Palatine hill Rome first became a city on the Palatine Hill on 753 B.C. It later became a place where palaces were built by the many emperors and the rich lived. On the Palatine hill, you will find mostly ruins of palaces and homes of the rich. The Circus Maximus was located next to the Palatine Hill. Stadium Of Domitian on the Palatine Hill. Private hunts, games and fights were held for Domitian in this stadium
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Florance
This place was a last minute choice as we wanted to go to Pisa. But I heard from a lot of people that it's a city that not to be missed. True it's a city that should be in not to miss session. The cultural and historical impact of Florence (or Firenze if you're looking to impress) is overwhelming. Close up, however, the city is one of Italy's most atmospheric and pleasant, retaining a strong resemblance to the small late-medieval centre that contributed so much to the cultural and political development of Europe. Our stay was in a youth hostel which is out of the city in a mount. This was for sure a wonderful place there. We walked in the mountain that night and reached that place.
Its striking buildings, formidable galleries and treasure-crammed churches attest to the Florentine love of display. Even long after it had been eclipsed on the political and economic fronts, Florence upheld its elegant appearance: and its skyline, with its russet rooftops and lofty domes, is indeed picturesque.
The glory of Florence is rooted in its past. The Medicis commanded the city's fortunes for centuries and, as patrons, they encouraged the Renaissance's influence on the city. We just roamed in the night and saw a few very very nice places there.
Florance - Duomo
You will probably spot Brunelleschi's sloping, red-tiled dome - predominant on Florence's skyline - from a far but when you first come upon the Duomo (cathedral) from the crowded streets around its square (Piazza del Duomo) you will doubtless be taken aback by the ordered vivacity of its pink, white and green marble facade.
Brunelleschi won a public competition to design the enormous dome, the first of its kind since antiquity. Although now severely cracked and under restoration, it remains a remarkable achievement of design.
The great temple's full name is Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and it is the world's fourth-largest cathedral. It was begun in 1296 by Arnolfo di Cambio and took almost 150 years to complete. It is 153m long and 38m wide, except the transept, which extends 90m. The cathedral it replaced, dedicated to Santa Reparata, fitted into an area extending less than halfway down from the entrance to the transept.
Florance - Piazza della Signoria
A massive holding tank for tourists (if you want space, bring a bicycle bell), the city's most splendid piazza was created virtually by accident in the 13th century and - lined with replicas of famous sculptures and historical buildings - has been the hub of Florentine political life ever since.
Cellini's Perseus, holding Medusa's severed head, served to warn Cosimo I's enemies of what would happen should they cross the line, and is the finest original work on the piazza. The story about this was told to us by Dalareen. We saw all this in the night. I wonder how this could look in the day.
Its striking buildings, formidable galleries and treasure-crammed churches attest to the Florentine love of display. Even long after it had been eclipsed on the political and economic fronts, Florence upheld its elegant appearance: and its skyline, with its russet rooftops and lofty domes, is indeed picturesque.
The glory of Florence is rooted in its past. The Medicis commanded the city's fortunes for centuries and, as patrons, they encouraged the Renaissance's influence on the city. We just roamed in the night and saw a few very very nice places there.
Florance - Duomo
You will probably spot Brunelleschi's sloping, red-tiled dome - predominant on Florence's skyline - from a far but when you first come upon the Duomo (cathedral) from the crowded streets around its square (Piazza del Duomo) you will doubtless be taken aback by the ordered vivacity of its pink, white and green marble facade.
Brunelleschi won a public competition to design the enormous dome, the first of its kind since antiquity. Although now severely cracked and under restoration, it remains a remarkable achievement of design.
The great temple's full name is Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and it is the world's fourth-largest cathedral. It was begun in 1296 by Arnolfo di Cambio and took almost 150 years to complete. It is 153m long and 38m wide, except the transept, which extends 90m. The cathedral it replaced, dedicated to Santa Reparata, fitted into an area extending less than halfway down from the entrance to the transept.
