You only see what you know (Goethe)
While I walked through Merano in Italy, I came across this sundial. I was impressed how many elements and codes are compiled in this depiction. For example one can see the motto of Friedrich III. (AEIOU) as well as a skull with an hour glass on top of it.
The Frecciargento (top speed of 160 mph) belongs together with the Frecciarossa (190 mph) and the Frecciabianca (160 mph) to the group of Italian high-speed trains. The train depicted above is waiting in the central station of Bolzano for the exit towards Rome. [German]
Another way to depict an emblem: A mosaic, seen at a bridge in Merano, Italy. It shows the coat of arms of the Habsburg family.
At the railway station of Bolzano, I came across this statue. It reminds me of movies like ‘Metropolis’ by Fritz Lang.
The first impression of Bolzano after leaving my train was this building right opposite the station hall. I love especially the idea to put a sculpture of a lizard as an add-on.
In a park of Merano, I came across a monument to Empress Elisabeth (‘Sisi’) of Austria. It happens to be I met her twice on this day. My train trip ended in Vienna, where I saw another sculpture of Sisi at the railway station Wien Westbahnhof.
At the end of my visit in Merano I walked down the famous Laubengasse which is known as a lane with one of the longest arcades in the world. Which fine streets with arcades do you know?
The face of Santa Claus made of kinds of mosses found at the Christmas market of Merano.
It was in Merano where I finally came across a train that didn’t accept my InterRail pass! 🙂
Photo of Sigmundskron Castle taken on a train trip from Bolzano to Meran. It was first mentioned as Formicaria in 945. Around 1473 Duke Sigmund the Wealthy converted it into a fortress and changed its name to Sigmundskron. Today it houses a part of the Messner Mountain Museum.
On a local train to Bolzano I passed the former Austrian fort Franzensfeste which is still dominating the rail hub in Fortezza.
Lebenberg Castle (Castel Monteleone) is a 13th-century castle in Tscherms, a place in the region of Merano. During a guided tour one can experience a fully furnished castle with a Rococo style hall of mirrors and a three-floors high chapel of the 14th century. [German]