Switzerland
Lucerne


Our last cultural stop was the quintessential Swiss city of Lucerne. The main tourist attraction is the Chapel Bridge, which is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe. It is a 204 m long bridge and crosses the Reuss River.



The bridge is decorated with flowers along the sides, which add colour complimenting the wood effectively. It was constructed in 1333 and was designed to help protect the city from attacks. An octagonal water tower which is 140 feet tall and made from brick adjoins the bridge. This has served as a prison, torture chamber, watchtower and treasury. Today the tower, which is part of the city wall, is used as the guild hall of the artillery association.



The roof acts as shelter, but also inside the bridge there are a series of 17th century paintings lodged in the ceiling depicting events from Lucerne's history.



Neat drainage with a long channel that blends into the surroundings.


When exploring Lucerne I found that it was a small but very well preserved city. Passing through the streets, and squares there were many fascinating, old murals printed on numerous buildings.



This inviting, gentle slope down to the river is an aesthetically varied edge that creates a relaxing atmosphere. It has also been subtly designed for dual purpose. Firstly it draws people closer to the water to sit on the low log that runs along the edge, and secondly it serves as a mooring area.

Italy
Venice


I found Venice to be a unique and elegant city, full of culture, architecture and life.

Venice also known as 'City of Water', is world famous for its canals. It is built on an archipelago of 122 islands formed by about 150 canals in a shallow lagoon. The islands on which the city is built are connected by about 400 bridges. In the old center, the canals serve the function of roads, and every form of transport is on water or on foot. Venice is Europe's largest urban carfree area, unique in Europe in remaining a sizable functioning city in the 21st century entirely without motorcars or trucks.

On the grand canal, the classical gondolas were frequently used by tourists. Long stakes mark out separate moorings, which are in keeping with the gondolas.


Hustle and bustle of market place.



This typical rustic building shows the result of years of neglect where the walls begin to crumble, which gives Venice its distinctive character.



Venice's most famous bridge, the Rialto was built between 1588 and 1591 and has a 24-foot arch designed to allow passage of galleys. The bridge has three walkways: two along the outer balustrades, and a wider central walkway leading between two rows of tourist shops. There was no sign of wheel chair access which indicated that this may not have been a priority for design in these times.


Example of the many smaller but charming canals.



St. Marks Square is the central landmark and gathering place of Venice, and is usually crowded with tourists and pigeons. The Basilica is a beautiful Byzantine cathedral and is the most famous of the city's churches.