Autore: Jose

10 things to do and see in Capri

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Novembre 2016

Capri, the blue island in the Gulf of Naples, has always represented chic and expensive holidays. In these pages, instead, you will find the most beautiful things to do and see in Capri without spending a lot.

Close to Naples and Sorrento, Capri is an ideal destination for a holiday hit-and-run, maybe in one day. From the mythical Faraglioni to the Blue Grotto, from the Piazzetta to the villa of the Emperor Tiberius, you will discover how enjoy the beauty of Capri.

If you are looking for a hotel in Capri, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 120 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Faraglioni in Capri

Faraglioni are one of the symbols of Capri. These are three big rocks close to the coast of Capri, immersed in the blue sea , and can be reached by boat.

The highest is 109 meters high, while the middle one has a natural cave that you can visit by boat. The name “Faraglioni” comes from the greek “Pharos”, and is due to the fact that here big fires were light to mark the route to sailors.

Did you know that each Faraglione has a name? The closest to the mainland is called Saetta (Lightning), the middle Stella (Star) and the outer Scopolo. Scopolo, the most external Faraglione , houses at the top of Mount Solaro, the only examples in the world of the Blue Lizard, that thanks to isolation and camouflage tooks on the colors of the sea and sky of Capri.

The Blue Grotto in Capri

The famous Grotto of Capri has been known since the Emperor Tiberius, who ordered the construction of a passage from his villa to the cave to swim.

The fame and name derived from the incredible blue of the water inside: when the weather is fine, the sea seems illuminated by an underwater light and you can see many silvery fish swimming under the water.

The entrance of the Blue Grotto is only one meter high and for this you have to lie down on the bottom of the boat while entering. Moreover it is for small boats that accommodate up to four people. During high season you could wait more than one hour to visit the Grotto, we suggest you hat, sunscreen and water. The tour lasts about 5 minutes and it is forbidden to enter by swimming and diving.

Where: The boats for the entrance to the cave can be reached on foot through the stairs from the center of Anacapri, or by boat from the sea.
When – Hours: Every day of the year from 9 am to 5 pm, but only with good weather conditions.
Tickets: € 3 full price, € 9 for people over 65, 11 € for children between 18 and 25 years.

Monte Solaro in Capri

Monte Solaro (589 meters high) is the “mountain” of Capri and the ideal place to have a wonderful view from the island to Naples and Salerno, enjoying the endless blue of the sea.

Here nest many bird species, including the peregrine falcon, and you can admire the typical flora and fauna of the Mediterranean.

The best time for an excursion to Monte Solaro is during the spring, when the flavour of freesia and wisteria guide you along the paths. We suggest you to visit the Hermitage of Santa Maria a Cetrella, in the past a place of spiritual retreat for monks, and the remains of Barbarossa Castle, built around the eleventh century, and in 1535, by the fearsome Barbarossa.

Where: Monte Solaro is reached by chair lift from the bus stop in Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri (ticket 10 € round-trip or 7 € one way) or by feet through a hike that takes about an hour and thirty minutes from the center of Anacapri.
When: Every day of the year, but the best time for walking is from April to September.
Tickets: Free by feet . 7 € or 10 € by chair lift.

Villa Jovis in Capri

Villa Jovis, dedicated to Jupiter by the Roman Emperor Tiberius, is one of the best preserved examples of Roman architecture in the Mediterranean. It is not the only Emperor’s residence in Capri, but it certainly represents one of the most great villas: it is a building that extends for 7 km square on the extreme promontory of Capri.

From here you can see Ischia and Procida, the Gulf of Salerno and the Cilento coast in a dreamy atmosphere. The villa was built in the 1st century. B.C. and here the Emperor spent 12 years, from the island managing the Roman Empire.

Today you can visit its remains: in the middle there are some large tanks for rain water and all around a series of rooms that were divided between those reserved to the emperor and those for employees, the slaves and the hall of throne. The remains of the Villa were raided during the Bourbon period, but the villa was restored in 1932 thanks to Amedeo Maiuri, director of the Archaeological Museum of Naples.

The small square – La Piazzetta in Capri

Piazza Umberto I, the fashion heart of Capri, is known worldwide as ” La Piazzetta”.

You can go there for a coffee, chat, enjoy the view from the terrace and maybe do a little bit of VIP watching .

Until the last century, the small square of Capri housed market stalls, while today it is the symbol of the sweet life of Capri and at the tables of the coffee bars, there are personalities of jet set and simple tourists.

From the square start two main streets to explore Capri and go into the famous Via Camerelle, the shopping street of Capri, where you can find the best international fashion label boutiques. Take advantage of a break in the square for a drink and maybe a visit to the Ignazio Cerio Capri Centre, a small museum, which is located nearby and preserves 20,000 archaeological and natural artifacts of its history.

Anacapri

On the slopes of Monte Solaro, just 15 minutes by bus from the “little square”, there is Anacapri, the largest municipality of the island. Made by narrow streets and colourful alleys that reveal many squares, beaches and historical places to discover.

In fact, here there is the chair lift to the summit of Monte Solaro, or along Via Pagliaro you can reach by land the famous Blue Grotto, or if you love wildlife and want to enjoy the sun over the sea, you can reach Punta Carena and its imposing lighthouse, the largest in Italy after Genoa.

Anacapri also houses one of the most beautiful and representative Neapolitan Baroque churches: the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, with its magnificent majolica floor depicting the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise. Another attraction not to be missed is the Red House, former home of the American Colonel John Clay Mackowen. It now houses a permanent exhibition of paintings depicting Capri and Anacapri realized between the nineteenth and the twentieth century, and a large collection of archaeological finds from the Blue Grotto.

The beaches of Capri

Capri is a rock island : you will not find large sandy beaches , but rocky coves and platforms from which you can dive. But the water is wonderful: the water is clear and the sea bottom blue-green . In Capri there are free beaches and private beaches with umbrellas, showers, coffee bars and restaurants.

In the Port area, in Marina Grande, you can find the largest beach of the island: it is a rocky cove facing the blue. It is a few minutes far from the hydrofoil terminal and houses both a free area than one with loungers and umbrellas, bar and restaurants. On the opposite side of the island there are also the beaches of Marina Piccola, which is reachable by feet through the center or by bus. Here too you can find two beaches and several establishments: small coves of pebbles, the most frequented by islanders and tourists.

Those who enjoy the breath-taking sunsets cannot miss to swim in the Faro area: here the sun goes into the sea in a unique scenario. There are free areas and private beaches that can be reached by bus or by walking for about an hour from the center of Anacapri.

The Tour of the Capri island

The best way to enjoy Capri from the sea around the island is by boat. At the Marina Grande harbour, there are many companies that offer tours of the island in shared boat.

Departures are very frequent and you can choose between tours of one or two hours. Most of the island tours also includes a stop at the Blue Grotto for those who want to visit it (you will pay separately the ticket for the grotto).

The tour of the island starts from Marina Grande and coasts the island touching the most beautiful jagged coastline, as Villa Jovis and the Faraglioni. Then it continues to Marina Piccola: here the coast has many coves and hidden bays such as the Green Grotto, which takes its name from its emerald color. The tour continues with the lighthouse and the hidden side of Capri. In this area there is the Blue Grotto.

Where : from the harbour
When – Hours: Every day from 9 am to 5 pm , with good weather conditions.
Tickets: € 17, discounts for groups

Things to eat in Capri

We cannot talk about Capri and forget the Caprese: mozzarella and tomato, olive oil, salt, oregano, basil.

A simple and unique dish, famous throughout the world. The secret is in the simplicity and above all in the ingredients, fragrant and tasty as the rest of its cuisine. Caprese is perfect as an appetizer or as a main dish, while among the first courses you can taste the Capri ravioli, homemade with Caciotta of Capri and marjoram, and ravioli made of fish, such as linguine with sauce redfish. Among the second courses there are fish, shellfish and seafood: do not miss the lamb with potatoes and soup of mussels. You can finish the meal with the Caprese cake, delicious paste made of almonds and cocoa, and the Limoncello made with lemons of Capri, served in an icy glass.

Where to sleep in Capri

Certainly Capri is not known as a cheap island but finding a place to sleep is less expensive and difficult than you think.

Especially out of season, the island offers accommodation in small hotels, bed & breakfasts and apartments affordable to all. Obviously during the high season in the big luxury hotels, the prices are shockingly high. The price is influenced by the position and the proximity to the most chic places of the island (square, shopping streets). There are many offers with prices starting from about 90 euro per night in double room, breakfast included.

capitals Warsaw

10 things to do and see in Warsaw

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

The first thing that you’ll see once in Warsaw is the Palace of Culture and Science build during the Socialist period. It’s not representative of the beauty of the Polish city, luckily, and it’s no coincidence that the capital’s residents call it “The Monster.” Before Second World War this city was called “Paris of the North” but then the war destroyed it. The old town center, fully reconstructed, is a little jewel of colorful façades, streets, hidden squares. There are two main squares downtown: the Market Square, with the Little Mermaid symbol of the city and Castle Square. Just outside the city center, along the ancient “Royal Road”, you can reach two parks-palace Wilanow and Lazienki, legacy of kings, nobles and wealthy merchants. But these are just some few steps of Warsaw: discover with us the 10 things to do and see during a visit to Warsaw.

If you are looking for a hotel in Warsaw, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 550 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Old Town in Warsaw

Completely destroyed during the bombings of World War II, Warsaw’s Old Town (Stare Miasto) was entirely and perfectly rebuilt. The work was done so well that, basically, “copies” are not different from the original and so UNESCO has given to this area a World Heritage protection.

This tangled maze of narrow streets, squares, noble buildings with colorful façades, will surprise you during the (few) days of sun and will show you its romantic side during the night. The main points of interest of the Old Town are the Market Square (see point 2),the Castle Square (See point 4), the Barbican, the churches of St. John and St. Martin.

Market Square in Warsaw

The Market Square (Rynek Starego Miasta) has been for centuries the center of Warsaw: market, trade shows, public ceremonies, the city life took place in this great square.

Today is just a meeting point for tourists, attracted by the tables of cafés and restaurants, the gift shops in the alleys. On the four sides of the square there are the colorful houses, entirely rebuilt after the bombings of World War II, and designed by the Italian painter Bellotti. Following the best tradition of the East countries, the houses have strange names: the Basilisk, the Lion, Golden. At the center of the square there’s the statue of the Little Mermaid, considered the sister of the most famous one in Copenhagen. According to legend, this mermaid lived in the Vistula (river Warsaw) and annoyed the fishermen. Captured, but later released, by that time she watches over the Polish capital.

Castle Square in Warsaw

Castle Square was a meeting point between the Old Town and the New one. The first castle was built by the Dukes of Mazovia, and over the centuries it was enlarged, plundered, burned, until the total destruction made by the Nazis.

The ruins were left in the square until 1971 when the reconstruction began and ended in 1984. Don’t miss the collection of paintings with two works by Rembrandt. At the center of the square there’s the column of Sigismund, erected in 1644 in honour of the king who moved the capital from Krakow to Warsaw. From the Square starts the Royal Route that, with a route of 4 km, brought to the old palace of Wilanow (see point 4). The Royal Route is actually made up of three pieces of the road with different names in which there are Baroque and Renaissance palaces, churches, several monuments, cafés, luxury restaurants and souvenir shops.

Where: Old town
How to get there: by feet
Hours: Every day from 10 am to 6 pm (until 8 pm in the summer on Wednesday). Never: 1 and 6 January, 1 May, 1 November, 24, 25 and 26 December.
Ticket: 22 zl | 5,35 €. Free entrance on Sunday

Wilanow Palace in Warsaw

At the end of the “Royal Route”, just outside the old town, there is the Wilanow Palace or Villa Nova, beautiful palace called the “Polish Versailles”. Along with the park it’s one of the most beautiful architectural complexes of Poland, also because it wasn’t destroyed by Nazis

It was built for the Polish king Jan III Sobieski at the end of 1600 and over the centuries there have been many owners such as kings, nobles and wealthy magnates. The sumptuousness is still evident, with frescoes, antique furniture and a nice gallery of pictures (with a Pietà by Cima da Conegliano). Magnificent the outdoor park with ponds, Italian and English gardens, fountains, statues. Surely the perfect stop during your visit to the several monuments.

Where: Down town centre
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: 27 January to 27 April and from 29 September to 19 December: 9.30 am – 4 pm . April 28 to September 28 9.30 am – 6 pm
Ticket 20 zl (5 €). Free entrance on Sunday

The Jewish Ghetto of Warsaw

Before the Nazi occupation, 400,000 Jews lived in Warsaw and they represented the second largest community in the world after New York. Since 1940, the area where the Jews were concentrated was divided into “small” and “big ghetto”.

Among deaths from starvation, disease, deportations, an indefinite number of Jews died. Inside the Jewish area, almost everything was destroyed. Along the border, where there was the wall built by german people, there are writings in cast iron on the sidewalk. To commemorate the Warsaw of Jews, and to remember what it was, it has been created a Remembrance Street marked by 16 granite blocks and the Monument to the Heroes of the Ghetto representing men, women and children struggling in the flames and a row of Jews going to the concentration camp. In the old ghetto there are just few palaces in Via Prozna: left in ruins, as they were reduced by the Germans, and on the façades there are big pictures of Jews living in the ghetto, and killed by the Nazis.

Łazienki Park in Warsaw

Łazienki Park is with Wilanow the best building with park in Warsaw. Also this place is located along the “Royal Route” and it have been for centuries the summer residence.

Łazienki today is a museum, a place for events of all kinds and a place for walks. Wandering through the park you can meet the Palace on the Water, Myślewicki, the White House, the Orangery, temples, statues. A point of the park loved by Warsaw is the Monument to Fryderyk Chopin, born in the Polish capital, widely considered the prince of romantic music. Under this monument every Saturday and Sunday, there are also concerts of famous pianists. If you visit Warsaw in the spring or summer, don’t miss Łazienki: you will not regret.

Where: Ujazdów
How to get there: by feet
Hours: Every day from sunrise to sunset. The timetables of the buildings may vary with the seasons.
Ticket: Free Entrance to the park. Palace on the Water: 20 zl (5 €). Other palaces 6-10 zl.

The Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw

Drawn by Stalin himself, this huge building called “The Monster” by the citizens, is a “gift of the Soviet Union to the Polish people.”

Actually we think that the Polish people could do without it, but now that the communist regime is far away, it can be appreciated for what it is: a 42 floors tower (the highest in Poland), with 3,000 rooms, offices, museums, swimming pool, cinema. The attraction for tourists is a terrace (trzydziestka) at the 30th floor where they can enjoy a unique view over the rooftops of Warsaw and beyond.

Where: plac Defilad 1
How to get there: by feet or by tram
Hours: Every day. Never: 1st January, Easter Sunday, December 25
Ticket: 5 € to reach the terrace

Praga district in Warsaw

Many people think that Prague (the Czech capital) has influenced the name of this district, but it’s not true. The word has its origin from the Polish word prażyć, which means burning or roasting.

To build Praga, in fact, it was burned an entire forest. It was a really dangerous place until a few years ago, but today Praga district is the trendy district of Warsaw (but be careful). It wasn’t destroyed by the bombings of World War II but became a bad place for many decades. It regained importance when Roman Polanski chose to shoot the film “The Pianist” in 2002. The Jewish Ghetto, where the story takes place, no longer existed and the rest of Warsaw was too new. So he chose the Praga district . Today it’s the favorite destination for artists, designers, architects and photographers.

Things to eat in Warsaw

The best way to enjoy the cuisine of Warsaw is to eat in a Jadłodajnia, a kind of restaurant that offers traditional cuisine with very low prices or Mlecny Bar, famous during the old communist regime where the food is self-service and cheap. They are scattered all over the town.

We have to say that Poland is not famous for its gastronomy but Warsaw, fortunately, is an exception: surely there are no many dishes, and after a few days you might not want to eat meat and potatoes for some months. However, you should taste Piroghi (ravioli stuffed with cheese, meat or other) barszcz (beetroot soup and ravioli) the chlodnik (a cold soup of sour milk) and bigos, meat stew. All this, of course, accompanied by the excellent Polish beer.

Where to sleep in Warsaw

Warsaw has many hotels, hostels and apartments with accessible prices.

With the success of the city with tourists the prices are growing a little bit, but they are still affordable.

For a double in the down town center in a 3-star hotel prices vary from 40 to 80 Euros per night. Hotels are numerous, over 500, but many are in the suburbs. If you have limited time we recommend a hotel in the Old City which will cost a little bit more, but you will save your time.

If you are looking for a hotel in Warsaw, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 550 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

capitals Vilnius

10 things to do and see in Vilnius

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

Vilnuis has one of the best preserved old town centre in Europe and can be considered one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Unfortunately it’s still not considered one of the must see places in Europe and it’s a pity. The Old Town is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Cathedral Square and the Town Hall, the Jewish Quarter and the “independent republic” of Uzupis. To see all at once the small but perfect city center, you can climb up to the Hill of Three Crosses or Gedeminas Tower, two symbols of national history. In Vilnius there are many churches and religious places of all worship: don’t miss the Cathedral, the Church of St. Anne and the Synagogue in the Jewish Ghetto. In this page we suggest 10 things to do and see during a holiday or a weekend in Vilnius.

If you are looking for a hotel in Vilnius, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 200 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Old Town in Vilnius

About 80 districts, 70 streets and 1.487 buildings concentrated in a little more than 3 square kilometers, make the Old Town (Senamiestis) one of the most beautiful historic centers in Europe.

That’s why it’s protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also characterized by different architectural styles such as Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance and Neoclassical.

The heart of the Old Town is made by two squares: Cathedral Square (see point 2) and the one of the City Hall, both in the neoclassical style. You’ll admire beautiful views, but Pilies street, that from 1530 bring to the Castle of Vilnius, offers the most beautiful one. Once it was crossed by the king’s cortège, nowadays there are tourists looking for souvenirs or some restaurants. In the old town you can admire also the Jewish and Uzupis District (see points 5 and 7).

The Vilnius Cathedral

The Cathedral was built where once there was a temple dedicated to the god of thunder Perkunas. People says that it was the first place of worship consecrated to Catholicism and the point from which began the Christianization of Lithuania.

The cathedral, dedicated to Saints Stanislaus and Ladislaus, was built between 1779 and 1793 in Neoclassical style with a portico composed by 6 columns and a pediment on which is represented the scene of Noah’s sacrifice back from the flood. The interior is simple, with three naves with vaulted ceilings and the beautiful Baroque chapel dedicated to St. Casimir. Very unique is the bell tower. Between the Cathedral and the Bell Tower there is the Stebuklas (miracle), a stone that according to legend grants the wishes if you turn 3 times around it…

Where: old town centre
How to get there: by feet

Gediminas Tower and the Vilnius Castle

We suggest you to take the cable railway and then to climb up to the Gediminas Tower, the remains of the ancient Castle of Vilnius.

The castle, built in the IX century, was the house of the Grand Duke of Lithuania from 1323 but, above all, the fundamental construction of the defensive system of the city. Destroyed by fire in 1400, the remains were devastated. The Tower that you will see now is a reconstruction of 1960 and hosts a museum. The national flag on the roof of the tower has a great symbolic importance for all Lithuanians. Over the centuries, before the Poles, then the Nazis, then the Russians tore it off but the Lithuanians have always raised their flag. From the tower you can admire a wonderful panorama of Vilnius and its surroundings.

Museum

Where: Behind the Cathedral.
How to get there: by the cable railway from the river (3 Litas, 1 €)
When – Hours: 10 am -7 pm from May to September and 10 am -5 pm October to April
Tickets: 5 Litas (about 1,5 €)

The Hill of Three Crosses in Vilnius

According to the legend, the Three Crosses in Vilnius are located in the place where a group of French monks were martyred.

According to the folk tale, 7 were killed and other 7 were tied to wooden crosses and thrown into the river, with the recommendation to go back where they came.

The crosses that today are on the hill, are not those of 1400 because they have been destroyed or removed several times, the last time in 1950 by the Soviet regime. These crosses have been carved in 1989, shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Three Crosses Hill is one of the most beautiful places in Vilnius, not because of the view of the city but because it’s a place of secular devotion turned into a symbol of freedom during and after Communism. The climb to the hill is hard and can be difficult when it snows or rains.

Where: from Gediminas Tower, across the river and then the forest.
When – Hours: always
Tickets: for free

The Jewish District of Vilnius

When in 1941 the Nazis came to Vilnius in the city there were about 40,000 Jews. During that time the city was also called the “Jerusalem of Lithuania” for the big number of Jewish .

When in 1945 the Nazis were sent away by the Red Army, in Vilnius remained a few hundred Jews, almost all survived because they run away into the woods outside the town.

Until the time of the Nazi invasion, Jews had lived freely in the city, in their own neighbourhood but had not known the ghetto experience. The Nazis, however, built two ghettos to control them better: the Great Ghetto (29,000 Jews) and the Small Ghetto (11,000 Jews). From that moment violence and abuse happened every day until the final solution of extermination. Most Jews were killed in Paneriai, a forest, about ten kilometres from Vilnius. A large part of the Jewish Quarter palaces, now house some institution that remind that period: the Jewish Community of Lithuania, the museum dedicated to Vilna Gaon (the famous jew essay around the world) and the monument dedicated to Tsemakh Shabad , the legendary doctor in the ghetto. The Great Synagogue was completely destroyed first by war and then by the Soviets, so you can only visit the beautiful Choral Synagogue in Moorish style.

Church of St. Anne in Vilnius

The Church of St. Anne, perhaps the most beautiful one of Vilnius, is the gift that the King Vytautas gave to his wife Anna.

