Vacationing Genoa

[pipishere 3]

I must say your update is fabulous! Detail and history...it's like a visit to a real historic city! Wondefull work and keep it up!

[decola 0]

hey, i was wondering where you got this building from or if you could send it to me;

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NW%20-%20Parliament%20building.jpg

Love your Cj too, it really does resonate with a european feel. Great job so far!

[jacqulina 162]

wow what a fantastic update ,great canal,beautifull buildings and gardens you have done a great job,i love the pics 

[sharkbait16 0]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the complements, and will have another update ready soon.

Decola: That Paliament building is actually a combination of Maxis made lots.  The Schloss Sch

[sharkbait16 0]

Vittoria

Day 5 Itinerary

Whether it's the first day or the last day during your trip, a gondola ride through Vittoria's canals is a must.  Vittoria has so much to offer, and the gondola ride is a perfect mid-trip break from visiting musuem after another.  The gentle canals offer a unique perspective to view the city's beautiful architecture.  Unlike Venice, Vittoria's canals aren't as busy with water taxis and commercial boats, but are much more scenic.  Therefore, there are far fewer boarding stations along the canal for tours.  If you're staying near the island's primary train station, then just next door is the wharf where all the gondola drivers wait for a fare from arriving tourists.  Be sure to arrive early in the day, for it will get very busy in the afternoon.   

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SE%20-%20canal%20piers.jpg align=baseline>

 

The other nearby tour entrance is at the paddleboat lagoon which the canal passes right through.  The artificial lagoon was built for the World's Fair over a century after the original canal was finally finished.  The original canal began construction in the mid 1400s during the begining of the Genoa renaissance.  After numerous improvements, the canal system was in its current state in the early 1800s. 

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SE%20-%20canal%20lagoon.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

There are over 100 bridges crossing Vittoria's canals, so you're bound to pass under a few on your trip.  Whether they're avenues, roads or bridges simply for pedestrians, there is no lack of transportation.  One of biggest excitments on the gondola ride though is traveling under a bridge as the train crosses over. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SE%20-%20canal%20train%20crossing.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

On your gondola ride, don't expect to just ride down the central canal.  There are multiple canals branching off the grand canal winding their way through each of Cedro Island's 4 main districts.  You can get nearly any neighborhood from the canal.  Expect a unique experience everytime you ride the canal for the gondola drivers like to change it up everytime. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SW%20-%20canal%20winding.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

From the canal, you may get a better view of several of the sites you've already visited.  While most of the canals are surrounded on either side by hotels, shops and residences, you can often catch a glimpse of a famous museum or perhaps the iconic twin bell towers.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SW%20-%20canal%20tower%20view.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

One of best sites to visit along the canal is at an intersection between 4 primary canals.  In the center is a small island where, rumor has it, the first duke of Vittoria was found orphaned on the island.  Since then, 3 statues have been built along it, representing each of the first three dukes.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NW%20-%20canal%20island.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

Vittoria is one of the largest cities in Genoa and traffic can be an issue.  Due to the amount of tourists and the newly revamped subway system, pedestrian traffic has been growing by leaps and bounds.  You will surely see many pedestrians walking along the canal during your gondola ride.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NW%20-%20canal%20traffic.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

With all the pedestrians walking along the canal, it was only a matter of time before the restaurants figured out what a good location along the canal is.  Hopefully your gondola driver will stop at one of Vittoria's many plazas along the canal.  A perfect opportunity for gelato or Britinis, Genoa's popular wine. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NE%20-%20Canals%20and%20plazas.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

The best part of the gondola ride is your driver will take you into neighborhoods you would normally never visit while touring Vittoria.  The residential neighborhods along the canal are just as beautiful architecturally as the rest of the city.  In fact, each neighborhood is unique in its own way.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NE%20-%20Canal%20in%20residential%20district.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

With the gondola ride coming to an end, you'll probably end the trip at the northern tour entrance.  Most of the canal is lined with beautiful seasonal trees, and this boarding entrance is no difference.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NE%20-%20Canal%20boarding.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

If you stayed off the island, ask your gondola driver to take you to the Key.  This massive pier is the other primary loading spot for the gondolas, and besides being a perfect location for watching the ships coming in and out of Vittoria, there is a nearby ferry to take you to the mainland. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NW%20-%20canal%20wharf.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

Hope yall like the CJ so far.  The tour of Vittoria City is about half-way done now, and there are plenty more cities to see before this is over in Genoa.  Please let me know what you think.

