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Our primary focus in Ravenna was to see examples of the famous 1,500 year-old churches with Byzantine mosaics. We were not disappointed in the quality of the works.
On the way to the museum, we had a quick look at the poet Dante Alighieri's tomb.
Dante Alighieri's tomb
Inside Dante Alighieri's tomb
Next, we grabbed a map from the friendly tourist office staff and we headed to the Museum (Mausoleo di Galla Placidia) for a quick look at the mosaic work in the Baptistery (see also top photo).
Next we hurried to the Basilica of San Vitale. The church was built in the years 526-547. It is famous for its Byzantine mosaics considered among the best outside Constantinople.
Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna Italy
While most were looking up, I also noticed the floors.
Travel notes
You need a ticket to visit the monuments. We got ours in the museum shop.
The museum has toilets on the first floor (second floor in US).
Suggestion, if pressed for time, head for the Basilica di San Vitale.
From the coach park, we took a small touristy train ride to the Pisa market area.
On entering the old village of Pisa, the scene is quite impressive. Pisa is in the Tuscany region of Italy. The learning tower was already leaning when it was built in 1372. It's a 56 metre white-marble bell tower next to the Cathedral. The area where the buildings are located is called Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles).
Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa Italy
The famous tower doesn't look so tall in the context of other buildings, but a closer look at the people as in the top photo helps with perspective.
A few more photos.
It is currently popular to take a selfie. Some were considerably creative in pinching the tower or holding it in your hand. Me- not so creative.
Travel notes
Outside the field of old buildings, there are restaurants and stalls selling all sorts of souvenirs and refreshments.
You can find toilets in some restaurants, which is what we did--keep your receipt--we had to show it to the man controlling access.
We arrived on foot from the bus station at this imposing castle. Sforza Castle was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan on the ruins of a 14th century structure. It was renovated in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Here's a brief video of Sforza Castle and fountain.
From the castle, we headed straight toward centre city.
It's not far to Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo). This church is the cathedral of Milan, which is in Lombardy, Italy. The magnificent edifice is dedicated to the Nativity of St Mary and the seat of the Archbishop of Milan. It took nearly six centuries to complete. As you compare the size of the people, consider the height is 354 feet.
Here's a brief video of Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo).
A few examples of the artistry on the Cathedral.
Door panel, Duomo del Milano
Door panel scene, Duomo del Milano
Door panel scene, Duomo del Milano
A scene on Duomo del Milano
On the left side (facing the church) of Cathedral Square is a large arch and entry to a shopping area (Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II).
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II)
The statue in the centre of the square is King Victor Emmanuel II
King Victor Emmanuel II, Milan
Travel Notes
There's little shade in the area so it can be quite hot as it did when we were there in September.
You need tickets to enter the Cathedral. In September 2019, the ticket booth was on the right side of the church as you face the church.
Public toilets are near the ticket booth--you will need euro coins
There's a Cathedral gift and bookstore with nice items near the cathedral-- walk down the street on the right side of the church and the shop is on the right.