From Italy to Windsor
Walk in the footsteps of the Bard in the places that inspired some of his greatest plays and poetries.
TO go or not to go, that is the question. And who better to guide us through all destinations Shakespeare than the UK’s flag carrier?
In light of 400 years of William Shakespeare, British Airways has compiled top destinations that set the template for some of The Bard’s classics.
From a visit to an exhibition at his birthplace of Stratford- uponAvon to watching a play by the banks of the River Thames, these locales will bring to life some of the best works in English literature. Of course, there is more to do apart from the literary sights.
Love lost and found in Italy
The cultural capital of Europe is the picturesque setting for many of Shakespeare’s plays. And one of these is Romeo And Juliet, the tragic love story set in the northern city of Verona.
As for the city of Venice, it’s the central location for – well, no surprise here – The Merchant Of Venice. Travellers looking to visit places in the city referenced in the Shakespearean comedy can visit the bustling Rialto Market to see an array of stalls selling fresh vegetables, fruits and seafood. Take a tour along the Grand Canal in the famous gondolas like the characters Lorenzo and Jessica from the play.
Over in Rome, Shakespeare’s “Roman plays” – Antony And Cleopatra, Coriolanus, Titus Andronicus and Julius Caesar – take shape. The volcanic Alban Hills which is mentioned in Coriolanus are located on the outskirts of the city.
Be enchanted in Greece
The historical city of Athens is the location of the magical and romantic play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It tells the story of fairies, actors and the marriage of the Duke Theseus of Athens and Hippolyta the Amazon queen in the forest under the moonlight.
If anything, the ancient city is home to many historical sites. Here, travellers can visit the ruins of the Acropolis, Parthenon and the Temple of Hephaestus. To get the best views of the Greek city, climb or take the tram up Mount Lycabettus.
Magic and mayhem in Scotland
The renowned tragedy of Macbeth – referred to by many actors as The Scottish Play – is set across Inverness and Fife in Scotland. For an insight into rich Scottish heritage and culture, the city of Inverness is the place to be. A tour in the Highlands includes the famous Loch Ness, the legendary home of Nessie the Loch Ness Monster.
Fife, located near the coast, is well- known for the University of St Andrews. The university was attended by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Fife is also home to The Scottish Deer Centre which offers a fun- filled family day out with 14 different types of deer to see and rare Scottish wildlife including the wildcat. Golfing enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with Fife’s selection of courses. The most famous is St Andrews Links; it has one of the oldest golf courses in the world and all seven courses are open to the public. London – home to a great writer Shakespeare lived in
London and used the capital city as the centre for some of his most famous plays such as Henry IV and King Lear.
Westminster Abbey, located in the heart of the city, is mentioned in Shakespeare’s works; visitors can look around the gothic church and grounds. The Tower of London is also referenced. The famous landmark is one of the royal palaces holding The Queen’s Crown Jewels which are still regularly used today.
Embrace the Elizabethan theatre experience at The Globe, a replica of Shakespeare’s theatre showcasing different productions from the writer in an open- air performance. Joy and laughter in Windsor
Located along the River Thames, Windsor is the setting for the comedy The Merry Wives Of Windsor. The town can be easily reached in just 40 minutes by car or train from the city of London.
Windsor Castle is the world’s largest and oldest occupied castle, and the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen.
To celebrate the renowned English writer’s works, Windsor Castle is hosting a special exhibition until February next year in its Royal Library. It includes Shakespearean materials collected by the royal family and accounts of performances that took place in the castle.