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