We arrive at the port city late in the morning and make a hasty dash for the cathedral of St Lorenza (Laurence). We need to make the most of our time in the cathedral because the doors are shut for siesta at noon. It is beautiful but very different building because of its unique striped facade, not dissimilar to Sienna. The interior of the building is superb, highly decorated in the sanctuary and various chapels. Frescoes adorn the walls and ceilings and there are marble pillars and floors reflecting Italy's great marble resources which are quarried not far away at Carrera.
We have time to quickly explore some of the architecture of the streets and alleys close to the cathedral and the local shops. We are soon rolling again heading north to our destination in the Aosta valley stopping for a well earned lunch break. This was delayed because we struck a hail storm and consequential traffic jam due to a road accident on the icy freeway.
Soon our journey takes us into brand new territory with soaring mountains and lush valleys the architecture of the tiny towns along the way is changing dramatically. Stone buildings and shingled and slate roofs are replacing the ochre and terra cotta of the seaside towns where we started our journey today. Claudia is keen to tell us about the castles and fortifications along the way. She also teaches us some basic Italian gesturing for good measure.
We arrive at Fenis and our lovely chalet accommodation for the next two nights and find we have a lovely view of the castle - Il Castello Di Fenis - and look forward to our dinner tonight which we are told will be at a local farm just a few minutes walk from the hotel..
Excellent commentary and photo's , it's like Walking Through History with Tony Robinson only in Blog format
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