Unique Urbino

 

 

The following images were captured last year during a delightful 2-week house exchange in Central Italy which encompassed a visit to the walled city of Urbino - noted for its University and independent Renaissance culture.

It was also the birthplace of the painter Raffaello Sanzio, known as Raphael and these cute cherubs at the base of a statue commemorating him caught my eye.

 

It was a warm day and these locals seemed to be enjoying a chat in the shade of these magnificent trees

 

This was the view looking up the hill towards the square housing Raphael's statue - a walk not for the faint-hearted!

 

. . . the beautiful surrounding countryside

A delightful memory of both Italy and France is the colourful window boxes which adorn the soft pastel-coloured buildings that were in abundance throughout our travels

 

Linking up with Our World Tuesday

and thanking Lady Fi and the team for hosting.

Milan

Here is Milan's Cathedral (Duomo) which I was astonished to learn took almost SIX centuries to build!

 

 

I am in awe of the talented craftsmen who created these beautiful statues (forgive me if I have not used the correct term) which adorn the outside.

 

The intricate details on facial expressions, bulging veins, and obvious ability to depict human anatomy so accurately, takes my breath away!

 

Although our visit to Milan was brief - an evening and a day - these magnificent pieces of art will remain etched in my memory for many years to come.

 

Wherever you may live in this extraordinary world, I encourage you to visit

Our World Tuesday

to view more scenes from far and wide.

(with grateful thanks to our hosts)

Fossombrone

 

The following images were captured in Fossombrone, an ancient town of Roman origin, standing midway up the Metauro Valley and located in the Marche region of Central Italy. 

 

 

 

  

 

 

It was a fun challenge to converse with the locals, as they didn't speak English and I don't speak Italian, but we managed to grasp the basics!

 

Joining in the fun at Our World Tuesday

and thanking our hosts for their dedication to running this community site.

 

Reflecting on Milan

This shoe shop window reflects some of the architectural beauty to be found in ...

... the impressive Vittorio Emanuelle II arcade

in Milan

Linking up with James' Weekend Reflection

This too will pass !

Thundery skies over the Marche region of Central Italy

To see other sky shots from around the world, visit Skywatch Friday

Canoeing in Florence

Canoeing on the River Arno in Florence

Joining in with other reflections from around the world at

James' Weekend Reflection

Unique Urbino

During the last few days of the European adventure (referred to in my previous post), a visit to the walled town of Urbino in Italy's Marche region was a must - Italian Renaissance painter and architect Raphael (known for his frescoes and "Madonnas" in the Vatican) was born here in 1483 and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site noted for its remarkable legacy of Renaissance culture.

Before (or after!) tackling the physical demands of walking the steep streets, delicious refreshments can be purchased from this popular "bar"/cafe adjacent to the square at the top of the town in which resides a statue of Raphael

. . . with these engaging cherubs at the base

A street sign reaffirms we're on the right track !

The streets were comfortably busy with visitors

. . . a curious feline greets us as we pass by

The town's streets are steep - not for the feint of heart or those wearing high heels! 

. . . lovely views across the town to surrounding countryside

This little shop had displays of pretty, fragrant herbs on its window sills

. . . and here is the dome of Duomo di Urbino

I wondered what hidden treasures lay behind this ornate door! 

Pretty window boxes brightened up the grey walls

Catching up with a friend in the cool shade of the trees in the square

Well, I hope you enjoyed this taste of Urbino

Fossombrone

 

 

Images of the River Metauro running through the town of Fossombrone, located in the Marche region of Italy. 

 

The 2-week house exchange I'd arranged was located some 10kms distant and internet access was virtually impossible there, so trips into Fossombrone were pretty frequent - mainly to deal with travel arrangements but also to catch up on emails and Skype contacts.

 

This "disconnection" presented an opportunity to cross language barriers at the welcoming café offering free internet access (and delicious cappuccinos) - as they didn't speak English and I don't speak Italian!  Aah, it all added to the adventure.

 

To view other sky scenes from around the world, visit

Skywatch Friday

Seeing double

 

Italian countryside

 

Linking up with James' Weekend Reflection

 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

 

 

 

Waiting for business

These colourful beach umbrellas with acompanying tables, chairs or sunbeds, were "at the ready" for an influx of beachside visitors to Fano on the east cost of Central Italy back in May.

(The fellow basking on the rocks obviously likes a more rugged approach to his coastal outing!)

A thoughtful touch! .... not far from the shore were these equally colourful private changerooms

and the whole area was kept beautifully clean.

(In the foreground there appears to be a dance floor set up perhaps for evening entertainment - now that's a beach holiday with style!)

With appreciation, am linking up to 

Blue Monday and

Monday Mellow Yellows