United Kingdom
Crossing the Channel
EuroVelo 5 - Via Romea (Francigena)
Beginning at Sigeric’s original starting point - the glorious Canterbury Cathedral in southern England - the route passes to the port of Dover where you will need to catch a ferry to continue the journey. On the other side of the Channel you pass through the political nerve centres of the European Institutions, the wonderful wine growing regions of Alsace, the breath-taking St. Gotthard Pass (alt. 2106 m) and the scenic landscapes of Tuscany on the road to the Eternal City. From Rome you continue along stretches of the Roman Via Appia to its very endpoint in Brindisi, where pilgrims once embarked for Jerusalem.
The route passes through 7 different countries and connects many cathedrals, churches, monuments and museums which remind us of the long-standing importance of this pilgrimage route. It also links the seats of some of the major European Institutions: Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg as well as Rome – arguably the birthplace of the European Union following the signing of the Treaty of Rome in 1957.
Whether you want a short break or a long adventure, EuroVelo 5 - Via Romea (Francigena) offers something for everyone.
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3 300 LENGTH
km -
7countries
visited -
21 unesco
Sites - 20 Cathedrals
- History of European Union
- Medieval sites
- Cultural Heritage
- Cathedrals & Pilgrimage Sites
- Natural Heritage
- World Heritage by UNESCO
Strasbourg European quarter (European Parliament, Council of Europe, European Court of Human Rights)
The European Quarter is spread over an area covering the districts of Wacken, Orangerie and Robertsau in the north-west of the city and comprising the intersection of the River Ill and the Marne-Rhine Canal.The first specific European building in the area was the Council of Europe's House of Europe in 1949, with the Rhine Commission being located towards the centre of the city. The Audiovisual Observatory and the Institute for Human Rights are the only institutions in the quarter to have moved into pre-existing premises: a 1900 villa and an 18th-century former postal relay station and inn turned conventional building, respectively. In all, there are fourteen different buildings in the European Quarter: seven belonging to the Council of Europe, five belonging to the European Union, plus Arte and the IIHR.
The European Parliament
Founded in 1979, the European Parliament has been home to 785 Euro MPs representing the 27 countries of the European Union since 1 January 2008. Here, they vote on legislation concerning the environment, labour, equality etc. The sittings are held 4 days a month in Strasbourg. The building of the European Parliament called "Louise-Weiss" after the oldest member who gave the opening speech at the 1st session of the Parliament. It is made up of 2 buildings, an ellipsis and a circle representing the exchange between democracy and power. The ellipsis, housing the vast hemicycle, is made of glass and metal and sits on the banks of the river Ill. In the centre, the second building contains the MEPs' offices. In the evening, the transparency of the Parliament means you can admire a play of light, which may of course vary with the intensity of the debates inside!
European Quarter
The European Quarter in Brussels is made up of lively squares, original shops, exceptional green spaces, world-renowned museums and, on top of all that, the incredibly interesting and attractive offer from all the European institutions. Brussels hosts the seats of the European Council, the European Commission, Council of the European Union and the European Parliament. It’s a must to visit this part of Brussels!
House of European History
This free museum in the beautifully renovated Eastman building presents an overview of European history and its possible future, thanks to hundreds of objects from all 28 EU member states. The museum recounts all of Europe’s history, in each of the EU’s 24 official languages, from the early European myths and discoveries, to the chaos followed by a growing feeling of unity and belonging of the 20th century. It also encourages visitors to think about, question and debate Europe’s future. The House of European History provides visits perfectly tailored for schools, families and groups.
Erasmus House Museum
The beautiful Erasmus House was built at the turn of the 16th century and is one of Brussels' oldest Gohic houses. For several years, this house, which looks like a cloister, was home to the brilliant 16th-century humanist, Erasmus von Rotterdam. Works of art, engravings, books, rare editions of Erasmus's writings,15th and 16th century paintings and archives can be found in the Erasmus House Museum and bear witness to life in that era. End your visit in the philosophical and medicinal garden.
Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle
Nine centuries of history Towering at almost 800 metres, Haut-Koenigsbourg boasts an exceptional panoramic view. From the Grand Bastion, you can see the Alsace plain, the Vosges, the Black Forest and on a clear day, the Alps… Built in the 12th century, the castle bore witness to nine centuries of European conflicts and rivalries between feudal lords, kings and emperors. At the turn of the twentieth century, the German Emperor Wilhelm II decided to renovate the former castle, that was besieged, destroyed and finally abandoned during the Thirty Years' War. The restoration works, notable for their size and modern approach, took only eight years. Haut-Koenigsbourg, restored to its former glory, opened its doors once again in 1908.
Ponte Collepiano: Abbazia di S Anastasia
Already in Roman times, Ponte Collepiano was a renowned center for oenological companies ( such as the wood industry or the oil production). The city has its name from the presence of an imposing stone bridge "pont ponty lapideum" on which it passes Via Latina connecting Rome with Benevento. In the Middle Ages Longobard Prince Pandolfo Capodiferro donated it together with the Monastery of St. Anastasia to the Abbot of the Monastery of St. Wolf and Zosimo in Benevento.
Riquewihr
Winegrowing community on the Wine Route (altitude 300 m), Riquewihr currently has 1228 inhabitants and is a member of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. It stands 4 km from Ribeauvillé. Many shops and boutiques, as well as hotels, restaurants and Winstubs, an intermunicipal campsite, bed-and-breakfast rooms and furnished flats. Many winegrowers offer guided tours of their cellars with tastings.
