Tag Archives: 14th Century

Casual Bike and Barge Cruise to the Italian City of Ferrara off the Po River

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lotg_mooredCruise and Casually Bike along the Po River

A casual Bike and Barge cruise is offered along the Po River that includes excursions to the historically and culturally significant city of Ferrara. Located in Northern Italy in Emilia-Romagna, Ferrara is the capital city of the province of Ferrara, and it lies along a branch of the main Po River named the Po di Volano. The cultural attractions of the city have been recognized by UNESCO, and numerous palaces that date from the 14th and 15th centuries– a time during which the city was the home of the court of the House of Este. In recognition of the city’s historical significance, the Italian Hermitage Museum began using the location for its headquarters in 2006. A barge cruise on the Po River is a perfect way to explore this fascinating city.

Enjoy Italian Culture Cruising the Po River

The cultural resources featured around the city mainly consist of a variety of architectural landmarks. The city wall itself, which was constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries, still stands and is in fact one of the best preserved Renaissance walls in all of Italy.

One of the most important structures to visit in the city is the Castello Estense. This building is found in the absolute center of town, and its construction began in the late 14th century. The Castello Estense is a brick building that is surrounded by a moat and four impressive bastions.

Another must-see building is the City Hall. The City Hall was at one point a residence of the Este family, and it is found near another important architectural landmark, the former Cathedral of St. George. This cathedral is an interesting combination of several different architectural styles– Romanesque, Baroque, and Renaissance– that were incorporated as additions were made to the cathedral over the years.

Italian culture is reflected in the many palazzi that are found in and around the city. Some possible places to visit when wishing to view a typical Italian Renaissance palazzo are the Palazzo dei Diamanti, the Palazzo Schifanoia, and the Casa Romei.

Barge Cruise on the Po River 

There is no better way to take in all of these sites and enjoy the landscape of the areas surrounding the Po River than by barge. Contact us today to book a casual bike and barge cruise in Italy.

 

The Royal Castle of Budapest

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A Site Rich in Budapest History

The Royal Castle of Budapest is the historical castle and palace complex of the Hungarian kings in Budapest. This is also known as Budapest Royal Palace. It was first completed in 1265 and has since been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries due to wars and revolutions. The castle was declared part of the Budapest World Heritage Site in 1987.

Buda Castle was built on the southern tip of Castle Hill, bounded on the north by what is known as the Budapest Castle District, famous for its Medieval, Baroque, and 19th-century houses, churches, and public buildings. It is linked to Clark Ádám Square and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge by the Castle Hill Funicular.

The Gothic Hall of Buda Castle is one of the most significant surviving examples of secular Gothic architecture in Central Europe and a must see in Budapest. It was built by King Sigismund Luxemburg in the early 15th century as an extension of the earlier Anjou Palace.

Three interconnected barrel-vaulted rooms of the castle belong to the oldest part of the palace known as the Stephen’s Castle, which was built by Prince Stephen, Duke of Slavonia, in the 14th century. The northern room is covered by an east-west axial vault while the southern rooms have north-south axial vaults.

To the north of the barrel-vaulted rooms, there is a medieval cellar, later called Albrecht pince (Albrecht Cellar) covered with a Gothic brick barrel vault. The walls of the cellar are blackened from burning. The cellar was probably built by King Sigismund of Luxemburg as the Cisterna Regia, i.e. the great underground cistern of the palace.

Historical Museum of Budapest

The Historical Museum of Budapest is located in the southern wing of Buda Castle in Building E and covers four floors. This museum presents the history of Budapest from its beginning to the modern era. The restored part of the medieval castle, including the Royal Chapel and the rib-vaulted Gothic Hall, belongs to the exhibition. The Gothic statues of Buda Castle and a 14th-century silk tapestry decorated with the Angevin coats of arms- are the highlights of the exhibition. Small gardens have been recreated in the medieval Zwingers around the oldest parts of the building.

Our Danube River Cruises and Hungary Cruises offer excursions in Budapest. Book your trip on one of these cruises and visit the enchanting Buda Castle!