For such a small town, Dubrovnik is studded with delights. Dubbed by Byron as the Pearl of the Adratic, the town retains its medieval air. Just within the main entrance, the Pile Gate is the 15th C Big Fountain of Onofrio, (as opposed to The Small Fountain, at the other end of town). Once all visitors once stopped here to wash and remove all trace of the plague.
At the other end, tucked away from the Stradun, or main street, I found what looked like Rome’s Spanish Steps.
Near the banks of the Arno lies a church not always high on every visitor’s list, but the was once of central importance when Florence was a city-state.
Founded by the Umiliati around 1250, the Chiesa di Ognissanti is dedicated to all saints and martyrs, both known and unknown. Like many a Florentine church, the façade of the Church of all Saints is understated, yet hidden within are Medieval and Renaissance delights.
Cruising along the Danube, I wan’t expecting to find Richard the Lionheart.
A man who dominates history, King Richard was legendary even in his own time. Although debate continues about the man himself, ranging from his personality, his success or failure as a king, even his sexuality, it is hard to ignore such a decisively (and divisive) energetic figure.
What I remember of the road leading up to the Agios Spyridon, or Church of St Spyridon, is sunshine and colour. Bottles of kumquat liqueur sparkeld in the sun, and the shops were filled with colourful pottery and tiles, clothes and postcards. I knew I was nearing the Agios Spyridon, however, when the kumquat liqueur was replaced by icons.
A Cabinet of Curiosities – such a delightful term. It embraces all the romance of the gentleman (and gentlewoman) collector, from parish curates to kings. A time just before the birth of scientific classification, when unicorns and mermaids might still exist, if one was to travel and explore far enough. A time which flows in a direct line to modern museums.
I love sailing into ports along the Mediterranean. For me, this is where the heart of the city truly lies, for here the city is was born. Most began life as a small sea-side village, rapidly growing in importance as the trade routes of The Middle Sea flourished.