Kaysersberg
Beautiful town on the Wine Route, Kaysersberg surprises by the charm of the medieval sites around the Ste Croix church (Romanesque portal, a carved altarpiece: a masterpiece rarely equalled) and the fortified bridge dominated by the castle (remains of the former free city of the Décapole). Its strategic position reawakens the memory of the old Roman road which linked the Alsace to the Lorraine. Kaysersberg is considered one of the most charming cities in Alsace, with its paved streets and half-timbered houses. You will find an important choice of hotels and bed and breakfast.The native town of Albert Schweitzer offers camping possibilities and quiet walks in the forest. Kaysersberg is situated on the on the road of Santiago de Compostela.
Acquapendente: Cathedral of Holy Sepulchre
The Cathedral of San Sepolcro is the most significant monument in Acqupendente.The cathedral was constructed around the year 1000 over the votive chapel that Matilda of Westphalia ordered to be built with the same dimensions as Christ's sepulchre. Consecrated in 1149 and reconstructed several times, it was given the title of cathedral in 1649. Following damage during World War II, much of it was rebuilt based on the plans of Vincenzo Fasolo. Inside the cathedral is the noteworthy altarpiece in the right transept, a work in enamelled terracotta by Jacopo Beneventano (1522) portraying the Eternal Father worshipped by angels; the wooden choir (1685-1688) in the apse is attributed to artist Matteo Tedesco.
Alife: Cathedral of Santi Assunta and Sisto, with Romanesque crypt
First built in 1132, the cathedral of Alife was formerly dedicated to Pope Sixtus II, later Saint Sixtus, the patron saint of the city. After some severe earthquakes in 1456 and 1688, the cathedral was largely rebuilt in Baroque style, and reopened in 1692. The interior has however maintained noteworthy elements of the Lombard-Norman building, including two arcades decorated with sculptures of animals (including the elephant, heraldic symbol of the city established by the d'Aquino family, who ruled Alife from 1121 to 1269) and saints.
Eguisheim
Surrounded by vineyards, nestling in a fold of green hills, Eguisheim is a medieval village whose narrow, concentric streets highlight the architectural merits of its half-timbered houses, lovingly decorated with flowers. Since 1985, this passion has been rewarded with the "4-flower" rating of France's National Floral Award. Discover in this unique village: historic fountains, tithe manors, a yellow sandstone church with a 13th century "Opening Virgin" statue. Stroll along its narrow streets and admire the broad spectrum of its coloured houses, where ancient inscriptions can be deciphered on the stone lintels. Fall in love with the personality of this most typical Alsace villages.
Montefiascone: Rocca of Popes & Basilica of San Flaviano
Being located 633 meters above sea level, Montefiascone is the highest town in the province of Viterbo, southeast of Lake Bolsena. With the remains of the Rocca of Popes fortress and the impressive Basilica of San Flaviano, the town has an unmistakable silhouette. Given its strategic position, the centre of the town was fortified and an impressive military fortress – the Rocca of Popes – was built in the 13th century by the Popes and Bishops of Rome to enable the people, living in the surrounding areas to defend themselves from frequent barbarian attacks.The Basilica of San Flaviano is not only a blend of two architectural styles (Romanesque and Gothic) but also of two churches, with opposite orientations, which were built one upon the other.
Turckheim
Turckheim is above all famous for its wines. Its "Brand" is situated amongst the most famous vineyards. Circuit of the Night Crier :every evening at 10 pm from May 1. until October 31. Departure: Tourist Office.
Bolsena: Basilica of Santa Cristina with catacombs
The Basilica of Saint Christina has been recently rehandled (late 15th century) according to the will of Cardinal Giovanni de’ Medici (who became Pope Leone X). It is surely the most famous and visited monument of the little town of Bolsena. The complex has one unique characteristic: it brings together four buildings of four different religious periods. Apart from the Basilica these buildings are the Romanesque church with nave and two aisles, the Chapel of the Miracle, and St. Leonard Chapel.
Unterlinden Museum
A visit to the Unterlinden Museum covers nearly 7,000 years of history, from the prehistoric era to 20th century art. Whilst travelling in time, visitors can also discover the multiple facets of its architecture, which have been unified and enhanced by the architects Herzog & de Meuron. The Medieval cloister presents the art of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, with works by the likes of Martin Schongauer, Hans Holbein and Lucas Cranach, as well as the museum’s great masterpiece, the Isenheim Altarpiece (1512–1516).
San Salvatore Telesino: Abbazia Benedettina di S Salvatore
The millennial history of the Abbazia Benedittina di S Salvatore, allows us to get to know more about the interesting and often little-known political and religious history of southern Italy.The history of the abbey connotes the first half of the second millennium of the historical path of the Valle Telesina. The structural layout of the Benedictine monetary has the peculiar characteristics of conventual architecture of the Norman era, generally religious structures existed on previous settlements of Roman times. As the Archaeological excavations of 1991 and 2007 reveal, the abbey might have been erected on the remains of an old villa.
Cassino: Abbey of Montecassino
Cassino is best known for its historic abbey, the abbey of Montecassino, located in 520 m altitude on the hill Monte Cassino. Around AD 529, the first monastery was established there by St. Benedict of Nursia. The monastery has been visited repeatedly over the past centuries by various Popes and senior clergy, among them Pope Benedict XVI. As decided upon in the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the monastery is one of the few remaining territorial abbeys within the Catholic Church.
Chiaravalle: Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba
The monastery of Chiaravalle owes its name to the dove (Colomba:Italian word for "dove") that, according to tradition, drew its perimeter. In 1135, Bernard, abbot of Clairvaux - the cistercian abbey in Langres, in Champagne, from which also the abbey took its name - arrived first in Milan and then in Piacenza, where, upon will of the bishop Arduino, he decided to found a cistercian community near Fiorenzuola, along the ancient via Emilia. Probably built before the half of the 12th century XII, the Church of Chiaravalle della Colomba has a basilical plan and its longitudinal body is divided into three naves. The transept is completed by 6 chapels symmetrically located at the sides of the flat apse. The apse, which faces the East, receives the light from a 5 circle limestone slab, as typical of some other cistercian examples. The 13th century cloister is remarkable and it is one of the most meaningful and harmonious examples of cistercian architecture in Italy.
