Bob & Donna Are Off To Europe - Week #4

Did You Know? - The Canals of Milan, known as the Navigli, are a historic system of artificial waterways in southwestern Milan, originally built in the Middle Ages for commercial transport and connecting the city to rivers and lakes. While most were covered over, the Navigli Grande and Naviglio Pavese remain, forming a vibrant neighborhood filled with trendy bars, restaurants, shops, art galleries, and an antique market on the last Sunday of the month. The area is a popular destination for enjoying an aperitivo, exploring charming streets, and experiencing the blend of history and modern Milanese culture.

What are the Navigli?

Historic Waterways: A network of interconnected canals built for trade and access to water.

Leonardo da Vinci's Influence: Leonardo da Vinci was involved in their planning and design, a project commissioned by the Duke of Milan to improve navigation.

Surviving Canals: Today, the main navigable parts are the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese, which meet at the Darsena, an old port basin.

What is the Navigli District?

A Revitalized Neighborhood: The Navigli area has transformed from a working-class district into a thriving cultural and nightlife hub. Vibrant Atmosphere:

The district is known for its lively atmosphere, with numerous bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops lining the canals.

Art and Design:

It has become a popular spot for artists and designers, featuring art galleries and vintage stores. Things to Do in the Navigli District

Enjoy the Aperitivo: Experience the trendiest aperitivo (pre-dinner drinks and snacks) scene in Milan along the canals.

Explore the Markets: Visit the popular antique and flea market held on the last Sunday of every month.

Stroll and Dine: Take a picturesque walk along the canal banks and enjoy the charming cafes and restaurants.

Discover Art: Browse the many art galleries and studios showcasing local artists and handmade crafts.

Visit the Darsena: Explore the historic port area, now an urban lagoon with cafes, local businesses, and recreational activities.

Milan: Italy's lost city of canals Feb 9, 2021 BBC Navigli - Wikipedia The navigli (Italian pronunciation: [naˈviʎʎi]; Lombard: Navili [naˈʋiːli], singular and plural) are a system of interconnected ca... Wikipedia Canals in Milan: 5 Fun Facts About the Navigli - Walks of Italy Apr 27, 2020 — The canals are no longer used for shipping, but you may see some tour boats floating by for sightseeing tours in the ... Walks of Italy Show all

Did You Know? - In the neighborhood Porta Genova, the most artistic side of the city, during the Middle Ages, a network of canals called Navigli was made. Nowadays, it's still an iconic place in the city and a must-see one. However, when you stroll along the network of canals, you should pay attention to the little bridges and, above all, to one of them, Ponte Alda Merini.

This beautiful bridge, where the lovers stick the locks on the grid with the initials of their names, was named in memory of one of the most important poets of Milano of the 1900s, who lived just in front of it. Her house, which nowadays is a foundation named after her, is just next to it. Alda Merini was one of the most interesting people in the city and was always there wandering around Navigli, so anybody could go to see and meet her in that district.

Did You Know? - Vicolo dei lavandai Just a few steps away from Naviglio there is an interesting place, an alley so reminiscent of the romantic city of the past years. In the canal women used to wash clothes until the end of the 50s.

Did You Know? - The most famous project of which we have solid testimonies is the Mechanical Lion. This animal-like automaton was built on the commission of Pope Leo X so that it would walk, causing great astonishment, before King Francis I of France.

Did You Know? - The term "multi-cannon gunship" refers to a circular warship design by Leonardo da Vinci, found in his Codex Atlanticus between 1489-1492, which was intended to have multiple guns firing in a 360-degree arc and a central paddle-wheel propulsion system. Da Vinci also designed various multi-barreled cannons for ground warfare, such as a "fan-type" gun with horizontal barrels for wide-ranging fire and a "triple-barrel canon" for increased rate of fire and mobility on the battlefield.

Did You Know? - The name NYX is inspired by the Greek goddess of the night. Each NYX hotel is considered a work of art, with a unique, bold design that reflects the energy of its host city. Beyond a place to stay, the brand emphasizes "lifestyle" and "experience," offering a mix of local dining, decadent cocktails, and a lively social scene.

Did You Know? - BUSSETO is the birthplace of composer Giuseppe Verdi with free time for lunch before a Parmesan cheese tasting at a local caseificio (cheese-makingfactory).

LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Bite into 1,000 years of Italian tradition with a Parmesan cheesetasting in Busseto. We learned about the rich history that has passed the test of time with authentic ingredients of passionand perfected recipes in local caseifici (cheese making factories) of the Italian pastoral landscapes.

Did You Know? - Parmigiano Reggiano is a renowned hard Italian cheese with a rich history and specific production regulations, offering several interesting facts.

Key Facts and Trivia about Parmigiano Reggiano:

Protected Designation of Origin (PDO): Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano can only be produced in specific provinces of Northern Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Bologna and Mantua. This PDO status ensures its authenticity and quality. Ingredients: It is traditionally made with only three natural ingredients: raw cow's milk, salt, and rennet, without any additives.

Aging Process: The cheese undergoes a lengthy aging process, with a minimum aging time of 12 months. Varieties like "Vecchio" are aged 18-24 months, and "Stravecchio" for 24-36 months or more.

Nutritional Value: Parmigiano Reggiano is a good source of protein, calcium, amino acids, and various vitamins and minerals, including zinc, iron, and B vitamins. Historical Significance: Its history dates back to the Middle Ages, with mentions in literature like Giovanni Boccaccio's Decameron in the 14th century.

Lactose-Free: Due to its natural production process and aging, Parmigiano Reggiano is naturally lactose-free, making it suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance.

"King of Cheeses": It is widely known as the "King of Cheeses" due to its esteemed status and unique characteristics.

Authenticity Check: To ensure authenticity, look for the dotted inscription of "Parmigiano Reggiano" on the rind of the cheese.

Did You Know? - Delicacies of Parma cuisine Known since Roman times as Italy's gastronomic capital and proclaimed a UNESCO Creative City forGastronomy in 2015, the city of Parma is famous for its delectable prosciutto ham, Parmesan cheese, balsamicvinegar, tortelli pasta, and more. Immerse yourself in Old World charm as you experience the unsurpassedflavors yourself during this unique dinner excursion. Depart Parma and head into the peaceful Italiancountryside to an atmospheric restaurant in an old farmhouse. Here, an expert chef will introduce you to thefine art of pasta-making, and will teach you how to make traditional tortelli. Then, sample authentic local dishes,including cured meats and Parma ham, pasta, risotto and dessert. An unforgettable experience!

Did You Know? - Overlooking the Parco Ducale, this elegant hotel with a glass facade is a 12-minute walk from the 16th-century Palazzo della Pilotta palace complex, a 13-minute walk from the Galleria Nazionale di Parma museum and 2 km from the Cattedrale di Parma.

Did You Know? - Building of the Cathedral began in 1074 under Bishop-Count Guibodo, following the terrible fire that destroyed the previous early Christian basilica. Since then it has always been a symbol of the lively religious tradition of the city, but also a monumental work of art, which through the centuries has been enriched with priceless treasures. Here the essential nature of Romanesque sculpture coexists with the sumptuousness of Renaissance painting, creating one of the most fascinating places of worship in the Emilia region.

Did You Know? - The Assumption of the Virgin by Correggio is a grandiose work of prospective, where light, composition and movement blend in a masterpiece of visual illusionism. Somewhere between the Renaissance pictorial language and the audacity of Baroque art, this cupola was soon pronounced to be "scandalous" by some contemporary critics.

What particularly strikes the observer is the Assumption of Mary to heaven: a whirling tangle of figures that accompany the Virgin towards the circle of the blessed.

At the centre of the cupola is Christ, who descends from the light in a pose whose plasticity was incredibly innovative at the time.

Did You Know? - Modena, Italy, is known for being a global center for the luxury car industry, home to brands like Ferrari, Maserati, and Pagani, and the birthplace of the famous opera singer Luciano Pavarotti. The city is a culinary paradise, renowned for its traditional balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and Lambrusco wines. Key historical sites include the Modena Cathedral, Torre della Ghirlandina, and the Piazza Grande, all recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Did You Know? - Teatro Regio di Parma, originally constructed as the Nuovo Teatro Ducale (New Ducal Theatre), is an opera house and opera company in Parma, Italy. Replacing an obsolete house, the new Ducale achieved prominence in the years after 1829, and especially so after the composer Giuseppe Verdi, who was born near Busseto, some thirty kilometres away, had achieved fame.

Also well known in Parma was the conductor Arturo Toscanini, born there in 1867. As has been noted by Lee Marshall, "while not as well known as La Scala in Milan or La Fenice in Venice, the city's Teatro Regio....is considered by opera buffs to be one of the true homes of the great Italian tradition, and the well-informed audience is famous for giving voice to its approval or disapproval – not just from the gallery."

The 1,400-seat auditorium, with four tiers of boxes topped by a gallery, was inaugurated on 16 May 1829 when it presented the premiere of Vincenzo Bellini's Zaira, a production which was staged another seven times, although it did not prove to be popular with the Parma audiences. Initially Rossini had been invited to compose a work for the inauguration of the house, but he was too busy and so the task fell to Bellini. However, that inaugural season saw three Rossini operas staged, including Moïse et Pharaon, Semiramide, and Il barbiere di Siviglia.

Today, the company stages about four operas each season from mid January to April and, since 2003, it has presented an annual Verdi Festival each October.

Did You Know? - The primary difference is that Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP is a mass-produced product made with wine vinegar, cooked grape must, and caramel, while Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP is a premium, aged product made from 100% cooked grape must and aged in wooden barrels for at least 12 years, resulting in a rich, complex, and sweet-tart flavor. "Balsamic vinegar" is a general term, with the high-quality version being the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP.

Did You Know? - Maranello is a city of Italy in the province of Modena, in the region of Emilia-Romagna, 18 km from Modena, with a population of 17,504 as of 2017. It is known worldwide as the home of Ferrari and the Formula One racing team, Scuderia Ferrari.

Did You Know? - Francesco Baracca, the original owner of the prancing horse

The World War I hero: The prancing horse was originally the personal emblem of Count Francesco Baracca, a celebrated Italian fighter pilot who shot down 34 enemy planes before being killed in action in 1918.

The family crest: Baracca's family was known for its horses, and some believe the emblem was based on his noble family's coat of arms. He painted the black horse on the fuselage of his plane. After he died, his squadron mates changed the color of the horse from red to black as a sign of mourning.

The Stuttgart theory: Another theory suggests Baracca's emblem came from the city crest of Stuttgart, Germany, after he shot down a German pilot. However, the Museo Francesco Baracca has no documents supporting this claim.

How Enzo Ferrari adopted the emblem

A momentous meeting: In 1923, Enzo Ferrari was a young racing driver for Alfa Romeo. After winning the Savio Circuit race in Ravenna, he met Baracca's parents, Count Enrico and Countess Paolina. A lucky charm: The Countess suggested that Ferrari use her son's prancing horse on his cars for good luck. Ferrari obliged, and the emblem first appeared on his Scuderia Ferrari team cars on July 9, 1932.

The yellow background: Ferrari added the canary yellow background to the emblem in honor of his hometown, Modena. He also kept the horse black, as it was in mourning for Baracca's death. The first Ferrari: The prancing horse would not appear on a car actually bearing the Ferrari name until 1947, when the Ferrari 125 S debuted.

Did You Know? - Located on the left bank of the Enza stream, the Castle of Montechiarugolo is located in a strategic position, on the border between the territories of Parma and Reggio Emilia, resting on a natural embankment from which the toponym of its name derives.

The current architectural structure shows the fifteenth-century mark given to it by Guido Torelli - leader of the Visconti family - and is built on the remains of an ancient thirteenth-century nucleus that was destroyed in 1313.

During the 16th century, the castle hosted the stays of illustrious personalities as Pope Paul III and the king of France Francis I of Valois, Pomponio Torelli from further luster to the castle calling numerous artists and painters of the time.

With the death of his son Pio, the Torelli lordship ended and the fortress was conquered by the Ducal Chamber. In 1867 the Italian State sold the manor to Antonio Marchi and the descendants are still its owners.

A long paved road is a walkway flanked by walls with windows and Ghibelline battlements; inside there is a large hall frescoed by Baglione with heraldic coats of arms of the Torelli family: a loggia overlooks the wide panorama of Val d'Enza and a bedroom is derived from what was probably the famous library of Count Pomponio.

Characteristic is the contrast between the patrician elegance of these halls and the austere aspect of the external walls, which welcomes the visitor in a perfectly Renaissance atmosphere. Outside we find the central courtyard with its portico of terracotta columns which leads to the small courtyard of the well and the square tower.

From the central courtyard you can access the Castellazzo, a magnificent garden connected by a terracotta bridge, replacing the original drawbridge; magical place and suitable for recollection, during the spring period there is a splendid flowering of roses and peonies.

The spaciousness of the spaces and the opportunity to use the magnificent courtyards allows you to use the castle for the organization of the most varied ceremonies, with a number of guests who can arrive for up to 200 people inside and between inside and outside 300.

Did You Know? - Tuscany is known for its dazzling landscapes, rich culture, captivating history and amazing food and wine! Enjoy an unforgettable evening in the rolling Tuscan Hills, where a traditional dinner of authentic Tuscan specialties awaits in a picturesque country setting

Lucca, a city in Tuscany, is known for its intact Renaissance city walls you can walk or cycle on, its nickname "the City of 100 Churches" (or 101), and being the birthplace of opera composer Giacomo Puccini. The city also hosts Lucca Comics & Games, Europe's largest festival for comics, movies, and games, and features the iconic Guinigi Tower, which has trees growing on its rooftop.

Within the walls surrounding the medieval city of Lucca, the modern world fadesaway. Whilst you walk, see the Piazza Anfiteatro, San Michele Square, the Roman Amphitheatre, the soaring clock tower,and the Guinigi Tower topped with a hanging garden roof – just to name a few of the impressive sights you'll find inthis historic city in Tuscany.

Did You Know? - Lucca is a city of some 90,000 people in Tuscany. Its long history goes back to Etruscan and Ancient Roman times, and the city retains pieces of ancient architecture. Lucca's heyday was in the Gothic era just before the Renaissance, and the city contains much marvelous architecture from that era. Lucca remained an independent city state until the end of the 18th century. Giacomo Puccini, one of best-known opera composers, was born in Lucca, and his house is visited by many opera-lovers every year. The area of most interest to visitors is still enclosed within the old city's defensive walls. The top of these broad walls is a ring park, a pleasant place for walking.

Did You Know? - Pictured is a Statue of Marie Louise of Bourbon in Napoleon Square in Lucca, Italy. The statue was made by Lorenzo Bartolini. It was part of the renovation of the Ducal Palace and the adjacent square by Lorenzo Nottolini, the Royal Court architect, who between 1817 and 1820, completely renovated the interior decoration of the building and replaced the statue of the Emperor Napoleon in the middle of the piazza, which had been commissioned by his sister Elisa just a few years earlier, with a monument portraying Marie Louise. She ruled the Duchy of Lucca from 1817 to 1824.

Did You Know? - Monterosso, a village in Italy's Cinque Terre, is notable for being the largest of the five towns, having the area's only substantial sandy beach, and being the site of a legendary 14th-century bronze statue of Neptune, also known as the Giant.

The village is split into a modern, residential area (Fegina) and a historic medieval core, connected by a tunnel and characterized by vineyards and olive groves on the surrounding hills.

It's also known for its delicious local lemon products and as the childhood summer home of Nobel Prize-winning poet Eugenio Montale.

Did You Know? - As its name suggests, this 140-room nautical style hotel is situated directly in the old harbour area, just a stone'sthrow away from the Maritime Museum and the famous Genoa Aquarium.

The medieval heart of Genoa's citycenter is also just a short walk away from this property which is the only city hotel surrounded by water and hasbeen designed to mimic a ship setting sail.

Complimentary Wi-Fi wass available throughout the hotel and there is alsoa modern fitness area. The sophisticated air conditioned guest rooms all feature hard wood flooring, an electrickettle and mini bar.

The chic in-house restaurant serves a mix of Ligurian dishes and modern cuisine, and has aninviting central bar area with its own snack menu.

