London Sightseeing Pass: Westminster Palace and Abbey & St Margaret’s Church August 25, 2008
Posted by dodo in : Accommodation, Air Tickets, Cars, Destination, Hotels, London, Rail Pass, Sightseeing, Tickets, Tour, Trip , 5commentsIt is at the first sight difficult to imagine any ancient, geomantic mysteries to be present in the teeming modern metropolis that is London. There is no doubt that what may be there is well submerged both actually, beneath accretions of buildings and earth, and metaphorically, beneath layers of time. We have to look to legend, history, archaeological glimpses and the barely discernible lineaments that have survived in the present layout of streets, sites and place-names. (more…)
The Royal Palace Monaco: A Mediterranean fortress transformed into a gracious house May 5, 2008
Posted by dodo in : France, Italy, Library, Memorial, Monaco, Museum , add a commentThe palace of Monaco was erected on the site of an old fort built by the Genoese in 1215 which had merely consisted in four towers connected by ramparts. The south side, overlooking the sea, was left unfortified. Each tower was four storeys high and was topped with a flat roof surrounded with battlements. Three of them faced eastward, towards the town, while the fourth guarded the opposite side.
In 1297, Francois Grimaldi, of noble Genoese stock, captured the castle. He was, however, unable to hold it and the castle changed hands several times more. At last the Grimaldis gained a decisive victory. They were able to hold their position, settled in Monaco and established their dynasty there. They were daring sailors, too, and their glory shone in many naval battles. (more…)
