Best View in Italy
Sep 29th, 2005, 11:35 AM
#26
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I don't wish to denigrate any of the previous statements, however, they are all second rate to the view of the Bay of Naples, with Vesuvius in the background, viewed from Via Petrarch on the hill in Napoli. The view is absolutely unbelievable. I visit Naples pretty frequently, and every time I go to Via Petrarch and take in that fabulous sight, it's like the first time I've seen it. The panorama is absolutely breathless. The poet Keats said it was the one view a person should see before he died. That's where the phrase "See Naples and die" originated. No matter how I try to describe it, I can't do it justice. You just gotta see for yourself.
Sep 30th, 2005, 01:52 AM
#27
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Would recommend the Dolomites for something "different", particularly a walk all around the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (which is a very easy, almost level walk on a good trail) - http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Tr...876/3cime.html
Sep 30th, 2005, 02:10 AM
#28
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uhm, waldo...
"Vedi Napoli e poi Muori
"See Naples and die." It was a phrase coined during the reign of the Bourbons of Naples, considered by historians to have been the city's Golden Age. Until its annexation to the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was the wealthiest and most industrialized of the various Italian states. Naples was the third most populous city of Europe (after London and Paris), and certainly one of the most opulent. Even today, a visit to Naples would not be complete without seeing the royal palaces in and near the city.
It means that before you die you must experience the beauty and magnificence of Naples.
Some say that it was Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe of Faust fame who coined the phrase. In 1786-88 he made a journey to Italy, which inspired his play IPHIGENIE AUF TAURIS, and RÖMISHE ELEGIEN, sensuous poems relating partly to Christiane Vulpius, who became Goethe's mistress in 1789.
The phrase can be found in Italian Journey {1786-178
(Penguin Classics)"
but don't feel badly. i actually thought the phrase was way earlier than that: from roman times. and i love naples, too.
"Vedi Napoli e poi Muori
"See Naples and die." It was a phrase coined during the reign of the Bourbons of Naples, considered by historians to have been the city's Golden Age. Until its annexation to the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was the wealthiest and most industrialized of the various Italian states. Naples was the third most populous city of Europe (after London and Paris), and certainly one of the most opulent. Even today, a visit to Naples would not be complete without seeing the royal palaces in and near the city.
It means that before you die you must experience the beauty and magnificence of Naples.
Some say that it was Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe of Faust fame who coined the phrase. In 1786-88 he made a journey to Italy, which inspired his play IPHIGENIE AUF TAURIS, and RÖMISHE ELEGIEN, sensuous poems relating partly to Christiane Vulpius, who became Goethe's mistress in 1789.
The phrase can be found in Italian Journey {1786-178
(Penguin Classics)"but don't feel badly. i actually thought the phrase was way earlier than that: from roman times. and i love naples, too.
Sep 30th, 2005, 04:41 AM
#29
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The view from our beautiful hotel in Florence, the Villa la Vedetta, was amazing. Just down the street from the Piazzale Michelangelo, so we could open the curtains and look out over the city. Even the shower had a view of the city!
Also the views from the hiking trail in the Cinque Terre, particularly the section between Monterosso and Vernazza. It's also the most difficult section, but such is life.
Also the views from the hiking trail in the Cinque Terre, particularly the section between Monterosso and Vernazza. It's also the most difficult section, but such is life.
Sep 30th, 2005, 04:10 PM
#31
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The most beautiful, romantic evening of my life was spent at Hotel Rufolo in Ravello. From our balcony we could see the Bay of Salerno sparkling in the sun. It had just rained and there was a rainbow. Later that evening we went to a Beethoven concert at the Villa.
At the Hotel Bellevue Syrene in Sorrento we had a bayfront room with balcony. In the day Vesuvius was clearly visible, across the Bay of Naples. At night you could see the silhoutte of Vesuvius and the lights of Naples all around it.
At the Hotel Bellevue Syrene in Sorrento we had a bayfront room with balcony. In the day Vesuvius was clearly visible, across the Bay of Naples. At night you could see the silhoutte of Vesuvius and the lights of Naples all around it.
Sep 30th, 2005, 04:57 PM
#32
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Our Alma Domus hotel (convent) in Siena was an unexpected treat. The room was simple. It had a large balcony with French doors that opened to an incredible view of the city and the duomo. We would not close the windows or French doors throughout the day or night because the view was so incredible.
Oct 3rd, 2005, 12:23 AM
#33
There is also a theory that "see Naples and die" may have some origins in that it was infamous for having some of the most splendid brothels in the world, but also a high incidence of Syphilis which at that time was incurable.
but to stick to the original point, yeas the view of Vesuvius from Naples can be stunning.
but to stick to the original point, yeas the view of Vesuvius from Naples can be stunning.
