Jaap van 't Veen's photos

The Basilica di S. Giovanni Battista (Basilica of Saint John the Baptist) is located in the center of Finale Ligure. It is considered being one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in the region. The construction of the church started in 1619; fifty-five years the church was inaugurated. The design is usually attributed to Gian Lorenzo Bernini, but most probably designed by local architects, who did work in Bernini's style. The façade, rich in artistic emblems and stained-glass windows, is the work of a local architect and was completed in 1762. The dome of the basilica has a height of 24 meters. The interior is characterized by a great harmony and simplicity of proportions. The central nave is separated from the two aisles by two rows of paired columns. Twelve very rich chapels - decorated with architectural motifs - are situated in the two aisles. The high altar - built in 1767 - is inlaid with polychrome marbles.

The two buildings of the Watermolen van Ruurlo (Ruurlo water mill) are dating back from 1786. Until about 1830, the double water mill was in use. On one side an oil mill, on the other a flour mill. They are now somewhat hidden in the woods - next to Ruurlo Castle - on the old Ruurlose Beek. Presumably, there was already a water mill on this spot in the mid-16th century. Between the two buildings is a bridge with an iron barrage from around 1840 The water wheels have disappeared over time and the mill is also no longer in operation as a water mill. This is partly because it was feared that the mill would draw too much water from the moat of Ruurlo Castle. On the other hand, the owners of one of the buildings do not want to cooperate with the plans to restore and reinstate the watermill.

The Baroque style Cattedrale di SanPietro (Cathedral of San Pietro) dates back to the 13th century, but in the first version it was a small chapel named after San Pietro. After being chosen as the cathedral of the town diocese in 1572, it was renovated and enlarged, as it looks like nowadays; but some signs of the original building are still visible on the facade and on the right side of the church. The main treasure inside the cathedral is a Roman sarcophagus in polychrome marble known as “Sant'Eugenio's Ark”, because it was used as the patron saint's relics. The current aspect of this sarcophagus is the result of some restorations made between the 15th and the 16th centuries. Also noteworthy are the bishop's chair in carved walnut wood , the pulpit and a processional case in polychrome wood.

The history of Kasteel Ruurlo or Huis Ruurlo (Ruurlo Castle) is dating back to the beginning of the 14th century, when it was first mentioned in the archives as a property of Graaf Reinhoud I van Gelre . The castle was first inhabited bij the family Van Roderlo, after which it is most probably named. Kasteel Ruurlo was several times renovated and expanded and shows architecture from five centuries. Its original lay-out is alomost inatct. Its current appearance dates from the 15th and 17th century. In the 15th century, it passed into the hands of Jacob van Heeckeren, the founder of the noble and distinguished family of Van Heeckeren. Castle and estate were owned and managed by the family for more than five centuries through to 1977. During World War II the castle was used as the headquarters of the German General Staff. In 1977 it passed into the hands of the municipality of Ruurlo and was used as town hall till 2005. Hans Melchers, a Dutch art collector, bought Kasteel Ruurlo in 2013. Four years later - after a thorough restoration - it became part of MORE (a museum for Dutch MOdern REalism) with paintings of famous painter Carel Willink and some special creations by the Chinese-Dutch fashion designer Fong Leng.

Noli - probably founded by the ancient Greeks - is located along a beautiful Ligurian bay, and borders Bergeggi to the east and Capo Noli to the west. The location of the village was an important factor in trade and Noli flourished. It was the capital of the Maritime Republic of the same name between 1193 and 1797, when it celebrated its heyday. Noli played an important role in the defence of the Ligurian coast against attacks. The historic centre of Noli has a maze of small narrow streets surrounded by medieval towers and colourful houses. The most interesting buildings are dating back to the 13th century; among them the Torre del Comune, the Palazzo del Comune (town hall) and the cathedral. The town is surrounded by steep hills and one can enjoy beautiful views over the roofs of the village. For instance from the old Castello di Monte Ursino (main image). Noli belongs to il borghi pui bella d'Italia (the most beautiful villages in Italy).

Varigotti - once a fishing village and nowadays a seaside resort, is characterized by bright coloured houseswith their ‘feet’ in the sand. Due to its beaches the villages is a popular tourist destination. Varigotti is also known as “Saracen hamlet”. Varigotti has experienced varied dominations over the centuries. In late antiquity times, it was known as Varicottis. In 643, when it was home to a Byzantine fortification, it was destroyed by the Lombard king Rothari. Later it suffered from Saracen raids, and in the 12th century it was contended between the marquisses of Noli and the Del Carretto family. Later it was a possession of the Republic of Genoa, and became an autonomous commune after the French Revolution. Once an independent municipality, in 1927 it became part of Finale Ligure.