Florance - Piazza della Signoria
A massive holding tank for tourists (if you want space, bring a bicycle bell), the city's most splendid piazza was created virtually by accident in the 13th century and - lined with replicas of famous sculptures and historical buildings - has been the hub of Florentine political life ever since.
Cellini's Perseus, holding Medusa's severed head, served to warn Cosimo I's enemies of what would happen should they cross the line, and is the finest original work on the piazza. The story about this was told to us by Dalareen. We saw all this in the night. I wonder how this could look in the day.
The leaning tower of Pisa
The Tower of Pisa is the bell tower of the Cathedral. Its construction began in the August of 1173 and continued (with two long interruptions) for about two hundred years, in full fidelity to the original project, whose architect is still uncertain.
In the past it was widely believed that the inclination of the Tower was part of the project ever since it’s beginning, but now we know that it is not so. The Tower was designed to be "vertical" (and even if it did not lean it would still be one of the most remarkable bell towers in Europe), and started to incline during its construction.
Both because of its inclination, and its beauty, from 1173 up to the present the Tower has been the object of very special attention. During its construction efforts were made to halt the incipient inclination through the use of special construction devices; later columns and other damaged parts were substituted in more than one occasion; today, interventions are being carried out within the sub-soil in order to significantly reduce the inclination and to make sure that Tower will have a long life.
In all, this story it is possible to find a meaningful constant, the "genetic code" of the Tower: its continual interaction with the soil on which it was built. Today's works for the safeguard and the conservation of the Tower with very advanced methodologies are designed to fully respect this constant. They allow only 30 people every half an hour from 10am to 6.30 pm. The climb to the top is an remarkable one. You will automatically feel inclined when you walk up to the top. You get an excellent view from the top. No wonder why it’s considered as a WONDER
In the past it was widely believed that the inclination of the Tower was part of the project ever since it’s beginning, but now we know that it is not so. The Tower was designed to be "vertical" (and even if it did not lean it would still be one of the most remarkable bell towers in Europe), and started to incline during its construction.
Both because of its inclination, and its beauty, from 1173 up to the present the Tower has been the object of very special attention. During its construction efforts were made to halt the incipient inclination through the use of special construction devices; later columns and other damaged parts were substituted in more than one occasion; today, interventions are being carried out within the sub-soil in order to significantly reduce the inclination and to make sure that Tower will have a long life.
In all, this story it is possible to find a meaningful constant, the "genetic code" of the Tower: its continual interaction with the soil on which it was built. Today's works for the safeguard and the conservation of the Tower with very advanced methodologies are designed to fully respect this constant. They allow only 30 people every half an hour from 10am to 6.30 pm. The climb to the top is an remarkable one. You will automatically feel inclined when you walk up to the top. You get an excellent view from the top. No wonder why it’s considered as a WONDER
Venice
Venice is built on 117 small islands and has some 150 canals and 409 bridges (only three of which cross the Grand Canal). The historic centre is divided into six sestieri (quarters): San Marco, Dorsoduro, San Polo, Santa Croce, Cannaregio and Castello. It covers a deceptively small area - if you don't get lost (which you will!), walking from Cannaregio in the northwest to Dorsoduro in the south should take only 30 minutes. The city's 'main street' is the Grand Canal, which passes each of the districts as it twists along the length of Venice from the railway station to San Marco. The day we went there it was raining. The whole evening it was raining and we checked into the youth hostel and were going around. It was great traveling from one island to another by boat, the point worth mentioning is the getting lost in the islands. You can find your way back with the help of the map provided. We went around in the night trying to discover an Indian restaurant and had nice fun getting lost there in the city.
Some 3 bridges out here...
The Photo was taken from the 4th bridge here..Let me mention about Rialto, It has always been the commercial heart of Venice, so it's hardly surprising that the first bridge over the Grand Canal was built here. Today the area is still famous for its bustling fruit & veg market, but because of its central position, the bridge itself is neck-deep in stalls selling tourist souvenirs.
The neo-Gothic arches of the Pescaria are only a hundred years old, but the tradition of selling fresh fish here goes right back to 1300.