The first building dates back to 1394 but the present church is the result of changes made in 1582 and then in 1900. A fine example of gothic style, the Church of St. Anne is now one of the photographic postcards of Vilnius. The red brick, the two towers, and the façade are an irresistible tourist attraction.

The beauty of the church is the result of an innovative use of architectural elements: those typically Gothic are contained in rectangular frames that give an overall sense of dynamism and order. Built using 33 different types of painted brick, the Church has a baroque interior with a single nave. It seems that Napoleon, during the Russian Military Campaign expressed a desire to “Bring it in France on the palm of his hand”.

Where: At 600 meters from the Cathedral toward Uzupis
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: From May to September 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. From October to April 5:00 to 7:00 pm
Tickets: free entrance

Uzupis District in Vilnius

Like Cristhiania in Copenhagen, and (once) Montmartre in Paris, Uzupis is a “Republic” apart, a city within a city. Here live mainly artists and intellectuals and they organize festivals, exhibitions, cultural events, concerts, performances and exhibitions of all types.

Uzupis district is the most fashionable and expensive in Vilnius but until a few years ago it was the most dangerous place in the Lithuanian capital. It was precisely the low prices of homes (no one wanted) to attract poor artists in search of accommodation. Since then it has become a separate place and has even its own constitution, its President and a coin. The Constitution, which you can see posted at the beginning of Paupio Street, contains extraordinary “banalities” that could be an inspiration to many constitutions of other states.

The name Užupis means “place near the river” and, in fact, the district is directly placed on the Vilnia. One of the two symbolic characters of Uzupis is a bronze mermaid created by sculptor Romas Vilčiauskas. If you want to see it, you have to walk along the riverbank and look for the niche in which it is housed. Always the same sculptor is the author of the statue of the Archangel Gabriel, who plays the trumpet (angel of Uzupis) located in the main square of the district

Museum of Genocide Victims in Vilnius

For those who believe that trips are useful for their personal discovery and growth, a visit to the Museum of Genocide Victims (Genocido Auku Muziejus) is shocking but an inevitable experience.

In the former headquarters of the KGB, the notorious secret police of the Soviet regime, was set up this path that tells the dark years of persecution lived by the Lithuanian people. About one million people were deportee in Siberia and never came back.

In the ground floor and the first floor there’s an historical journey through the repression suffered by the Lithuanians with pictures, documents, videos, uniforms. The underground is the most shocking place, with prisons, torture and executions chambers.

Where: Auku G2a
When – Hours: From Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Tickets: 6 Litas (about 2 euro)

Things to eat in Vilnius

The Vilnius kitchen is a successful response to the terrible Baltic climate: potatoes, meat, cheese and vegetables are the basic components of the main dishes of Vilnius.

There will never miss from the menu cepelinai : big potato dumplings stuffed with meat and spices. They are also called Zeppelin to the size and shape, similar to that of the old blimp. To make things even less digestible, the cepelinai are sauteed with bacon, onion and sour cream. Potatoes are the protagonists (kugelis) of potato sausages (vėdarai) and also of the šakotis cake.

The Polish domination over Lithuania is clear even at the table, with koldūnai, dumplings stuffed with meat, cranberries, cheese or vegetables. Don’t miss the soups, among which the most famous is the unpronounceable šaltibarščiai, made with chard, eggs and cheese. They drink mostly beer produced locally, almost very light.

Where to sleep in Vilnius

Vilnius is still a very economical destination with a good range of hotels, B&Bs and apartments for tourists. It’s not difficult to find a room in the Old City for less than 40 euro per night.

You can sleep in an excellent 3 star hotel spending a little more, while with about 100 Euros you can enjoy super-luxury hotels or 5 star. Of course on weekends and during the high season (from spring to early autumn) there is more demand then we recommend you to book in advance.

capitals Vienna

10 things to do and see in Vienna

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

Vienna is actually warm, comfortable and friendly even if it’s often described as a cold and boring city. It has a rich cultural life, thanks to some big international museums placed in the residences of the Hapsburg dynasty. The Belvedere, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Albertina, the Schonbrunn Castle, worth a visit even if you are not art lovers. You’ll find some of the most famous works of art in the world, including the Kiss by Klimt. The Royal Palace, the Hofburg, is the “home” in which the kings used to lived and ruled for 600 years the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The Cathedral is the religious place where they were crowned, the Crypt their resting place, the Chamber Wonder where they kept their symbols of power. But this is just the beginning: so here are 10 things to do and see during a vacation or a weekend in Vienna.

If you are looking for a hotel in Vienna, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 200 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Hofburg Palace in Vienna

It’s one of the largest palaces in Vienna, the imperial one, where the Hapsburg family used to live.

This majestic palace, symbol of elegance and soul royalty, has been the political center of the Austrian Empire. Today it is the residence of the Austrian Federal President. The Imperial Palace is formed by a complex of buildings of different ages and it extends to an area of about 240,000 square meters (18 wings, 19 courtyards and 2,600 rooms). It houses important historical collections and many cultural institutions such as the Spanish Riding School and the Austrian National Library.

During the visit you’ll discover 18 rooms of the Royal Apartments, which are the former private apartments of Franz Joseph and Elisabeth with the original furnishings ( the large audience hall , the emperor’s study, the toilet room , the gym room and bathroom of the Empress, the imperial dining room and frescoed rooms by Bergl).

Moreover there’s the Museum of Silverware of the Court with its sumptuous tableware, precious collections of oriental porcelain, Sevres and Meissen, the solid silver table; the Museum dedicated to Sissi tells the story of the Empress of Austria, one of the most beautiful women of her time, by her youth in Bavaria until her death in 1898.

Inside the Hofburg (the entrance is from the courtyard of the Swiss), there is the Schatzkammer, ie the Chamber of Imperial Treasury that collects the sacred and the profane treasure of the Hapsburgs. The museum contains objects of inestimable value such as: the imperial crown of Rudolf II in gold and sapphires (1602), the mantle and the sword in gold, pearls and rubies (XVIII sec.), the crown of the holy Roman Empire in gold, (962), the coronation mantle of Roger II of Sicily. You can admire also: the Holy Carolingian Lance (XVIII sec.) with a nail of the Passion, the “Bag of St. Stephen”, a Carolingian reliquary and crucifixes.

Royal Apartments, the Museum of Silverware, Sisi Museum

Where: old town centre
How to get there: MU3 stop Herrengasse; Tram: 1, 2, D, J, stop Burgring; Bus: 2A o 3A, stop Hofburg.
When – Hours: Every day including public holidays from September to June from 9 am to 5:30 pm ; July and August from 9 am to 6 pm
Tickets: € 12.50; Children (6-18 years) € 7.50; students (19-25 years) € 11.50; with Vienna Card € 11.50

Treasure Room

Address: old town centre
How to get there: by feet in the old town centre or MU3 stop Herrengasse; Tram: 1, 2, D, J, stop Burgring; Bus: 2A o 3A, stop Hofburg.
Hours: Wednesday – Monday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Tickets: Adults € 12.00; children up to 19 years free entrance

St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna

Each year almost three millions of people visit this immense cathedral, masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It’s so high and majestic that you have to raise your eyes up to the sky in order to see it all.

It has a magnificent roof made by 250,000 colored tiles that form the Austrian emblem, and the elegant bell tower, called Steffl (Stefanino) with its tapering spire. A Renaissance dome covers the north tower (unfinished), and it’s known for hosting the Pummerein, the bell obtained from the fusion of cannons taken from the Turks during the siege of the city in 1683.

Passing through the Giants Portal (Riesentor) with the twin towers of the Pagans, you enter into the cathedral. Inside the nave, there’s the stone pulpit in Gothic – Flemish style on which are depicted the four Fathers of the Church. Noteworthy: the Chorus of Women with the XV century altarpiece altar of Wiener Neustadt decorated with scenes from the life of Mary; the Choir of the Apostles with the tomb of Emperor Frederick III in red marble; the statue at the base of the organ (1513) by Anton Pilgram.

There are interesting legends related to some statues: Our Lady of Servants, donated by a noblewoman after wrongly accused her maid of stealing; Our Lady of Pécs capable, they say, to pour tears of sorrow; the crucified Christ with a beard that seems to be true and that, apparently, continues to grow.

Where: old town centre
How to get there: by feet in the old town centre or by MU1,U3 – stop Stephansplatz
When – Hours: Monday – Saturday 6:00 am to 10:00 pm ; Sunday and holidays 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
Tickets: the entrance is for free, but during religious services people can’t go beyond the initial part of the Cathedral. There are several options for guided tours, rates vary depending on the choice, age and number of participants. Guided tour 5 €

Art History Museum in Vienna

The museum is one of the most important in the world for the value of his works. It was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph to house the vast and rich collections of the House of Hapsburg.

The building has a neo-Renaissance style and houses a remarkable picture gallery, as well as interesting collections, such as the Egyptian and Eastern one, Ancient Art, Sculpture, Decorative Arts, and the Numismatics collection. In particular, on the raised floor there are the Egyptian, Greek and Roman, as well as a collection of plastic and decorative art (crafted sculptures, valuable bronze statues, amazing works of jewelry). The first floor of the museum houses the Gemäldegalerie with many masterpieces of painting, including the ” Allegory of Vermeer painting,” “Lady in Green” by Raphael, Infants paintings of Velasquez, the “Madonna of the Rosary ” by Caravaggio,”Elena Fourment ” by Rubens, several works by Rembrandt, Tintoretto, Tiziano, Dürer, Jacques-Louis David. There is also the collection of works by Bruegel the Elder, among which “the tower of Babel” , “Meeting of Carnival and Lent”, “Return of the Hunters.”

Where: old town centre
How to get there: MU2 stop Museums Quartier, MU3 stop Volkstheater. Tram D, 1.2; 2A bus, 57A.
When – Hours: From June to August every day from 10 am to 6 pm (on Thursdays from 10 am to 9 pm); from September to May from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (on Thursdays from 10 am to 9 pm)
Tickets: € 14.00; students under 27 years and over 65 € 11.00; children under 19 years free

Albertina Museum in Vienna

This museum houses one of the most complete and prestigious collections in the world of the graphic art from the XIV century until today, the Graphische Sammlung.

The collection counts 50,000 drawings and watercolors and more than a million prints of ancient and modern artists, including Michelangelo, Raffaello, Leonardo, Cranach, Dürer, Rubens, Klimt, Picasso, Goya, Chagall, Monet, Cézanne, Miro, Kokoschka , Rothko, Warhol, Rauschenberg, Richter, Katz, displayed on rotation (if you’re lucky maybe you can admire the famous “Hare” by Dürer, considered the jewel of the museum). The Albertina periodically organizes exhibitions dedicated to one or more famous artists. In addition to the graphic art collection, the museum also houses a collection of architecture and pictures. Another interesting aspect of the Albertina are the Hapsburg room : 21 beautiful rooms, renovated and furnished, located on two floors of the building that bring the visitor back in time, during the age of Neoclassicism, to admire the private and ceremonial life of Hapsburg family who lived in the palace.

Where: old town centre
How to get there: MU1, U2, U4 Karlsplatz stop; MU3 stop Stephansplatz
When – Hours: Every day from 10 am to 6 pm (on Wednesdays from 10 am to 9 pm). Christmas: December 24, from 10 am to 2 pm ; 25, 26, December 31, January 1 from 10 am to 6 pm
Tickets: Adults € 12.90, over 65 € 9.90; students (under 26) € 8.50; children up to 19 years free

The Prater in Vienna

After the visit to museums and monuments of the city, no one would ever deny a nice ride in the Prater to anyone! The famous park in the city center is considered one of the ten most beautiful city parks of world.

Once it was an imperial hunting ground, today is the ideal place to have a walk, to do jogging, cycling or go back and forth with the small train Liliputbahn.

The initial part is occupied by Volksprater also called “Wurstelprater” (named after a popular Viennese mask), the largest amusement park with over 250 attractions (ranging from nostalgic rollercoaster to the modern flight simulator), and the famous Riesenrad, the Giant Ferris wheel, opened in 1897 (and rearranged in 2008). It’s one of the symbols of Vienna, which allows you to enjoy a beautiful view of the city from a height of nearly 65 meters. You can’t say you’ve been to Vienna if you miss the Big Wheel! Near the wheel there’s the Planetarium which give to people a travel in the starry sky.

Where: Prater Pak
How to get there: MU1 stop Praterstern; bus 80A
When – Hours: Prater park – Every day 24 /7 – Volksprater (Amusement Park) – from 15 March to 31 October from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Tickets: Free entrance . You pay only the attractions .
Ferris wheel: adults € 9.50; with Vienna Card € 8.50; children 3 to 14 years € 4.00; Children under 3 years free entrance

Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna

Schönbrunn Palace is the most famous among the Austrian imperial palaces and one of the most beautiful baroque complexes in Europe. The sumptuous summer residence of the Hapsburgs, whose name apparently derives from a “beautiful fountain” (Schöner Brunnen), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The imposing building with a characteristic yellow color (the so-called yellow Schönbrunn) built by Empress Maria Theresa is surrounded by a large park (120 hectares), designed in the French style and open to the public in 1779. The castle complex houses the royal apartments , the castle Theatre, the oldest theater in Vienna (open only during concerts) and the carriage Museum. The Imperial Tour gives you the chance to visit 22 rooms all furnished in style rococo, while the Grand Tour includes the views of 40 rooms (including the sumptuous apartments once inhabited by Maria Teresa) . The park has many statues, fountains (impressive the one of Neptune), false ruins of Romanesque style (Roman Ruin), and it’s rich in attractions including the labyrinth, the greenhouse Palm (building of iron and glass) , the largest of its kind in Europe, and the Tiergarten, the oldest zoo in Europe (1752). To enjoy a beautiful view of the park and Vienna we suggest you to climb on the roof terrace of the portico of the Gloriette built on top of the hill to commemorate the victory over the Prussians in 1757.

Where: outside the old town centre
How to get there: Subway: U4 – Schoenbrunn; Tram: 10, 58 – Schönbrunn; Bus: 10A – Schönbrunn.
When – Hours: Every day (including holidays) from 1 April to 30 June from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm ; from 1 July to 31 August from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm ; from 1 September to 31 October from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm ; from November 1 to March 31 from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm
Tickets: Imperial Tour (with audio guide): adults € 12.90; Children (6-18 years) € 9.50; students (19-25 years) € 11.90.
Grand Tour (with audio guide): adults € 15.90; Children (6-18 years) € 10.50; students (19-25 years) € 14.60

The Belvedere Palace in Vienna

The Belvedere Palace was built between 1714 and 1722 by Prince Eugene of Savoy, the victorious imperial army commander and great art lover. The complex consists of two buildings connected by a beautiful garden on three levels with statues, fountains, baths and stairways: the Lower Belvedere was used as the summer residence of the Prince, and the Upper Belvedere (Oberes Belvedere), was used for parties and events.

Purchased by the Hapsburgs, the Belvedere was used both as a residence and as imperial gallery. Nowadays it houses the Austrian Art Gallery divided into three sections: the Museum of Baroque Art (Lower Belvedere), with the works of the most important Austrian Baroque artists such as the statues of the fountain of Providence, the “Apotheosis of Prince Eugene” of Permoser commissioned by the prince himself (golden Cabinet), and the mysterious physiognomic busts of Messerschmidt (Hall of Grotesques).

The Museum of Medieval Societies (Orangerie) which holds numerous masterpieces: late – Gothic paintings and sculptures, including the Znaimer Altar, a splendid altarpiece of 1440-50.

The Art Gallery of the XIX and XX century, with the most important national collection of paintings of the XIX and early XX century, among which there are works by Monet, Renoir, Makart, Romako, Waldmüller, Wotruba and masterpieces by Schiele ( “Death and the Maiden”), Kokoschka ( “Mother and Child”), and the famous “Kiss” by Gustav Klimt

Where: outside the old town centre
Hot to get there: By Train: Belvedere Station; S-Bahn: Quartier Belvedere Station; Tram: D (stop Schloss Belvedere), 18 OR (stop Quartier Belvedere); Bus: 69A (stop Quartier Belvedere); Underground: U1 (Südtirolerplatz stop)

When – Hours:
Upper Belvedere: Every day from 10 am to 6 pm
Lower Belvedere and Orangerie + Scuderie
Every day from 10 am to 6 pm; Wednesday from 10 am to 9 pm
Stables daily from 10 am to 12 pm

Tickets:

Upper Belvedere
Adults € 14.00; over 65 and students under 26 years € 11.50; children under 18 years free; for owners of Vienna Card € 12.50.

Lower Belvedere and Orangerie + Scuderie
Adults € 11.00; over 65 and students under 26 years € 8.50; children under 18 years free; for owners of Vienna Card € 9.50.

Klimt Ticket (+ Upper Belvedere Lower Belvedere)

Adults € 20.00; over 65 and students under 26 years € 17.00; children under 18 years free; for owners of Vienna Card € 16.50

The world of Hundertwasser in Vienna

Who was Hundertwasser? Frederick Hundertwasser was a sculptor, a painter and an architect. Hunndertwasser is not common, he’s not trivial neither predictable.

The genius of this great Austrian man has built some of the most eccentric and bizarre constructions throughout Europe. In Landstrasse neighborhood, to give value to a run-down area, Hundertwasser has created asymmetrical and colorful houses. Once in the microcosm of Hundertwasser, made of bumps, dizzying spiral staircases and fountains, you’d better to abandon your conventional knowledge of the world because here buildings are not shaped according to rigid models of man, butthey follow the irregular and sinuous lines of nature.

Where: city center.
How to get there: from city center by feet
When – Hours: from November to February: from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and from 1.30 to 4.00 pm on weekdays, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm on holidays. from March to October: from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm on weekdays, from 1.00 to 5.30 pm on holidays.
Tickets: free entrance

Things to eat in Vienna

The Austrians eat sausages and drink beer in large quantity, but not only that! In Vienna you’ll find many stalls with sausages of all kinds and topped with any sauce, but to taste the typical Viennese cuisine you need to go to other places.

We suggest you a series of keywords that will help you to understand the world of Vienna’s specialties: if you want to taste excellent wine and typical dishes you have to look for the signs “Heurigen”. If you want to drink beer, you have to look for a “bierkolake” while if you want to experience the traditional flavors of the region you have to go in a “kekkerkolake”. The soups here are cooked very well: try the Frittatensuppe with omelet strips, and Griessnockerlsuppe with semolina dumplings. Famous goulash, beef or veal stew slightly spicy, usually accompanied by peppers. To end your meal you have to taste a piece of the famous sacher torte!

Where to sleep in Vienna

Where will you sleep once in Vienna? No problem: hotels, B&Bs and apartments are located at any point of the city with moderate prices.

The hotels in Vienna have similar prices and services: a 2 star hotel will not be very different from one to four stars. This feature is one of the main advantages of accommodation in Vienna and is due to the fact that all the accommodations are clean, cozy, comfortable and equipped with many amenities. If you prefer to sleep in a different solution we suggest you B&Bs where you’ll feel at home, or an apartment, if you want more independence and privacy. The costs are high: for a 3 star hotel in the center the price starts from € 80 and it will be higher if you choose high class facilities.

cities of art Verona

10 things to do and see in Verona

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

Verona is for everyone the tragic scenario of the love history between Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare’s play has made the fortune of Verona for sure: a good part of the city’s economy is based on this “romantic tourism,” which finds its perfect ending below the famous balcony of Juliet. Identifying Verona as the city of Romeo and Juliet, however, has prevented people to enjoy the other beauties of this city. It’s called the “Gateway to Italy“, because it anticipates, to those coming from the north, the characteristics, the beauty, the essence of our country.

Verona is a mix of artistic, historical and cultural testimonies, dived in a suggestive atmosphere made of alleys, squares and traditional food. If you would like to look beyond the balcony, we suggest you an itinerary among its famous places, its typical flavors and its lovely entertainments. You’ll be seduced by the charm of this city. In this page we suggest 10 things to do and see during a holiday or a weekend in Verona.

If you are looking for a hotel in Verona, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 127 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Verona Arena

The Roman amphitheater (better known as Arena) is, with Romeo and Juliet, the symbol of this city all over the world. It was probably built in the first century and like all the amphitheaters hosted the gladiator’s shows. It was the fourth amphitheater after the Colosseum in Rome, the ones of Capua and Milan.

It has a solid and impressive structure made by an the exterior face covered of bricks and Veronese marble which create a particular chromatic effect. The interior with its terraces concentric movement give an effect of grandeur. It takes its name from “rena” (the Italian noun for sand) placed in the central part where shows took place . The Arena could host 30.000 spectators and gladiators who had wide room for their shows. Nowadays the Arena is an important stage for musical events and it continues to preserve its ancient function, although with less bloody shows!

Where: Piazza bra, old town centre.
How to get there: from city centre by feet
Hours: from Tuesday to Sunday 8.30 am -7.30 pm – closing time 6.30 pm reduced time during the shows
During July, August and September, open to the public also on Monday morning, 8:30 am to 7:30 pm no lunch break
Ticket: € 10

Romeo and Juliet’s home in Verona

Verona was the theater where the tragic love story between Romeo and Juliet, made famous by Shakespeare’s tragedy, took place. In a building of the XIII century, placed in the city centre, people of Verona recognized the Capuleti’s house: the legend merges with reality, finding some reference points.