Nationaal Park De Alde Feanen (meaning: The Old Fenlands) is one of the twenty national parks in the Netherlands. The park is located in the heart of the province of Friesland . De Alde Feanen is a unique area; a result of the peat excavations, which were carried out here in the past. Nowadays it is an area of freshwater lakes, reed lands, forested marshland and grasslands. The park contains approximately 425 hectares of surface water, about the same as 650 football pitches! It consists of ditches, canals, peat pit ponds, other ponds and lakes. The reed beds in De Alde Feanen cover a significant part of the total surface, with extensive belts occurring alongside the open waters of lakes and smaller water bodies. In the area at least 450 plant species and 100 bird species can be found. Since 1934 De Alde Feanen is owned by It Fryske Gea , a provincial nature protection organisation in the province of Friesland. The park can be visited free of charge.

The Bonifatiuskerk (Saint Boniface Church) is one of the oldest churches in southeast of the province of Friesland . The church building is the historical centre of the village. At its foundation the church was dedicated to Bonifatius . In a document from 1553 the church is referred to as the Parish Church of “H. Vitus te Antiqua Bercoop in Stellingwerff”. The construction of the oldest parts of the church was probably completed around the year 1125. The old churchyard of the church is surrounded by a rustic ring wall, made of Frisian bricks. The ring wall probably dates from the beginning of the 17th century, the same period in which the tower was restored after earlier destruction. The wall was intended to separate the consecrated soil around the church from the unconsecrated ground outside. Old prints show some entrance gates with stepped gables; probability there were four of them in total, one for each cardinal direction. The western (main image) gate was reconstructed in 2012. After the reformation, the church was given a Protestant signature. The complex ofchurch, churchyard and ring wall is a national monument owned by the local protestant congregation.

The Oosterscheldekering (Eastern Scheldt Barrier) is the largest and best known of the Delta Works (a series of dams and storm surge barriers, designed to protect the Netherlands from flooding from the North Sea). The barrier is a 9 km long structure which seals off the Oosterschelde if there is a threat of flooding. The Oosterscheldekering Barrier connects the islands of Schouwen-Duiveland and Noord-Beveland in the province of Zeeland and was built between 1976 and 1986. It is the largest storm surge barrier in the Netherlands. The Oosterscheldekering has 65 colossal pillars, separated by sluice gates that are roughly 42 meters wide and 6 to 12 meters high, each weighing between 260 and 480 tonnes. It is designed to withstand a flood that is statistically unlikely to occur more than once in 4,000 years. The barrier will be closed if the water level of the North Sea is predicted to rise to more than 3 meters above “Normal Amsterdam Level”. At the press of a button, all 62 sluice gates are lowered and it takes 82 minutes for them all to close completely.

The reformed old church in Delden - originally dedicated to St. Blasius - is an example of church construction that is frequently seen on the other side of the German border. The Oude Blasius (Old Blasius) or Blasiuskerk , is first mentioned in a manuscript from 1119, when it was given to the chapter of St. Pieter in Utrecht. This makes the church even older than the town of Delden itself. Around the year of 1150 work began on a new church, a one-aisled cruciform basilica. For unknown reasons the construction of the church stopped twenty years later. When work finally continued in the mid-13th century, a new plan was made to rebuilt the church into a three-aisled hall-church, similar to churches built in Westphalia (Germany) in that period. The church underwent a drastic change in the period 1464-1538: the nave was tripled, although there was apparently not enough room on the northern side. Thus, a hall church with two naves of equal height arose from the original nave with two low side aisles. The building of the tower, which probably replaced a Romanesque predecessor, was started in 1516. At 2/3 of the height, construction was stopped, probably due to lack of money. In 1583 protestant troops attacked Delden, a year later the town was set on fire. The church lost its roof and part of the vaulting. In 1602 the church was assigned to the Protestants. In the years 1968-1970, the church was completely restored. The entire interior was also renovated. The Oude Blasius is still used for church services.

The Basilica di San Nicolò - dedicated to St Nicholas of Bari - is located at the central square in the historic centre of Pietra Ligure. In the 18th century, construction of a new church began, in order to thank St Nicholas for the plague miracle. The building of the basilica - replacing an earlier church - started in 1750 and lasted 41 years. The church was blessed - although still unfinished - in 1791. The construction was finally completed after the rule of Napoleon. . In 1814, three heavy bells arrived by sea ready to be hoisted onto the bell tower. In 1863 a second bell tower was finished. Although the Baroque-Renaissance façade is simple and almost monochrome, entering the basilica one has the idea of being immersed in a work of art. The interior is truly a marvel for the eyes: the walls and ceiling are entirely decorated with religious motifs and scenes, and in the upper band of the walls, near the ceiling fresco, there is a series of niches and columns created using the 'trompe d'oeil' painting technique. The 16th century wooden choir and pulpit come from the Marseille Cathedral. The true marvel of the basilica is the immense and beautiful vault, 27.25 meters long and 23.50 meters wide.

Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen (Sealcentre Pieterburen) is a seal hospital. In the shelter are only animals who for whatever reason are sick, injured or are in trouble. The goal is to rehabilitate these animals and release them in their natural habitat. The Seal Centre -founded in 1971 - is one of the world's leading centers when it comes to the care and rehabilitation of seals. Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen started as a simple crèche evolved into a professional scientific research-based seal hospital, with accompanying facilities such as quarantines, a laboratory, a chemist and all the research equipment imaginable. All seals are released into the wild after their rehabilitation period.

While staying in Pietra Ligure, the event Pietra Ligure inFiore happened to be organised. During these days about 800 florists create masterpieces of flower mosaics on the street and squares of the town. Artists came from all over Italy as well as from Germany, France, Spain, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland and even Argentina. It was very interesting to follow their work throughout the day, from the tracing of the designs to the meticulous covering of the lines and spaces with flowers, both fresh and dried, right up to the composition of the large floral mosaic carpets. We are very happy having seen this extraordinary mix of art, culture and tradition.

Oudeschans is a village with a population of less than 100 people in the Dutch province of Groningen. The 16th-century fortification is now a state protected village area with a couple of national heritage sites, among which a 17th-century garrison church. The former garrison church was built in 1626 and originally served the military stationed here. It is an extremely austere hall church. In 1772, the church and the presbytery were joined together to form a whole, which is quite exceptional. The church of Oudeschans serves as a multifunctional centre for the village. It functions as polling station, village hall, concert hall and wedding hall. Once a year, on New Year's Eve, a service is held in the church.

Chiesa del Divo Martino (St. Martin Church) - the parish church of Portofino - is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. This striped church most likely dates back to the period between the 10th and 12th centuries. It is thought that it was built in Romanic-Lombard style, as a replacement for a primitive chapel located on the pier of Portofino. The consecration of the Chiesa del Divo Martino took place in 1548, on the occasion of the chest found under the main altar with relics of the Holy martyrs Dorothea, Cassiano and Vincenzo. Subsequently, it will be restored time and time again, and the current building is the result of the 19th century changes. The main facade is decorated with simple decorative elements and the window is a medallion that is located above the main entrance. On the right side of the building there is a square bell tower. The bright interior is decorated with beautiful frescoes, huge chandeliers and massive columns connected by arched openings. This church came on my bucket list after I saw a photo by Stephan Fey on Ipernity.

Windmill De Vlijt (The Diligence) has only been in existence since 2002. The smock mill is built on the base of round stone tower mill constructed in 1859. This was taken out of use in 1933 and almost completely demolished in 1965. De Vlijt is a so called stellingmolen . The smock mill has a four-storey brick base and the stage is at third-floor level, 9.10 meters above ground level. The mill is winded by tailpole and winch. The four common sails have a span of 21.80 meters. The base of the windmill is currently used as living accommodation and office space.

The coastal town of Portofino is located in the heart of the Italian Riviera with a tranquil crescent harbour with a hill of olive groves and small vineyards in its background. The harbour cradled by a piazza which in turn is rimmed by pastel coloured houses. Portofino is one of the most iconic Mediterranean places. As one of the most renowned tourist resorts in the world the town attracts thousands of travelers, including artists, politicians and celebrities of international level. Portofino’s birth is dating back to the Roman era, when it was known by the name Portus Delphini (Dolphin’s Harbour). The Benedictines established a monastery in the 1400s, only to abandon it in the 1500s after repeated raids by pirates. The building remained an empty ruin until the 1800s, when a titled European family restored it as a summer villa. In the 1850s, British aristocrats began making Portofino popular, believing that relics of St. George, England’s patron saint, rested in the parish church. Only 500 people live in Portofino: fishing families, shop owners, people with hotels or restaurants and a few who work in Genoa. During our visit, we climbed to the viewpoint next to the Church of St. George. Unfortunately, the view of the picturesque harbour was spoilt by some ugly large yachts.

Oldengaerde is a so called havezate - manor or fortified house - and the original building dates back to 1420. It was built by Reynolt van Echten and inhabited by the Van Echten family till 1660. That year it was sold to its son in law Cornelis van Dongen. In 1717 his son completely renovated Oldengaerde; the front became an extra floor and the current remarkable classicist façade. The garden was also constructed in a classicist French garden style. In 1808 ‘Havezate Oldengaerde’ was purchased by Aalt Willem van Holthe; the house kept in the possession of this family for many years. During the 19th century new renovations took place, the major one was the lowering of the roof timber and the replacement of the gable by a pediment. The owners of Oldengaerde - four daughters of Mrs. Willinge-Westra van Holthe - decided at the end of 2013 to hand over the management of the ‘havezate’ to ‘Het Drentse Landschap’, a provincial foundation for preservation of nature and cultural heritage. Oldengaerde nowadays is home to, among others, two holiday homes. Part of the manor remains in use by the original owners.