The city's oldest church, the Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto, is virtually in the middle of the market and was supposedly founded on 25 March 421, the same day as Venice itself.
The neo-Gothic arches of the Pescaria are only a hundred years old, but the tradition of selling fresh fish here goes right back to 1300.
The city's oldest church, the Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto, is virtually in the middle of the market and was supposedly founded on 25 March 421, the same day as Venice itself.
St Mark's Basilica
St Mark's is one of the most spectacular houses of worship in the world, attesting to the Venetian Republic's former maritime and commercial might. Adorned with an incredible array of plundered treasures, it is a seething mass of domes and arches. The basilica was modelled on Constantinople's Church of the Twelve Apostles and consecrated in 1094. It is famous for its golden mosaics, particularly those above the doorways in the facade and decorating the interior domes. If you can wrench your eyes away from their glitter, take time to admire the 12th-century marble pavement. U can c Gai , Dal and Simha before the basilica.
St Mark's Square
Napoleon dubbed it the finest drawing room in Europe, and visitors and pigeons alike have been flocking here for centuries to strut and crow. There is a constant carnival atmosphere thanks to the cacophony of duelling cafe orchestras, cooing pigeons, and constant traffic of waiters serving alfresco diners. U can see me flocked by pigeons.
Now that most visitors arrive in Venice via the railway station, the magical symbolism of the waterside Piazzetta San Marco has to a great extent been lost, that's what people say. I tell u it still has the same charm.
Now that most visitors arrive in Venice via the railway station, the magical symbolism of the waterside Piazzetta San Marco has to a great extent been lost, that's what people say. I tell u it still has the same charm.
Venice - St Mark's flooded
The piazzetta's two columns bear emblems of the city's patron saints: the winged lion of St Mark and the figure of St Theodore. St Mark's Square is one of the lowest parts of the city, and so is always the first to be covered in water when the acqua alta (high tide) arrives - a magical sight on a moonlit night.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Sparkling Diwali Wishes
Wishing you joy and happiness through my blog with this Diwali Wishes.
I wish you of prosperity and well being for your friends/ loved ones.
I was little busy with work and planning for the 4 days vacation to Italy. I'm there in Rome on the day of Diwali. Have a nice vacation.
I wish you of prosperity and well being for your friends/ loved ones.
I was little busy with work and planning for the 4 days vacation to Italy. I'm there in Rome on the day of Diwali. Have a nice vacation.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
The odd Indian standard time offset
"India's time zones were established in 1884. However at that time there were two standard time zones, Bombay Time and Calcutta Time. The IST came into effect in 1905. However, Bombay still persisted with its own time zone, 39 minutes behind IST, until 1955"
Ah, Bombay, the USA of India. Glad they came around.
Ah, Bombay, the USA of India. Glad they came around.
Monday, November 01, 2004
Paris connection
Let me take u to place I had been so that u can know what these places are and u can also visit these virtually. I have made my best to capture the details here.
Trip to Paris started with a bang, myself, Ramesh, Dalareen & Gayathri went. Narasimha didn’t want to come as he had already visited it, that’s the saddest part as we missed the photographer of the group, it was captured by an budding expert Gayathri. We traveled from Grenoble to Paris in TGV (Train a grand vitesse, meaning High-Speed train). This journey of 650 km was covered in just done in 3 hrs. Check out more info on TGV ICI
After reaching Paris we went to all places mentioned below. First destination was Arc-de-trimph. Then went to Arch de defence and later to museum of the army and invalides. There we met a nice person who is from Pondicherry who is serving the French army. So we managed to get a free ticket for the entry to invalides. He explained beautifully about the museum and about Napoleon. From there we went to the Tower Eiffel and had a splendid view of the Paris from there both in the evening and night. There after the next day we went to Versailles and spent the morning there. From there straight to NotreDame and the evening in Louvre then back to Grenoble
Trip to Paris started with a bang, myself, Ramesh, Dalareen & Gayathri went. Narasimha didn’t want to come as he had already visited it, that’s the saddest part as we missed the photographer of the group, it was captured by an budding expert Gayathri. We traveled from Grenoble to Paris in TGV (Train a grand vitesse, meaning High-Speed train). This journey of 650 km was covered in just done in 3 hrs. Check out more info on TGV ICI
After reaching Paris we went to all places mentioned below. First destination was Arc-de-trimph. Then went to Arch de defence and later to museum of the army and invalides. There we met a nice person who is from Pondicherry who is serving the French army. So we managed to get a free ticket for the entry to invalides. He explained beautifully about the museum and about Napoleon. From there we went to the Tower Eiffel and had a splendid view of the Paris from there both in the evening and night. There after the next day we went to Versailles and spent the morning there. From there straight to NotreDame and the evening in Louvre then back to Grenoble
Louvre
The Louvre began as a fortress in 1190 and later became a royal residence. In 1793, it was transformed into a museum and was recently modernized and expanded. The "Grande Pyramide" designed by I. M. Pei, which actually serves as a skylight to the entrance, is only one of the billion-dollar additions. The Louvre's collection of the world's art spans over 3,000 years.