A beautiful façade covered by bricks and a Gothic front door: in the courtyard there’s a bronze statue representing Juliet and the famous balcony protagonist of their love birth. Juliet’s house is an obliged stop, even if a touristic one, for people who want to discover the places that inspired the love story par excellence

Less fortunate was the Romeo’s house, now a private one, close to the Arche Scaligere (point 8). On the gothic façade you can read an inscription “Oh! Where is Romeo? … I’m not myself. I’m not here. This isn’t Romeo – he’s somewhere else.“(Act 1, Scene 1). Juliet’s tomb is located in an ancient monastery of the Capuchin friars of the XIII century in Via del Pontiere, 35.

It can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm – On Monday from 1.30 to 7.30 pm. Ticket € 4.50.

Where: Via Cappello n° 23, city centre.
How to get there: city centre by feet
Hours: from Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm – on Monday from 1.30 to 7.30 pm
Tickets: full price € 6.00 . Reduced price € 4,50

The Church of San Zeno Maggiore in Verona

The legend says that, during the Adige inundation in 589, the water stopped on the doorway of this church built on the site of burial of Bishop Zeno. Saint Zeno, with its African origins, was the eighth bishop of Verona (about 362-380) and converted the city to Christianity.

This church is one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy and its actual appearance seems to date back to the XII century. San Zeno keeps the body of the Saint and it’s rich of paintings and sculptures from the XII to the XVI century. A particular attention deserves the Altarpiece of San Zeno painted by Andrea Mantegna, which is the first example of Sacred Conversation with the Madonna and Child at the center. From left you can see St. Peter with the keys, St Paul with the sword, St. John the Evangelist with roseate dress, San Zeno in Bishop’s dresses, Saint Benedict with the monk’s dress, San Lorenzo with a gridiron, St. Gregory the Great dressed like the Pope and San John the Baptist with the typical dress as a hermit in the desert. You can understand that this is a conversation because the direction and gestures give the impression that the saints are talking to each other.

Where: city centre
How to get there: city centre by feet
Hours: Nov- Feb weekday 10.00 am – 1.00 pm / 1.30 -5.00 pm
Nov- Feb weekend and religious holidays 12.30 – 5.00 pm
Mar – Oct weekday 8.30 am – 6.00 pm
Mar – Oct weekend and religious day 12.30 – 6.00 pm
Ticket: € 2,50

Piazza delle Erbe in Verona

Piazza delle Erbe is a colored fruit and vegetable market with its group of sun umbrellas, surrounded by historic buildings and monuments. It’s the principal characteristic of the most ancient square in Verona where the medieval buildings took place of the Romans ones step by step. Here you can see the most popular and energetic side of the city, even if you won’t forget the cultural side of your holiday.

During the market, on Saturdays and Sundays, this square can be considered the living room of the city, where people of Verona meet to do the shopping or for the evening aperitif ritual. In this square you can find the Town Hall, Torre dei Lamberti, Casa dei Giudici and Mazzanti’s houses. On the smaller side there is the baroque Palazzo Maffei adorned with several statues of the Greeks gods : Jupiter, Hercules, Minerva, Venus, Mercury and Apollo. Beautiful the house of Mercanti (or Domus Mercatorum), that nowadays hosts the Banca Popolare of Verona. In the center of the square there is the famous fountain called “Madonna Verona” and an ancient Capital too, also called “Tribuna” or (wrongly) “pillory”. It dates back to the XIII century, when under this capital used to sit “podestà” during the ceremony for their assignment.

Where: city centre
How to get there: from city centre by feet

Verona Bridges

The Adige river flows through and bisects Verona: bridges, therefore, have always played an essential role in the city. Today there are seven that have shared the fate of being destroyed by retreating Nazis and then constructed in the following years.

The oldest of all is the Stone Bridge, the so called “Ponte Pietra” , made during Roman era that still today links the Roman Theatre to the city centre. Luckily the stone blocks and bricks, thrown into the river by the explosion, were recovered and used trying to reconstruct the original features of the bridge . The other representative one is the Ponte Scaligero, in front of Castelvecchio. Built in the second half of the XIV century, with three unequal arches, it had the same fate of Ponte Pietra and like this, it was rebuilt in 1951 with stone and original bricks recovered on the bottom of the Adige.

Piazza dei Signori and Arche Scaligere in Verona

The administrative power of Verona has always been focused on this beautiful square surrounded by monumental buildings linked each other by arcades and arches. At the centre of the square you can see the large statue of Dante who found a refuge in Verona after his exile from Florence.

You enter in the square from the Arch of Costa and immediately on the left you can find the Domus Nova façade. If you continue to walk you can find the Loggia del Consiglio and the Palazzo degli Scaligeri, Lords of Verona from 1260 to 1387. There is also Capitano’s Palace with the corner tower that overlooks the square, linked to the Palazzo della Ragione by an arch. From the arch you can access to the courtyard of the Old Market with the splendid Scala della Ragione. From Torre dei Lamberti there is a splendid view over the square and the rooftops of Verona. The Church of Santa Maria Antica is located in a small square in whose courtyard rises the Scaliger arches . The impressive funerary complex is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture in Italy. Arches were built to host the remains of some of the representatives of the Scala family. Stand out for their monumentality and decorations those of Cangrande I, Mastino II and Cansignorio.

Piazza Bra in Verona

Piazza Bra is one of the largest squares in Europe, dominated by the Arena and made precious by some historical buildings. The square takes its name from the German word breit, which means wide

In Piazza Bra there is the liston, the pavement in pink marble of Valpolicella, the same one used to build the Roman Amphitheatre. On the liston, people love to meet, walk and chat, before to sit down at a bar for a coffee or an aperitif.

A tradition that goes back in the past because already Goethe, in his Italian Journey essay, wrote “..on the pavement of the Bra a multitudeof people used to walk.” In addition to the Arena, in the square you can find the Gran Guardia Palace place for exhibitions and events and Palazzo Barbieri town hall.

Where: city center
How to get there: city center by feet
Hours: From November to February: from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and from 1.30 to 4.00 pm on weekdays, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm on holidays. From March to October: from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm on weekdays, from 1.00 to 5.30 pm on holidays.

Castelvecchio in Verona

Cangrande II della Scala wanted the construction of this fortress in order to have a protection from exterior dangers, but also from popular riots after internal struggles of Scaligera family. The Scaligero bridge to which it is linked, in fact, is a door beyond the river providing an escape to the countryside

As the bridge, also the Castle has had alternate fortunes. After the fall of the Scaligeri family it was used by the Venetians as a weapons depot and then became barracks during French and Austrian dominion. The restoration of 1926 removed the military elements and inserted late Gothic and Renaissance ones. Castelvecchio has two parts: on the right there are the main courtyard and the parade ground; on the left the Scaligera mansion where the lords used to live with a narrow courtyard and a double wall. At the center, the high Mastio Tower which gives access to the Ponte Scaligero over the Adige. It now hosts a museum with works of medieval, renaissance and modern art. The museum is not very big but there were at least 20 masterpieces until 21^st of November (until someone stoled them), including Mantegna’s Holy Family, with the Child with Caroto puppet, Female Portrait of Rubens, The Madonna of the Quail attributed to Pisanello, San Girolamo penitent of Bellini and many others.

Where: city center
How to get there: from city center by feet
Hours: from November to February: from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and from 1.30 to 4.00 pm on weekdays, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm on holidays. from March to October: from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm on weekdays, from 1.00 to 5.30 pm on holidays.
Ticket: free entrance

Things to eat in Verona

The ancient food tradition of Verona continues nowadays in restaurants with typical dishes. Rice and polenta are the principal ingredients, but there are also some less known specialties that you cannot miss: the “pearà” for example, boiled beef with a peppered cheese sauce, or “pastisada de caval” stew made of horse meat, or “paparele”, homemade

pasta with peas and beans. We suggest you to taste also the Renga de Parona of Verona made with anchovies. Among the desserts, the Pandoro, known all over the world, the Nadalìn (eight tips star) and the Mandorlato (nut brittle) of Cologna Veneta. Verona is also known for its production of DOC wines, then taste the Bardolino or the Valpolicella.

Where to sleep in Verona

Charming and romantic, Verona is the second city of its Region for national and international tourism. Its territory, with the surroundings and the Garda Lake , hosts a big number of tourists each year.

The city provides to their accommodation with a lot of B&Bs, hotels, comfortable hostels and agritourism. Prices have an high average, and it could be difficult to find a cheap room rate during the Spring, especially during national holidays, Christmas time and musical events at the Arena. We suggest you to book in advances during these kind of period. Prices of a three star hotel at the city center start from € 70 but they can be higher in luxury structures and monumental areas

cities of art Venice

10 things to do and see in Venice

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

There are two ways to visit Venice: you can follow the hurried tourists and an established tour chosen by about 20 million people every year, or you can leave this path and try to discover a less touristic Venice. We think that you can do both: you can go to St. Mark’s Square, so often seen in the pictures, or on the Rialto Bridge to admire the Grand Canal and fight with the crowd in order to take a picture. You can, otherwise, forget any stereotype of Venice and find out that there are extraordinary places to visit. So it happens to go to the Accademy Art Galleries, St Rocco Scuola Grande, or the Frari Church and discover magnificent works and fine buildings. Those monuments will tell you the true story of Venice, the one too often overshadowed by a standard tourism. In this page we suggest you 10 things to do in Venice during a weekend or a longer holiday.

If you are looking for a hotel in Venice, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 450 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

St. Mark's square in Venice

St. Mark’s square is the first place that people use to think about Venice. The great square of the Basilica, with the pigeons waiting for some crumbs, it’s perhaps the most famous image of Venice.

Before the arrival of the relics of St. Mark and the construction of the Basilica, this was simply a large vegetable garden, crossed by the Rio Batario, then buried by order of the Doge Vitale Michiel II. St. Mark’s square is the only open space in Venice who has the privilege of being called “square”, while all other areas with this feature are called “fields”. During the years of the Venetian Republic it was the place for exhibitions, tournaments, processions, and the hunt for bulls, while today it is surrounded by very expensive cafés, where you can sit and watch the passage of thrilled tourists from all over the world.

Doge’s Palace in Venice

Venetians take care of this building because it’s the protagonist of important events happened in Venice. Doge’s Palace was exactly where it is now during the period of the Republic, was there with the other dominations and also when Venice became part of Italian state . This palace is a constant presence, always loyal to the city.

It has been subject of many changes, because of a long series of terrible fires. The political importance of this palace, once seat of the Doge of Venice, was underlined by Napoleon too, who wanted this palace to become the centre of his administration in 1797, when he conquered Venice. The historical importance of the Doge’s Palace is testified also from the great sum of money that the newborn Italian republic gave to Venice to remodel this building. In spite of the loss budget of the new unified Italy, it spared no expenses to one of the most important symbols of this city.

The Grand Canal in Venice

Venetians use to call it “canalazzo”, but it’s not derogatory name, it’s just their way to identify the biggest canal of their city. This canal cross the city and it’s 4 kilometers long, dividing the city centre in two parts. The Grand Canal is even older than Venice, it has a S reverse shape and it’s 5 meters deep in some points and in some others can be 70 meters width.

If you want to admire the city from a different point of view you can make a boat tour on the Grand Canal that starts from Santa Lucia Station and arrives to Saint Mark square, offering a wonderful view of the city. During the tour you’ll have the chance to admire buildings that seem to compete in beauty. Observing buildings, the harmony of the constructions and the narrow alleys, that you can see while the ferry boat slowly goes in direction of Saint Mark square, you’ll understand why Venice is one of the most loved cities of the world.

Venice's bridges

It’s not easy to count Venice’s bridge: they’re 354! This city has an important relation with its bridges because people need them to go in different directions linked by bridges. Venetians transformed their necessity into the main feature of their city: Venice is so characteristic thanks to all these “half-moons” (bridges) that you can see on its canals.

The most known bridge it’s the Bridge of Sighs, but only few people knows that this name doesn’t come from the languid sights of the lovers that swear eternal love to each other under this bridge. The bridge takes its name from the sights of the condemned people to death, that were brought to the near prison passing through this bridge, and looking for the last time the city, they sadly sighted. On the Gran Canal you can see the Rialto bridge too.

In 1593, the Rialto Bridge replaced the old bridge made with wooden boats that allowed the passage towards populated Rialto market. Today the bridge, covered by arches, is crowded with tourists and vendors, one of the most famous photographic points of the world.

The newest bridge of Venice, the spectacular Bridge of the Constitution, has been projected and built by the famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The Bridge, commissioned in 1997, after a long time due to some mistakes in its design, has been opened to the public in 2008 and only after one year he received the definitive technical approbation.

The Accademy Art Galleries

The Accademy Art Galleries hosts the richest collection of Venetian paintings, from the Byzantine and Gothic style to Renaissance artists.

Some names can immediately clarify the quantity and quality of the works housed in a complex that link the church of St. Mary of Charity, the monastery of the Lateran Canons and the Great School of St. Mary of Charity: Bellini, Carpaccio, Giorgione, Veronese, Tintoretto and Titian, Tiepolo and the great eighteenth-century landscape painters Canaletto, Guardi, Bellotto, Longhi.

There are also works by Mantegna, a Piero della Francesca, Crivelli, Luca Giordano, Memling and others. The museum also hosts one of the highlights of Leonardo da Vinci, the Vitruvian Man, but is very rarely exhibited because the light ink could lose its original color.

Where: Venier dei Leoni Palace , Dorsoduro 701
How to get there: From Piazzale Roma or train station: ferry line 2, direction Lido, the Accademia stop; Boat No. 1, direction Lido, Accademia or Salute stop.
From St. Mark’s Square: waterbus line 2, towards P. Roma, the Accademia stop; Boat No. 1, towards P. Roma, stop or Health Academy.
Hours:
The Museum of the Accademy Art Galleries is open at the following times:
Monday from 8.15 am to 2.00 pm (last entry 1.00 pm )
Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15 am to 7.15 pm (last entry at 6.15 pm)
Full closing days: Monday afternoon, January 1st, May 1st, December 25^th
Ticket: Single ticket Galleries + Grimani Building:
Single ticket Full price: € 15.00 (+ € 1.50 reservation fee)
Reduced Single ticket: € 12.00 (+ € 1.50 reservation fee)
U.E. boys 18-25 years old with identification card, teachers without their school group.

Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice

The Peggy Guggenheim collection is the most prestigious Italian collection dedicated to the European and American contemporary art of the first half of 1900. In this Museum you can find the masterpieces of the greatest artists: Pollock, de Chirico, Picasso, Kandinsky, Brancusi and Duchamp.

One of the most interesting collection is the Gianni Mattioli’s, one of the greatest collectors of ‘900, in which you can find the best Italian Futurism art: Sironi, Carrà, Soffici, Rosai, some paintings of Morandi and a beautiful portrait of Amedeo Clemente Modigliani. The Museum is placed in the only incomplete palace of Venice: the Venier House of Lions bought by Peggy Guggenheim to realize the biggest modern art museum of the 50’s. She spent all her life with the only purpose to realize a museum which could enhance the vanguards of all the world. Her passion wasn’t stopped by the second world war. During those years she continued travelling all around Europe, mindless of dangers, looking for the works she wanted in her prestigious collection. The strong personality of Peggy Guggenheim allowed artists to become the most representative of the American Abstract Expressionism.

The Frari Church in Venice

The Church of the Frari is one of the places in Venice that the hurried tourists miss out .

Monumental basilica 102 meters long, has 17 monumental altars and a collection of works worthy of the best museums in the world.

Here are buried Antonio Canova and Tiziano, many doges, generals, the composer Monteverdi and many other Venetian personalities. In the Apse you’ll be astonished by the Assumption by Tiziano, the most important work of the church together with the Pesaro Altarpiece, always by the same painter. But are no less so the works of Bellini (Frari Triptych and Madonna Enthroned), the Deposition of Frangipane. Don’t miss a visit to the beautiful wooden choir. Beyond the works, in the Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari light will amaze you: the arrangement of the works like in a museum, the monumental power gives an overall feeling of grandeur.

Where: Campo ai Frari
How to get there: Line 1, stop San Tomà
Hours: From Mon to Sat 9:00 am to 6:00 pm – Sunday: 1.00-6.00 pm
Closed December 25, January 1, Easter and August 15.
Ticket: € 3

Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice

Tintoretto has put all his skills in the Sala Albergo of the Scuola di San Rocco. And he succeeded, because this cycle of works is considered by all the Sistine Chapel of Venice.

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco was the seat of a brotherhood of rich Venetian people devoted to charitable works and takes its name from the San Rocco body, guarded here.

In 1564 the Brotherhood entrusted Tintoretto the task of decorating the school. In 24 years, the artist and his students realized a cycle of large canvases in the Ground and in the Sala Albergo. The works tell biblical stories and the life of Christ in an exceptional artistic path, which almost stuns for the size and the number of painted works.

Where: Piazza San Marco
How to get there: From the boat station, Line 41, stop San Zaccaria; Line 2, Line 1, stop Vallaresso or San Zaccaria.
Hours: April 1 – November 1, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm ; 2 November to 31 March 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Never: December 25, January 1.
Ticket: full ticket € 13, reduced € 7.50. A single ticket allows entrance to: Doge’s Palace, Correr Museum, National Archaeological Museum, Monumental Halls of Marciana National Library.

Things to eat in Venice

Venice gastronomy has particular tasty dishes. You can begin with the appetizers, the masterpieces of Venetian menu. The “bacari” (the typical taverns) offers to their customers the “cicchetti”, typical Venetian appetizers that must be served with a “ombra de vin” (a little wine). You just have to choose among groceries or fried crab, the “soppressa” (a sort of salami) with polenta or half egg with anchovies.

Among the first courses, the most know dish is “risi e bisi”, also known as rice with peas, that the Doge’s ate in honor of the Saint Patron of the city on 25th April.

In Venice you can also eat seafood: spaghetti with clams or cooked with sepia. In this place another dish really appreciated is the pasta with beans. To conclude your meal you have to choose a second course: inevitable (for people who has a strong stomach…) the liver cooked in the Venetian way, its characteristic is to be cooked with a lot of onion, served with “castrature”, the typical artichokes farmed on the little islands of the Laguna.

Where to sleep in Venice

Every year about 20 million tourists visit Venice. The majority doesn’t stop to sleep but take a flight after a few hours walking around.

Despite this tourism that does not occupy rooms in Venice it can be very difficult to find a place to sleep, especially during the spring and Carnival. Even if you find it, you’ll to spend too much and don’t expect extra luxury rooms.

Local hoteliers know that you are willing to pay a lot and get little in order to visit the lagoon city. A normal 3 star hotel can cost 150 Euros per night, while the more luxurious can get to cost you very much. Hotels and the cheaper B&Bs are located on the mainland in Mestre, which is perfectly connected to Venice, and allows you to reach the main monuments of the lagoon city in just a few minutes. Maybe this is the solution less romantic but certainly more convenient.

cities of art Valencia

10 things to do and see in Valencia

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

10 things to do and see in Umbria — 10 things to do and see in Valencia

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean sea. Until a few years ago the place was visited only by curious travellers, but, after the America’s Cup, Valencia has become famous around the world, with obvious influences on architecture, the organization of the city, the number of tourists and the cost of hotels. As happened for the Olympics in Barcelona, this event has given new life in Valencia, creating a mix of creativity and energy that contributed to the Valencia explosión. There are several things to do : the Cathedral (it seems that contains the Holy Grail), the City of Science and Arts (a must), the Barrio del Carmen with its student nightlife and a good paella , (the one true paella, you will not find it in any other part of Spain). Read the next page to find out 10 things to do and see during a weekend or a holiday in Valencia.

If you are looking for a hotel in Valencia, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 200 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Cathedral of Valencia

The Baroque Puerta del Los Hierros, the Romanesque Puerta del Palau and the Gothic Puerta de los Apostoles are the three portals of access to the Cathedral of Valencia: a synthesis of the entire architectural history of the city.

Built in the XIII century, the Cathedral is in a place considered ” sacred ‘in which already had risen before a Roman temple and a Muslim mosque after. The visit should start from the Miguelete, the tower dominating the cathedral and offering a panoramic view of the historic center. But what attracts tourists is the Holy Grail: the chalice that Jesus is said to have used at the Last Supper and kept inside the Cathedral.

Where: Plaça de l’Almoina
Hot to get there: The nearest metro stop is Colón.
When – Hours: From 20 March to 31 October: from Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am to 6.30 pm ; Sundays and holidays from 2.00 to 6.30 pm . From November 1 to March 19: Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am to 5.30 pm ; Sunday and holidays the Cathedral is closed from 2.00 to 5.00 pm
Tickets: 3 Euros with the access to the Cathedral, the Chapel of the Holy Grail and the Miguelete tower

The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia

The project of this huge complex, example of modern architecture, was made by the architect Santiago Calatrava.

The City of Arts and Sciences encloses five spectacular sights inside: the Oceanogràfic, the Umbracle, the Palace of Arts, the Science Museum and the Hemisfèric. There’s a predominance of white and every element of the City of Sciences is built in a different style creating, however, a perfect harmony of the complex. It will be impossible to visit all of the complex in a single day, but it deserves the chance to spend a few more days.

Where: Av. del Professor López Piñero
How to get there: Metro lines 3 and 5, Alameda stop; or by bus No. 19, 35, 40 and 95.
Hours: Every day from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm. From 1 July to 15 December until 9.00 pm. 24, 25 and 31 December, the time is reduced to half a day.
Tickets: The cost of one ticket for all the attractions is 30,60 €

The Barrio del Carmen in Valencia

The Barrio del Carmen, during its long history, has had various roles: from refuge to barracks to a place of prostitution to medieval center of the aristocracy until being working-class neighbourhood in 1900.

Today it’s one of the most crowded places in the city, both day and night. During the morning is the shopping place, with different shops and ateliers of the famous brands, while during the night it’s the favourite place by the young people who come to relax after a day of work or study.