Fornovo di Taro: dome of S Maria Assunta
The parish church is one of the most important Romanesque churches in the Parma region. Dating back to the 8th century, it currently has a hut shaped facade. In a niche there is a sculpture of a pilgrim that marks the path of the ancient Via Francigena. Two slabs with bas-reliefs depict hell and the seven capital sins. Dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta and remembered since 854, the church has Longabardic origins that define its structure: three naves straight from stone and stone columns, the central one being higher and larger and illuminated by six monofores dating back to the eleventh century. Today there are only the remains such as the narthex, an ambon, a portal in the south side, and the palaces of the main altar.
12th Century Eastbridge Hospital, Canterbury
The Eastbridge Hospital (also called the Hospital of St. Thomas the Martyr upon Eastbridge) dates back to the 12th century. Back then, many people went on a pilgrimage to visit the tomb of the murdered Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. To accommodate the growing influx of pilgrims, the merchant Edward FitzObold build the Hospital in 1180. Ever since AD 1190, the Eastbridge Hospital provided shelter not only to pilgrims, but also to children, soldiers and local societies. Now an Almshouse, it still provides housing for the elderly.
St Augustine's Abbey Conduit House, Canterbury
On a steep hillside in Canterbury, to the east of St Augustine’s Abbey, the remains of the Conduit House can be found. The Conduit House dates back from the mid-12th century. It was part of the monastic waterworks that supplied nearby St Augustine's Abbey. Built in the mid-12th century, to protect the Abbey’s spring water supplies, it once housed an octagonal tank from which water flowed to the abbey via a lead pipe. This octagonal tank is now divided by an 18th century chalk and brick wall.
Fortified village of Monteriggioni
The village of Monteriggioni is located in the province of Siena, Tuscany and is one of the most intact medieval fortified villages in Italy. It is the home of several medieval piazzas, churches and the 570 m long town walls, which were built between 1213 and 1219. The roughly circular town walls follow the natural contours of the hill.
Village of Altopascio: Medieval Magione
Since the 13th Century, the Altopascio’s Hospital is a dominant presence: a first donation of lands in 1124 in the castle of Pozzo by the ancestors of Rosaiolo and Gangalandi counts in favor of the Hospital, was followed by other bequests and sales of the same family, and many other more modest owners of the area all over a century make the Magione of Altopascio one of the largest owners of the Valdarno area close to the boundaries of Lucca.
Knights Templar Church, Dover
The ruins of the Knights Templar Church in Dover, are situated on Bredenstone hill, on the Western Heights, above the town of Dover. The medieval chapel, has been linked to the Knights Templar– a religious and military order, which dates back to the 12th century and was founded to protect pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. With its circular nave, the chapel resembles many other churches build by the Templars such as the New Temple Church in London.
Dover Castle
Dover Castle is the oldest fort in England. Originally strengthened from an Anglo-Saxon fort in 1066 by William the Conqueror with further additions made by Henry II and Henry VIII. This castle is not an example of how Kings and Queens lived but concentrates on its role as a fort and the battles that it has endured. Visitors can experience the siege of 1216 by Louis VIII of France, discover the labyrinth of secret wartime tunnels built under Dover’s white cliffs and walk through the rooms where the miracle of Dunkirk was planned. Visitors can also see the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment Museum, one of the best-preserved Roman lighthouses in Europe and the most complete Saxon church in Kent
Maison Dieu, Dover
The Maison Dieu was founded by Hubert de Burgh, Constable of Dover Castle and Earl of Kent in the year 1203. It was initially meant to be a hospice for old people, destitute soldiers, wounded people or travelling pilgrims. Over time the monks who took care of the building, added a brewery, stables, farmlands, a bakery and orchards. In 1544, during the reformation, the monks were evicted and the Maison Dieu was given to the Navy, who used it in the upcoming 300 years as a Victualling Store to supply the English fleet. Nowadays the Maison Dieu is still in use and contains a collection of armor, arms and fine paintings.
Pietrasanta: Town Centre with Duomo Square
The façade is covered with white marble. Over the three portals are lunettes with scenes of the Life of Christ. On the right transept is another portal with St. John the Baptist, a 14th-century work by Bonuccio Pardini. The coat of arms on the main façade are memories of the Genoese and Florentine dominations, but there is also one of Pope Leo X. The marble rose window is attributed to Riccomanno Riccomanni (14th century).The church is on the Latin cross plan with a nave, two aisles and a transept. Much of the decoration dates from the reign of Christina, Grand Duchess of Tuscany, who in 1627 commissioned the restoration of the Collegiata to Florentine artists, who provided large devotional altarpieces and sculptures. The dome was originally octagonal (1453), but was rebuilt on circular plan in 1820.
Bergheim
Bergheim is a very pleasant winegrowing village on the Wine Trail, with a very uncommon past. It is one of the best preserved and most typical towns of Alsace. The Musée de la Sorcière (Witches Museum) shows an exhibition about the witch trials that took place in this town between 1582 and 1682. Many other sites deserve a visit : The ramparts with their towers. The Town Hall with its square and fountain. The pleasure garden and its famous lime tree of 1300.
Ribeauvillé
Located on the Wine Route, between the vineyards and mountains, half-way between Strasbourg and Mulhouse, Ribeauvillé is an attractive town with 5000 inhabitants, which has combined its historical heritage with modernity. The town and neighbouring hills are dominated by the majestic ruins of the Three Castles of the Lords of Ribeaupierre. The Grand-Rue (main street) and its picturesque neighbouring streets, lined with 15th- to 18th-century buildings (flowered in season), are scattered with Renaissance fountain-decorated squares. Many buildings are worth a visit, including the Town Hall with its prestigious collection of silver drinking-cups, the Butchers' Tower (13th century), the former Corn Exchange, the House of the Fiddlers, etc. In addition to the tourist train, free guided tours of the old town and Town Hall are organised daily (except on Mondays and Saturdays) from May to October.
