Tourist Sites

.. people said that this is one of the most famous tower in the world. Located in the city of Pisa, around 6 hour by regular train from Torino city. Pisa is actually a small city, bordered by ancient wall. It is very beautiful city with a river crossing the center of the city. The tower itself is located in the 'back' part, so, when you use train, you need to walk around 10 minutes, crossing the river and go to the 'Piazza dei mirracolli'. As this city is small, not many people there but during the vacation, it will be full of tourists.

In the complex of the tower, there are four mains buiding. The first is the tower, second is duomo or the church, third is baptisary, and the last cementary. These buildings are very beautiful with art-style ornament. Unfortunately, to enter those all building, you need to buy the ticket which is not free. It said that the tower is under repairement until 2009 but still people can enter and go up till the top of the tower. THe area is open 24 hours, as last time when I came here, I spent my time at night, to sit in front of the duomo. I though it will be silent and less people, but, it was wrong. Many people still there and at night, it will be very romantic especially for couple. ^^

As usual, if you come here, don't forget to me a 'pose'. Do it as you wish ..

When you go outsite from Torino following the street direct to Milan, you will pass the city of Chivasso. There are many hilly sites in the left side or right side of the street which connects Torino and Chivasso. The name is also funny, from Torino, it will be started with via Torino and after passing the Gassino Torino, the street name changes into strada chivasso. In a certain point, it changes again into via Torino then changes again into via chivasso. Anyway, we will not discuss about the changing name of this street.

On Thursday August 2, 2007, I visited a place on the hill of San Rafaelle. From that place, you can see Torino city from far away. As the place is located in hilly area, the paronama view is really beautiful especially in the morning. You can just enjoy, have a sit with a cup of coffee and look at the valey and far Torino city. I ma not sure about the bus that able to reach this place from Torino. But to reach the top of the mountain, I am prety sure, you have to bring your car or by walking is also oke.

Moncalieri city is only 9 km from Torino. You can reach this city using bus number 63 or 39 and stop at the Baden-baden. Baden-baden is not originated from Italian language. It is a name of city in German which becomes the 'twin city' with Moncalieri. When you stop in Baden baden, you will see a big castle, built in 12th centry. That is the landmark of Mocalieri city. This castle is located in the top of small hill and the city is spreading surround it.

Near the the castle, around only 200 meter you will see the downtown of Moncalieri. It consists a large space (like a big yard) and surround by 2 chuches, Santa Maria della Scala with old gothic style and San Francesco. As this city is quite small, you can finish to 'browse' all parts of the city less than one hour. It is also nice to have a cup of coffe in the downtown to feel the evening weather of this city.

Genova (or Genoa) is the last direction of my trip on June 16, 2007. The distance is only 2 hours by train from Torino. I arrived there in Piazza Principe station around 12.30. At that time, I only have an A4 paper of map that contains the location that I have to visit. It is not clear. Just following my feeling that I turned left from the station gate and walk .. walk .. Genoa is a city located in the beach with moutaineous area. 'Browsing' Genoa is like climbing a small mountain, go up .. go down ..

My first destination is absolutely the see. From anyparts of the city, there are many signs of the direction that you have to go. So quite easy to find. The beach is nice with many attaction inside. You can visit big aquarium or see an anciet type of Europe battle ship. The most beautiful part is in ancient port with big 'bigo', big glass ball contains plants 'la bolla', and you can walk through a long dock.

Genoa is not offering only his beach view beauty. In the downtown, there are many places that old, amazing, and nice. For example, the cathedral which has brick (marble) colour is black and white, like zebra. Near there, also you can see the big gate (with two big big cylindrical wall) as the landmark of Genova city. Walking in the downtown is also interesting. The space between the buiding is very narrow, so it is look like 'snake' or 'mouse' street.

Alessandria is a part of my trip to Genova. It was June 16, 2007. The distance from Torino is only one hour by (regional) train. Different from other cities in Italy that I visited until now, the downtown of Alessandria is not near station. I have to carefully look at the map to find it. Actually it was also possible by bus, but I did not want to do it. Although it is not near, to find the downtown is not difficult.

Alessandria is a small and silent city although it is known as the capital of Alessandria province. It was nice since when take a picture you will not get disturb by car for example. Not like in Milano that I almost be hit by tram when I took picture of Garibaldi statue. If you use regular way, you will find a market near the station. Next, you walk and you will find the cathedral of Alessandria. It is named as St. Peter (Pedro in Italy). The church has a tall tower that you can see it from all area in the city. The church is quite big with neo-classical style on it. Inside the church, there are some 'corpus' of blessed people.
Around 100 meter from the church, you can find the downtown in via Garibaldi where consists of very big parks and old buildings. The builidng with big clock is quite old and becomes landmark of this city, instead of the cathedral. There are many others churches and piazza or palazzo in this city, for example piazza della republika, church of Belssed marry. This city has many old people population probably more than the young ones. At that time, I spent 3 hours here, and I think I already visited all places that I have to visit in this city.