The best places to visit is the Napolean's appartment. The entire place are divided into 7 departments: Oriental, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, Art objects and Graphic Art. In addition to these departments is a section devoted to the history of the Louvre as well as rooms devoted to African, Asian, Oceanic and American art.
The Mona Lisa and Radeau de la Meduse paintings are the Masterpieces, the Victory of Samothrace and Venus de Milo sculptures. Not to miss are the new Richelieu Aisle, the Arc de Triomphe du Carroussel and the Perrault colonade.
The best places to visit is the Napolean's appartment. The entire place are divided into 7 departments: Oriental, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, Art objects and Graphic Art. In addition to these departments is a section devoted to the history of the Louvre as well as rooms devoted to African, Asian, Oceanic and American art.
The Mona Lisa and Radeau de la Meduse paintings are the Masterpieces, the Victory of Samothrace and Venus de Milo sculptures. Not to miss are the new Richelieu Aisle, the Arc de Triomphe du Carroussel and the Perrault colonade.
Les Halles
Of a rare architectural harmony, this fashionable area is bordered by private mansions dating from the 16th to the 18th century, quaint passages and medieval streets. Once a marsh filled area, many monks and knights moved here after the 13th century, but it was only at the beginning of the 17th century that it became a centre of elegance and festivities.
Now it is an area composed of beautiful private mansions, now museums or libraries, and elegant buildings set around paved courtyards.
Chatelet and Les Halles are full of life day and night. The square and nearby Place du Chatelet are bordered by cafes, nightclubs and restaurants. The glass-domed Forum des Halles houses a good selection of shops.
The Pompidou Center is famed for its architectural design. To the East lies the busy Place de la Republique which remains lively both day and night, with a good variety of brasseries and restaurants. The narrow rue des Francs-Bourgeois is ideal for window-shopping. There is a wonderful array of home interior shops, designer boutiques and galleries standing alongside elegant Renaissance-style houses.
Now it is an area composed of beautiful private mansions, now museums or libraries, and elegant buildings set around paved courtyards.
Chatelet and Les Halles are full of life day and night. The square and nearby Place du Chatelet are bordered by cafes, nightclubs and restaurants. The glass-domed Forum des Halles houses a good selection of shops.
The Pompidou Center is famed for its architectural design. To the East lies the busy Place de la Republique which remains lively both day and night, with a good variety of brasseries and restaurants. The narrow rue des Francs-Bourgeois is ideal for window-shopping. There is a wonderful array of home interior shops, designer boutiques and galleries standing alongside elegant Renaissance-style houses.
Place Concorde
Between the Champs Elysees and the Tuileries Gardens, there lies the Place de la Concorde. With traffic roaring and careening about seemingly in all directions, it is easy to feel lost in its 84,000 square meters.
Built between 1755 and 1775, many important historical events took place here. Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette and 1119 other people lost their lives here, among them Charlotte Corday (the murderess of Marat), Danton, Philippe and Robespierre.