The Lonja de la Seda in Valencia

The Lonja de la Seda (Silk Market) was founded as the golden age emblem of Valencia and has been the center of commercial and cultural activities during the early sixteenth XVI century.

In 1996 it was declared World Heritage by UNESCO as one of the finest and best preserved examples of late Gothic architecture in Europe. This construction can intimidate everybody because it’s a huge structure, but can also seduce with the elegance of its ornaments. Today the Lonja houses the Cultural Accademy of Valencia.

Where: Carrer de la Llotja
How to get there: The nearest metro stop Àngel Guimerà
When – Hours: Winter time – Tuesday to Saturday from 9:15 am to 2:00 pm and from 4:30 to 8:00 pm – Summer time – Tuesday to Saturday from 9:15 am to 2:00 pm and from 5:30 to 9:00 pm . Sunday (all year) from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm – Never on Monday.
Tickets: Full ticket € 2, reduced € 1

The Central Market of Valencia

In front of the magnificent building of the Lonja there is a structure made of steel with stained-glass windows and hand-painted ceramics on the façade: it’s the Central Market, with its 959 stalls of fresh products

A mix of colors, smells and flavors in a modern jewel. The market is divided into two parts: on one side there are fruit and vegetables from the Valencian huerta (agricultural land area in the south of Valencia); on the other side there are meats, for example the Salamanca ham, and fish, with benches that offer real ‘cascades’ of shellfish: a pleasure not only for the palate.

Where: Plaza Ciudad de Brujas
How to get there: The nearest metro stop Àngel Guimerà
When – Hours: Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm; on Fridays from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm, on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
Never on Sunday.

The Turia Gardens in Valencia

Valencia is an example of a city built on the banks of a river. The Turia river, on the one hand, favoured the urban development, on the other hand, it was the cause of many overflowing

After the last flood in 1957, the authorities decided to redirect the river’s flow, and where at the first there was his bed, now there are the Turia Gardens: an oasis of green and peace in the city centre. Among pine trees, oleanders and palms you can spend your free time here, taking a walk along the paths or enjoying one of the sports facilities of the Gardens. The main attraction of the park is a monumental sculpture of Gulliver, 70 meters long, inspired the character of Jonathan Swift. Ramps, slides and stairs allow to “Lilliputians” (ie you), to walk on the giant’s body.

Where: Avenida Manuel de Falla
How to get there by subway: Túria stop

The Bioparc in Valencia

The Biopark in Valencia is much more than a traditional zoo. It’s an innovative project in which the animal live in open spaces and the species are not separated, just like in nature.

The park is divided into three big areas: the African Savannah, the equatorial forests of Africa and Madagascar and the African wetlands. You can walk in these areas, observing animals in the wild but safely. Lions, leopards, giraffes, gorillas, rhinos, hippos, elephants, lemurs and many other animals are guests of the park which will add soon other animals of Asia and South America.

Where: Avenida Pío Baroja, 3
How to get there:
By Bus: lines 7, 17, 29, 61, 81, 95.
By Metro: lines 3 and 5, stop Nou d’Octubre
When – Hours:
The Bioparc is open 365 days a year and timetable depends on the sunlight at any time of year. The ticket office will be open from 9:30 am until one hour before the closing time of the Bioparc.
January and February:
– Daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm , except on January 1 in which the opening hours will be from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm.
March:
– From Monday to Friday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
– Weekends and Friday , from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
April, May and June:
– Every day from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm
July and August:
– Every day from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm
September:
– Every day from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
October:
– From Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, except on 11 and 12, where the opening hours will be from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm
– Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, except on 30 and 31, where the opening hours will be from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
November and December:
– Daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, except on 24 and 31 December, in which the opening hours will be from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm , and on December 25, when it will be from 11.00 am to 6.00 pm
Tickets: Adults € 23,80; Children and youngs € 18

The Harbor, the beaches and the Reserve in Valencia

After some decades during which the port and industrial activities had created disasters, Valencia has recovered the sea and beaches. The port area, now called Marina Real Juan Carlos I, has been redeveloped.

From the building “Veles e Vents” you can admire a beautiful view of the sea and enjoy the sun in total relax. From here you can start a nice walk on the seafront arriving to the beaches Les Arenas and Malvarrosa with clear water awarded by the European Blue Flag. If you love nature, in a short distance there is the Albufera reserve, the largest lake in Spain. You can get there with the line 25 of the city bus, in less than an hour and for only € 1.50 per trip. There is also the Albufera Bus Turistic which allows you to explore the park in great detail, including a boat trip.

Things to eat in Valencia

The paella is a typical dish of Valencia, and it’s better in street kiosks, like the one outside the Central Market.

The Valencian paella is made with chicken or rabbit, not seafood, although it’s easy to find the version with seafood and shellfish. The Valencian cuisine is typically Mediterranean, and abound with fish. If you move inland, you can also enjoy excellent meats, while the Valencian huerta offers an abundance of fruit and vegetables. Almonds and honey are the base of the most typical dessert: nougat. A typical drink that you can find anywhere, especially in summer, is the horchata de chufo. Do not be fooled by the name: it is not the barley water we use to drink in Italy, but the powdery juice of a river tuber.

Where to sleep in Valencia

From America’s Cup in 2007, the city is equipped to accommodate a large amount of tourists. You can choose among hotels, camping, hostels and apartments.

You just need to choose according to the budget that you have: from the ultra-luxury facilities to more modest hostels, there is something for all prices. The tourism in Valencia has increased during last years so you should book in time to get good accommodations at a great price. The cost of a 3 star hotel start from 50 EUR per night, in the historic downtown area. You can find luxury hotel for less than 70 Euros, especially in the port area and neighbourhoods outside the center.

cities of art Urbino

10 things to do and see in Urbino

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

The National Gallery of the Marche preserves a painting that is the symbol of Italian art: it’s the “Ideal City” attributed, according to the critics, to Piero della Francesca, Leon Battista Alberti, Luciano Laurana, Francesco di Giorgio Martini and other artists. If you want to know what is Urbino for the Italian and world art, you have to admire that painting. It embodies the dream of Federico da Montefeltro, shared by the artists around him, to build the ideal city of the Renaissance. Wandering through the narrow streets, palaces and squares, you can realize that the Duke is not gone so far from his goal. The historic center of Urbino, in fact, is also included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In a few hundred square meters there’s a heritage that marked the art and architecture of Europe for many decades. On this page we suggest you 10 things to do and see in Urbino.

If you are looking for a hotel in Urbino, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 20 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Palazzo Ducale in Urbino

Palazzo Ducale is not just a “palace”: it is a small fortified city built by Federico da Montefeltro starting from 1444.

Federico was a cultured and refined man and he wanted the Ducal Palace in Urbino to be more beautiful than other princely residences of Italy. It was not just a way to show his power: he wanted to transform Urbino in the “ideal city” and the palace was supposed to be its highest expression.

Moreover he loved the artists and wanted a place to house them and let them work . Several architects were engaged for more than 30 years to build that place. Maso di Bartolomeo (Palace of the Jole, apartment of Melaranci and part of the yard), Luciano Laurana (arcaded courtyard, the staircase of honor, the Library, the Hall of Angels, the Audience Hall, the Soprallogge , the sacred area with the small study) and Francesco di Giorgio Martini who completed the pending work. The two finest examples of this work are the “Façade of the turrets”, perhaps the most photographed point of Urbino and “The small office” rightly defined a ‘treasure chest of beauty, refinement, of perspective … “. Today the Palazzo Ducale houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche with works by Raffaello, Tiziano and Piero della Francesca.

Where: down town centre
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours:
Friday: 8:30 am to 2:00 pm (ticket office closes at 12:30 pm)
Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30 am to 7:15 pm (ticket office closes at 6:00 pm)
Never: Christmas, New Year.

National Gallery of Marche in Urbino

About 80 rooms of Palazzo Ducale are used as museum and house the works of the National Gallery of Marche.

The collection contains works from 1300 to 1600, mostly paintings but also furniture, sculptures, tapestries and drawings. The main works are located on the first floor, divided among the apartments where the Duke and his family lived. In the apartment of the Duke there are two masterpieces by Piero della Francesca: The Flagellation of Christ and the Madonna of Senigallia.

There also several boardrooms where are exhibited the “Ideal City”, the Communion of the Apostles of Justus of Gand and the Host desecration by Paolo Uccello. There is also a work by Raffaello (Portrait of a Gentlewoman) next to the Resurrection and the Last Supper by Tiziano. On the second floor there are works of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries of Barocci, Gentileschi, Guerrieri.

Where: Palazzo Ducale, city centre of Urbino
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours:
Friday: 8:30 am to 2:00 pm (ticket office closes at 12:30 pm)
Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30 am to 7:15 pm (ticket office closes at 6:00 pm)
Never: Christmas, New Year.

Raffaelo’ House in Urbino

Raffaelo’s house has only a few original works of the great painter from Urbino, almost all of them were painted when he was young, but they worth a visit because the history started there. Located in the artisan district, in this house Raffaello Sanzio was born March 28, 1483 and spent his childhood being formed in the workshop of his father, an artist at the court of Federico da Montefeltro.

After ups and downs, in 1873 the house was purchased by the Academy Raffaello and since then it houses works related to the life of Raffaelo and his time. On the ground floor there is the shop of his father Giovanni Santi, used today for temporary exhibitions. On the first floor there are copies of paintings by Raffaello and tributes to other artists to the great painter from Urbino. In the Bedroom of Raffaello there is a fresco depicting a “Madonna and Child” considered an early work made together with his father. On the first floor there is also a small courtyard with the well and the basin where the colors were grinded for the works.

Where: Via Raffaello Sanzio 57
How to get there: by feet in the old town centre
When – Hours:
During summer (March to October): 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 to 7:00 pm , Sunday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
During winter (November to February): 9:00 am to 2:00 pm , Sunday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Holidays 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. after phone verification at 0722/320105
Never: New Year and Christmas.

Oratorio San Giovanni in Urbino

Don’t be fooled by the banal gothic façade of the early 1900. The Oratory’s masterpiece is well hidden beyond the front door and is painted on the walls: it’s the cycle of frescoes of brothers Lorenzo and Jacopo Salimbeni from San Severino (1400 approximately), the most important interpreters of the late Gothic style in Marche region.

It immediately struck by the “Crucifixion” that covers the entire wall of the apse: the eyes go to the three crosses following the classic iconography rules. Jesus at the center and the two thieves to the side, but little by little you look at the details, you realize how much humanity turns around the Passion of Christ. Despair and indifference, enliven the scene, carrying the religious reality to the earthly one. The oratory takes its name from the frescoes on the right wall in the two orders, down and up, illustrating the life of St. John the Baptist. On the left wall is painted a Madonna of Humility.

Where: Via Federico Barocci
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: 10 am – 12.30 pm and 3-5.30 pm Monday to Saturday, 10 am -12.30 pm Sunday, Sunday afternoon on request.
Never: Christmas and New Year
Tickets: € 2,50

The Cathedral of Urbino

The Cathedral of Urbino is the most important church in the city but certainly not the most beautiful one. The story was not generous with churches that have been built in this place: the first construction dates back to 1021, replaced by a new church built by Francesco di Giorgi Martini, the architect of Federico da Montefeltro, who worked for many years also at the Doge’s Palace.

After the earthquake of January 12, the Roman architect Giuseppe Valadier built the current cathedral in neoclassic style. Inside there are two beautiful paintings by Federico Barocci: The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian and the Last Supper. The most interesting part of the cathedral are the caves that over the centuries have hosted a Brotherhood. During World War II, to protect some works from the bombs and the Germans, the caves hosted the works of the Treasury of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice. In the caves there are several chapels and of Forgiveness Corridor: according to an ancient tradition of Urbino you could have forgiveness from sins walking in this corridor during the Easter Monday.

Where: old town centre
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours:
Weekdays and holidays: 7:30 am to 1:00 pm / 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Never: Christmas and New Year
Grotte del Duomo
When: Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am to 1:00 pm 2:30 to 6:30 pm
Tickets: Museum + Grotte del Duomo € 3,50

Church of San Bernardino in Urbino

Two kilometers from the historic center, in the countryside, there is the Church of San Bernardino. The church, also known as the Mausoleo dei Duchi (mausoleum), was built by Federico da Montefeltro to house his remains after death.

Historians believe that the construction is the result of a collaboration between Francesco di Giorgio Martini, the architect of Federico da Montefeltro and the Bramante expressed by the simple style of the interior. Today the church doesn’t have any works but for many centuries the altar was embellished by the extraordinary ” Votive Altarpiece”, painted by Piero della Francesca between 1472 and 1474. The altarpiece is now known as “Pala di Brera” because it has been preserved since 1811 at the Milan Gallery

Where: 2 km far from the city centre
How to get there: by car in the direction of “Cesane sul colle” of San Donato.
When – Hours: weekdays and holidays 8 am – 6 pm
Tickets: free entrance

Helical ramps and Teatro Raffaello in Urbino

Urbino is a vertical city with narrow streets. In 1400 it was therefore the ideal place for those who wished to organize an ambush to the power people. The danger was clear to Federico da Montefeltro who commissioned, at the foot of the Palazzo Ducale Torricini, a bastion and inside some helical ramps.

Thanks to this masterpiece of engineering, the Duke could get to the ducal stables directly from the Palace. In order not to miss anything, at the bastion were added some guns that allowed to check the area under the Mercatale. In 1800 at the bastion was superimposed the Theatre Raffaello Sanzio, a choice that provoked controversy because it was considered a foreign element. Restructured in the 70s, nowdays the ramps are a slow and hard way to reach the old town

Urbino surroundings: Gradara

People who didn’t study the Divine Comedy at school won’t remember the name of Gradara. In the castle of this medieval village happened the story of Paolo and Francesca told by Dante. “Love, that exempts no one beloved from loving, he took delight in him so strong, that, as you see, it does not leave me.” He was Paolo Malatesta and she was Francesca da Polenta.

These two lovers were killed for Gianciotto Malatesta. Dante necessarily places them in the group of lustful, with a kind of compassion and understanding for her that tells the unfortunate story. Beyond the legend of the two lovers, maybe true maybe not, Gradara worth a visit because it’s a perfectly preserved village, almost unreal in its perfection and tranquillity, even though today is a bit too crowded especially in spring and summer.

Where: 32 km far from Urbino
How to get there: by car from Urbino: About 32 km towards Gabicce Mare

Things to eat in Urbino

Along with Ascoli, Urbino is the most important tourist destination of the Marche and one of the most visited cities of art in Italy.

Unfortunately it doesn’t have a very large capacity, especially in the historic center: there are fewer than 20 hotels, and some more rooms are just a few kilometers from the center. During high season (spring and autumn) can become difficult to find a cheap room. So we suggest you to book a bit in advance. As for prices, a room in a 3-star hotel in the old town starts from 50 euro per night.

Where to sleep in Urbino

The products of the earth are the undisputed protagonists of the cuisine of Urbino. Halfway between the sea and the Apennines, with Tuscany and Emilia a few steps, no wonder that you often find mushrooms and truffles.

Seasonings are good for local fresh pasta like passatelli and perfect complement for game dishes. A typical product of Urbino is the Crescia, a kind of flat bread that goes with Salame di Montefeltro, the Prosciutto di Carpegna, the pecorino cheese and, above all, with Casciotta, a pecorino D.O.P. of ancient origins also loved by Michelangelo. Among the second triumph beef, especially the Marchigiana, the local breed that provides outstanding steaks.

itineraries Umbria

10 things to do and see in Umbria

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

Umbria is a historic and cultural melting-pot. It’s one of the smallest regions of Italy and keeps clear traces of its past. The Umbria of “saints”, of “warriors” and of “green”: all these words describe this place, but it’s not enough. Perugia and all other cities and towns of Umbria can offer to visitors an artistic and cultural patrimony, and ancient landscapes. This is a region where the traditions, the fairs and the celebrations have a very important meaning: they preserve diversity, local costumes and traditions that the globalisation try to pull down. We suggest you 10 towns to visit in Umbria to discover art and culture of this little but big region

If you are looking for a hotel in the Umbria, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 720 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Perugia in Umbria

Perugia is a little jewel that visitors discover slowly. This town has artistic and monumental treasures of a rich past.

It looks like a small fortified medieval village, but Perugia has a very busy city life. There is one of oldest University of the Studies of Italy (founded in 1308), as well as the biggest University for foreigners in Italy.

So it’s not a city full of tourists during the day and empty at night. There are a lot of monuments to visit: from the National Gallery to the Etruscan Well (Pozzo Etrusco), the Oratory of San Bernardino to Corso Vannucci. The remain is a surprise you’ll discover by yourself.

Assisi in Umbria

Assisi is one of the most visited cities of Umbria. Here were born two important Saints of Italian history: Saint Francis (San Francesco) and Saint Clare (Santa Chiara). That’s why this is one of the main destination of pilgrims every year. The modern city was built without damaging the structure of the old one: some little streets connect the squares which are disposed on different levels of the city .

The St. Francis’ Basilica and Saint Clare’s church deserve a visit, but you should also visit: The Minerva ‘s Temple, or the Palace “Capitano del popolo” and the huge “Rocca Maggiore”, that is just outside the old walls of the city. We suggest you to visit also Regional Park of the Mount Subasio, you’ll enjoy a beautiful landscape and the wonderful natural heritage of this region.

Gubbio in Umbria

Gubbio was built on calcareous stones, that’s why it is called “grey city”. It’s the most ancient centre of the region and both the buildings and the streets have their medieval appearances. Gubbio has a uniform and sublime panorama. As for Assisi, Gubbio’s history is linked to St. Francis: the legend tells that in this city the Saint met a ferocious wolf which took shelter in St. Francis church.

Piazza Grande (“The Big Square”) is the centre of this town, you can begin from here your tour of Gubbio. The principal monuments are Palazzo dei Consoli , Palazzo del Capitolo, the Cathedral and the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi… they will tell you the history and the legends of Gubbio.

Todi in Umbria

Todi is an elegant medieval town, one of the most charming cities in Umbria. It rises, austere and melancholic, on the top of a hill overlooking the Tiber valley. Walking through the streets of Todi you’ll breathe an atmosphere of past.

In Piazza del Popolo, which was the ancient seat of the Roman forum, you could visit the Cathedral, the Palazzo dei Priori, the Palazzo del Capitano and Palazzo del Popolo. They’re all symbols of the powerful past of this town. In this square you could alternate cultural visits to lovely pauses in the beautiful cafés or give a look to the typical workshops to buy the beautiful hand-made cloths. And don’t forget to taste the wine, Todi has a glorious wine tradition. Outside the city walls, at the bottom, there is the Temple of Our Lady of Consolation (Santa Maria della Consolazione). It’s famous all around the world and considered one of the symbolic buildings of the Italian Renaissance.

Orvieto in Umbria

Spoleto is a medieval small village but has Roman origin . The Roman theatre, Druso’s Arch and the pre-Christian Basilica of San Salvatore have the most ancient origins.

The main monument of this city is the fortress built by the cardinal Albornoz during the second half of 1300. The Eroli’s Chapel and the Relic’s Chapel are two attractions that you should not miss: in the first one you could admire the beautiful frescoes made by the Pinturicchio, while the latter keeps a beautiful statue of the Virgin with child of the XIV century.

In the centre of the city there’s the majestic Cathedral and near it the Palazzo Arroni and the church of Santa Maria della Manna d’Oro. Spoleto is also the city of an important cultural festival: the “Festival dei due mondi”: a show made of movies, theatre, art, music and ballet.

Spello in Umbria

Spello is located on a rocky spur of the Mount Subasio. The pink stone of the Mount Subasio gives to the town a wonderful colour. As for Spoleto, Spello keeps the marks of its Roman origins, but its medieval structure is still visible too.

The remains of the Amphitheatre and of the Theatre are visible inside the ancient walls of the town. The Porta Consolare and the Porta Urbica are in a perfect state of preservation. Walking through the little streets of the centre you can also admire the ancient buildings and the castles, even if they have been modified during the centuries. Spello is an important town of the past, but it’s known also for its “infiorata”: a festival that takes place every year, during the religious festivity of Corpus Domini. In those days the artists crowd the streets of Spello showing their works made with flowers’ petal and inspired by religious events.

Terni, Marmore waterfall in Umbria

Terni is placed in a big valley, where the river Serra and the river Nera meet. It’s a city opened to the future but it doesn’t forget its glorious past. You can find ancient monuments such as San Salvatore church and the Romanesque Cathedral and you can see also the futuristic tower that rise over the Palazzo Comunale Vecchio.

You can’t miss the Marmore Waterfall: few kilometres from Terni you could see one of the most spectacular sights of this area. The Marmore Waterfall , which is an artificial waterfall created by the Romans, was made to drain the river Velino. Its total height is 165 meters and you’ll love the foaming waters and their games of light

Clitunno Springs in Umbria

These springs are the main attraction of the landscape in Umbria. They are underneath springs that run from Spoleto to Foligno for 60 km ending into a tributary of the Tiber.

Their aspect is very suggestive thanks to the nature that reflects into the river. This place has been inspiration for many writers and artists. In the past people believed that in these waters the god Clitunno lived.

Nowadays you can find also a temple with ancient frescoes . The emperor Caligula used to come here for oracle’s prophecies, and it seems that ancient religious rites took place here.

Spoleto in Umbria

Spoleto is a medieval small village but has Roman origin . The Roman theatre, Druso’s Arch and the pre-Christian Basilica of San Salvatore have the most ancient origins. The main monument of this city is the fortress built by the cardinal Albornoz during the second half of 1300.

