We recently had a cruise trip around a good section of Europe. A cruise holiday is an ideal way to experience a range of countries in a short space of time. Of course, its only possible to see a snippet of each country but it provides a taste for each which is enough to whet your appetite for a longer, future visit. It’s fascinating to go to sleep on the ship in one country then wake up next morning in another, hundreds of miles away.
[caption id="attachment_3440" align="alignright" width="225"]
Towering carved panelled doors[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_3439" align="alignright" width="225"]
Astonishing detailed panelled carvings[/caption]
This cruise started in Rome with its great architecture and masses of Roman ruins. We saw many incredible buildings with enormous carved and panelled doors, which were of great interest to us (as you would expect as we are door suppliers). Next day was Monte Carlo, for a taste of luxury and beautiful views, and a trip to the Casino. We then travelled back to Italy to visit Florence other options could have been Lucca or Pompeii. Previously, we had visited the Uffizi art gallery in Florence, with its incredible medieval art housed in this beautiful building with long galleried rooms, each room leading through a doorway into a connecting room with still more stunning works of art. However, this time a church was our choice and although The Duomo is magnificent and on our list for next time our schedule only allowed for the tour to the Basilica of Santa Croce (the Holy Cross) with its polychrome, marble façade. This church has beautiful frescoes, some dating from (1380) by Gaddi and Giotto. It also, contains the sarcophagus of some very famous people including Michelangelo, Rossini, Machiavelli and Galileo Galilei and a memorial to Dante and Leonardo Da Vinci. I was so pleased with our choice as the historical references were very interesting.
Next day we anchored off Sorrento and caught the Jetfoil to the island of Capri. I’ve long had a fascination with the island as have many famous people including Britain’s wartime singer, Gracie Fields, who lived there for many years and is buried in a local cemetery. The narrow winding streets leading to the stunning views on the far side of the island were an unexpected real treat. Next stop was Sicily and a coach ride through dramatic scenery to the hilltop village of Taormina. Thousands of tourists visit the village yet it still has a quirky atmosphere. The quaint buildings have interesting doors, giving us inspiration for the new designs that Doorsan Ltd. can consider for future ranges.
Look for my next Blog – Cruising Europe part 2 and see more stunning European doors.