Brindisi: Colonne terminali of the Via Appia
The Roman Columns of Brindisi are a monument located close to the harbour of the city. Originally there were two twin columns, a unicum in the architectural panorama of antiquity. As such, they were depicted as early as the 14th century as the emblem of the city. Following the collapse of one of the two columns in 1528, the monument remained mutilated.The surviving column was dismantled during the Second World War to avoid collapse or damage caused by the furious bombings suffered by the city. Between 1996 and 2002 the column was again dismantled in its components and this time it was completely restored, while archaeological investigations were carried out in the square around it. After the replacement, the original capital is now displayed in a room of the Granafei-Nervegna Palace, and a copy has been placed in its place.
Milan: Castello Sforzesco
The castle dates back to the renaissance and was constructed by Galeazzo II. Visconti in the 14th century as a defensive castle. Over the years the castle experienced a lot of extensions as well as destructions. In the castle you can find the museums of Castello with many rarities such as the last painting of Michelangelo as well as some fresco paintings of Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante.
Alsace Ecomuseum (Ungersheim)
The Écomusée d’Alsace is the largest living open-air museum in France and shows an Alsatian village from the early 20th century. It illustrates what rural life was like in Alsace and invites visitors to find out about popular traditions and art of the region, including buildings and artefacts, craftsmen at work, temporary exhibitions, attractions and events both small and large. In 2014, the museum also started turning its attention to the future and the major challenges that tomorrow holds in store for us for the environment, agriculture, nature and “living together”. A new area, “Living in the 21st century”, heralds the start of this new project, which shows that the Écomusée d’Alsace is also very much a museum of today’s society.
Santa Maria della Strada
The abbey Santa Maria della Strada is located in the commune of Matrice, in the municipality of Campobasso. The date of the construction of the abbey is unknown, but it was consecrated in August 1148, by Pietro II, Archbishop of Benevento. The similarly named Santa Maria de Strata appears in a register of the Abbey's possessions, but it is believed that this refers to a separate monastery in the vicinity of San Germano.
Pavia: Roofed Bridge over Ticinum River
The roofed bridge is a brick and stone arch bridge over the Ticino River in Pavia, Italy. The previous bridge, dating from 1354 (itself a replacement for a Roman construction), was heavily damaged by Allied action in 1945. A debate on whether to fix or replace the bridge ended when the bridge partially collapsed in 1947, requiring new construction, which began in 1949. The new bridge is based on the previous one, which had seven arches to the current bridge's five. Like its predecessor, the current bridge, bears a chapel.
Certosa di Pavia: Charterhouse of Pavia
Situated in Lombardy, northern Italy, the Certosa di Pavia is one of the largest monasteries in Italy. The Certosa was built between 1396 and 1495 and was once located on the border of a large hunting park belonging to the Visconti family of Milan, of which today only scattered parts remain. Galeazzo II Visconti (the Duke of Milan at the time) commissioned the Certosa as the family mausoleum. The Certosa was intended to resemble Milan’s cathedral and the same architects and craftsmen were involved in the construction process.
Piacenza: Piazza Cavalli
The historical and political center of the city of Piacenza is the outstanding Piazza dei Cavalli, so called after the magnificent equestrian statues enriching it. Once known as “Piazza Grande”, it was opened in the 80ies of the 13th century during the construction of the Gothic Palace, and is as old as the neighbouring San Francesco Church.
Orio Litta: Villa Litta Carini
The Villa Litta Carini is an ancient noble villa, which dates back to the second half of the 17th century and is located in the locality of Orio Litta. It was built by Count Antonio Cavazzi of Somaglia who entrusted the work to architect Giovanni Ruggeri. The Villa is currently rented for weddings or conferences and it hosts the permanent Antiques Exhibition on the two floors of the central part of the building.
Rohan Castle
The majestic Rohan Castle, with its impressive neo-classical façade, was the home of the Prince-Bishops who had their main headquarters in Saverne, which was the capital of the bishopric for several centuries. In the heart of the town, the Rohan Castle built in 1790 replaces the previous square castle. The Bishop, Louis René de Rohan Guéméné, had the palace built by a young architect, Salins de Monfort. Construction began in 1779 and was interrupted by the Revolution and the selling of national property voted in 1789. In the early 19th century, the castle, in ruins, risked being demolished. Between 1852 and 1857, the Emperor Napoléon III had it restored to house a Home for widows of highly placed Civilian and Military Officials who gave their lives for France. After the war of 1870, the castle became a military barrack. Purchased by the town of Saverne 1952, it now houses a museum, a primary school, a Theater and the Youth Hostel.
Pontremoli: Ancient bridges & Museum of Statue Stele
Literally translated, Pontremoli means "Trembling Bridge" (from ponte "bridge" and tremare "to tremble"). The city was named after a prominent bridge across the Magra and amazes visitors with the richness of its Baroque palaces and works of art in the churches. The "Museo delle Statue Stele" (situated within the castle) contains a number Bronze Age stone sculptures representing human figures found in Lunigiana.
Westgate Towers Museum
The Westgate is a medieval gatehouse approximately 18m high and is the largest surviving city gate in England. Built of Kentish ragstone c1380, it is the last surviving of Canterbury's 7 medieval gates, one of Canterbury's iconic landmarks. The Tower is a scheduled ancient monument and Grade I listed. Visitors can explore its rich history and take in the spectacular views of the city from the battlements viewpoint. Also part of the museum are the original felons' cells built c1830 in the goal extension and the c1907 police station cells on the ground floor as part of The Pound Bar & Kitchen. You can get a unique view of Westgate Tower and Bridge by taking a punt trip on the River Stour.
