A visit I made to Naples in 2012. Since then fast trains have been introduced throughout Italy, making a direct train trip from the UK a sensible proposition. Details below. Naples has fabulous churches, palaces, galleries and ancient squares. It is set on the world’s greatest bay, and against one of its most exciting… Continue reading
Rotterdam’s revival – how direct London trains are boosting Netherlands’ second city
Rotterdam may not be able to compete on history with its near neighbour, Amsterdam. Yet Holland’s second city is winning plaudits as one of Europe’s newest and liveliest short stay destinations. There are dramatic, diverting and exciting pieces of architecture, such as the world’s biggest, newest market hall, and a high and memorable walk over… Continue reading →
Hidden treasure Olomouc and its connection to greatness
This small Moravian city boasts high elegance, deep history and architectural treasures to match Prague’s (two hours by road and rail), but without the crowds. It has palaces, fine old churches and townhouses. There is a pungent local cheese and a very political clock. This week I came across Olomouc, unexpectedly. The Czech Republic city,… Continue reading →
Could housing go green as planners develop 2020 vision?
BBC Radio 4’s Start the week (Monday January 6) took the starting-the-New-Year theme of rebuilding, and featured as one of its subjects an innovative prize-winning council housing project in Norwich. But how innovative? David Mikhail, whose architectural practice won last year’s Stirling Prize for this scheme, told presenter Andrew Marr what they had created there,… Continue reading →
From the Beatles to le Carré – the lure of lively Hamburg
Hamburg, the green-blue gem of North Germany, spangled with parks, lakes and canals, was chosen as one of the New York Times’ 52 places to go in 2017. Introducing the city, writer David Farley listed the latest things – Zaha Hadid’s meandering promenade along the Elbe, the 19th-century Warehouse District, given Unesco World Heritage status in 2015. The… Continue reading →
Linz shines after European Capital of Culture spotlight moves on
The Austrian city of Linz, midway between Vienna and Salzburg, refuses to be overawed by its two bigger neighbours. It was European Capital of Culture in 2009, and has a fine legacy, in a state of the art opera house. It has also a sparkling museum of the future. The famous Danube runs through it…. Continue reading →