June 19, 2020

Tower observatory of the Turin Cathedral

The Turin Cathedral (Duomo di Torino or Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista) is a church in Turin built at the end of the 15th century. It hosted the Shroud of Turin from 1578, when it was moved from the Holy Chapel (Sainte Chapelle) in Chambéry, to 1649, when the Chapel of the Holy Shroud (Cappella della Sacra Sindone) next door was completed. It currently hosts it again since the fire of the chapel in 1997.

The cathedral has a bell tower (Torre campanaria), separate from the main body, which can be visited. It is quite high (63 m) and offers a great view on the city of Turin and the surrounding mountains. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the Diocesan Museum of Turin (Museo Diocesano di Torino), on the other side of the cathedral from the tower. After that, there is an underground passage to reach the tower then stairs to get to the top.

April 19, 2020

Dome Observatory of Basilica di Superga

Basilica di Superga is an 18th-century church located at the top of the Superga hill above Turin. Its Royal Crypt is the burial place of the Savoy family (although earlier members were buried at the Hautecombe Abbey near Chambéry). The Basilica also has a dome with an outside observatory that offers a great view on Turin and the Alps.

October 19, 2019

Tour des Comtes de Genève (La Roche-sur-Foron)

The Tour des Comtes de Genève (Tower of the Counts of Geneva) is a medieval tower located in La Roche-sur-Foron, near Annecy. The tower is built at the top of the large rock (roche in French) that gave its name to the town. During medieval times, it was actually the keep of a castle belonging to the Counts of Geneva, who had made the town their capital, before they moved it to Annecy. The castle was destroyed a long time ago but nowadays, the tower remains and can be visited at a cost of €2. There is a great view at the top.

January 8, 2019

Tower of Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg is a large catholic church in Strasbourg and one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. It was built between 1176 and 1439 in the gothic style. Next to the main tower, there is an observatory (accessible by stairs only) that gives a good view of Strasbourg.

October 28, 2018

Towers of Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Genève

The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Genève is a church in the old town of Geneva. It was built as a roman catholic church in the Middle Ages but became the adopted home church of Calvin, one of the leaders of the Protestant Reformation. Entrance to the main building is free, however access to the towers, with an open air observatory and a great view of Geneva and the lake, costs 5 Fr.

June 21, 2018

Tour de Sauvabelin & Parc de Sauvabelin

The Tour de Sauvabelin (Sauvabelin Tower) is a 35m-high wood tower, located inside Parc de Sauvabelin in Lausanne. It offers a good view on Lausanne and the surrounding area, such as Lake Geneva or the mountains. The park is also worth a stroll, with multiple forest paths, a lake and even a small zoo.

June 18, 2018

Tower of the Lausanne Cathedral

The Cathédrale de Lausanne is a church in Lausanne, consecrated as Catholic in 1275, but which became protestant during the 16th century. The bell tower of the cathedral offers a great view on Lausanne and Lake Geneva. However, while it is free to enter the church, it costs Fr. 5 to visit the tower.

March 23, 2018

Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges

The Donjon des Seigneurs de Faverges (Keep of the Lords of Faverges) is a tower built in the 13th century and located inside the castle of Faverges. It is open to individuals during summer and offers a great view on the surrounding area.

I went there coming down the Pointe de la Sambuy, on the way back to Annecy.

March 5, 2018

Terrasse Panoramique du Printemps Hausmann

Le Printemps is a French chain of upmarket department stores, similar to Les Galeries Lafayette. Just like Les Galeries, its flagship store is on Boulevard Hausmann, near Opéra Garnier. The 9th floor of the building has a panoramic rooftop terrace with a good view of Paris.

Above, view to the south, with Tour Montparnasse, Eglise de la Madeleine and the Eiffel Tower.

December 28, 2017

Euromast

Euromast is an observation tower in Rotterdam built in 1960. Its main observation platform is at 96m, while the Space Tower, a mobile capsule that takes visitors up and down the antenna, goes up to 185m. It offers a great view of the city.