 

[texanpride786 2]

yo guy this is AWESOME.....really really awesome.....if this was real i would go there for sure man great work

[pipishere 3]

Great update there.....the canals look fantastic! Keep up the good work!

[Fabiocb 1]

quite nice updates I really like them, oh and the building is this one, and the frontal plaza is together with the building or not?

 

 

thanks in advance

 

[jglei701 8]

Awesome update... I love how you've used the canal, it looks so realistic!!

[choco1 4]

Wow, it looks so realistic and beautiful! Brilliant work, it looks fantastic! The way you use the canals, they fit in so well with the city and they belong there! Can't wait for more of this great CJ, well done! PS, the name is so close to my state's name (Victoria) its funny!

[Dannato 4]

A lot of very nice European/old-style ploppables, some of which I've never seen before.  Interesting approach to combining some modern structures and an overall mediterranean flair.

[sharkbait16 0]

Vittoria

Day 6 Itinerary

After a good break the previous day with the relaxing Gondola ride, it's time to get back to siteseeing in full force.  Today we have a variety of musuems, churches and palaces to check out, so bring your camera and walking shoes.  A good place to start your journey is the Grand Abbey, where Vittoria's leaders have been buried ever since the founder, Emanuel Vittoria, commisioned the mausoleum when he died.  Vittoria's 5 dukes, and many governors are all buried inside.  The lesser government employees are buried outside in the cemetary.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NE%20-%20Grand%20Abbey.jpg align=baseline>

 

Just across the street is the Grand Abbey museum where many of the artifacts originally accompanying their owner's grave were transfered to.  After grave robbers uncovered Duke Bergamo's famous golden sceptor, everything else was locked up.  While some treausres are only in legend, there are still many famous artifacts.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NE%20-%20Abbey%20museum.jpg align=baseline>

 

Another popular museum is Vittoria's very own Modern Art Museum.  While the musuem isn't the most famous modern art collection in Genoa, it's worth a trip just to see some the incredible sculptures inside.  Vittoria's Renaissance musuems are better known so be sure to visit those.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NE%20-%20modern%20art.jpg align=baseline>

 

After visiting this Duke's grave, it is only fitting to visit his famed palace too.  Duke Bergamo's palace is a site to behold with its towering spires and white facade.  As mentioned, Duke Bergamo is the second duke of Italy.  His son held the position after him, only to loose it after a disgracing scandal. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NE%20-%20Dukes%20Palace.jpg align=baseline>

 

The Bergamos are one of three families to have held the throne.  They insist on having the largest claim to the throne as the longest to have been in power.  The second longest is Duke Orto, who's family also had two dukes taking the throne shortly after the Bergamos.  The Orto family is the poorest of the 3 reigning families of Vittoria, after the Bergamos, with the Maggiore family wealth nearly double the other familys' combined.  This only speaks to the personal wealth of the Maggiores though, for the Orto family lives lavishly in their own residence along the canal. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SE%20-%20Dukes%20residence.jpg align=baseline>

 

While you're visiting the Orto residence, be sure to check out the Da Vinci workshop musuem across the canal.  This is the original site of Da Vinci's workshop where he came up with many of his most splendid inventions.  Hundreds of replicas reside in the museum on display.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SE%20-%20DaVinci%20workshop.jpg align=baseline>

 

In a nearby neighborhood though is one of Da Vinci's greatest mistakes.  The Maldimare Tower is one of Vittoria's oddest architectural buildings as it's built leaning on its side.  Da Vinci originally designed the tower's base to rotate so people could get to the top without climbing the stairs, but the gross mistake caused it to lean far on its side.  This popular tourist site is right in middle of a busy intersection to make matters worse. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SE%20-%20leaning%20tower.jpg align=baseline>

 