Royal Museum of Army and Military History
The museum houses around one hundred thousand items (weapons, uniforms, scale-models, documents), making it one of the world's largest military museums. You'll see: a section weapons and armours from the Middle Ages, a beautiful collection about Napoleon and the French Empire, the Belgian army from 1831 to 1914 with display cases devoted to King Leopold I and Leopold II, the development of weapon technology (up till the mid-twentieth century), the First and Second World Wars (uniforms, equipment, photos and documents), armoured vehicles and warships. The museum's "Air" section includes a complete range of aircrafts, around 80 of which are on display. Don't miss our educational games for all ages. The documentation centres are open to the public. Spectacular panorama overlooking the city from the arcade. Temporary exhibitions about varied subjects.
Atomium
Unavoidable icon of Brussels and Belgium and a unique creation in the history of architecture and emblematic vestige of the World fair in Brussels (Expo 58).The Atomium was constructed for the first post-war universal world exhibition (EXPO 58).The nine spheres represent an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times.They represent the faith one had in the power of science and moreover in nuclear power.Tickets online You can reserve and buy your tickets online via www.atomium.be/ticket.
Tram Museum
A large collection of trams, buses, trolleybuses and taxis that have been criss-crossing the capital for 150 years. The members of the association, all volunteers, welcome you in a leafy-green setting where the museum buildings are tucked away: the Woluwe tram depot built in 1897. They will take you on historic trams through Forêt de Soignes (forest) or to the Cinquantenaire archways. "Estaminet": ancient tavern offering tastings of Brussels beers and bar food.
Mittelbergheim
This renowned gastronomic centre stands on the slopes at the foot of the Crax hill. Its remarkable location and architectural heritage have earned it the title of one of ‘the most beautiful villages of France’.
Venosa, Castello ducale Del Balzo & Museo Archeologico
The Aragonese Castle has a square ground plan with cylindrical towers and stands on ramparts, surrounded by a deep moat. It was Pirro del Balzo, who financed its construction between 1460 and 1470, choosing a site that was occupied by the first Venetian Cathedral. During that time, part of the cylindrical towers, which mark the corners of the quadrangular plant, and the alignment, were raised.Today the interior of the castle is partly used by the National Archaeological Museum. This contains a choice of materials designed to convey the historical development of the city and its gravitational territory, from the pre-Roman period to the late Empire and the Normans. Particularly interesting are pottery, numismatic collection, floor mosaics, wall paintings and burial types, accompanied by a reliquary cross from the VIII-IX century.
Obernai
At the crossroads of the three large regions of Alsace : the vineyards with the wine route, the Vosges and the large rural plain starting right at the town gates, appears and spreads out the proud city of Obernai.Located at 25 km south west of Strasbourg where the little valley of the Ehn river opens out, Obernai used to bear the name of "Ehenheim" precisely because of the Ehn river. Obernai is so attractive that it is the most visited city of the Bas-Rhin after the capital of Europe. Obernai, the birthplace of St. Odile, is a condensed version of Alsace. The town will come up to the visitor's expectations whether he be gourmet, sportsman, history lover or just an ordinary tourist. Here, welcoming people is a tradition and our smile comes from the heart. You will feel like home.
Romanesque St. Peter and St. Paul's Church
More than the few ruins that remain, history itself played a major part in forming Rosheim, one of the staging posts on Alsace's Romanesque Road.This 12th Century church is one of the finest examples of Romanesque art. The sculpted bestiary and decorated capitals give a magnificent idea of the style and its origins. It is the most complete and most typical Romanesque architectural monument in Alsace.
Melfi, Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e campanile normanno
Severely affected by countless earthquakes over the past centuries, little of the glorious past of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta remains, except for its impressive bell tower. The first buildings of the Cathedral date back to 1076 and can be attributed to Roberto il Guiscardo. Later on in 1153, Rugero II ordered the addition of the about 50 m high Norman Romanesque Tower, built by Noslo di Remerio. The tower's terminal plan collapsed in the 1851 earthquake leading to the construction of the current spire inspired by the bell tower of the Venosa cathedral. The bell tower contrasts strongly with the present Baroque appearance of the cathedral which has undergone many reconstructions that make it difficult to study. The bell tower is one of the most remarkable monuments of Norman architecture in southern Italy.
Milan: Cathedral
The majestic “Duomo di Milano” is one of the most popular buildings in Europe and probably the most important example of Gothic architecture in Italy. It’s the third biggest church and the largest marble building in the world.The construction of the cathedral started in 1386 under the reign of Gian Galeazzo Visconti and was completed during the Napoleonic era. The gigantic cathedral in white marble extends over 157 m in length and has 5 ships.
Taranto, Duomo di San Cataldo
The cathedral of San Cataldo is the oldest Apulian cathedral, in Taranto. Originally dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene and later to the bishop St. Cataldo, it was built by Byzantines in the second half of the X century, during the reconstruction work of the city ordered by Emperor Niceforo II Foca. In the last years of the eleventh century, the Byzantine plant was rebuilt and the present basilic cathedral was built. However, the old building was not replaced altogether: the longitudinal arm, extended and lowered, incorporated the central nave with the deep apse of the Byzantine church, which remained unaltered; The altar is placed under the dome and the old nave became the transept, then cut off from the side aisles, leaving in sight a series of columns decorating the ancient construction. In 1713 the Baroque facade was added, by the architect Lecce Mauro Manieri.
Pavia: Church of San Michele Maggiore
The Church of San Michele Maggiore in Pavia, is one of the most striking examples of Romanesque architecture in Lombardy. It dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries and has a richly decorated façade.
