Torre dell'Orologio

The Clock Tower on Saint Mark's Square : Venice, IT

The clock tower that graces Piazzo San Marco was started in the 1490s. Its Renaissance facade features a winged lion -- the mascot of Venice -- and the Virgin Mother and Child. In the circular facade are the symbols of the Zodiac. The clock is topped by a bell and two ringers. On Epiphany and Ascension, depictions of the three Wise Men, led by a trumpeter angel, emerge and bow before the Virgin. 

Detail of the Zodiac feature on the Clock Tower : Venice, IT

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/2013

Visit with an Old Friend

Alan in front of the Kapellbrücke and the Wasserturm : Luzern, CH

Friend Alan arrived and we enjoyed a day sightseeing around Luzern and catching up. Our lives are very different, but it was still good to see an old friend.

Luzern's fortress walls : Luzern, CH 

Clocktower on the fortress walls : Luzern, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/2012

Cordes-sur-Ciel

Tarn Blue : Cordes-sur-Ciel, FR

Previously known simply as Cordes, the village of Cordes-sur-Ciel (Cordes in the Sky) changed its name in 1993 to reflect its position on a hill and often above the clouds that drift through the valley below. The town dates back to the 13th century (1222 ACE) and was a fortified town. Fine examples of 13th and 14th century architecture can be found in Cordes-sur-Ciel. More photos can be seen here.

Entrance to the fortified section of the town : Cordes-sur-Ciel, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/2013

Private Tour, Part I

Death on the Astronomical Clock in Old Town : Prague, CZ

Beautiful Baroque interior at the Church of St. James : Prague, CZ

On Monday morning, we met up with Czech native and private tour guide, Dana Jungrova. These are just a few of the treasures of Prague she shared with us. From top to bottom: The astronomical clock on the town hall in Old Town Prague; the interior of the Church of St. James; the Wallenstein Palace and Gardens; and just a random street in the castle district.

Gardens at the Wallenstein Palace : Prague, CZ

Venetian-style passage over a street in the castle district : Prague, CZ

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/11

Zytglogge

Bern's most famous time piece, the Zytglogge : Bern, CH

Bern's Altstadt (old town) features this clock, known as the Zytglogge (Swiss German for Zeitglocke, or time clock), which was constructed around 1218-1220. One of Bern's most recognizable symbols, it is a major tourist attraction. Crowds gather at the based of the clock around 6:00 anticipating a great show and ringing from the clock's works. In point of fact, it's a bit of a letdown. If you go to Bern, make a point of stopping to see what is certainly a beautiful work of art, but don't be anxious to see it strike at 6:00. There's not a lot to see. (Although, watching the tourists in anticipation is kind of fun. Next time I go to Bern, that's what I'll be photographing!) To see a few more photos of this clock tower, go here.


Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 10/10