There are two outdoor sea-view terraces which offer charmingviews of the old port one of Genoa's symbolic landmarks, La Lanterna (light house). A sumptuous buffet stylebreakfast is also served each morning in this bright restaurant.

Did You Know? - The Galeón Neptuno is a replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon, built in 1985 for the Roman Polanski film "Pirates."

The ship was constructed in Port El Kantaoui, Tunisia, and designed by naval architect David Cannell. It measures 65 meters in length and has a beam of 16.4 meters.

Although it was built as a movie prop, the Neptuno is a fully functional ship, equipped with a partly steel hull, timber planking, and two main engines with Schottel drive, allowing it to navigate at a speed of around 5 knots.

After the film, the ship was moved to Genoa, Italy, where it is now a popular tourist attraction, moored as a floating museum.

Did You Know? - Niccolò Paganini was known for his incredible violin skills, his showmanship which included breaking strings on purpose, and his association with the "devil," which led to myths about his talent. He also had a deep passion for the guitar, often carrying it on tour, and adapted some violin techniques from his guitar playing. A legendary figure, he was a musical superstar of his era, inspiring other composers like Franz Liszt, and despite a life of illness, gambling, and womanizing, he became one of the era's richest musicians.

Did You Know? - The Aquarium of Genoa is the largest aquarium in Italy. Located in the Old Harbour area of Genoa, Italy, the 33,000-square-foot aquarium is a member organization of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, and welcomes more than 1.2 million visitors each year.

Did You Know? - 1 inventor, 1 researcher, 1 collector, 2000 typewriters: these are the ingredients of the typewriter museum, that could be opened in 1993 thanks to the donation by Kurt Ryba and thanks to the commitment of former cultural attaché Ewald Lassnig.

The museum houses one of the world's biggest typewriter collections, giving a full description of their historical development. Visitors can experience over a hundred and fifty years of social and technological history, starting with Mitterhofer's invention back in 1864 and all the way up to our digital era.

Learn more about the famous Enigma cipher machine, find out about the work of the first female secretaries, or where the @ sign has come from…

Did You Know? - Trivia about "Gabbiano" is a bit complex, as the Italian word for "seagull" is used by several different restaurants and businesses in the area.

Here is some trivia about some of the most notable ones.

Castello di Gabbiano (Tuscany, Italy) The name "Gabbiano" has a long history, dating back to the 11th century when a defensive tower was built on the property.

The castle was owned by the Bardi and Soderini families before becoming a farming and winemaking enterprise.

Did You Know? - The castle dates back to the 9th century when it was established as a fortification to control trade routes crossing the Po river towards Northern Europe. In 805, Charlemagne donated it to Frontinus, Archbishop of Vercelli, through the decree Cortem Magnam Nomine Gabianam.

The fortress, connected to a ricetto, originally consisted of a sturdy barracks built on the estate of one of the wealthiest landowners, surrounded by a defensive wall

During the Renaissance, it became the property of the dynasties ruling over Monferrat, including the Montiglio, the Aleramici, the Paleologi, and the Gonzaga.

Finally, in the 17th century, it passed to the Durazzo family. In 1624, Agostino Durazzo was granted the village and its castle as a fief, along with the title of Marquis. From that moment, the Durazzo family's history became inextricably linked with that of the castle, with the family overseeing its embellishment and the enhancement of the local winemaking tradition

After a 19th-century restoration that erased its original appearance as a fortified stronghold with towers, the castle underwent a meticulous restoration beginning in 1907. This effort was commissioned by its owners, Giacomo Durazzo Pallavicini and Matilde Giustiniani, and entrusted to architect Lamberto Cusani.

Cusani carried out a historically faithful reconstruction of the castle and the medieval village, including its agricultural and winemaking buildings, skillfully applying the teachings of Alfredo d'Andrade, the architect behind the Borgo Medioevale in Turin, created for the 1884 Italian General Exhibition.

Did You Know? - Palazzo Barbieri is a Neoclassical style palace located in Piazza Bra in Central Verona; it now serves as the town hall. The palace was originally named Palazzo della Gran Guardia Nuova, and housed staff associated with the Austrian Army forces. It was designed by Giuseppe Barbieri and was later named in his honor.