Ferentino: Cathedral of Santi Giovanni e Paolo
The Ferentino Cathedral is a Romanesque Roman Catholic cathedral, dedicated to the Saints John and Paul, 2nd-century martyrs from Rome. The present cathedral stands on the site of the town's ancient acropolis. The cathedral was founded in the early 9th century over the remains of a Roman temple by Pope Paschal I.
Piacenza: Cathedral
The building works began in 1122 on the remains of the pre-existing cathedral of S.Giustina, to be concluded in 1233. Its façade is characterized by two buttresses in sandstone in the upper part and in pink marble below. The three portals are each surmounted by a prothyrum. These are supported by masterpieces of Romanesque art, sculptures produced by Piacenza workshops inspired by the models of Wiligelmo and Nicolò. The tower and dome date back to the 14th century. Inside, Baroque art is exemplified in the frescoes by Carracci and Procaccini in the presbytery, and Guercino and Morazzone in the dome. The “Lo sposalizio di Santa Caterina” (Saint Catherine’s wedding) by Robert de Longe is also interesting. Also notice the panels of paratici which are testimony to the participation of local artisans to the building of the cathedral. The baptistery pool dates back to the pre-Christian era and attests the ancient origins of the Duomo.
Fidenza: Dome of San Donnino
The Dome of San Donnino is the most prominent building in Fidenza. It was built in the 12th century and dedicated to Domninus of Fidenza, who was martyred by order of Maximian in 304 AD.The cathedral is an example of Lombard-Romanesque churches of the 11th to 13th centuries in northern Italy. The upper part of the façade is incomplete, but the lower, with its three portals and sculptures, is a fine example of Romanesque architecture, including two statues by Benedetto Antelami.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
"A prodigy of the gigantesque and the delicate," as Victor Hugo claimed. Strasbourg Cathedral (1015-1439) is an absolute masterpiece of Gothic art. The 142 m high spire looks incredibly lightweight and made the Cathedral the highest edifice in all Christianity until the 19th century. Three high-spots make the visit unforgettable. Outside, the facade is the greatest "book" of images the Middle Ages has to offer. Hundreds of sculptures stand out from the wall accentuating the effects of shadow and light. The colour of the red sandstone changes throughout the day depending on the colour of the sky. In the summer evenings, the illuminated scenography is an enchantment. Inside, the long aisle inspires peace and reflection. The 12th- to 14th-century stained-glass windows and the rose window are not to be missed. The monumental organ has a remarkable cabinet decorated with automated figures.
Berceto: Duomo of San Moderanno
The church is built resembling a Latin cross with three naves, a transept and three apses. The nineteenth-century hut shaped facade is characterized by a small rose on top, an undercut underneath and two high pearls on the sides of the majestic stumped portal, which, dating from the Renaissance renovation, has a succession of columns and polystylistic arches. In the Central nave, the various facades, entirely covered, like the facade, in sandstone, are enriched by subtle arches, with sculptures and metopses of various ages; The northern side and the apsidal part, built in Romanesque times as the basement part of the bell tower (or tiburio), are distinguished by the presence of some full-body sculptures placed inside the arches.
Viterbo: Neighbourhood of S Pellegrino; Palace of Popes; Cathedral
Viterbo has one of the best preserved historic centers of central Italy. The Neighborhood of S Pellegrino has an abundance of so called “profferli” – external staircases that were a frequent feature of medieval houses. This makes the town’s architectural style very unique. The Palace of Popes is the most famous building of Viterbo and was built between 1255 and 1266 on the hill of S Lorenzo to protect the Pope. Next to the Palace of Popes, the Cathedral of S Lorenzo can be found. The Cathedral was built in the 12th century in Romanesque style and at the request of cardinal Giovanni Francesco Gambara got a new façade in Renaissance style in the year 1570.
Cisa Pass (1041 m)
The Cisa Pass is a 1041 m high mountain pass in Italy. Located on the border between northern Tuscany (Province of Massa-Carrara) and Emilia-Romagna (Province of Parma) it marks the division between the Ligurian and Tuscan Apennines. The Cisa Pass offers a mixture of glorious views, old stone roads, interesting woodlands and many interesting bridges.
Canterbury Cathedral
The centre point of any visit to Canterbury is the Cathedral. It dates back to 597AD when St Augustine became the first Archbishop establishing his seat in Canterbury. This stunning cathedral has been a central part of England's history, most notably the martyrdom of Archbishop Thomas Becket. The ruins of St Augustine's Abbey include the remains of the monastery where St Augustine's monks lived and worshiped. St Augustine first worshiped with his followers in St Martin's Church. These three sites are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lucca: Duomo Church of S Martino
The Church of S Martino shows features of both Gothic and Romanesque style. There is a portico with three arches where it’s said that pilgrims traveling along the Via Francigena used to trade with money changers. Lucca was, in fact, an important pilgrim destination and a point of connection along the Via Francigena route.The sculptural decorations inside the portico begun in 1233. Pink, green and white marble was used to create a magnificent effect. Some say that the story behind the mix of columns on the facade originates with a competition.The Lucca population initiated a competition to see who made the prettiest columns; in the end they just used all the entries for this mix matched effect.
St Nicholas Church, Barfreston
One of the hidden gems of Norman architecture in Kent and possibly in all of England, the small church of St. Barfreston, dates back to the latter 1100s. Back then, in the Middle Ages, the little village of Barfreston, was a stopover place for pilgrims who were on their way to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket, the murdered Archbishop of Canterbury. This may be the reason why the first known representation of Becket in England, can be found carved on the Churches’ south door.
Como: Cathedral
"Il Duomo di Como" was built in over three centuries and a half. The construction started in 1396 and was completed in 1744. The Como Cathedral is located near Lake Como and is considered to be one of the most important religious buildings of northern Italy. Although Late Gothic features are predominant in the façade, many Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque elements are also visible.