In the center of the square is the Obelisk of Luxor, a pink granite monolith 23 m (73 tt) high and weighing 220 tons. It is 3300 years old and decorated with hieroglyphics exalting the reign of the pharaon Ramses II.
The obelisk was presented as a gift to Charles X by the Egyptian viceroy in 1829. The monument was installed here under Louis Philippe who, bearing in mind the death and destruction witnessed by Place de la Concorde, was pleased to have found a non-political monument to replace the unpopular Bourbon Louis the XVth statue. It took three years of travelling from the Nile riverbanks to get the Obelisk to Paris.
This is a nice corner in Paris. The giant wheel at the back ground is the one that inspired the great London eye. This is one of the important things which Paris takes pride of.
Built between 1755 and 1775, many important historical events took place here. Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette and 1119 other people lost their lives here, among them Charlotte Corday (the murderess of Marat), Danton, Philippe and Robespierre.
In the center of the square is the Obelisk of Luxor, a pink granite monolith 23 m (73 tt) high and weighing 220 tons. It is 3300 years old and decorated with hieroglyphics exalting the reign of the pharaon Ramses II.
The obelisk was presented as a gift to Charles X by the Egyptian viceroy in 1829. The monument was installed here under Louis Philippe who, bearing in mind the death and destruction witnessed by Place de la Concorde, was pleased to have found a non-political monument to replace the unpopular Bourbon Louis the XVth statue. It took three years of travelling from the Nile riverbanks to get the Obelisk to Paris.
This is a nice corner in Paris. The giant wheel at the back ground is the one that inspired the great London eye. This is one of the important things which Paris takes pride of.
Champs Elysees
Eternally popular, the 8th district of Paris has its focal point the Arc de Triomphe. You will find haute couture stores on the avenue Victor Hugo.
The sweep of the Champs Elysees leads down to the Rond Point, intersecting the avenues Montaigne and Matignon, continuing to the Place de la Concorde, with its obelisk from the Temple of Luxor.
The glamour of the Champs-Élysées, triumphal avenue aiming toward the Arc de Triomphe, particularly its upper end is dominated by airline offices, car showrooms, and bright, light shopping arcades. There's the Lido cabaret, Fouquet's high-class bar and restaurant, and plenty of cinemas and outrageously priced cafes to bring the punters in. At Christmas this is where the fairy lights go, and on December 31 everyone happily jams in, in their cars, to hoot in the New Year.
The sweep of the Champs Elysees leads down to the Rond Point, intersecting the avenues Montaigne and Matignon, continuing to the Place de la Concorde, with its obelisk from the Temple of Luxor.
The glamour of the Champs-Élysées, triumphal avenue aiming toward the Arc de Triomphe, particularly its upper end is dominated by airline offices, car showrooms, and bright, light shopping arcades. There's the Lido cabaret, Fouquet's high-class bar and restaurant, and plenty of cinemas and outrageously priced cafes to bring the punters in. At Christmas this is where the fairy lights go, and on December 31 everyone happily jams in, in their cars, to hoot in the New Year.
Pont Alexandre III
Inaugurated for the World Fair of 1900, with its single arch and sculptured decorations, the Pont Alexandre III is the most elegant bridge in Paris.
Versailles
Versailles is an exception to our list, since it is not really a Museum nor it is in Paris. It is, however, the best one day trip you could make while in Paris. Louis XIV built this palace in just 40 years to make it the residence of the court and the capital of France. Its gigantic proportions (the western facade is nearly 2,000 feet wide) and the masterpieces of French artists and craftsmen were used by Louis XIV to showcase the power of the French Monarchy.
The Chateau of Versailles is an architectural splendor Galerie des Glaces (Gallery of Mirrors),the Royal Chapel and the Petit Appartement are the visit to the park are the most important activities to be done. The park is over 200 acres and one full day would not be sufficient to explore it.
The Chateau of Versailles is an architectural splendor Galerie des Glaces (Gallery of Mirrors),the Royal Chapel and the Petit Appartement are the visit to the park are the most important activities to be done. The park is over 200 acres and one full day would not be sufficient to explore it.
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