with a lot of shops, cafes and restaurants. But exploring this area don’t miss the wonderful façade of San Cristoforo church. Another notable monument here is Torre delle Ore – the medieval city’s clock tower.

Construction of Lucca’s defensive walls began in 1500 and was finished one century after. These walls never been used for its initial purpose. In 1800 they have prevented Lucca from the countryside flood. And soon after they were transformed into the walking promenade which is today is one of the main touristic attractions in the city.

Walls in Lucca. Photo provided by the Roberto Ferrari under CC BY 3.0 license

Hofbräuhaus

It’s one of the main sights in the Munich. Hofbräuhaus once was the part of the Royal Brewery which has been founded by King Wilhem in 1589. Since those times Hofbräuhaus thoroughly keeps traditions of brewing in the city.

In 1830 Royal Brewery has been converted into the inn and thereby Hofbräuhaus became most famous beer bar in the world.

The building has endured few reconstructions. Last time it was rebuilt in 1896 when Hofbräuhaus got its current Neo-Renaissances guise.

Hofbräuhaus . Photo provided by the Kiban under CC BY 3.0 license

The main hall (Schwemme) of Hofbräuhaus can accommodate 1000 visitors. Its ceiling adorned by the paintings which were executed in 1971.

Another big hall of Hofbräuhaus (Festsaal) can hold even more drinkers. It’s located on the first floor of the building and accommodates 1300 visitors.

In additional to these halls Hofbräuhaus has a lot of small rooms called (Trinkstuben).

In the summer time Hofbrдuhaus opens beer-garden with beer fountain.

Hofbräuhaus at night. Photo provided by the InSapphoWeTrust under CC BY 3.0 license

Interior of Hofbräuhaus. Photo provided by the Andrew Bossi under CC BY 3.0 license

Interior of Hofbräuhaus. Photo provided by the Jorge1767 under CC BY 3.0 license

Theatinerkirche Munich

This wonderful Baroque church has been built in 17th century by Elector Ferdinand to celebrate the birth of his son. The architect of the Theatinerkirche was Antonio Barelli from Bologna who conceived to build most decorated church in Munich.

Construction of the church began in 1663. Barelli chose Sant’ Andrea della Valle in Rome as prototype for its design. Also Theatinerkirche was planned as the court church for the Wittelsbach dynasty.

Theatinerkirche in Munich

Enrico Zucalli became a new architect in 1675 and under his leadership dome and two twin towers (which were absent in the initial design) of the façade were completed. He also designed the interior of Theatinerkirche.

Construction of the church lasted about the century and has been finished in 1765 under the supervising of Cuvilliés.

Theatinerkirche brought baroque elements into the cityscape. Its façade adorned by sculptures of famous Bavarian rulers and their coats of arms. Inside of the Theatinerkirche you can see stucco work and the statues which portray allegorical figures.

In the church’s crypt there are tombs of Bavarian kings. For example, the shrine of the Theatinerkirche founder – Ferdinand.

Interior of Theatinerkirche. Photo provided by the Harro52 under CC BY 3.0 license

Residenz Munich

History of Residenz in Munich began in 15 century. Ludwig of Bavaria decided to extend the city and, thereby, former Duke's castle appeared (Alter Hof) in the depths of the Munich. It was the bad practice in the Middle Ages to have castle inside of the city because in the case of the siege it was very hard to escape from it.

In 1385, Stefan Third began to build new castle in the north-eastern part of the city. Later this fortress has been merged with other residences of Wittelsbach in Munich and got the name – Residenz.

Renaissance facade of the Residenz

Visit to the Residenz will take a few hours from you. Complex comprises three museums: Museum of Residenz, Treasury and National Opera. I advise you restrict themselves by visiting of first two museums. As for Opera it will be better to visit it during the evening performance.

Also don’t forget to take the audio guide before you enter. Residenz has a lot of things which once belonged to Wittelsbach and audio guide will make you excursion more interesting.

Courtyard

It makes sense to walk around the complex before you visit the museums. His current guise Residenz took in 17 century and this is a nice example of the Renaissance in Munich.

Wittelsbachs were the big fanciers of ancient Greece culture. They were collecting Greek masterpieces and in 1568 for their storage Albrecht Fifth built special building - Antiquarium. Today – is a one of the most impressing buildings of Residenz.

fountain of Perseus

Antiquarium has more than 300 ancient sculptures and 1000 images of cities and castles of Bavaria. But before you enter to the Antiquarium you will pass through the artificial mainsail adorned by the fountain of Perseus.

Another astonishing part of the Residenz – is Gallery of Ancestors where you can see portraits of the members Wittelsbach dynasty.

Almost every Bavarian ruler was adding something new to the complex. Last modifications of the Residenz were done in 1826 when King Ludwig First joined new royal palace to the complex.

Antiquarium

rooms inside of the palace

gallery of ancestors