Buildings that challenge gravity with their inclination always cause profound impact, though this peculiarity that makes them famous also can totally destroy them. Pisa has its Leaning Tower and Venice had the San Marcos inclined hasbell – rebuilt after collapsing the original construction in 1902 – Bologna has many inclined medieval towers, one of the most characteristic elements and icons of the city, who have defied earthquakes, bombings and, in general, neglect of man.

The history of these towers is very curious. The most conservative estimations counts about 100 towers crowding the medieval city of Bologna, some of them could even reach 100 meters high. These towers were built for the purpose of demonstrating family lineages’s power; the richer the family lineage, the higher was the tower. As time passes by, the towers were demolished or collapsed and the ones which still stand, were taken for other uses – prisons, homes or shops.

Among the most significant towers that still remain include the towers of Garisenda and Asinelli. Those towers are mentioned by Dante Alighieri, who lived in Bologna, in the Divine Comedy. You can visit Asinelli tower ascending its 500 steps. It has 97.6 meters in height and 3.2 meters inclination while Garisenda tower, which is on its side, is 48 meters high and a lower inclination.

Picture by Onanymous

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By Laura Sam

A big wooden table on one side, a comfortable sofa on the other and a great choice of spectacles around,you have entered Simon Lauzier and Boris Vicard’s Les Lunettes de Marius.

Located in the touristic area of Vieux Lyon, Les Lunettes de Marius is not like other optical and traditional shops. “We’re selling a dream, pieces of jewellery. Glasses are like a fashion item, not something we have to wear but we want to. An exclusive piece,” says Simon Lauzier. The choice of glasses and sunglasses offered in the boutique shows it – great quality and design and all from independent brands including Claire Goldsmith, Isson, Lafont, L.G.R., Sashee, Persol and Masunaga, with most of it being handmade in Europe or Japan. And the owners know how to greet their customers, they will offer you tea or coffeewhilst discussing with you about their products. More than just a spectacles shop, it feels like home. If you want more, they also do exhibitions and events around art, fashion and design. And they are open seven days a week! There is no reason not to stop by, you can go in with your eyes closed.

Photos courtesy of Les Lunettes de Marius

Les Lunettes de Marius

1 Rue Marius Gonin, 69005 Lyon 

Phone: (+33) 09 50 53 57 17 

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9am-8pm; Sunday to Monday 2pm-7pm


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Finisterre means the end of the world and so was considered by different cultures in ancient times, still believed that the earth was flat. This point, where is located the well-known Cape Finisterre , is the most western one to where pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago can arrive. They burned their clothes on the cliff and throwt their ashes into the sea as a symbol of purification.

The drive journey to Costa da Morte is the most suitable way to enjoy the magnificent views of the area . Before arriving at Faro Finisterre is a turnoff to the right that leads to Mount Facho, which houses the chapel of San Guillermo , related to beliefs about fertility. On the outskirts of this city stands the Church of Santa María das Areas , Romanesque style. This parish church houses Cristo dos Barbas Douradas , by which professes great devotion. Between Finisterre and Cabo da Nave it is the wild beach Mar de Fora , and open to the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by sharp cliffs. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of the coast.

A bit more to the south of Finisterre, we find a fishing village in the municipality of Dumbría O Ézaro , which houses a waterfall which has the distinction of being the only one in Europe that flows directly into the sea . It is recommended go and see it in winter as its volume rises as a result of heavy rains that increase its power and beauty.

Can not help but mention the seafood cuisine that is abundant in this Galician coast’s area. Finisterre is the realm of seafood and fish: barnacles, lobsters, scallops, clams, razor clams, cockles, sea bass … are some of the endless list of marine products that may be tested in these lands. Beef product is also of extreme quality, hence the famous Galician beef.

Don’t you feel like going to this land? Some of the best scenery in Galicia make this trip a visual feast!

Imagen de ricardo

By Blanca Frontera

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The Millennium trilogy written by Stieg Larsson has given much to talk about since it hit the bookshelves, creating controversy because of the author’s sudden death and engaging millions of readers. With their Swedish film adaptations and by the great David Fincher in Hollywood, there are many things to know about this intriguing story located in Sweden and many cool places to visit.

1 Stockholm. The first place we know in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". A location with many attractions where we would not know where to begin ... try to stop by the financial district and remember the first steps of Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander and do not forget to stop by Södermalm, the island where our hero has his home and the writer himself had it too.

2 Hedestat not exist, do not bother to look for it. In the film directed by Niels Arden Oplev, the small town of Gnesta does the part and it is probably the best alternative.

3 The bucolic coast of Bohuslän. Light and ethereal melancholy landscapes take us to the world of Ingmar Bergman and Stieg Larsson. A beautiful hazy set of wooden houses and violent waters where fishermen catch salmon. Once you've been there you will find it hard to imagine it as the home of serial murderers and Nazis.

4. Millennium exhibition at the Stockholm City Museum. Although plenty of people are visiting it, it is a small exhibition. "The Dark Side" is also a good alternative if you want more, studying the city’s dangerous criminal life.

5 It is said that "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest" is not his latest book. Anyway, the hospitalization of Lisbeth and the trail remain a difficult tension to overcome. But we do not want to recommend anyone to visit a hospital, have a drink instead at Kvarnen or sip a coffee in Mellqvist to finish your tour.

Image from Wikimedia

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