Abbey-church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
In the town centre this church consecrated by Pope Leo IX in 1049 includes several remarkable Romanesque features: for example XIth C. crypt guarded by a sandstone bear, a porch and a XIIth C. historiated frieze 30m high making it the richest carved portal in Alsace. The statue of the Virgin dates from the XVth and XVIth century and the pulpit from 1703.
Mount Sainte-Odile
Looking out over the plain of Alsace, Mont Sainte Odile was an influential convent for many centuries. Today, it has been converted into a hotel and this sacred place once dedicated to Odile, the patron saint of Alsace, still attracts many pilgrims. However, Mont Sainte Odile also welcomes a number of non-believers who simply wish to profit from the natural woodlands surrounding the area. Hikers can stride along the sign-posted paths and discover, in particular, the pagans' wall built in around 1000 BC whose origins have given rise to a number of mystic speculations !
The Cinquantenaire Park
The Cinquantenaire Park was created in 1880 to host the exhibition organized to celebrate Belgian's fifty years of independence. Eight statues of women, symbolizing the provinces surround it, the two Flanders being represented by a single statue. This regal expanse of greenery surrounds the Arcade, the Royal Museums of Art and History, the Royal Museum of the Army and Military History and Autoworld, the Horta Pavilion.
White Cliffs of Dover
Known throughout the world, the iconic White Cliffs are internationally recognised - so much so they were voted Britain’s most popular stretch of coastline! The White Cliffs are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, they are at one end of the Kent Downs and part of the Heritage Coast. The cliff face reaches up to 300 feet high and the cliffs stretch for about 16 miles. Despite the famous song there aren’t any bluebirds over the White Cliffs of Dover, but plenty of gulls, fulmars, black-legged kittiwakes and even some peregrine falcons. You can enjoy exhilarating cliff top walks and stunning views across the English Channel. On a clear day you can see France clearly – after all it is only 21 miles away!
Parc de Woluwe
Having a surface area of more than 71 hectares, the Parc de Woluwe is one of the biggest parks in the Brussels region. The park is provided with water by the Woluwe and its tributaries. The park's landscape was conceived in English style by the French landscape architect Laine. The animal life of the park consists of several kinds of birds, such as amongst others: ducks, swans, gulls, grey herons, Egyptian gulls…
Humanist library
At the heart of the old town, Sélestat treasures an absolute gem: the exceptional Humanist Library, one of the rare collections in Europe to remains intact and one of the oldest libraries in Alsace. In the glass cases, you can contemplate 450 manuscripts, the oldest being a Merovingian lectionary dating back to the 7th century, 550 illuminated incunabula, and 2000 prints from the 16th century. An extraordinary journey through the history of books and printing! Tip! To get the best out of your visit, the Library organises guided tours and theme-based evening visits.
Val d'Orcia: S Quirico, Radicofani
The section from San Quirico d'Orcia to Radicofani is a very challenging one. 32.7 km in length, it takes the cyclist around 7 hours to complete it with climbs and descents along brittle hills. A visit to the historic center of Castiglione d'Orcia, with the tower of the Fort of Tentennano, is worth a detour.The climb to Radicofani is very tough, but it is repayed by the beautiful panorama you enjoy along the way.
Sassi di Matera
Located in the southern Italian region of Basilicata, Sassi di Matera comprises a complex of houses, churches, monasteries and hermitages built into the natural caves of the Murgia. Covering an area of 1,016 ha this remarkable and intact troglodyte settlement contains more than a thousand dwellings and a large number of shops and workshops. The property was first occupied during the Palaeolithic period and shows evidence of continuous human occupation through several millennia until the present day, and is harmoniously integrated into the natural terrain and ecosystem. The morphology of the territory, characterized by deep ravines (gravine) and bare highland plateaus, integrated with ancient cave churches, shepherd tracks marked by wells, and fortified farmhouses, form one of the most evocative landscapes of the Mediterranean.
Centre of Rome (Colosseum, Roman Forum,...)
The Centre of Rome has a rich historical heritage. Among its gems is the Roman Forum- this sprawling labyrinth of ancient ruins is the most impressive archaeological site in the Eternal City. Close to the Roman Forum is the Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre- the largest amphitheatre ever built. It is one of the city’s most popular sights and attracts more than 5 million people every year.
Rome: Vatican City and properties of the Holy See
The State of Vatican City covers an area extending from a short distance from the right bank of the Tiber and includes a slight elevation, of what was anciently known as the Vatican Hill, the old Ager Vaticanus on which summer villas were built during the republican period. Caligula constructed there his private circus, in which, as in the adjacent gardens, the early Christians would seem to have been martyred. To the north of the circus, along a secondary route, there was a necropolis in which Saint Peter was buried. Between the years 324 and 326 Constantine erected over the place of the tomb of the first Pope, an imposing basilica which was replaced by the actual one built between the 16th and the 17th century.The entire territory of the State of Vatican City is placed under the protection of the La Haye Convention of 14 May 1954, concerning the safeguard of cultural goods in case of armed conflict. Vatican City is thus recognized as a moral, artistic and cultural patrimony worthy of being respected and protected as a treasure belonging to humanity. From 1984 the State of Vatican City is registered in the World Heritage List.
Milan: Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, with "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci
The Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie is home of one of the world’s unrivalled masterpieces of renaissance art- Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. The world famous painting, which was completed between 1495 and 1497 can be found on the north wall of the Church’s refectory. The construction of the refectory, which forms an integral part of the architectural complex begun in 1463 and was completed by Bramante at the end of the 15th century.