The Eroli’s Chapel and the Relic’s Chapel are two attractions that you should not miss: in the first one you could admire the beautiful frescoes made by the Pinturicchio, while the latter keeps a beautiful statue of the Virgin with child of the XIV century.

Norcia in Umbria

Norcia is famous for two main reasons: San Benedetto and the gastronomy. San Benedetto was the first monk of the Christianity, he founded the Benedictine ordination; the Basilica, dedicated to him, is dated back to XIV century, but it has been restored many times. The gastronomy has the typical flavours of the mountains products, this is another good reason to visit the city.

Food makes Norcia famous in all the world: truffle, spelt, lentils and cheeses. In a word: this jewel offers to its visitor the chance to enjoy beautiful historical visits with tasty gastronomic experiences. Inside the ancient walls of this city you can also visit the Cathedral, the Castellina and the Civic Museum.

If you are looking for a hotel in the Umbria, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 720 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

cities of art Turin

10 things to do and see in Turin

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

Turin is the many aspects city. Ancient capital of Savoy, the cradle of Renaissance, industrial capital, city of art and culture, innovation pole. It offers to visitors a perfect combination of architectural and monumental jewels, museums (over 40), art galleries, entertainment, good food, international events such as the “Salone del Libro” – the Book Fair, the “Salone del Gusto” – the Taste fair and the Torino Film Festival. The Mole Antonelliana, the Egyptian Museum, the royal residences, the Holy Shroud, the gianduiotti are just some of the treasures of the city on the banks of the Po. A trip destination for those who want to know the glories of its splendid past, discovering his masterpieces, participating in its vibrant cultural life of art exhibitions and festival, without forgetting the pleasure to wander among its markets or historical cafés.

If you are looking for a hotel in Turin, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 120 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Mole Antonelliana in Turin

Symbol of the city of Turin, the Mole Antonelliana’s construction begun in 1863 and was designed by Alessandro Antonelli to be a synagogue. In 1878 it was sold to the city who wanted to make a monument dedicated to the king of Italy Vittorio Emanuele II.

This unique building, 167 meters high, has a square base surmounted by the famous dome and spire. It was inaugurated in 1889 with the statue on the spire of the winged genius. In 1905 a five-pointed star replaced the statue of the winged genius that a lightning destroyed the year before. You can reach the “Tempietto” – little temple (85 m. high) through a lift made of glass inside the Mole. From the tempietto you can admire a truly amazing view of Turin. The Antonelli’s building is currently home of the National Museum of Cinema, the only one of its kind in Italy. Museum collections offer to visitors a journey through the history of cinema through a path on five levels: the Archaeology of Cinema, the Film Machine, the collection of posters, the video installations and the great Temple Hall surrounded by 13 chapels that tell about some great themes of the seventh art (Fantastic and Horror, Animated Film, Fiction, Love and Death, Western, etc …).

Where: Via Montebello
How to get there:
Bus: n. 13, 15, 55, 56, 61 (Via Po stop)
n. 16 (Corso San Maurizio stop)
n. 68 (Via Rossini stop)
When – Hours: Tuesday – Friday and Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm – Saturday 9 am to 11 pm
Lift: Tuesday – Friday and Sunday 10 am to 8 pm – Saturday 10 am to 11 pm
Never: Monday
Tickets:
Museum: full price € 9.00; reduced € 7.00; Youth (6 to 18 years) € 2.50; free for children up to 5 years, disable people and Torino + Piemonte Card.
Panoramic lift: full € 6.00; reduced € 4,00; free for children up to 5 years, disable people and Torino + Piemonte Card + Lift Museum: full € 12.00; reduced € 9.00; Youth (6 to 18 years) € 5.00; free for children up to 5 years, disable peple and Torino + Piemonte Card.

Piazza Castello in Turin

The square is the real fulcrum of Turin: this has always been the central point this city, from the Roman age to Renaissance. Piazza Castello, as it appears today, was designed by Ascanio Vitozzi in 1584 thanks to the Duke Carlo Emanuele I.

The square, surrounded on three sides by elegant arcades built in different periods, is the setting for important historic town buildings: the austere Royal Palace, residence of the King of Sardinia until 1659, and then of Vittorio Emanuele II King of Italy, until to 1865; the Teatro Regio; the Palace of the Regional Council; the Government’s Palace (now the office of the Prefecture); the Secretariats; the Armory and the Royal Library, containing the famous red chalk Self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci. The heart of the square is the imposing Palazzo Madama, the ancient castle from which it takes its name, surrounded by three monuments: the sculpture dedicated to the Flag – Beare, monument to the Sardinian Army, an equestrian monument that celebrates the Knights of Italy and the statue of Emanuele Filiberto Duke of Savoy. Piazza Castello is also the meeting point of the four major streets of Turin: Via Roma, Via Pietro Micca, Via Po and Via Garibaldi, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe.

Palazzo Madama and the Museum of Ancient Art in Turin

The Civic Museum of Ancient Art is settled in Palazzo Madama, but this beautiful building has been a fortress castle. It has been also the residence of two “Madame Reali” – Royal Madams – Maria Cristina of France and Giovanna of Savoy-Nemours, under whose reign the building was enlarged and embellished. In particular, in 1718 Filippo Juvarra, architect of the Savoy house, designed and built the great western façade and the imposing staircase, undisputed masterpiece of the Baroque.

The thousands objects, preserved in the beautiful setting of the palace show ten centuries of the history of Italian and European artistic production (from the Middle Ages to the Baroque). The visit is organized on four levels: in the underground floor there is the Medieval Lapidary with stone sculptures and jewelery (XII-XIII century); The ground floor houses Gothic sculptures, paintings and precious objects (XIII-XVI century); the first floor is devoted to the arts of the XVII and XVIII century with paintings, furnishings and decor of the rooms; the second floor, dedicated to decorative arts from all periods, contains ceramics, ivories, textiles, glass. Among the masterpieces of the Museum don’t miss the “Portrait of a Man” by Antonello da Messina, kept in the Tower of Treasures and the Heures de Turin-Milan, the only code in the world illuminated by the Flemish artist Jan van Eyck.

Where: Piazza Castello
How to get here: Bus: 11, 12, 51, 55, 56, 61, 68. Tram: 4, 13, 15, 18
When – Hours: from Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday 10 am to 7 pm. Never: Monday
Tickets: 10 €, reduced ticket 8 €. Free of charge or people under 18 and disable people. The entrance is free every first Tuesday of every month.

Saint John’s Cathedral and The Chapel of the Holy Shroud in Turin

The Cathedral of Turin is dedicated to the Saint Patron of the city: St John. It was built between the 1491 and 1498 thanks to Cardinal della Rovere. It has a Renaissance style façade with white marble on which there are three portals decorated with reliefs, and a bell tower in red brick with Juvarra crowning element. Inside there’s a latin cross base and three naves with Gothic elements.

In XVII century the Cathedral was enlarged and it was added a chapel in which keeping the Holy Shroud, Baroque masterpiece made by Guarino Guarini. The Chapel hosted for long time the famous relic: the holy shroud should be the linen cloth with which the body of Jesus Christ was covered after the crucifixion and on which is bared the image of the Christ, but 1997 due to a fire it has been seriously damaged. The Holy Shroud is currently exposed in a lying position inside a watertight shrine, in the absence of air and in the presence of an inert gas. During expositions the Shroud is shown in another shrine.

Where: Via XX Settembre
When – Hours: Chapel all days of the week from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm
Tickets: Free of charge

Castle and Park of Valentino in Turin

Close to the city center there is the beautiful river park of Valentino redesigned in ‘800 from French landscape architect Barrillet-Dechamps. The origin of the name is uncertain (for someone can be traced back to the saint of lovers whose remains are preserved in a church not far away from the park), but the park is well known by jogging and cycling lovers

In the heart of the city park stands the magnificent Castello del Valentino, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other Piedmontese Savoy residences. With Maria Cristina of France, the Royal Lady who made it her favorite residence, the palace had its best time. Used for different purposes in the following centuries, today the castle is the headquarter of the Polytechnic Architecture Faculty. Other buildings too are inside the park. One of the most unique is definitely the medieval village, which is a reproduction of a village of ‘400 with fortified houses, shops, streets, drawbridge and Rocca (ie the castle of Borgo). It was built for the International Italian Exhibition of 1884 in Turin as the Hall of Ancient Art and at the end of the event, the complex was kept as a pleasant and attractive place for recreation.

Where: Corso Massimo D’Azeglio
How to get there: Bus: 9 – 16 – 42 – 45 – 45.
When – Hours:
Castle: Saturday from 9:30 to 12 am
Borgo: Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm (from November to March); from 9 am to 8 pm (from April to October).
Rocca: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am – 5.15 pm (last entry), closed Mondays
Tickets
Castle: Free admission. Reservations required.
Borgo: Free admission.
Rocca: full admission € 6, reduced € 5.

Egyptian Museum in Turin

This museum, dedicated exclusively to the art and culture of ancient Egypt, is in Turin since two centuries. The foundation of the Museum is dated back in 1826, year in which Carlo Felice, King of Sardinia, bought the collection of a French consul in Egypt: Bernardino Drovetti.

The collection, successively enriched by purchases and excavations, nowadays is made by more than 30,000 pieces, including statues of pharaohs, sarcophagi, funerary steles, jewelry, everyday objects (there are “only” 6,500 exposed ). This make the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Turin one of the richest Egyptian museums in the world. Among archaeological finds there are : the Statue of Ramesse II and the intact tombs of Kha and Merit, the Mensa Isiaca, the rock temple of Thutmosi III transported from Elessiya, 200 km at the south of Assuan, and here composed to save it from the artificial lake Nasser after the construction of Assuan’s dike

Where: Via Accademia delle Scienze
How to get there: By train: Porta Nuova station; Porta Susa station ( + bus 55,56 or tram 13 up to Piazza Castello) ; by bus: n. 13, 55, 56, 72. Metro Porta Nuova stop
When – Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 8.30 am – 7.30 pm (last entry 6.30 am) closed Monday and 25^th December
Tickets: 7,50 €, reduce ticket 3,50 , free for under 18, disable people, and Piedmont + Turin card possessor

The Venaria Reale in Turin

Carlo Emanuele II wanted the construction of the Venaria Reale as a hunting and pleasure lodge, and it’s one of the magnificent ducal residences in Piedmont. It was built to create a “Crown of Delights” around the capital to testify the power of the Savoy. Built between 1659 and 1679 on a design of Castellamonte, the imposing complex of the Reggia di Venaria developped along a 2 km axis that linked the village, the Royal Palace with the beautiful Hall of Diana and the Gardens.

After the destructions of some parts operated by the French in 1693, it was started a renovation and extension project by Garove. After him, Juvarra, built the decorated big gallery (known as Diana), the solemn chapel dedicated to Saint Uberto (the saint of hunters), and the building called “Big Stable or ” Citroniera “, magnificent examples of Baroque architecture.

The works of the Royal Palace were completed in the late XVIII century by Alfieri. In 800 it began the long period of decline of the palace (transformed into military barracks) completely ruined a century later. Fortunately a European restoration project has restored the splendor of that place of delight as it was in the past. Since its opening to the public in 2007, the Venaria Reale was declare UNESCO World Heritage Site and nowadays is among the top five most visited cultural sites in Italy.

Where: Repubblica square 4, Venaria Reale (TO), 10 km far from Turin’s centre
How to get there:
Auto: Turin ring road North, exit Venaria or Savonera / Reale;
Dedicated shuttle bus: GTT Venaria Express, GTT Bus: lines 72, 11;
Train: line Torino Dora-Ceres (Venaria stop, Viale Roma).
When Hours:
Tuesday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm; Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9 am to 8 pm. Closed Mondays (except public holidays, Christmas, who have the same opening times as Sunday), 24 and 25 December. The Palace is open (at the same times on Sunday) in the holidays: New Year (from 11 am ), Epiphany, Easter and Easter Monday, Liberation Day, Labor Day, Republic Day, Assumption, All Saints, and the Feast Saint Stephen
Tickets: € 20

GAM Museum of Turin

Considered one of the main European capitals of contemporary art, Turin was the first Italian city to promote a public collection of modern art. Founded in 1863, the Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (GAM) has a collection of over 45,000 works including paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, drawings and engravings from the XVIII century to the present, as well as one of the most important European collections of movie and video artist.

The rich museum collection documents especially the Italian art, especially from Piedmont, but there are spaces dedicated to international historical avant-garde and foreign art. The collection includes works by great masters such as Fontanesi, Balla, Boccioni, De Chirico, Ernst, Klee. Since 2009 the works are exhibited according to four thematic paths which change over time to allow the visitor to discover continually the collections. Within the GAM are also present, a video library, the Wunderkammer (chamber of wonders), a comfortable space where you can admire the works that from time to time are displayed and the Underground Project, exhibition area in the basement to study the contemporary art in relation to the culture of the past century.

Where: Via Magenta
How to get there: Subway line 1: Vinzaglio stops and King Umberto; Bus: 5 /, 14, 14 /, 33, 33 /, 52, 64, 68; Tram: 9, 15.
When – Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 to 18.
Never: Monday
Tickets: Adults € 10; reduced € 8.

Things to eat in Turin

Gourmets don’t have to be worried once in Turin. Here the cuisine is full of dishes and flavors. Excellent products, specialties, succulent preparations make Turin the heart of Piedmont cuisine. From the starters (salami, veal with tuna sauce, vegetables with the famous breadsticks), continuing with the first courses: agnolotti (stuffed pasta with meat) served with braised cooking sauce or butter and sage, and tajarin, fresh pasta long, thin, topped with white truffle sauce or meat offal.

Second courses: meat (boiled, braised in Barolo accompanied by various sauces), cheese (robiole, tome) and the famous bagna caôda, the oil-based sauce, garlic and anchovies in which you dip raw or cooked vegetables . Great desserts made with chocolate as the bonèt, hazelnut cakes and Gianduja chocolate. All with great red wines (Barolo, Dolcetto, Barbera just to name a few), white wine(Arneis, Moscato) and sweet and dry sparkling wines. And finally liqueurs and digestives: Vermouth (wine mixed with herbs and spices) and grappa made by many grapes, especially that of Barolo.

Where to sleep in Turin

Turin will never leave you without a place to sleep because it’s full of accommodation facilities: hotels, B&Bs and hostels. The elegant and refined hotels or the prestigious historical houses, where you can transform your holiday in an unforgettable experience. The recent openings of great chains in Turin, as Holiday Inn and Best Western enriched the choice and the variety of solutions. The proposals go from luxury hotels with 5 stars to lower categories with two or three stars, all comfortable and settled in the city center

The hostels are very beautiful and really suitable for young people who don’t want to spend too much. The greatest part of hostels are in the centre of the city.

Cinque Terre Italian burgs itineraries sea and Islands

10 things to do and see in the Cinque Terre

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

The Cinque Terre (Five Lands) is a portion of the Ligurian cliffs along Italy’s western coast. It consists of five villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Monterosso and Vernazza. They are the most uncontaminated and charming part of the region . The Cinque Terre have been a natural reserve since 1997 and they are included on the UNESCO’s world heritage list.

The coast could appear hostile because of the rugged and steep cliffs, but it is rich of charming bays, beaches and panoramic paths. The hinterland is made of beautiful medieval villages, sanctuaries, workshops and typical dishes. We want to suggest you 10 things to see and do in this beautiful coastline, in order to have an unforgettable holiday.

If you are looking for a hotel in the Cinque Terre, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 150 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Riomaggiore - The Cinque Terre

The village of Riomaggiore rises between two steep cliffs. It looks like a nativity scene with all its little colored houses built in a vertical way. It’s suggestive to have a walk in these alleys, where lights and shadows create very particular effects.

The originality of Riomaggiore’s houses is due to the fact that each one has two entries: the front door on the alley and the back door on the upper street. The houses had this particular structure since 1500 to allow a fast escape in case of Saracen raids. In Riomaggiore starts the famous Via dell’Amore (Love Path): a paved path, dug into the rock, that ends in Manarola. The path is wonderful, you can walk into the wild and hear the sound of waves breaking on the rocks. Riomaggiore is a shy town, you’ll slowly discover the village, the Castello in Cerricò with its great sea view, and the church of San Giovanni Battista.

Manarola - The Cinque Terre

Manarola is a colorful painting and the reign of the olive trees. Its houses look like the natural prosecution of the narrow and long cliff. The name of this town probably comes from “Magna Rota”, literally “big wheel” of a water mill. In the lower city you can still see the old mill or oil mill, that was recently restored.

In the high part of the town there’s the church of San Lorenzo, built in 1338 in Gothic style, with three beautiful naves and baroque interiors. You can’t miss the Campanile Bianco, an ancient watchtower, the ancient San Rocco’s hospital and the Oratorio dei Disciplinati della Santissima Annunziata (oratory) dated back to 1400. The sea lovers definitely won’t be disappointed: going down into the beach direction you’ll find a lot of corner from which you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view.

Corniglia - The Cinque Terre

The ancient Roman village of Corniglia is placed on an impressive cliff about 100 meters high. It’s the only town in the Cinque Terre that can’t be reached by sea.

Therefore to reach Corniglia is necessary to climb the “Lardarina”, an exhausting brick stairway (the flight are 33 and the steps 377), or, if you prefer, you can follow the road that, from the station, leads to the village. The name of the town “Corniglia” comes from the name of a Latin farmer “Corneliu” who produced the white wine, already famous at Romans time. In the delightful village you could visit the Gothic church of San Pietro and the XVIII century square “Largo Taragio” with the Oratory of Santa Caterina. Corniglia is a precious jewel, made of alleys and little streets dug into the rock. It has also a beautiful beach called “Spiaggione” and a transparent and crystalline sea that you can’t miss.

Vernazza - The Cinque Terre

Vernazza is situated on an impressive cliff, nowadays is a calm seaside village but, in the past, it was the harbor of the boats in charge to protect the coasts from the Saracens.

The magical atmosphere of this village will seduce you: mysterious alleys, among the little red, yellow and pink houses in the summertime are crowded of tourists. Vernazza is considered one of the 100 most beautiful villages of Italy with its maritime vocation. We suggest you to reach this town by sea to see at once the beautiful harbor. You can visit also the church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia and the remains of the ancient fortress: the towers of the XI century and the Doria’s castle, the Monastery’s tower of Padri Riformati di San Francesco and the tower Belforte. The astonishing Sanctuary of Nostra Signora di Reggio isn’t easy to reach, you’ll have to walk through a wild road. Maybe it will be hard but it’s really worth it.

Monterosso - Cinque Terre

Monterosso al Mare is the place loved by Eugenio Montale: here the Italian writer, who won the Nobel prize in 1975, used to spend his summers.

Monterosso inspired some of its verses as: “Rocky stern town, asylum for fishermen and farmers.” This village maintains its maritime tradition and it still has signs of the past sea battles: the medieval tower that now is the bell tower of San Giovanni Church, the castle with its three round towers, and the Aurora tower, the only one survived of thirteen towers that protected the village. You can spend your time in the old town centre visiting the church of San Giovanni Battista, or you can stay in the modern Fegina with its beach . Moreover Monterosso’s beach is the biggest of the Cinque Terre.

The Via dell'Amore - The Love path - Cinque Terre

There are several natural paths in the Cinque Terre. One of the most famous in the world is the path that links Riomaggiore to Manarola.

The Via dell’Amore – Love Path – is part of the Blue Path that links all the villages of the Cinque Terre. In particular, this path of about 1 km is very charming, romantic, the easiest to pass through. It takes its name from the inscription that an anonymous resident wrote on a wall, at the beginning of the path on the side of Riomaggiore. He wrote that the path was the favorite place of lovers. So the municipalities decided to formalize the name, installing benches and works of art that evoke the theme of love. You have to pay to access to this path, but it’s always a crowded path. We suggest you to visit it in the early morning or in the evening.

The Sanctuaries path - Cinque Terre

Each town of the Cinque Terre has its own shrine suspended among the sea and the sky. These shrines form a kind of natural Via Crucis visited during sacred rites.

The main Sanctuaries of the Cinque Terre are five: Nostra Signora di Montenero in Riomaggiore, Nostra Signora delle Grazie in San Bernardino, in Corniglia, Nostra Signora della Salute in Manarola, Nostra Signora di Soviore, in Monterosso and Nostra Signora di Reggio, in Vernazza. The sanctuaries of Vernazza, Monterosso and Volastra are the most ancient ones, while the sanctuaries of Riomaggiore and Corniglia are the most recent ones. The street that brings in these places of worship it’s perfect for trekking lovers, with its tortuous streets, its beauty corners and its incredible panorama. From there, on a clear day, you can even see Corsica.

How to get to Cinque Terre

Reaching the Cinque Terre is quite simple in the summer, but a little less simple during winter: you can use boats, trains and buses to move from one village to another.

If you prefer the train, there are many routes on the line Pisa – Genova that allow you to reach all the towns of the Cinque Terre, but there are also several intercity trains with stops in Monterosso and Riomaggiore. Then there are some trains that leave from La Spezia and stop in all villages. Trains, especially in summer, are very frequent and they are quite cheap. If you prefer to enjoy the Cinque Terre by sea, during the spring and summer there are boats every day that leave from La Spezia, Porto Venere, Portofino and Lerici arriving in Monterosso, Riomaggiore, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. If you buy the Cinque Terre Card Battello you can enjoy not only the boats for travel, but you will also be able to access to all paths and the services offered by the Park. Even the buses are very useful to move among the many villages of the Cinque Terre and they are powered by natural gas. Bus schedules can vary from season to season and you have to request them at the reception centers of the towns of the Cinque Terre and La Spezia. If you can, you should avoid the car because parking in Cinque Terre is pretty much impossible.

