Flybe / September 2018

113 / 116

SEPTEMBER 2018 / Flight Time / 113
Destinations
VERONA
If we had lived in Verona in the Middle Ages, we would have seen the city dotted with
tall towers. In 12th-century Verona, as was the practice in many Italian cities at the time,
noble families demonstrated their power and wealth through constructing tall and
elaborate towers. The towers acted as luxurious homes as well as watch towers and were
ideally built to be bigger than the nearest tower.
Piazza Erbe is dominated by the tallest of Verona’s towers, the Torre dei Lamberti, built by
the powerful Lamberti family. It was begun in the 12th century and finished in 1463. It belongs
to a whole group of towers which rose next to the Palazzo della Ragione, is 84 metres in
height and is particularly interesting as it was built bit by bit over the centuries. In addition to
its alternating bands of tufa and brickwork, the Venetians added certain features in the 16th
century and raised the tower to its present height. It is still possible to make out the different
sections of the tower based on the building materials used.
The tower houses two famous bells, the Rengo and the Marangona, which kept time and
regulated city life. The Marangona signalled the end of the warking day for the artisans
(marangon) and also sounded the alarm in case of fire, whilst the Rengo summoned the
town council and citizens of Verona in times of war. The bells still ring during funerals.
The view of the city from the tower (you can go up by stairway and lift) is spectacular.
WI CK , JOHN O ’ GROATS
Make your break in Scotland
memorable with a stay in a stunning
castle. Dating back to the 15th
century, Ackergill Tower Castle Hotel is set
in 3,000 acres of grounds and has its own
private beach. Each en-suite room enjoys
views of either Sinclair’s Bay, the croquet
lawn or the Heart of Caithness. There
is also self-catering accommodation.
Alternatively, you could stay in Europe’s
largest treehouse, surrounded by a
150-year-old sycamore tree. Activities
including golf and fishing are available
10 minutes’ drive away.
ZADAR
The eccentric Sea Organ was
designed by architect Nikola Bašic
and built in nearby Murter. Come here
after dark and you’ll be greeted by a
stunning light show following the rhythms
of the Sea Organ in a similarly unworldly
display. As you approach the steps at the
tip of the peninsula that contains the town
centre, strange noises arise from holes
drilled into the marble, linked to 35 organ
pipes beneath the waves. These create
unworldly sounds randomly dictated
by the ebb and flow of the water, an
unusually comforting feeling as you lie on
the flat stones and sunbathe.
V I ENNA
Marvel at the royal jewels of the
House of Habsburg and discover
Austria’s rich royal history at the
Imperial Treasury of Vienna at Hofburg.
The treasury, designed to keep precious
jewels and items secure, was set up in the
Hofburg palace in the 15th century. Its
treasures include two imperial crowns –
the 10th-century octagonal crown of the
Holy Roman Empire of the German nation,
and the Austrian imperial crown created
in 1602. Also on show is the treasure of the
Order of the Golden Fleece and one of
the world’s largest emeralds.
ZUR I CH
Eating out in Zurich is definitely not a
cheap affair, but for a good-value,
filling meal that won’t break the bank,
try Restaurant Ö, part of the Hotel Sternen
Oerlikon. On the constantly-changing menu
are classic French dishes as well as some
local specialities – choose from the likes of
veal, stroganoff, venison, liver with potatoes,
coq au vin and much more. There’s also a
good children’s menu. As well as fine food
for all the family, the hotel provides superior
accommodation, offering comfortable, air-
conditioned rooms with a seating area and
complimentary Wi-Fi.
F L I G H T D E TA I L S
Flybe has flights to Verona from Cardiff and Southampton.
F L I G H T D E TA I L S
Flybe’s franchise partner Eastern
Airways has flights to Wick, John
O’Groats from Aberdeen.
F L I G H T D E TA I L S
Flybe’s franchise partner Stobart
Air has flights to Zadar from London
Southend (until 29th September).
F L I G H T D E TA I L S
Flybe’s franchise partner Stobart Air
has flights to Vienna from London
Southend.
F L I G H T D E TA I L S
Flybe’s franchise partner Blue Islands
has flights to Zurich from Guernsey and
Jersey (until 8th September).
© KHM-Museumsverband