Announcing the Italy Grand Tour

[Ciclista]

When you get round to Piemonte please do not forget Fenestrelle with the largest fortification in Europe as well as the rest of Val Chisone home of the winter Olympics 2006. This is a fantastic area in the summer as well as the winter. certainly a place to "discover".

[Relaxed]

Even if the Grand Tour has got a bit bogged down, we can still encourage people to visit "our" favourite areas - and I would love to see a pic of "the biggest fortress in Europe" - I'm quite a fan of fortresses (preferably designed by Sangallo, who maybe didn't get as far north as Piemonte since the Pope tended to be his biggest employer), and I'd love to see a snap of "your" fortress.

[ronald]

Hello - if you have a look on the front page you will see some of the things we've been busy with (other than enjoy July and August holidays that is!)

Tomorrow - with the first day of Autumn we will resume our virtual journey through Italy visiting the region many love to love and many love to hate - Puglia!

All the best,

Ronald

[Iona]

Ahhh the journey continues... ;)

Relaxed, agree with you on fortresses! Fascinated by medieval 'rubble'and the histories behind them...

[trullomartinafranca]

Such a tactful introduction to Puglia Ronald! :D :D :D

[MattandCorrina]

For those of you that like a few bits of old style rubble
Here is one of the fortifications/ castles that aosta valley has to offer.
I tried to go this time round. Turned up on a Monday and the darn place was closed. Ah well next time
Cheers
Matt

http://www.courmayeur-mont-blanc.com/fortezzabard.htm

[tuscanhills]

Originally Posted by ronald

Hello - if you have a look on the front page you will see some of the things we've been busy with ......

I've had a look an can't see what you're going on about.......what's changed?

[FRANTIANI]

Originally Posted by tuscanhills

I've had a look an can't see what you're going on about.......what's changed?

I too cannot see what you have done Ronald, where is it?

[Iona]

Originally Posted by MattandCorrina

For those of you that like a few bits of old style rubble
Here is one of the fortifications/ castles that aosta valley has to offer.
I tried to go this time round. Turned up on a Monday and the darn place was closed. Ah well next time
Cheers
Matt

http://www.courmayeur-mont-blanc.com/fortezzabard.htm

Thanks for the link, Matt! Very impressive... :)

Cheers,
Steph

[MattandCorrina]

Cheers Steph

There are so many castles in the valley that apparently they used to be able to shout from castle to castle all the way along the length of the valley. The guy who invented BIC pens was born in the valley and actually restored one of the old castles and opened it to the publiic.
If you like castles, mountains and polenta there is no better place.
M