Things to eat in Cinque Terre

The typical dishes of the Cinque Terre are very essential and simple. Cinque Terre main course is seafood: breams, anchovy, squids, anchovies, squid, sea bass, octopus and cuttlefish that you can it grilled, fried or roasted. They’re always delicious.

All the specialties are often enriched with aromatics herbs, such as: marjoram, oregano and thyme and olive oil. Cinque Terre’s important ingredients are vegetables too. For example you can eat a delicious minestrone soup prepared with Swiss chards, artichokes, cabbages, leeks and potatoes. We suggest you to drink the white wine, that is another typical product of the area, and at the end of your meal you should drink a glass of Sciachetrà, (it’s a wine “passito”, strong sweet wine made with raisins)

Where to sleep in Cinque Terre

It is not easy to find a place to sleep in the Cinque Terre. The big hotels don’t exist, there are mostly small hotels, apartments, guest houses and B&Bs.

You have to book in advance, of course, to find a place with the right price. In high season, ie during the spring and summer, if you don’t book in advance, you’ll find bad places with high prices

If you are looking for a hotel in the Cinque Terre, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 150 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Amalfi Coast Italian burgs itineraries sea and Islands

10 things to do and see in the Amalfi Coast

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

Breathless! The first time you visit the Amalfi Coast, you’ll be breathless.

The Amalfi Coast is famous for its natural landscapes: a wild and uncontaminated nature that welcomes many tourists throughout the year. A breathtaking landscape with centuries of art, history and culture. This part of the Campania region is included on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Amalfi is the nucleus of the Coast and around it there are a lot of little towns with theirs characteristics and traditions: Positano, Maiori, Ravello. These are just some names of the beautiful places you can visit and explore, diving yourself in a unique and unforgettable place.

If you are looking for a hotel in the Amalfi Coast, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 250 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Amalfi

Amalfi’s origins date back on Romans wars against barbaric populations. The legend tells that Hercules, son of Jupiter, created Amalfi as a present to a girl with beautiful blue eyes, the same colour of the sea. This city, thanks to the sea and its geographical position, had a great development with the maritime activity.

The glorious past and the beauty of the landscape made this city an important centre of attraction for tourists from all Europe. After a visit to the Cathedral you should have a walk in the alleys of the town where you can find interesting workshops and taste local gastronomy.

Ravello on the Amalfi Coast

The most famous travellers elected Ravello as “Spirit homeland”. Its landscapes, the quality of its monuments and villas charmed a lot of European artists who came here to find inspiration. The history of Ravello is directly linked to Amalfi’s one.

When Amalfi was one of the four powerful Maritime Republics, Ravello reached its splendour with commercial activities. It was devastated by some wars, but in XIX century, Ravello began its rise as a touristic place. Artists and intellectuals, from all over the world, used to choose this town and made it an exclusive tourist destination. Ravello has not only a fantastic landscape, we suggest you to visit : Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone and the Cathedral. All the little churches in the city deserve a visit too.

Vietri sul mare on the Amalfi Coast

Vietri sul mare is called the “first pearl” of the Amalfi Coast as well as the ceramic city. The tradition of the master ceramists is jealously kept and passed down to new generations. The masterpieces of this art can be admired in the Museum of ceramic of Villa Guariglia in Raito or in the Museum Cargaleiro.

The ceramic is very important for Vietri sul mare, and you’ll understand it while walking in the alleys of the city. On the external houses walls there are set beautiful tiles and the church of San Giovanni Battista has a fabulous majolica tiled dome.

If you want to bring home a piece of this ceramic art you’ll just have to choose in which workshop you want to stop

Where: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
How to get there: by feet
When Hours: The Ethno-anthropological museum is open to the public every day, except Monday, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 to 8:00 pm
Ticket: € 2,60

Positano on the Amalfi Coast

The Cathedral dedicated to Saint Nicola, with its austere stone façade, the crenelation and the huge bell tower that make it looks like a fortress, is situated in the charming Piazza del Duomo.

It was built around 1400 and it had several renovations, as you can see by the main portal of 1636 and the two side portals dating back to the XV century (the one on the left side) and XVI century (the one on the right side). The interior has a Latin cross with three naves and three apses. Six monolithic columns (three on each side), in pink marble surmounted by decorated capitals, support the central nave. The external façade is decorated by a small rose window and two single-light windows. In front of the Cathedral you can admire the XVII century baroque fountain built on circular terraces surrounded by four pretty fountains.

Atrani on the Amalfi Coast

Atrani has preserved its “fishing village appearance” during the centuries

It is the second smallest village of Italy. Its centre is the little square with the church of San Salvatore and the stone fountain. The square overlooks the sea and the houses are nestled in the mountain. On the top of the village you can enjoy the spectacular view of all the Amalfi Coast.

Atrani is an example of equilibrate tourist development. You can breathe a young atmosphere and the respect of the nature. This is the ideal place to spend some time far from the traffic noise and to enjoy a natural masterpiece.

Conca dei Marini on the Amalfi Coast

Conca dei Marini is another jewel of the Amalfi coast. It was the destination of many famous people and here you can admire the Grotta dello Smeraldo. This cave is a cove of the coast with the most spectacular colours of the nature. It seems to be made just to astonish the people who watch it.

Conca dei Marini has an interesting architectural patrimony too. The celebrated Convento di Santa Rosa where the famous “sfogliatelle” were invented, the church of Sant’Antonio da Padova, with its beautiful tiled dome and the Torre Costiera also called “The silent tower” because it was a cemetery

Furore on the Amalfi Coast

Furore is placed among mountains and it’s an hidden little town. This place is divided between the austerity of the stone and the fluidity of the water. On one side the fjord and on the other side the Tyrrhenian Sea. Furore has a crystalline sea and its houses seem to jump down the sea.

The name Terra Furoris (Furore means literally “fury”) comes probably from the noise caused by the waves crashing on the rocks and creep voraciously in the magnificent fjord.

The quiet streets of Furore will give you a dreamy atmosphere: rocks with vegetation, the sound of waves, the houses nestled into the mountain.

Maiori and Minori on the Amalfi Coast

Walking on the streets it’s possible to see all the principals monuments: the Collegiata of S. Maria a Mare or the castle of S. Nicola de Thoro-Plano. If you prefer the seaside you can swim in a deep-blue sea or visit the caves. Among the caves of Maiori the most known are the Grotta Sulfurea and the Grotta di Pandora. Don’t forget to taste the gastronomical specialities.

The main attraction of Minori is probably The Roman Maritime villa. It was built around the first century A.D. to accommodate a Roman nobleman and his family during the summer holidays. Among the colorful streets, the scent of citrus and the beautiful sea, you will experience moments of relax. We suggest you to visit also the Basilica of Santa Trofimena and the remains of the patron saint of the city. The remarkable artistic and cultural heritage, the beautiful scenery and gastronomic specialties attract many tourists . Among the two town there’s Erchie, one of the most beautiful beaches of the Amalfi Coast.

Cetara on the Amalfi Coast

Cetara is famous all around the world for the production of anchovies. Here you can find the beauty of the Amalfi Coast villages and an exceptional gastronomic tradition.

The anchovy Sauce is one of the specialties of Cetara’s gastronomy: the amber liquid comes out naturally from the process of salting anchovies and it’s a tasty dressing for pasta. Anchovies, in Cetara, are the protagonists of all the dishes: they are the starter, the second and the quick snack, along with “fishing boat” products or the most noble tuna. The village has two beautiful beaches, crystal clear water and small houses. You can visit it by feet but it is quite difficult to find parking during the high season.

Where to sleep in the Amalfi Coast

In the Amalfi Coast you can find hotels, apartments, B&Bs and small hotels . Some of the most beautiful hotels in the world are on this coast. It is difficult, howeve,r to find a place with a good price during holidays, spring and summer

We suggest you to book in advance in order to find 3 star hotel at 80 EUR per night. The real great difficulty are the parking lots, so if you travel by car you should check that the hotel has parking lots

If you are looking for a hotel in the Amalfi Coast, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 250 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

cities of art sea and Islands Taormina

10 things to do and see in Taormina

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

Taormina is one of the most famous resorts of Sicily thanks to its charming seaside location, its beautiful landscapes, and its historical, cultural and archaeological heritage. The beautiful Sicilian town has seduced poets and writers, has attracted famous travellers, has welcomed world-famous celebrities. Visitors come from all over the world in this “corner of paradise on the earth” (Goethe, Italian Journey 1787), to see its greek-roman theater, to take a walk through its medieval streets, to admire its breathtaking landscapes, to enjoy its excellent gastronomy, to relax on its wonderful beaches. Moreover, as said the French writer Guy de Maupassant, in Taormina “everythings seems to be created to seduce the eyes, the mind and the imagination.” Who have been in Taormina knows it’s true. On this page we suggest you 10 things to see and do in Taormina.

If you are looking for a hotel in Taormina, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 80 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Greek theatre in Taormina

The Greek Theater is the most famous monument of Taormina, and the second largest theatre of the island (after the one of Syracuse). It was built by the Greeks (III century BC) who chose the scenic promontory as spectacular setting for their dramatic and musical performances.

The theatre in the second century AD was modified by the Romans, who transformed the scene and the orchestra in an arena where took place the fight between gladiators and hunting shows

From the top of the large auditorium, made by the steps carved into the rock that follow the natural concavity of the hill, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Calabrian coast with Mount Etna in the background. Suspended between sea and sky, this wonderful architectural work with perfect acoustics, hosts since many years concerts and cultural events. The most important is the Taormina Arte, the International Festival of the Arts, known and appreciated for its full calendar of music, theatre, dance and cinema.

Where: Via del Teatro Greco
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: everyday 9 am – 7 pm
Tickets: Full € 8,00 – Reduced 4,00

Villa Comunale in Taormina

Villa Comunale is a lovely and peaceful oasis in the city center. It’s rich of floral and arboreal beauties.

The beautiful public gardens named after the Duke of Cesaró, were originally a private park created by lady Florence Trevelyan Cacciola, a Scottish noblewoman who lived in Taormina in 1884 who married the mayor. Built as a typical English garden, the park was filled with a great variety of flowers and plants from all over the world but also of singular buildings with exotic style used by Lady Florence for bird watching. The most characteristic building is the so called “The Beehives”, a pavilion that seems like, as the name implies, a beehive. Ideal for walking and enjoying the fresh, the Villa Comunale gardens also offer a wonderful view of Mount Etna and the coastline.

Where: Via Bagnoli Croce
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: Summer 9 am to 12 am
Winter 9 am – 8 pm
Tickets: Free entrance

Palazzo Corvaja in Taormina

Palazzo Corvaja is characterized by different architectural styles, which are a sign of the different dominations over the centuries. This palace is located in the center of Taormina, in the square that once was the ancient Roman forum and before the agora of the Greek Tauromenion .

The original nucleus of the palace was the cubic tower built by the Arabs for military purposes between 902 and 1079. Then it were added the left side wing and the staircase. During the early XV century was built the right side wing to house the assemblies of the Sicilian Parliament.

The battlements of the tower are Arabian style, the mullioned windows and the portal have Catalan-Gothic elements . The room where the Parliament used to meet, instead, has Norman style. It was the residence of the noble family of the Corvaja from 1538 to 1945, but later the Palace had a long period of decay and neglect. Restored thanks to the City will, the beautiful complex is now the seat of the Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno e Turismo and in the halls of the first floor it houses an interesting museum of arts and popular traditions of Sicily.

Where: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: The Ethno-anthropological museum is open to the public every day, except Monday, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 to 8:00 pm
Tickets: € 2,60

Cathedral of Taormina

The Cathedral dedicated to Saint Nicola, with its austere stone façade, the crenelation and the huge bell tower that make it looks like a fortress, is situated in the charming Piazza del Duomo.

Where: Piazza Duomo
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: everyday 9 am – 8 pm
Tickets: free entrance

Corso Umberto I in Taormina

Corso Umberto I is the main street of Taormina. This ancient road cross the old town centre and on the north side there is Porta Messina and on the south side Porta Catania.

In this street there are a lot of shops, fashion boutiques and gift shops, delis and cafés, and it’s a lively pedestrian street where each day will take a walk thousands of visitors from around the world . Besides being an elegant shopping street, the Corso is rich of architectural and artistic treasures from different eras. There are many picturesque streets that open up here and there on either side, in which you can, if necessary, “run away” from the crowd; there are three squares bordering the path (Piazza IX Aprile, Piazza Duomo and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele) in which to get lost among beautiful landscapes, medieval churches and ancient ruins.

Where: city centre
How to get there: by feet

Piazza IX Aprile in Taormina

Piazza IX Aprile is a panoramic terrace on the sea, a delicious meeting place, and the city centre. It’s the most famous square in Taormina with its many open-air cafés, its religious and historical buildings, and the tourists enchanted by the spectacular view of the bay and Mount Etna.

In the square you’ll admire the baroque church of St. Joseph (XVII century), the Gothic church of Sant’Agostino and the Clock Tower, or Porta di Mezzo. The tower was destroyed during the French invasion and rebuilt in 1679 and on that occasion the clock was placed on it. Originally the square was dedicated to St. Augustine, but on April 9, 1860 was spread the news that Garibaldi was just arrived in Marsala to set Sicily free from Bourbons. Even if the news was false (Garibaldi would have come just a month after) the citizens of Taormina still wanted to remember that date dedicating to it the most beautiful square.

Palazzo di Santo Stefano in Taormina

The palace of the Dukes of Santo Stefano (XIII century) is considered a masterpiece of Gothic – Sicilian style with a mixture of Arab and Norman elements.

The huge structure looks like a fortress and it was the residence of Spuches, a noble family of Spanish origin, the Dukes of Santo Stefano di Brifa and Galati. You can notice some arab elements such as the decorative diamond shape strip and the mullioned windows with arches. Norman elements can be noticed into the squared tower with crenellations. There is also a lovely garden that still has the well to collect rainwater. Purchased in the 60s by the city of Taormina, the Palace now houses the Mazzullo Foundation, with a permanent exhibition of the works of sculpture and graphic artist from Messina.

Where: Via del Ghetto I (close to Porta Catania)
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: 9.30 am 12.30 pm and 3 – 6 pm
Tickets: free entrance

Isola Bella in Taormina

Isola Bella is a large island with a rich vegetation and linked to the mainland by a thin strip of sand, which sometimes, with the sequence of the tides, can be covered by crystal-clear waters of the bay.

This island is located in the charming bay after the promontory of St. Andrew, at the south of Taormina. Nature reserve since 1998, the beautiful “Pearl of the Mediterranean”, celebrated by Goethe, Byron, Dillon and many others, is divided into small terraces connected by stairs and walkways in the Mediterranean vegetation and fascinating exotic shrubs. Donated by Ferdinand I of Bourbon to the city of Taormina in 1806, the island was declared in 1984 an asset of great historical and artistic interest.

How to get there: The beach of Isola Bella can be reached from Taormina with the cable – car : Taormina – Mazzaro
When – Hours: The island can be visited every day, except Monday, from 9am until one hour before sunset . Groups of 15 people at time
Tickets: € 4

Things to eat in Taormina

Taormina ‘s cuisine is made of contrasts of flavours and brave combinations because the several dominations rule also in the culinary arts.

In traditional dishes, characterized by intense flavour and spices, you can find Arab, Spanish, French and Norman influences. There are the famous rice balls, dishes made with cod, ‘mpanata di pesce spada (rustic pie stuffed). The fish is the star of the table: tuna, mackerel, anchovies but especially grilled swordfish seasoned with “sammurigghiu”, ie vinaigrette of olive oil, oregano, salt, garlic, pepper and lemon juice. Don’t forget the desserts: a triumph of sugar, cinnamon, honey, pistachios, almonds, ricotta cheese. Ingredients used in the preparation of delicious cannoli, the famous cassata, the marzipan fruits, the colourful marzipan sweets with fruit shapes. There are also excellent sorbets and granitas. Fruit, coffee, almond, the granita is still made by hand and it’s a Sicilian specialty. In summer, people use to have breakfast with granita ca panna e ca brioscia (granite with cream and brioche). We suggest you to have this sweet experience that will make your day!

Where to sleep in Taormina

The small Taormina is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world.

From every nation, every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists come to Sicily to visit the small pearl. Taormina has an excellent accommodation service: there are about 80 hotels, to which we have to add the accommodations in neighbouring areas. During high season (spring, summer and early autumn) it can be difficult to find a cheap room. We suggest you to book in advance. As for prices: the cost of room in a hotel or B&B with 3 stars in the city center starts from 45 EUR per night.

If you are looking for a hotel in Taormina, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 80 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

capitals Tallinn

10 things to do and see in Tallinn

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

Imagine a city with a medieval village, the red roofs and the old fortified walls, palaces, narrow streets with craft shops, some big basilica, a castle. This is Tallinn, capital of Estonia, touristic, open and relaxed destination. It’s small (you can visit it in a few hours) but it has many things to see, that’s why is the ideal destination for a different weekend.

Enjoy the Old City starting from the Town Hall Square, the must see of any visit in Tallinn. Discover the history of the city through the Vene and Pikk Tänav streets, with the palaces of the ancient guilds and St. Catherine’s Passage, extraordinary work. You can stop to meditate a few minutes in the three churches in the city: the Holy Spirit, S.Olav and Orthodox Cathedral. If you get hungry, you can test the Estonian cuisine with its meat dishes, sauerkraut and potatoes.

And if in a few hours you have seen everything, you can start again or admire the clear and frozen waters of the Baltic Sea. This scenery will give you the chance to reconcile yourself with nature.

In this page we show you the 10 things to do and see during a visit in Tallinn.

If you are looking for a hotel in Tallin, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 1600 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Tallinn Town Hall

The Tallinn Town Hall (Raedoka) with the square Raekoja Plats is the heart of the Old Town of the Estonian capital.

It’s not only the oldest civil building in Tallinn but also the only one in Gothic style in the whole Northern Europe. Built in 1248, the octagonal tower was added in 1627, on the top of which is proudly shown Vana Toomas (Old Thomas), guardian of the City Hall and the city. Today, the Tallinn Town Hall plays no political-administrative role but hosts events, ceremonies and a museum which tells the story of the city.

Where: Raekoja Plats
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: City Hall: from July 1 to August 31, from 10 am to 4 pm . Sundays excluded. Closed on 14/07 and 24/08.
Ttower: from May 1 to September 15, daily from 11 am to 6 pm . Closed on 23 and 24/06
Tickets own Hall: € 4 ; Tower: € 3 . Free entrance with Tallinn Card

The Old Town in Tallinn

From 1200 to 1500 Tallinn was a thriving commercial center and the proof in in its Old City. Churches, palaces, the brotherhoods locations, street names, are the same of the past. It’s a must see the Town hall, the most beautiful and important building in Tallinn located in the square

Nearby there’s the Church of the Holy Spirit (Pühavaimu kirik) of the XIV century with an octagonal tower which houses a bell of the 1433, the oldest one in Estonia. Don’t miss, inside, the triptych altar by Bernt Notke. The Old Town is surrounded by almost 2 km of walls with 16 of the 46 towers that defended the city. Today many of these have been transformed into hotels, cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a beautiful view over the rooftops of the capital.

The Kadriorg in Tallinn

The Zar “Peter the Great” loved his wife Catherine so much and he gave her the Kadriorg (“Valley of Catherine” in Estonian), a magnificent park with a building just outside the Old Town of Tallinn. His wife used to spend her summer in the elegant red and white residence, inspired by the Italian villas of the ‘700, after Estonia’s conquest by the Russians.

During the centuries it had different function, it was also closed and renovated several times, but nowadays the Kadriorg houses two museums: that of Foreign Art (Italian paintings, Russians, Germans, Dutch and Flemish) and KUMU, National Art Museum, which houses the largest collection of Estonian art of the country.

The visit of the museums allows you to go through the magnificent rooms of the palace such as the Great Hall with the ceiling decorated entirely around the theme of Ovid’s Metamorphoses.

Where: A. Weizenbergi
How to get there: by feet in the old town
When – Hours: From May to September: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm ; Wednesday 10: 00 am -8: 00 pm . From October to April: Wed 10: 00 am -8: 00 pm ; Thu-Sun 10:00 am -5:00 pm
Tickets: adults € 4.50; reduced € 2.50. Mikkel Museum: adults € 2.50; reduced € 1.50.
Kadriorg Palace + Mikkel Museum: adults € 4.80; reduced € 2.90. Free entrance with Tallinn Card

The Basilica of St. Nicholas in Tallinn

Not far from the Old Town Square there’s one of the oldest places of worship in Tallinn, the Basilica dedicated to St. Nicholas of Bari. Nowadays the church in Orthodox style is known much more as a museum of religious art and an auditorium with perfect acoustics where you can enjoy concerts of classical music.

Inside the museum don’t miss the main altarpiece (XV century) by the Lübeck master, the late Gothic altarpiece dedicated to St Mary, and, above all, the “Danse Macabre” by Bernt Notke: one of the masterpieces of Estonia’s art, even though you might not like to see some skeletons dancing with the Pope, the Emperor King, the Bishop and a young woman!

Where: Niguliste
How to get there: by feet in the old town
When – Hours: From Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Tickets: Adults € 3.50; children € 2.00. Free entrance with Tallinn Card

The Orthodox Church in Tallinn

This church is definitely one thing to see during your visit in Tallin, but you have to know that the inhabitants of the Estonian capital don’t like this cathedral dedicated to St. Alexander Nevsky Yaroslav.