Finally on our walking tour we arrive at the All Saints Church.  This stunning church is one the tallest in Vittoria and actually holds services every Sunday, unlike most of Vittoria's other famous churches.  Its stained glass windows are some of the most intricate in all of Genoa as well. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SE%20-%20All%20Saints%20Church2.jpg align=baseline>

 

If you're still feeling up to it, try and check out the Opera one night in Vittoria.  Vittoria's colossal Opera house has 4 different stages and is the largest single building in the entire city, surpassing even the largest skyscraper in total volume.  This colossal project is a site to behold on its own, so take so time out to check it out, maybe you'll even get to see Rent or Phantom of the Opera.  If you come during the week you may get good tickets from the scalpers standing outside.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NE%20-%20Grand%20Opera.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

Hope yall liked the 6th day.  Believe it or not, I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to cram everything into 10 days if I kept up like I had been earlier in the initerary - showing 3 pictures of each of Vittoria's popular structures.  There's still a lot left to Vittoria despite it being half over.  I really can't wait to get to downtown, cause there's so much there to explore.  To answer questions:

 

Tecanpride786, pipishere, jglei701, chocolatemax285:  Thank you all for the comments, I'm glad you like the city so much.  I try hard not to dissappoint anyone.  The canals were one of my aspects of the city and I'm glad it turned out so well.  I'd hoped to make it more like Venice with the buildings actually bordering the canals, but that was very realistic I quickly learned.

Fabiocb: that building is in fact just one lot, I really wish it weren't cause the fountians up front look perfect for a plaza of some sort.

Dannato: Thanks, the architecture is one of my favorite aspects of the city.  I really wanted to show array of eras as the city grew, the architectural styles changed with the times as well.  A lot less of the buildings are plopped than you might think, I just had to be very carfeul on the zoning and simply bulddoze any buildings that don't seem to fit (won't find any large fastfood joints around here). 

 

If anyone is curious where I might have gotten a building, feel free to ask and I'll do my best to find it for you. 

[pipishere 3]

Great update! I love the mixture of old and new. One question though...where did you get that opera house? I've been searching for something that i could pass off as one...a modern one...and that seems perfect.

Thanks

[jacqulina 162]

fantastic updates love what you are doing

[slann 0]

Great Job!!! I really like the guide thus far - wonderful screenies - my question is the same with pipishere - where did ya get the opera house

Keep it up!

[choco1 4]

Great work, that last update was very original and greatly presented. I love your cities beause they have such great looking buildings and they are have incredible design. Keep up this fantastic work!

[Micah 16]

Wow, It just keeps getting better and better. This CJ is very lovely. Incrediblely European!

[threeswept 12]

Awesome, awesome, awesome...would be a great place to vacation!

[sharkbait16 0]

Vittoria

Day 7 Itinerary

 

 

Vittoria is the one of the most popular destinations for a reason.  Not to mention its beautiful scenery and historic significance, it has more museums per capital than any other major city in the world.  There is one museum though that every tourist to Vittoria makes time to visit - the Reale Galleria.  This huge museum has been compared to the Vatican Museum and the Louvre in historic importance.  Inside the museum grounds, there are 5 different galleries.  In the center, the large domed structure use to be the battisery for an old church that burned to the ground during the war; it now holds temporary collections from all over the world to bring in kinds of art afficionados.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NW%20-%20Main%20museum.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

Just across the street from the Galleria is the Bergamo Tower, built during the 3rd Duke's reign to comemorate his generosity to the City of Vittoria.  Duke Bergamo was famous for being stingy with the city's money and rarely did anything for Vittoria's poor.  He was famous though for building monuments to himself.  Despite its history, the tower is now a great site for viewing Vittoria from above, offering one of the better views of the city.

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NW%20-%20Coit%20Tower.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

We certainly suggest you keep an entire day just to visit the Reale Galleria, but another important site that demands to be seen is the Bernini Museum, where you can find most of the Renaissance's best sculptures.  The building is a little different than most musuems, because it was built just to hold this great collection.  Fashioned after an ancient Roman Temple, the Bernini Musuem is technically an outdoor museum, though the statues are more than adequately covered and the massive entry steps prevent any significant flood damage. 