Three Castles, Defensive Wall and Ramparts of the Market-Town of Bellinzona
The three castles of Bellinzona (Italian Castelli di Bellinzona) are a fortification in Bellinzona, the main town of the Canton of Ticino in Switzerland.The site in its present form was built mainly as a dam in the 15th century and was also used to control the access routes to the Alpine passes. It consists of the three castles Castelgrande, Castello di Montebello and Castello di Sasso Corbaro as well as the city wall and the Murata fortress wall. Since 2000 the castles together with the Murata are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Monte San Giorgio
The Monte San Giorgio is a mountain in Ticino, Switzerland. It is 1097m above sea level and lies between the two southern arms of Lake Lugano. In 2003, the area surrounding Monte San Giorgio was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The pyramid-shaped mountain is heavily wooded. The natural landscape offers many rare plants a home. In addition, various caves are hidden in the mountain.
Luxembourg City, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Although nowadays full of charming monuments and wonderful buildings, the quiet city of Luxembourg was for many centuries the location of one of the largest fortresses in Europe. Due to its strategic location it was highly valued by western European armies. It is still possible to visit some of the old fortifications all around the city, which allow cyclists a bird’s eye view on the great houses and churches of the low town.
Parma
Its geographical position, history and gastronomic tradition render the Province of Parma one of Italy's most emblematic provinces. Located in northern Italy, this Province extends from the Po River in the north down to the Apennines crest separating it from Tuscany. It is mainly made up of plains, and with its Bassa Parmense (lower province) following the course of the Po. The terrain is evocative and suggestive, it inspires with its villages, castles and ancient churches... even when shrouded in fog. The country is dotted with several lakes, including Lake Santo Parmense, the largest natural lake in the Romagna Region. The Parma Apennines offer visitors pristine nature framed within a magical landscape; an ideal path network was created exactly for its discovery. Parma is synonymous with nature, history and art. Indeed, names such as Antelami, Correggio, Parmigianino, Verdi and Toscanini made their mark in this sophisticated and graceful jewel of a city.
Neustadt quarter (Strasbourg)
The Neustadt quarter is one of the most remarkable and best preserved urban extensions of the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in Europe. It was created by the Germans during the Reichsland period (1871–1918) to serve as a new city center. The majority of Strasbourg's administrative buildings are located in the Neustadt quarter. The heart of the Neustadt district was confirmed as a World Heritage Site in 2017.
The Petite France quarter
The Petite France quarter is the most picturesque district of old Strasbourg. Fishermen, millers and tanners once lived and worked in this part of town where the streets have been built level with the waterways. The magnificent half-timbered houses date from the 16th and 17th centuries. Their sloping roofs open out onto lofts where hides were once dried.
St Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury
Marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England, the abbey was founded around AD 597 by St Augustine. Situated outside the city walls, the abbey was originally created as a burial place for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent.Together with the Canterbury Cathedral and the St. Martin’s church, St. Augustine’s Abbey is part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site. At the Abbey, it is also possible to visit a museum and to enjoy a free audio tour.
St Martin's Church, Canterbury (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The St Martin’s Church dates back to the 6th century. When St. Augustine came to Canterbury in AD 597, the church served as his first base. The modest Church of St Martin has been and is still used for Christian worship for over 1400 years now and is therefore the oldest Church in England. Together with the Canterbury Cathedral and St. Augustine’s Abbey, St Martin’s Church is part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site.
Stoclet Palace
The Viennese architect Joseph Hoffmann, built this luxurious house between 1905 and 1911. It was built for the banker and art lover Adolphe Stoclet. The outside of the building is entirely covered with white marble framed by gilded mouldings and is the only one of its kind in Brussels. The Stoclet Palace is one of the most refined and luxurious private houses of the twentieth century and is considered to be Hoffmann's masterpiece. Unfortunately, the Stoclet Palace cannot be visited.
Grand-Place
The Grand-Place is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Construction on it began in the 15th century; first of all, some market halls, trade guild houses, and a town hall to establish the authority of this trading centre. Bombarded for 3 days by the French army in 1695, it was almost completely destroyed but, like a phoenix, it went on to rise from the ashes in less than 5 years. That’s why four styles stand alongside each other or sometimes even overlap; it’s a wonderful hotch-potch of Gothic, opulent baroque, neoclassical and neogothic. The tower is more or less 96 meters tall.
Centre of Siena: Cathedral, Piazza del Campo
Siena is one of Italy’s loveliest medieval cities and one of the country's most visited tourist destinations. The construction of Siena’s cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Romanesque and Gothic architecture, started in the 12th century. In the heart of the city, the piazza “Il Campo” can be found. Il Campo is worldwide known for the Palio, a horse race run around the piazza, which takes place twice every summer.
Marais Audomarois
Situated in the north of France, between Flanders and Artois, the Marais Audomarois is the only moor in France, which was always cultivated and is recognized by UNESCO. The Marais Audomarois resembles a huge open-air garden and covers 22 300 hectares. Its aquatic lakes have been used for centuries by men, who traversed them in boats.The moor stretches around the city of art and history, Saint-Omer.
Benevento, Chiesa di Santa Sofia (UNESCO)
The church Santa Sofia in Benevento, southern Italy is a prime example of Lombard architecture. It was founded around 760 by the Lombard Arechis II of Benevento. The church was severely damaged by earthquakes in 1688 and 1702 and was later rebuilt in Baroque style. Later in 1957 most of the original appearance was restored, basing on evidence from historical documentation, with the exception of the Baroque façade.Since 2011 it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
San Gimignano: medieval village entirely preserved
The medieval village of San Gimignano, located in Siena, Tuscany is famous for its medieval architecture. Often referred to as the Town of Fine Towers, San Gimignano is famous for its dozen of tower houses, which form an unforgettable skyline. Within the walls of this picturesque city, notable examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture can be found. The town’s Historic Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