From the top of Toompea Hill ,this church overlooks Tallinn, and that was the will of the Russian : a church close to the statue of Martin Luther. There were many symbolic reasons to place it: it meant that the Russian Orthodox Church was more powerful than the Lutheran one; that the Russians had conquered Estonia and controlled them from the above. So this beautiful Orthodox Cathedral is deeply hated for many reasons, and for years the residents of Tallinn have asked (in vain) to demolish it. If you are lucky to go there just before a Mass, you can hear the 11 bells ringing together in a perfect way.

Where: of Toompea Hill
How to get there: by feet from the old town or by public transport
When – Hours: everyday 8 am – 7 pm
Tickets: free entrance

Vene and Pikk Tänav street in Tallinn

Tallinn has a small historic center and you’ll pass throught the two most famous streets of the capital more than one time : the Pikk Tänav and Vene. In the Pikk Tänav street there are the buildings that housed the guilds, corporations of merchants citizens.

Don’t miss the big Guild (No. 17) and that of St. Olaf (No. 24), the oldest in the city, and the Renaissance building of the House of Blackheads, which takes its name from its patron San Maurizio, who converted to Christianity and for this was persecuted. At number 71 there is the most beautiful building, a Gothic complex known as the Three Sisters. You should visit the St. Olav’s Church too , at the crossroad with the Lai. The other most famous street is the street Vene, with the passage of St Catherine, a small street with arcades with ancient buildings and craft shops.

The Toompea Hill in Tallinn

If you want to enjoy a beautiful view of the rooftops in Tallinn you have to a climb towards the hill of Toompea, Estonia’s mythical place. According to legend it was built stone by stone by princess Linda to bury his heroic commander Kalev. You can get there in two ways: the Jalg Pikk (Long Leg), a ramp protected by walls and defended by a fortified gate or the stone stairs of Luhike Jalg (Short Leg).

Once on top you can visit the remains of the Castle, the Orthodox Cathedral Alexander Nevsky and Toomkirik, the oldest church in Estonia which gives its name to the hill. It has always been the political center of the Baltic country, and today the hill houses the Parliament building and the government.

Defensive Towers in Tallinn

The names will seem strange to you, but as always, everything has an explanation. The defensive walls (almost intact) were built to defend Tallinn during the centuries more dangerous than ours.

Nowadays there are just twenty towers, almost all used as restaurants, hotels, and museums. The two most famous are “the Fat Margaret” (Paks Margareeta) and “Peek in the Kitchen” (Kiek in de kök).

The first is named after the squat shape due to the thickness of the walls of almost 5 meters. The second is called in this way for its height that allowed the guards to peek into the homes of the people. A place of honor has also “Pikk Hermann”, which from the top of Toompea Hill has the task and the honor to wave the Estonian flag.

Things to eat in Tallin

We have to be honest: from an aesthetic point of view, the Estonian cuisine may not be very inviting. Normally it’s difficult to identify at first what you have on the table, so before you choose it, you’d better to know what you are ordering.

On the menu you will find almost always these words:

Marineeritud angerjas: marinated eel in pieces

Keel hernestega: ox tongue

Sült: Boiled pork gelatin. For pigs they means bones, legs and head.

Verivorst: black pudding sausage and berry jam

Mulgikapsad: sauerkraut stew and pork served with boiled potatoes.

Silgusoust: sprat (fish) of the Baltic with bacon.

Karask: sweet with barley bread.

Kali: Estonia coke non alcoholic.

Vana Tallinn liqueur that local put it everywhere with the excuse that it’s cold.

After that, head isu! that is, Bon appetit as the Estonians use to say.

Where to sleep in Tallinn

Tallinn offers a good choice of hotels in all categories even if it’s a small capital

Prices start from 60 Euros for a double room in a 2 or 3 star hotel, but if you choose well you could find great opportunities for the hotel in the center at the same price. Our advice is to choose a hotel in the Old Town, so you can move by feet and without using bus or taxi.

cities of art itineraries sea and Islands Sorrento

10 things to do and see in Sorrento

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

Sorrento is the most famous coastal town of Sorrento Coast and is located on a tuff terrace overlooking the Gulf of Naples. This city attracts many tourists with its breathtaking views, the landscapes, the sea, the charming old town, an interesting historical and religious architecture, the ancient tradition of marquetry and laces.

Celebrated by poets, songs and paintings, the beautiful land of the sirens is famous around the world and is the favorite destination of international tourism. Sorrento, hospitable and cheerful, welcomes visitors looking for sun, history, art, culture and entertainment. There are many churches and historic buildings, amazing sights, alleys with small shops and craft shops. There are many restaurants and cafés where you can spend your free time, festivals and cultural events for your evenings and, of course, many beach resorts where you can relax under the sun. Discover with us the 10 things to see and do absolutely during your tour in Sorrento.

If you are looking for a hotel in Sorrento, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 120 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Valley of the Mills in Sorrento

It’s a place of great suggestion, the deep cleft in the rock dates back to about 35,000 years ago.

The valley was made by the most violent eruption in the history of the Campi Flegrei and some following erosions by water that progressively carved the tuff base. This valley is one of the best preserved in the Peninsula (there are other four), although today, unfortunately, you can see just the central part Piazza Tasso to Villa La Rupe and from there to the Porta degli Anastasi. The Valley owes its name to the presence of a mill, whose ruins are still visible, used until the early ‘900 to grind grain. The construction of Piazza Tasso (1866) marked the end of the valley activities. Thanks to its special microclimate there is a luxuriant vegetation

Correale Museum in Sorrento

“The most beautiful provincial museum of Italy”, it was called in this way the Correale Museum with its interesting collection of minor arts of the XVII and XVIII century.

The museum is located in the ancient residence of Correale family, the Terranova’s counts, with the family collections of paintings and decorative art. Opened in 1924, the museum is divided into 24 rooms with Greek, Roman and medieval artifacts. You can find also furnitures of XVII and XVIII, porcelain and ceramics of Capodimonte and other manufactures. Don’t miss the beautiful collection of furnitures and local crafts, the nucleus of the Neapolitan and foreign paintings (XVII-XVIII century) and those of the landscape architects of the so-called “School of Posillipo” (Giacinto Gigante, Anton Plitoo, Teodoro Duclère ).

Where: Via Correale, 50
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours:
From 1/ 04 to 31/10: from Tuesday to saturday 9:30 am to 6:30 pm; Sunday and holidays 9:30 am – 1. 30 pm ; Monday closed.
From 1/11 to 31/03: from Tuesday to saturday 9:30 to 1:30 pm; Sunday and holidays 9:30 am – 1.30 pm Monday closed.
Tickets: € 7

Church of St. Francesco in Sorrento

A few meters from the Villa Comunale, there is the complex of St. Francesco of Assisi formed by the church, the cloister and the monastery. In the XIV century the Franciscans erected, on the site of the ancient oratory founded by St. Anthonino, a church later modified in Baroque style.

Completely rebuilt in the early XVIII century, it preserves the architecture of that era except for the white marble façade dating back to 1926, and the inlaid door of the XVI century. The interior has a single nave with rich stucco decorations, a wooden statue of St. Francesco and, on the high altar, the painting of St Francesco receiving the stigmata (1735) by Antonio Gamba, a pupil of Solimena. Near the church there is the Benedictine monastery founded in the XIV century. Don’t miss the cloister with its arched structure, harmonious fusion of different styles due to the restoration of the various eras, with picturesque placement of plants and flowers. Besides its beauty, the cloister is famous for hosting art shows, exhibitions and musical events of Sorrento’s summer.

Where: Piazza Francesco Saverio Gargiulo
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: everyday 8 am – 1 pm and 2 -8 pm

Piazza Tasso in Sorrento

Crossed by Corso Italia, Piazza Tasso is the main square of Sorrento, the heart of city life, the emblem of a tourist reality of international fame.

Originally, the square was called Largo del Castello under the castle built by Ferdinand of Aragon in the XV century. In the XIX century the urban transformation marked the disappearance of the castle, the ancient city wall and the ancient Porta del Piano. Named after the most famous citizen of Sorrento,Torquato Tasso, the square is adorned by the statue of St. Antonino Abate, saint patron of the city. Among the buildings surrounding the square, you can admire the Correale house with a beautiful tiled courtyard , the Carmelite church of Santa Maria with its rich baroque façade and the elegant Grand Hotel Vittoria , famous for having hosted in 1921 the great Enrico Caruso.

Basilica of St. Antonino in Sorrento

Sant’Antonino is “Patron, Lawyer and Father” of Sorrento and the peninsula. To the saint who protects the city from disasters, epidemics and to whom are attributed many miracles, is dedicated the church in the square.

Probably built around the year one thousand, in the following centuries the church has been restored many times. At the entrance of the basilica two cetacean bones recall the most famous miracle performed by St. Antonino, which is to have saved a child who was swallowed by a whale. The interior has three naves divided by twelve columns (6 per side), partly from the Roman villas. The ceiling of the nave is decorated with three paintings by Giambattista Lama (1734). At the center of the crypt there is the altar with the statue of St. Antonino. Under the altar are preserved the remains of the saint patron; on the walls there is a rich collection of votive offerings, a gift of the sailors who survived shipwrecks, and paintings of miraculous rescues.

Where: Piazza St. Antonino
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: every day from 7 am to 7.30 pm

Cathedral of Sorrento

Rebuilt in the XV century in Romanesque style on an old place of worship, the cathedral dedicated to Saints Filippo and Giacomo had several restorations that changed the entire look, until the reconstruction of the façade in 1924.

The only original element is the portal marble side (1479) showing in the architrave the coat of arms of Sixtus IV, of the house of Aragon, and of Archbishop De Angelis. The Latin cross interior with three aisles, has decorated ceilings with baroque paintings by Oronzo and Nicola Malinconio and Giacomo del Po, and preserves works of great value. In the first chapel there’s a marble relief of the Redeemer of 1522 framed by twelve tiles of XIV century. In the central nave you can admire the archbishop’s throne and a pulpit adorned with a “Madonna with Child and the two San Giovanni” by Silvestro Buono (1580), both of XVI century; in the presbytery, the wooden choir is a remarkable example of the Sorrento inlay of the early XX century. Moreover in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, there is a fine wooden crucifix of ‘400 overlooking the altar with cherubs by Domenico Antonio Vaccaro. A few meters from the Duomo, on Corso Italia, there’s the red bell of five floors. The basement and the first three floors date back probably to the XI century, the upper part with the ceramic clock instead, was made in the XVIII century.

Where: Corso Italia – Largo Arcivescovado
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: Monday – Sunday 8 am 12 pm and 4 – 8 pm

Sedile Dominova in Sorrento

Built in the XIV century as Domus Novae (hence Dominova), the small square building in the historic center of Sorrento, is the only evidence in Campania of the ancient aristocratic seats, a medieval institution responsible for the administration of res publica (public affairs).

The Dominova seat , reflecting an architecture of Renaissance style, looks like an arched loggia enclosed on two sides by balustrades while scenic frescoes decorate the walls of other two. Inside you can admire some frescoes, one of which reproduces the emblem of Sorrento surrounded by angels. The loggia is surmounted by a XVII century dome with green and yellow tiles. In the vault of the dome are depicted the heraldic emblems of the noble families that were part of the seat. The room next to the loggia, used by the noble families of the time for private meetings, is headquarters of the Workers Society for Mutual Aid since 1895.

Marina Grande and Marina Piccola in Sorrento

Marina Grande is a picturesque fishing village with colorful houses, boats and nets on the shore.

The village, made famous by the film with Sophia Loren and Vittorio De Sica “Bread, Love, and …”, offers typical cafés, restaurants and beach clubs. On July the 26^th is celebrated St. Anna, the patron of the village, to whom the church is dedicated.

Marina Piccola is the harbor of Sorrento, an important landing place for ferries and hydrofoils, located not far from Piazza Tasso. The port, located in a beautiful cove, was once called Marina di Capo Cervo from the promontory that dominates it. Beside the harbor there are the beach resorts that often, because of the small size of the beach, are made on stilts over the water.

Things to eat in Sorrento

In Sorrento the cuisine is a kind of art. The Sorrento gastronomy has an ancient tradition inspired by the quality of its ingredients

Natural ingredients, local products (olive oil, wine, vegetables, nuts, cheese, lemon) and varieties of food are at the base of the most popular specialties of Sorrento cuisine. Among the most famous dishes, you can’t miss the legendary “gnocchi alla sorrentina” with tomato, basil and fiordilatte cheese, cannelloni with ricotta, the boiled lobster or cooked in tomato, parmigiana, fried shrimps with a light breading. Simple dishes but with a great taste. Last but not least, the local bakery, which is enriched by the scent of citrus: lemon sorbet, delizia al limone (cake covered and filled with a soft lemon cream), baba with the taste of limoncello. It’s excellent also hot ice cream (the local semifreddo), zeppole (fried puffs filled with cream), the sfogliatella and the “follovielli”, dumplings stuffed with raisins cooked in a wood oven. To aid digestion, there’s nothing better than a good limoncello liqueur, served cold in small glasses.

Where to sleep in Sorrento

Since almost two centuries Sorrento is tourist destination of nobles, artists and ordinary people, so it has a wide tourist accommodation and good prices for all budgets.

There are many hotels and guest houses, and a large number of B&Bs in the old town centre. Sorrento is small so is not necessary to use the car to move. The town is a destination for international tourists all year, and during high season (Easter, Christmas, long weekends and summer holidays), it’s not easy to find a place at a good price. A good alternative are hotels and, B&Bs along the Amalfi Coast. In all cases we recommend to book a little bit in advance.

itineraries sea and Islands Sorrento Coast

10 Things to do and see in Sorrento Coast

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

It’s so easy to fall in love with the panorama of Sorrento coast. The irregular and indented coastline seems to protect the little coloured houses and the streets of the internal areas. Sorrento coast will welcome you as a real Eden. The scent of lemons, the fragrances of flowers and fruits and little towns on this coast are the real richness of this part of Campania.

The best painters tried to reproduce the colours of this beautiful place, which is going to charm you too, during the summer and the winter. Every year in Sorrento and its surroundings there is an overcrowding of tourists in hotels, streets and bars. It’s enough to choose the best period to visit the most beautiful places of the Sorrento Coast: Sorrento, Massa Lubrense, Vico Equense, Sant’Agata sui due Golfi .

Spring is the best period for an holiday, when the sun becomes warmer and the flowers begin to bloom. We suggest you 10 places to visit in the Sorrento Coast, that will make you want to come here again and again.

If you are looking for a hotel in Sorrento Coast, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 120 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Sorrento

Sorrento is the pearl of the Sorrento Coast and it has all that nature can offers: green hills filled of scented flowers near a stupendous sea. That’s the reason why many famous writers, painters and artists like Goethe, Dickens, Nietzsche and D’Annunzio, chose Sorrento as destination for their holidays.

The Vesuvius seems to protect and to watch over the beauty of this town and its monuments: the Cathedral, the Basilica of San Francesco and the Sedile Dominova. The fulcrum of Sorrento is Piazza Tasso, dedicated to the writer who was born in this area. Near the square there’s the Villa Comunale, often subject of the postcards, from which you can admire a breathtaking view.

Massa Lubrense on Sorrento Coast

The first name of this town was Sirenusion. Why? Because an old legend tells that it was the town where lived the mermaids (sirene in Italian) that charmed Ulysses with their sweet singing. The geographical position influenced its history: the sea helped the development of the town but it was exposed to the incursions of the enemies too. That’s why Massa Lubrense has on its coast a series of sighting towers that are still there and has a very particular charm. At the sunset, when the streets and the houses of Massa Lubrense become red, you should give a look to the sea and you could see a mermaid vanishing into the water, because in this city reality and fantasy are often mixed together.

Sant'Agata sui due Golfi on Sorrento Coast

The name of this town comes from its particular geographical position, among the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno (the name of the town translated is: “Sant’Agata on two gulfs”). The name comes also from the little church of Sant’Agata (a Saint original of Catania, in Sicily). The particular catholic vocation of this town is evident in two places, both deserving a visit: the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, which is still the centre of all the social and cultural activities of the town, and the Monastery, built on the hill called “Deserto”, which offers a wonderful view. In Sant’Agata you can have a walk in the streets, among the shop windows and the seaside, and when you’ll be tired you can sit in a restaurant and taste the “caprese salad” (a salad made with tomatoes, basil and mozzarella) prepared with the typical and delicious tomatoes produced in this zone. We suggest you to stop in the famous restaurant “Don Alfonso”: antique furniture, chandeliers made of Murano glass, hand-painted majolica and, of course, delicious dishes. Just one tip: if you want to eat at Don Alfonso’s is better to reserve a table, the biggest part of tourist want to taste his famous cuisine. So we suggest you to call before you go.

Vico Equense on Sorrento Coast

The bends that characterized the Sorrento Coast seems to take a pause in Vico Equense, where they are sweeter and less stressing. In the past Vico Equense was the point where Roman, Greek and Italic populations had commercial exchanges.

The old town centre maintains its appearances of medieval village. Walking through the streets of Vico Equense means to walk into history, in an open museum, where you could notice the historical evolution of the town. In the old town you can admire the Cattedrale dell’ Annunziata, the unique example of Gothic architecture in all the Sorrento Coast. Moving a little from there, you can visit the Mountain Faito of the Lattai’s chain. If you leave the centre you’ll have a walk among the Casali (rustic farmhouses). They are organized as little towns and each one has its Saint Patron. During the week-end Vico Equense is full of people coming from the surroundings, the reason of such crowd of people is the restaurant “da Giggino”, famous for its pizza!

Punta Campanella on Sorrento Coast

Punta Campanella is so beautiful and uncontaminated that in 1997 has been declared a protected area, in order to preserve its characteristics. The name Punta Campanella (Literally: “Little bell point”) comes from an ancient structure on the top of the highest area of the territory. It was a tower used as alarm when the enemies boats were sighted. The best way to discover Punta Campanella is to have a walk at the sunset and with the fresh air. Took the street that from Nerano goes to Marina del Cantone: you’ll suddenly see the islands of “Li galli” and the Cantone beach.

Walking through the mediterranea maquis you’ll find on one side the view of Punta Campanella, on the other side Punta Penna and at the centre the view of Capri with its Faraglioni. But this isn’t the only way to arrive in Punta Campanella: you can start from Termini and walk through the Monte San Costanzo. Before you arrive to the tower of Punta Campanella and to the lighthouse, you’ll pass through paths completely surrounded by nature. If you continue walking you’ll see the Leranto Bay, a paradise beach with crystalline water. After 40 minutes of walking maybe you’ll be a little tired but, we’re sure, you’ll you reach the old temple dedicated to Athena-Minerva that has a surprising beauty.

Marina di Equa on Sorrento Coast

Marina di Equa also known as Marina di Seiano, is a pretty fishing village. The tower of Capo Rivo in the past protected the town from the enemies and nowadays it watches over the little seaport. Nearby the seaport there’s a stones beach known as “spiaggia delle calcare” that deserves to be visited for its particular structure. The very protagonist of the village is the Church of Sant’Antonio, that can be found in the principal square: every 13th June (in the Catholic calendar this is the day dedicated to this Saint) all the fishermen bring the statue of Sant’ Antonio in the sea and they made a procession on the boats. Marina di Equa is the ideal destination for people who love the sea and nature and for people who love good food too: there’s a lot of little restaurants where you can eat seafood and pizza.

Things to buy on the Sorrento Coast

You’ll feel like a child in a candy shop looking at all the shops you can find here. But take it easy because actually the prices are not cheap. The objects, the dresses and the handicraft has an excellent quality but they are expensive.

In Sorrento you can have a walk in Corso Italia where you can find a lot of fashion shop selling unique “pieces”. The little towns are full of workshops and bazaars where you can find a lot of particular and typical things. You can also take a look at the gastronomical shops where you find all kinds of citrus fruits, lemons and tangerines too, wines and liquors. During your shopping don’t forget to taste the handmade ice cream, that in this part of the Campania is delicious, and will help you during the hot hours of the day.

Going out on the Sorrento Coast

Maiori is another characteristic village of the Amalfi Coast even if there are many doubts about its origins. It has the longest beach of this part of the peninsula and you have the chance to dive yourself into its natural beauties, religious and gastronomy paths. Walking on the streets it’s possible to see all the principals monuments: the Collegiata of S. Maria a Mare or the castle of S. Nicola de Thoro-Plano. If you prefer the seaside you can swim in a deep-blue sea or visit the caves. Among the caves of Maiori the most known are the Grotta Sulfurea and the Grotta di Pandora. Don’t forget to taste the gastronomical specialties.

Things to eat in Sorrento Coast

The ingredients are very simple and genuine, that’s the strong point of the Sorrento Coast food. Basil, mozzarella, oil and tomatoes give life to delicious recipes such as: gnocchi alla sorrentina or cannelloni ripieni but also simple second courses as caprese (little fresh pieces of tomatoes with mozzarella). At this point who cares of etiquette? Put away the good manners and try the “scarpetta” (in Italy is the habit to dip slices of bread in the sauce in the plate) with the tasty bread. You can continue with a delicious babà, a bigné or the sciù which are filled with lemon cream. Or, if you prefer, you can taste the Delizia al limone (sponge cake filled with lemon flavoured cream and whipped cream). After all this delights maybe you’ll feel like you’re in a food coma, so you can have a limoncello (lemon liqueur) or a nocillo (nut liqueur), that will help you to digest.

Where to sleep in Sorrento Coast

The Sorrento Coast is full of tourist facilities so you can choose where to sleep: hotels and B&Bs are always ready to host you in every period of the year. In summertime prices are very expensive so we suggest you to book in advance or to take a last minute. It’s even better, if you can, to change period and planning a visit in Spring when the weather is warm, the prices cheaper and the Coast isn’t crowded as in Summer.