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NW%20-%20Sculpture%20museum.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

Just down the street, you'll find a quaint coffee shop, one of the best places in Vittoria to find authentic French pasteries.  The best time to come is early in the morning as it opens because it's over crowded by tourists in the afternoon and by locals late in the morning as part of their daily pick-me-up. 

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NW%20-%20coffee%20shop.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

L'Ambrogio Palace is without a doubt one of Vittoria's most beautiful buildings.  While every former duke in Vittoria history had their own residence, it was the wealth stored in L'Ambrogio and the power behind the throne that they were really squabbling over.  Now-a-days noone really lives in the old Palace; the upkeep is only affordable thanks to local donations.  The beautiful garden out back is now open to the public and in late May, when the garden blooms to its most extravagent, hundreds of people can be found lounging around the gardens. 

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NW%20-%20Dukes%20palace.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

With Vittoria you could visit a different church every Sunday of the year, but for only 10 days, then perhaps only 10 churches is necessary.  This next church, the Pallazo Cathedral, is where each Duke and now the governor is inaugurated.  The ceremony was thrown in early February and is definately worth seeing if you're lucky enough.  The royal carriages alone with their gilded siding and brilliant colors are worth the show.  You can find the carriages in a small museum behind the church.  This beautiful church has been a part of Vittoria history for centuries as the Palace's Church. 

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NW%20-%20St%20Charles%20Chapel.jpg align=baseline>

 

Nearby across the street is a familar site to Europeans, as it appears in the Italian National Bank ads.  The Uffizi dell Nazionale was originally the office building for the Duke and later became to nation's first bank.  This striking structure is rich with history and certainly worth a visit to discover some of its best kept secrets. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20NW%20-%20First%20Genoan%20Bank.jpg align=baseline>

 

I hope you liked this update.  It might have been a little shorter than the others, but it's been a busy week, so just bare with me.  One thing that has really been getter to me is I'm mostly just spotlighting certain buildings you could easily find on the STEX.  So what I'm curious about is whether anyone would be interested in just seeing random neighborhoods in the city, cause that should be just as fascinating. 

 

Anywho, on to answering questions:

Pipishere and slann:  That opera house actually can't be found on the STEX but on www.inSims.de a German Simcity site.  Unfortunetly I can't link to it, but it is found under the Parks & Landmarks section on the 7th page.

Jacqulina, chocolatemax285, Micah, threeswept:  Thanks for your positive comments.  As you might have guessed, I really love the European cities, and I tried my best to duplicate that here, but it really doesn't compare to the real thing.

[pipishere 3]

Lovely update...i love the architecture & the churches especially. Oh i've searched that before & never come across it...I'll be searching again now though lol! Again...lovely update.

[jglei701 8]

Great looking update...!  I love how you take these intricately pieced together BATs and mold them to their surroundings... it isn't just like plopping a mansion in a ghetto or a rose in a field of weeds... the surrounding areas really articulate and accentuate the beauty of the buildings you are presenting.  I am VERY impressed with what you have shown us!  Keep up the good work and I can't wait to see what you have next for us!

[Lemmie 0]

Your city is very authentic, I love all the European style buildings-in fact I'd love to visit your city in real life!

 

I especially like the twin bell towers, and the island in the middle of the canal. Oh, and did you make most of the old European style buildings? If you did, well done! They look fantastic.

[Scaley McSlither 1,714]

@pipisphere - that looks like the Bastille Opera House

http://www.ingame.de/objectbase/index.php?action=file&cid=26&fid=102

Excellent CJ! I love the Euro-themes; they always seem so realistic.

[Cjah 15]

Excellent work!

I really like all the custom bats and the churches are beautiful!Great work with all the paths and park areas.As always a nice waterfront and good transport system.

 

Can't wait for more!

[jacqulina 162]

fantastic update love how you are doing your cj your pics are excellent too

[sloppet 3]

Great work so far has been done here! I have to say I like very much the previous updates, and the last one is really good too! Keep it up! The pictures are nice!
Take care, Sloppet

[sharkbait16 0]

Vittoria

Day 8 Itinerary

    Vittoria has one of the most unique skylines in Genoa.  While it may not be as bold as its sister city, New Ostia; Vittoria's is far more majestic.  Vittoria's downtown is actually west of the island.  The primary finance districts are split in the North and South areas.  Any downtown tour must start with the iconic Millenia Tower.  Several of Vittoria's most popular skyscrapers surround the popular Nero's Square where thousands of busy people pass by every hour.  And Millenia Tower is the largest of the 6 popular towers.  It's unique shape rivals any of New Ostia's towers, though they may be taller.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SW%20-%20Millenia%20Center.jpg align=baseline>

 

The second tallest office tower lies across th street at Canada Square.  This tower's oval shape is where the initial design came from for the Millenia Center. 

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SW%20-%20Clark%20Tower.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

Vauxhall Tower is another uniquely shaped Vittorian skyscraper.  The intersecting triangular towers have confused many tourists.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SW%20-%20Vauxhall%20Tower.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

Heron Tower, the headquarters of Heron Financial, is another Nero's Square tower, and one of the busiest too.

 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SW%20-%20Heron%20Tower.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

The Nero Hotel has already been mentioned as a popular place to stay among Genoa's elite travelers. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SW%20-%20hotel%20highrise.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

One of cleverest skyscrapers is also Vittoria's shortest - Castle House.  This short circular building has the parking lot entrance going straight under the building, a suprising drive for first-timers. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SW%20-%20Castle%20House.jpg align=baseline>

 

Of course nothing is as anjoyable and unfortunetly busy as Nero Square at lunch time.  The central monument in the center has the famous Admiral Nero at the top (the square is sometime's called Admiral Square).  Nero is flanked on all 4 sides by lions representing his 4 major campaigns in the military.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SW%20-%20Admirals%20Square.jpg align=baseline>

 

Just south of Nero Square is several more skyscrapers, including the largest tower in south downtown, the Vittoria Skyhouse Complex.  This huge center was built with four towers in mind, however when several different architects were brought in on the project, no consensus was established and the Skyhouse Complex remains a mismash of styles.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SW%20-%20Vittoria%20Skyhouse.jpg align=baseline>

 

The Skyhouse is nearby the Blackfriar Railstation, downtown's primary railroad station.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SW%20-%20downtown%20rail%20station.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

Across from the railstation lies the unique subway entrance.  And to it's right you'll find the Blackfriars Tower, which the entire staion was named after.  Several more skyscrapers have been built around the area since.

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SW%20-%20Blackfriars%20Square.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

A little further south and you'll find yourself in the hotel district, surrounded by three of Vittoria's finest - the Columbus Hotel, The Pinnacle, and Leandenhall Hotel. 

 

https://www.simtropolis.com/idealbb/files//Vittoria%20SW%20-%20Columbus%20Hotel.jpg align=baseline>

 

 

That about wraps up this downtown excursion.  I would like to appologize for such a long break between my last updates, but life comes at you fast, and you never know how busy you'll be.  Plus, my free time has been spent finalizing the next major city - New Ostia, but that's not for a while. 

 

I'm interested to see if anyone can guess where most of these skyscraper names have come from, but for now, on to comments:

 

Pipishere: hopefully you've been pointed in the right direction now and thanks again for the comments.   Once again if anyone is interested in finding out about a BAT, feel ree to ask for none of these are my own doing

jglei701:  Thank you, and you're righ, I really spend a lot of time making sure a BAT looks like it fits in with its surroundings, though I don't always get it, I'm glad I've been doing a good job so far.

Lemmie: thank you for the comments, but no I didn't make these myself.  Many of them can be attributed to Xannapan and Porkismo and several other great BAT artists.

mike_oxlong: thanks for the help and the comments

Cjah, jacqulina, Sloppet: thank you all for your continuos comments and support!

[jglei701 8]

Wow, ya know, even though you've seemingly switched styles, from W2W to highrise, you still manage to keep the ambiance of a European downtown... it still has some of that W2W type flair with the green spaces and plazas in the same general style.  I love that train station... it kind of gives a we don't forget our roots feel about the more modern downtown.

 

Nice job!

[Zelgadis 638]

Fantastic job! You really are making it look like an old European city. I understand that isn't easy with SC4.

ISF

[____----____ 37]

wow a hidden gem wonderful jod thus far

 

Alek