3-D visions and the Queen

On Sunday we met up in Dolceacqua with some friends who hadn’t had a good look at the town before. We started with a short walk up through the old town to the path above that affords a spectacular view across the river to the main piazza. Which was where we returned to for lunch in “il Borgo”, one of several cafes and one that turns out a fine pizza.

After that we visited the 3D Visionarium. For those that have been to Dolceacqua, photographed its famous Roman bridge famously painted by Claude Monet and strolled through the carruggi (narrow streets) of the old town, if you missed the Visionarium then go back again for another try. This is unique; the only one of its kind in Italy and probably well beyond. It’s a slide show with a difference; several differences in fact. The slides, shown in a tiny cinema that can hold maybe 30 people, are all in 3-D (special glasses provided) and are accompanied by music, commentary and even a scent generator. You can ask for a show in one of several languages and it only costs €3.50 to get in. In a side room there’s a model of the town and its castle, beautifully crafted in olive wood. To read more, go to

3-D Visionarium, Dolceacqua

Most shows are in Italian; the only one with an English version is “Recondite Harmonies”, a show featuring the four seasons of the Nervia Valley (in which Dolceacqua is located). The show is deeply moving and leaves you longing for more.

Now for a spot of boasting. Well it’s my diary so that’s my privilege. Today my mother visited Monaco as a passenger of the Queen Mary 2, on a Mediterranean cruise from Southhampton. An excuse to pick her up and take her to the Vista Palace for lunch and to admire the views across the principality. The QM2 is a spectacular sight, moored outside the city on account of drawing too much water to get into the port. Although relatively new her design harks back to the old Transatlantic liners of bygone days. None of the floating block of flats characteristic of modern cruise ships; this is a proper liner with a sharp prow for cutting through those Atlantic swells. Nonetheless she’s huge, and my photos barely begin to do justice.

And this one is on the terrace of the Vista Palace: