Lake Garda, Italy
If there's a tower to be climbed... I'm there and at 2 Euros it would have been silly not too, having said that of all the tourists in Riva that afternoon, only Mrs R and myself bothered to climb the 165 steps to the top.
The Torre Apponale - the town's tower is located in the heart of Riva del Garda, in the Piazza III Novembre near the waterfront. It was built in the 13th century as another means of protecting the access to the lake and the town around it and at one point was connected to the Rocca via an underground passage. The Torre Apponale is 34 metres high and can be climbed during the summer months. At the top of the tower is the "Anzolim" ("little angel") weather vane - a symbol of Riva del Garda. Oh by the way, worth mentioning the bells (the ticket lady didn't bother)... bloody loud!!! Almost dropped my camera over the edge and developed Quasimodo syndrome for some hours after.
Anyway, in the shot looking south down the lake is the Hotel Sole and the ex-paddle steamer - G. Zanardelli, which is a lovely way to travel but a bit slow!
Here's a brief history of her...
Builders : Escher, Wyss & Cie, Zurich (Switzerland) and re-assembled at Peschiera
Engines : Compound Diagonal by builders replaced by Diesel-hydraulic drive in 1982 and subsequently re-engined in 2002
Length : 48.65 metres
Passengers : Originally 800 but now certified for 500 (of which 250 seated including 150 under cover).
Crew : 7
Entered service : 1903
Used as a troops and supplies carrier in World War I
Damaged in an air attack in 1944 whilst on passenger service approaching Limone with the captain, the helmsman and several passengers were killed and many more injured
Returned to service after the war ended under American control, painted with scenes from US life
Withdrawn again in 1959
Back in service in 1969 with enclosed upper deck and a wheelhouse
Ran aground in October 1977 near Moderno, sustaining severe damage to the hull
Returned to service in 1983 with a diesel unit in place of her steam engines as an economy measure
After many years of infrequent and irregular service, Zanardelli now sees considerable use in the upper lake during the summer timetable period
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