Oct 3rd, 2005, 03:02 AM
#34
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View of the Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge (Venice)
View of the Pont Vecchio from the next bridge upstream (Florence)
View of Mt Etna and the bay of Taormina (Sicily) from Hotel Villa Gretta.
And, as mentioned above, the Alps at sunrise from the plane approaching Milan. Wasn't that AWESOME!
View of the Pont Vecchio from the next bridge upstream (Florence)
View of Mt Etna and the bay of Taormina (Sicily) from Hotel Villa Gretta.
And, as mentioned above, the Alps at sunrise from the plane approaching Milan. Wasn't that AWESOME!
Oct 3rd, 2005, 11:34 AM
#35
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Can I give two views? Is that cheating? I would say
(i) View of Venice seen from across the lagoon - the city hovers above the water like a mirage, absolutely haunting
(ii) The view from the coastal road leaving Villasimius (Sardinia), just as you round the curve at the top of the climb - to your left, far below, the sparkling Med and the Sepentara islands, in front, the miles of golden sand at Costa Rei, the turquoise sea and the green hills - all looking more like Thailand than southern Europe.
(i) View of Venice seen from across the lagoon - the city hovers above the water like a mirage, absolutely haunting
(ii) The view from the coastal road leaving Villasimius (Sardinia), just as you round the curve at the top of the climb - to your left, far below, the sparkling Med and the Sepentara islands, in front, the miles of golden sand at Costa Rei, the turquoise sea and the green hills - all looking more like Thailand than southern Europe.
Oct 3rd, 2005, 11:58 AM
#36
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Some of my favorites:
The view of the Umbrian countryside from Piazza Santa Chiara in Assisi, simply breathtaking.
The view of snow capped Mt Etna from the Greek Ampitheatre in Taormina. We could see wisps of smoke from the mountain with pink clouds from the sunset in the background. Awesome.
The view from the area near La Minervetta Hotel in Sorrento, looking towards Mt. Ves. and Naples. I think this hotel might still be closed for renovation but one of my favorite memories is standing on my balcony and watching a rain squall approach from the sea while looking towards Naples. The near city of Sorrento was bathed in yellow/orange sunset colors, the sea view was dark blue and the lights were just coming on in Naples. Romantic.
The view of the Umbrian countryside from Piazza Santa Chiara in Assisi, simply breathtaking.
The view of snow capped Mt Etna from the Greek Ampitheatre in Taormina. We could see wisps of smoke from the mountain with pink clouds from the sunset in the background. Awesome.
The view from the area near La Minervetta Hotel in Sorrento, looking towards Mt. Ves. and Naples. I think this hotel might still be closed for renovation but one of my favorite memories is standing on my balcony and watching a rain squall approach from the sea while looking towards Naples. The near city of Sorrento was bathed in yellow/orange sunset colors, the sea view was dark blue and the lights were just coming on in Naples. Romantic.
Oct 4th, 2005, 10:46 AM
#38
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Although I too loved the view from Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence at sunset, I was awed by the view of the beautiful Val D'Orcia landscape from the thermal pools at the Hotel Posta Marcucci in Bagno Vignoni. Serenity of mind and body...
Oct 4th, 2005, 10:53 AM
#39
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The view of Montalcino from the private terrace of room 1 at Il Giglio in Montalcino. Breakfast on a sunny morning with swallows flying over the town--sigh.....
I have an enlargement of the view in my office and it brings back such wonderful memories.
I have an enlargement of the view in my office and it brings back such wonderful memories.
Oct 4th, 2005, 11:34 AM
#40
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I have so many, and I've only been to 4 areas of Italy!
*Florence from Piazza Michelangelo at sunset, absolutely spectacular.
*On the Chianti Trail (can't remember what road it was), driving through the vineyards, and all of a sudden you see San Gimignano and all its towers!
*View from the cupola in St. Mark's in Venice at sunset - even better when the bells go off while you're up there! The people, the lights, the quiet, etc..
*Cinque Terre - either from my balcony room at Porto Roca in Monterroso, or the view of Vernazza from the goat paths leading up to it
*Florence from Piazza Michelangelo at sunset, absolutely spectacular.
*On the Chianti Trail (can't remember what road it was), driving through the vineyards, and all of a sudden you see San Gimignano and all its towers!
*View from the cupola in St. Mark's in Venice at sunset - even better when the bells go off while you're up there! The people, the lights, the quiet, etc..
*Cinque Terre - either from my balcony room at Porto Roca in Monterroso, or the view of Vernazza from the goat paths leading up to it
