Beaumaris Castle is a medieval stone structure built by King Edward I as part of his campaign against the Welsh to conquer north wales. Construction began in 1295, however it was never truly completed due to the conquest more or less being complete and Edward needing funds and resources to conquer Scotland. Nevertheless this stronghold is regarded by many of the most impressive of all the Edwardian castles due to its ingenious design.

Beaumaris Castle, North Wales, UK by Lyn Gateley

The design is concentric and includes effectively 4 lines of defence, cleverly placed arrow slits, water filled moat, murder holes over entrances and a gate next to the sea entrance and tidal dock which would allow boats to come right up to the castle while being secure.

This is truly an awesome sight to behold and really commands certain majesty, drawing many visitors every year to come and see this impressive stone structure. It is a part of the ‘iron ring’ of castles King Edward built to subdue Wales, and Beaumaris is the last and largest to be constructed.

The castle is currently under the care of Cadw, who made it available for the public to visit, there is a gift shop and public toilets for visitors and guided tours around the castle are available. Beaumaris Castle is a wonderful day out for all the family, indulge in the historical wonder of the massive stronghold, and explore its insides to you can appreciate the sheer effort and planning that went into it, then enjoy a picnic on one of the benches in the surrounding lush green park.

Beaumaris Castle has been called by some as the most impressive medieval castle in the UK so it is definitely worth a visit if you visiting or staying in North Wales.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Gabriele Cantini

Volterra is called also the city of alabaster, since the mining tradition of pure white stone comes to the time of the Etruscans. Tradition and processing of alabaster are passed on from generation to generation. Local artisans create beautiful white alabaster statues and other art objects. In Museo Etrusco Guarnacci you can see a collection of more than 600 Etruscan urns of alabaster and terracotta. It is one of the best collections of Etruscan art in Italy. Ticket to the museum allows you to enter also the nearby Pinacoteca Gallery, exposing Rosso Fiorentino’ masterpiece titled “Descent from the Cross” from 1521. However, there are also other important works of Italian artists, such as Luca Signorelli and Domenico Ghirlandaio.

Major attractions include seven city gates. The most important of these is Porta dell’Arco Etrusco, which is decorated with the heads of basalt, which represent the Etruscan deity. In the center lies the Piazza dei Priori, where you will find a variety of monuments. For example Pallazo dei Priori is the oldest seat of government in medieval Tuscany. The palace dates from 1208 and its interior has frescoes from the 14th century.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Gabriele Cantini

On the Piazza San Giovanni is the cathedral built in the Tuscan Romanesque style, which includes the pulpit from the 13th century, decorated with reliefs. Very interesting is Palazzo Pretorio of 13th century with the tower of a little Pig. The baptistery is located opposite the cathedral and boasts a font by Sansovino. In town you can see cliffs of Balze di Volterra, or visit the archaeological park with finds from the Roman Empire.

Volterra is an ideal place for a holiday, because from here you can explore the most beautiful parts of Tuscany. By car you can also get to Florence, Siena and San Gimignano.

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