VERONA.... DAY 4

We have probably over stayed in Verona by a day. Although today we have seen something we missed on our last visit. Across the river on a hill from the present day old town stands a very old church dating back to the 4th cent AD and a Roman theatre which hosts live attractions, and is at the time we are here. Above the theatre is a museum that houses many statues, ancient columns, and other stone and metal artifacts dating back to Roman times.
The whole complex offers great views across the river to the old town. The hill complex and old city are linked by an arched bridge from the 1st cent AD.

After exploring this area we crossed over the bridge for a spot of lunch...then a further walk to the highlight of the city ..THE ARENA..This is the 3rd largest and best preserved amphitheatre in the world, bettered only by the Coliseum and Capua in size.
The Arena was the site of spectacular Roman events including gladiators and wild animal fights, it could seat over 30000 spectators.
After the roman period it was neglected but interest was sparked again around 1450 when it was used for dances, duels, bullfights and a hot air balloon event.
In 1913 Verona staged its first Opera Season, which is in full swing as we visit.
Sandie has lots of good pic about the Arena and the present production of AIDA and some of the props used in the show.

PICS
roman site including Church and museum
views back to old city
the famous bridge.

Next exciting post will be from Desenzano on Lake Garda

VERONA ..FIRST 3 DAYS.

We had another funny train experience getting to Verona.....our train carriage was cancelled and so to the seat reservations.
So as not to end up in the dining car again we took the first available 6 birth compartment
We managed to have this to ourselves bar the last hour when 2 others needed a seat in a pretty full train
The host to the airbnb was outside at the nominated time so that was good. Its large, quiet and a 10 min walk into the old town
After settling in we off exploring.
The first night we prepared our own meal from stuff purchase from a close by supermarket
Day 2 we did a 2.5hr walking tour in English with a pretty large group which made hearing the guide difficult at times
But we did see areas we hadn't seen on our last visit some years ago.
Day 3 saw us re track some of the guided walk, this time paying the entry fees to go inside.
Verona has a very long history, dating way back to early Roman times
The city was strategically based between other powerful kingdoms of the time so it changed hands many times, between the predominant families of the period.
Napoleon  was the last of the powerful invaders to conquer the city he had little respect for the people or culture let alone its history,
There's still some very interesting buildings, squares, churches etc that have stood there from medieval times and some remains from much earlier times.
Shakespeare helped put Verona on the map with Romeo and Juliet
It was a City that boasted poets, artists and philosophers of some note...there are statues to these around the city
There's a fine castle on the river and a number of significant town gates and bridges.

PICS
Tell the story.

stay tuned for the next exciting post as we enter the last two weeks of our trip.

INNSBRUCK..DAY 3 UP THE MOUNTAIN

We set off around 10.30am for the cities Hungerburg Funicular Railway Station on the very edge of the old city.
This is all part of the Nordkettenbahnen Cable Car network and Alpine National Park. The park includes not only the cable cars , but many Kms of walking tracks and an Alpine Zoo (which we didn't visit)
The completed project was opened in 2007 ,The new FUNICULAR part links the city to ,two older cable car stations built in 1927/28. These two stations were remodelled and equipment updated.
You start your upward journey from 560 mt above sea level and complete the 3 stage trip at 2256 mt or 6250 feet.
You can get out at each of the upper stations to take in the spectacular views over the city and surrounding Alps scenery.
Now this trip doesn't come cheap..around 31euro each  ($48.67) We thought it was worth it.

PICS
all things mountain scenery
Sandie doing her thing.
views over the city.... you can pick out the railway station, and we could pin point our hotel

INNSBRUCK DAYS 1 AND 2

Getting here was quite an experience. There was no indication on the railway site that a seat reservation may be necessary..but believe me it was.
Not a seat available in first class  so it was off to look for a seat, any where..first stop was the dining car. We found a table and chairs with enough room to put us and all our stuff..and there we stayed for the next 2.5 hrs
Hotel Zack is a small family owned and run hotel, clean , modern, with a good breakfast included in the tariff  and only a 10 min walk from the main Station.
We can say that Innsbruck is worth at least 3 nights.We were about a 10min walk from the heart of the old town. The city is surrounded by huge mountains, there's a fast flowing river on the edge of the old town.
Innsbruck has been an important place of power since the 11  century, The important Kings and Queens tightened there claim on the city and region by marrying into other near by kingdoms of the period.
There are many streets without vehicle's, so its a pleasure to stroll around
Lots of interesting buildings, museums, and churches including the Cathedral.We also visited the Palace right in the center of the old quarter.

PICS
streetscapes to try and show the mountains
the cathedral
Palace
important Kings, Queens and Knights of the time.
interesting sign