In Sorrento, the most chosen destination, prices in one to three stars hotels can be from 60 € to 140 €, while in a five-stars hotels can arrive to 345 € a night. The less known Massa Lubrense is cheaper, a three-stars hotel can cost you 90 € and a four-stars 240 €. Sant’Agata sui due golfi is affordable too with rooms that go from 70 € to 240 € a night. If you prefer to choose a B&Bs prices are even cheaper (everywhere), because the prices are from 44 € to 140 €

If you are looking for a hotel in Sorrento Coast, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 120 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

cities of art Italian burgs itineraries Siena Surroundings

10 things to do and see in Siena Surroundings

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

Among Siena’s hills you’ll see little medieval villages as an unexpected vision. A sequence of intact jewels of art and architecture. San Gimignano, Pienza, Montepulciano, Bagno Vignoni, Montalcino, Monteriggioni, San Galgano and more. Each village will be for you the most beautiful and perfect village ever seen. A trip in Siena surroundings is the ideal travel for people who love to drive gently, without traffic, enjoying the landscape. Also because you’ll need all your car boot to bring home all the gastronomical souvenirs that this beautiful part of Italy offers: Pienza’s pecorino (ripe cheese), the Nobile of Montepulciano, the Brunello di Montalcino, oil and boar ham, sausages and salami. Every village has something to offer even if it’s often the landscape the real protagonist of this charming places. So, come with us discovering 10 villages in Siena surroundings you can’t miss

If you are looking for a hotel in Siena Surroundings, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 500 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

San Gimignano, Siena surroundings

The 15 towers of San Gimignano look like a mirage in Siena countryside. They appear in the landscape offering the same view that could had a medieval traveller, with one difference, in the Middle age the towers were 72.

You can enter in the town passing through one of the two doors and you go back immediately in a Medieval atmosphere, in spite of all the tourist that walk into the village. One main road goes up to of the square of San Gimignano and then go back down, where the ancient medieval workshops has been replaced by the more modern souvenirs shops. That’s the tribute we have to pay to the modernity… but at the same time you can enjoy the wonderful frescoes of the Cathedral and of St Agostino Church, the civic museum of the town hall. An interesting break would be the Medieval torture museum in order to discover the human ability to invent pain and death methods.

Pienza, Siena surroundings

The Pope Pius II asked to Leon Battista Alberti to transform an ancient village called Corsignano into the current town.

Pienza was built in three years, it’s an example of beauty and harmony and it’s symbol of the will of Pius II to build a different and more beautiful town of Siena, from which he and his family were chased away. As in the greatest part of this kind of medieval villages the town has one big principal street (Corso Rossellino) that cross all the town and arrives in the big square. In Pienza there’s Piazza Pio II with its particular trapezoidal shape and the characteristic herringbone pavement. In this square you can visit also the Cathedral, Piccolomini’s Palace and the Town Hall, at the centre there’s a well. The three monuments deserve a visit and all along the street you’ll be tempted by all the typical products, such as the pecorino of Pienza.

Monteriggioni, Siena surroundings

The best way to have a prefect view of Monteriggioni is a walk on its old medieval walls. You can see them while arriving in town.

Nothing has changed from to the past to nowadays, they are the same walls that impressed Dante, who mentioned Monteriggioni in the “Divine Comedy” in the Canto XXXI of the Hell, when he wrote: “As with circling round Of turrets, Montereggion crowns his walls” . He used the majesty of this town to describe the huge giants Nebrotto, Fialte e Anteo into the abyss of Malebolge.

The 14 towers built to protect the city are still intact. Today this town welcomes tourists, artists and writers, who are attracted by the quiet atmosphere in Piazza Roma (the principal square of the village) where you can visit the church Santa Maria della Pieve and where you can find a lot of typical restaurants.

Montepulciano, Siena surroundings

Montepulciano repeats the scenography of all the others small town of Siena surroundings: you enter from the principal door of the city and begin a time travel between Middle age and Renaissance which ends at the top of the village in Piazza Grande.

The square is the heart of Montepulciano where tourists and poliziani (this is the name of Montepulciano’s people) meet each others. You can find beautiful buildings: the Town hall, which is dated around 1300 and reminds in its forms the Palazzo della Signoria in Florence; the Contucci Palace and the Nobili-Tarugi covered with travertine. The nearby Palace is Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and in front of this one there’s the well dè Grifi e dei Leoni with its beautiful Renaissance design. In the Cathedral you can admire the triptych which represent the Assumption painted by Taddeo di Bartolo and the Virgin with the Baby painted by Sano di Pietro. There are many streets with aristocratic buildings and workshops that sells typical wines such as the noble of Montepulciano and local gastronomic products.

San Galgano Abbey, in Siena

The San Galgano Abbey will leave you breathless. Try to imagine a Basilica with Latin cross plan, three naves, 72 meters in length and 21 meters wide, with the intact external walls but…without roof.

During the centuries this Abbey lost its cover. It was built in 1218 and during the XIV century it reached its splendour thanks to the immunity and the royal privilege. After the richness came the decadence, and the Abbey was abandoned, even if it remained majestic. Near the Abbey, on the hill of Montesiepi, there’s the sword stuck in the stone by Galgano Guidotti. He was violent and arrogant nobleman who had a suddenly religious conversion and left his sword there as a symbolic renounce to the violence . There are a lot of analogies between San Galgano and Gawain, one of King Arthur’s knights. Maybe San Galgano was one of the knights… and maybe this is the famous sword in the stone…

Bagno Vignoni, Siena surrondings

Bagno Vignoni has one of the most charming squares of the world: which other city of the world has a square filled of thermal water that flows at the temperature of 52°C? The town developed around the big pool filled with hot water.

The village is quite small, you can visit it in few minutes and then dedicate yourself to the favorite activity of the tourists that go to Bagno Vignoni: put hands and feet in the streams of hot water that start from the square and cross all the town. Those little rivers used to fuel the mills of Bagno Vignoni (today the mills has been renovated and they can be visited) but today they are the best way to relax after visiting all the villages of Siena surroundings. At the end of the town there’s a thermal pool in which you can have a bath like Lorenzo the Magnificent and Santa Caterina da Siena used to do, the loggia on the square, in fact, is dedicated to Santa Caterina.

Colle Val D'Elsa, Siena surroundings

Montalcino is placed on the top of the hill where it dominates, with its beautiful XII century fortress, the Asso and Ombrone valleys below.

In its history there have been struggle periods and peace times, but the fortune of this town is due to the area where it rise, a prestigious zone of the grapevine cultivation. Therefore thanks to its wines like the Rosso of Montalcino, the Sant’Antimo and the celebrated Brunello of Montalcino, this town is famous all over the world.

The village is still surrounded by the walls of the XIII century and walking through its streets you can admire, among its workshops and little cafés, the town hall and the bishop palace. It’s the seat of Montalcino’s museums where you can see important works of Siena’s artists from the XII to the XIX century. There are also the churches of Sant’Agostino, Sant’Egidio and San Fracesco. If you move a little outside the town there’s Castelnuovo dell’Abbate where you can find the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, with its magical atmosphere, this abbey was founded by Charlemagne in 781.

Montalcino, Siena surroundings

Montalcino is placed on the top of the hill where it dominates, with its beautiful XII century fortress, the Asso and Ombrone valleys below.

Chiusi, Siena surroundings

Chiusi descends from the ancient Etruscan city Chamars that reached its maximum splendor under the reign of the king Porsenna, between the VII and the VI century b. C. Its huge historical and cultural asset make this town an archaeological site of great importance.

From the main door of the city starts via Porsenna where you can see Medieval and Renaissance buildings. This street arrives in Piazza del Duomo. In the square you can admire the Episcopal Palace, the bell tower and the Cathedral with the nearby Museum in which there are guarded important works coming from the Cathedral and the diocese. Just outside the church there’s the civic museum with Greek, Latin and Etruscan potteries. Since the XVIII century the town began to search the traces of its glorious past. There is also a fascinating underground path in which there are collected about 300 sarcophagi and funerary inscriptions. The real jewels of Chiusi, however, are located outside the center, in the Siena countryside: extraordinary Etruscan tombs with frescoes will let you discover the richness and culture of a still mysterious people as the Etruscans. Don’t miss the Tomb of the Monkey, the Lion and that of the Pilgrim. Unfortunately they are not always open: for information contact the Archaeological Museum of Chiusi at 057820177.

Monte Oliveto Abbey, Siena surroundings

It was founded in 1313 by San Bernardo Tolomei, the exponent of one of the most powerful families of Siena and a strict observer of the Benedictine rule (ora et labora).

Monte Oliveto Abbey is placed on a hill and it’s defended on three sides by insurmountable cliffs. Nowadays the Abbey is the seat of the Benedictine congregation and houses the Institute of books restoration. Crossing the big cloister, frescoed with the “San Benedetto’s stories”, you can arrive in the church built in XV century renovated with baroques forms. Among the great number of works , there’s a wooden choir made by Frate Giovanni da Verona. In the middle cloister there’s the beautiful fresco representing the Coronation of the Virgin by Sodoma and The deposition by an unknown artist. Then you’ll enter in the monastic library and in the pharmacy in which are conserved numerous pots of the XVII century and numerous medical herbs.

If you are looking for a hotel in Siena Surroundings , we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 500 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

cities of art Siena

10 things to do and see in Siena

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

You can appreciate the beauty of Siena only after some days you left the city. When you are there, you are too busy to see as much as possible, so you don’t immediately realize the beauty that surrounds you. Memories come after some days: the first thing that you’ll remember is Piazza del Campo, then the Public Palace and the Torre del Mangia, the black and white of the Cathedral and the Baptistery

But, maybe, the thing that you are going to remember better is the colour of the façades and of the roofs. The famous colour Sienna, that makes the city landscape coherent, harmonious and lovely to watch. Siena it’s not changed in appearances from the middle age to nowadays and walking through its streets it’s a kind of time travel, the search of a golden age, very common for some Italian cities.

If you are looking for a hotel in Siena, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 100 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Piazza del Campo in Siena

Piazza del Campo in Siena is considered one of the most beautiful squares of the world.

It has a characteristic shell-shape divided in 9 slices, that you can admire from the top of Torre del Mangia. From the 1300 this square is the centre of Siena and it has the function of market place, of meeting point for all people during important political moments or celebrations, for example twice a year in occasion of the famous palio. Today Piazza del Campo is the tourist place par excellence, a must see of the city, full of souvenirs markets (which doesn’t damage the beauty of the place). Public Palace – Palazzo Pubblico – with Torre del Mangia is very impressive while all the square is surrounded by beautiful and impressive nobility houses. The tourist ritual in this square wants the people to sit or lie down on the ground to admire the sky in a very original position. Actually it’s a way to rest after all the ups and downs in the city’s alleys. On the top of the square there’s the “Fonte Gaia” one of the most beautiful fountains of Siena. It was carved by Jacopo della Quercia between the 1409 and the 1419, the one you can admire in the place today is a copy of the original.

The Public Palace of Siena

The Public Palace of Siena is the place of the political power of the city. Since the “government of 9” (that in 1300 made Siena a beautiful city) to nowadays all Siena’s governors lived there.

If only nine politics thought and realized these wonders, we would expect something better from the thousand politics that nowadays crowd the city halls…
The Public palace of Siena is considered one of the most beautiful civil palaces in Italy. It has always been admired for its harmony and majestic. A beauty already perceived during the construction of the palace, so much that the city government, during the works, passed a precise edict. It obligated the owners of the buildings in Piazza del Campo to build their houses observing rules of stylistic coherence, but, at the same time, they couldn’t be more beautiful or bigger than the Palace. In the Palace there’s the Civic Museum of Siena too, decorated with the famous frescoes of Ambrogio Lorenzetti which represent the allegories of good and bad government.

Where: Piazza del Campo
How to get there: by feet from the city centre
When – Hours: From 1.11. to 15.03: 10 am – 6 pm; From 16.03 to 31.10: 10 am – 7 pm; New year: 12 – 6 pm ; never: Christmas
Tickets: Full price: € 9.00 without booking – € 8.00 reservation
Reduced: € 8.00 without booking – € 7.50 reservation (boys aged 11 to 19 years, over 65, university student not members of the Siena university institutions)

Torre del Mangia in Siena

You shouldn’t go on the top of this tower, which is 88 meters high, if you suffer from dizziness , but we warn you: you’d lose an exceptional view.

Up there the spectacle is breathtaking, you can see all the city: the square, the Cathedral and all the hills surronding the city. The tower takes its name from Giovanni Duccio, first keeper of the tower, also known as “Mangiaguadagni” (Litterally: “Money eater”). He spent all his money eating in all Siena’s taverns. That’s why the tower is called “Torre del Mangia” (Litterally: Mangia’s Tower). The legend tells that, during the construction, at the foot of the tower were hidden some lucky coins. Moreover at the 4 corners of the tower there are stones on which are engraved Latin and Hebraic phrases with the task of keeping away thunders and storms from the tower.

Where: Piazza del Campo
How to get here: By feet, 400 steps to go on the top
When – Hours: From the 16th October to the end of February, every day from 10 am to 4 pm (the ticket office closes at 3.15 pm).
From the 1st March to the 16th October, every day from 10 am to 7 pm (the ticket office closes at 6,15 pm)
Tickets: 7 € – 12 € the ticket comprehends the visit to the Civic Museum too.

The civic museum in Siena

The civic museum in Siena hosts one of the most known allegories of the world: the allegory of the good and bad government, painted on the walls by Ambrogio Lorenzetti.

In 1337 the “Government of the 9” asked Lorenzetti to decorate the room where the guests were received, with a fresco that represented the ideals of the city and its governors. For the first time an allegoric fresco cycle had a civil subject and not a religious one. This allegory expresses how a good or a bad government can decide the wellness or the decadence of the society. The other great protagonist of the Museum is the “Majesty” painted by Simone Martini, the Nine asked this work to testify the great devotion of Siena’s people to the Virgin.

Where: Piazza del Campo
How to get there: by feet in the city centre
Tickets: Full ticket 7,50 €, with reservation 6,50 €. Reduced ticket 4,50 €, with reservation 3,50 € (students, over 65, military and invalids)
When – Hours: 1st November – 15th March 10 am – 6.30 pm
16 March – 31 October 10 am – 7 pm

The Cathedral of Siena

Tourists usually arrive at the Cathedral after Piazza del Campo, so they don’t expect to remain surprised again.

Nobody thinks that in Siena there is something bigger and more beautiful. Well, they wrong. There’s still the Cathedral with its black and white façade. This impressive church is dedicated to Maria Assunta. The richest jewels are inside: the floor full of esoteric symbols and religious stories: the sibyls of the history, the slaughter of the innocents, king David, Hermes Trismegist, the life of Moses and the Sacrifice of Iefte. In the left aisle, just before the transept, there’s the Piccolomini Library, frescoed by Pinturicchio, that, in spite of the name it never hosted the books of the Pope Pio II.
Just beyond the library there’s the Piccolomini Chapel, in which there are 4 statues made by Michelangelo (he worked there from 1501 to the 1504). The statues ornate the 4 inferior niches of the Chapel. The pulpit deserves attention too: there are represented scenes taken from the Bible and Jesus life, it was made by Nicola Pisano.

Where: Piazza del Duomo
How to get there: by feet in the square
When – Hours:
Cathedral, Piccolomini Library, Museum, Panorama dal Facciatone, Crypt, Baptistery
From 01.03 – 02.11 – 10.30 am – 7,30 pm Cathedral Public holiday 1.30 pm – 5.30 pm
From 03.11 to 28.02: 10.30 am – 5.30 pm Cathedral Public holiday 1.30 pm – 5.30 pm
From 26.12 to 06.01: 10.30 am – 6.00 pm Cathedral Public holiday 1.30 pm – 5.30 pm
Period Uncovering Floor Cathedral Holidays 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
Opening Sunday Cathedral just for the month of March 1:30 to 5:30 pm
From July 1 to 31 Cathedral on holidays close at 7.00 pm
Last entry one half hour before the closing time of Museums.
Tickets:
Cathedral + Piccolomini Library € 4.00
from 01/11 to 24/12 and from 07/01 to 28/02 free Cathedral and Piccolomini Library € 2.00
Cathedral floor uncovering period + Piccolomini Library € 7.00
Museo dell’Opera and Panorama dal Facciatone € 7.00
Crypt € 6,00 (€ 8.00 in the event of extraordinary events)
Baptistery € 4.00
Opa si Pass all inclusive (not including the path Gate of Heaven)
€ 12.00 from 01/03 to 31/10, € 8.00 from 01/11 to 24/12 and from 07/01 to 28/02, € 10,00 from 26/12 to 06/01.

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo in Siena

From the right of the cathedral you can access to the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (or Metropolitana), which collects the works coming from the Cathedral and the Diocese of Siena.

Impossible to list the complete set of masterpieces, but a few will be enough to convince you to visit this museum: the Tondo of Donatello depicting a Virgin and Child, Enthroned Virgin and Child and Cardinal Casini, work by Jacopo della Quercia, the Majesty of Duccio da Buoninsegna, the ten statues of saints by Giovanni Pisano which once were exhibited in the Cathedral, the Nativity of the Virgin by Pietro Lorenzetti the Dead Jesus of Sodom (great) and much more.

Where: Piazza del duomo
When – Hours: see info to access at the Cathedral

The Baptistery of Siena

The Baptistery is placed just at the back of the Cathedral. From 1325 it competes with the Cathedral for the role of the most important religious building in Siena.

For many centuries people of Siena used to be baptised under the ogival arch of the Baptistery. On the three naves you can find the frescoes by Benvenuto di Giovanni ( “The miracles of Saint Anthony of Padova” – 1460) Pietro degli Orioli (“The washing of the feet”) and Lorenzo di Pietro known as “il Vecchietta” (vault frescoes representing “the Articles of Faith”, 1447 – 1450). But the protagonist of the baptistery is the baptismal font made of bronze and marble and placed at the centre of the church. It has been created by the great artists of that period: Jacopo della Quercia, Giovanni di Turino, Lorenzo Ghiberti and Donatello. The latter realized two of the six bronzed angels which decorate the ciborium

Where: Piazza San Giovanni
When – Hours: see info to access at the Cathedral

The Nation Art Gallery in Siena

A visit to Siena would not be complete without visiting the masterpieces preserved in the National Art Gallery.

The arrangement of the works of the ‘400 and’ 500 of Siena artists is on the first floor, but the masterpieces are located on the second floor, where the works are arranged chronologically from the origins of Siena paintings until the second half of the XV century: Duccio (Madonna Franciscan), Simone Martini, Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti (“the Little Majesty”) (fourteenth century), Sano di Pietro, Giovanni di Paolo, Sassetta, Matteo di Giovanni and Francesco di Giorgio Martini (fifteenth). On the third floor are collected the works of Spannocchi-Piccolomini Collection (rich Sienese family) with a St. Jerome by Albrecht Durer and a Nativity by Lorenzo Lotto.

Where: Via di San Pietro
How to get there: by feet in the city centre
When – Hours:
Monday: 09:00 am to 1:00 pm
Tuesday through Saturday: 08:15 am to 7:15 pm
Sunday and holidays: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
St. Ansano (Patron) 1^st December : 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Never: 1 January – 1 May – 25 December
Tickets: Full price: 4 EUR
Reduced price: € 2 (European Union citizens between 18 and 25 years and state school teachers)

Things to eat in Siena

You cannot talk (and taste) the cuisine of Siena without speaking of the territory in which its products are born. The hills around the city offer oil, wine, meat and vegetables. Thanks to the farmers’ wisdom, these ingredients are transformed into a genuinely popular kitchen

The boar (especially the Cinta Senese) and the hare are the principal ingredient of crostini (slices of grilled bread),pappardelle (homemade pasta) and dishes of grilled meat. Always with the crostini (served as appetizer) you can taste various kind of boar ham and salami, pecorino (ripe cheese), honey and fegatelli (small pieces of pig’s liver). Among the soups the “ribollita” is the one that helps better to face the cold winter. Always on the table the wines of Tuscany: Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Montepulciano and the Vernaccia di San Gimignano. People who loves dessert can enjoy: cantucci (biscuits with toasted almonds), ricciarelli , panforte , and cavallucci generally served with Vin Santo(dessert wine).

Where to sleep in Siena

Visited every day of the year by thousands of tourists, Siena is one of the crowded destinations in Italy.

Luckily, the city has a great tourist organization and also a large number of hotels, rooms, bed and breakfasts and guest houses. Sleeping in a hotel in the centre can be expensive and it requires reservations in advance.

A much better chance to find a cheap room can be offered by agritourisms in the surrounding hills and villages around Siena. The price for a double room in a 3 star hotel in the centre from 90 EUR per night while in the agritourisms outside the city centre there are good rooms from 50 euro per night.

If you are looking for a hotel in Siena, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 100 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

capitals Reykjavík

10 things to do and see in Reykjavík

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

When you think about Reykjavík what is the first thing that pops in your mind? The elves, the singer Bjork, the mischievous volcanoes? Right, but it’s not enough.

Reykjavík, the “smoking bay” founded by the Vikings, is a small, cosmopolitan capital, hot and cold at the same time. On one side you’ll find the energy of theatres, galleries and events, on the other one the calm of warm pools used like cafés : the Icelanders use to meet there to relax and to gossip happily soaking in hot water after a workday.

Reykjavík is surrounded by white snow-covered plateaus as a crown, but its spirit is not cold. It offers many things to do and see and it’s surprisingly crowded along the streets of downtown in the evening.

But it’s true that it’s cold, and therefore houses, shops and hotels are warm and welcoming, with large windows from which you can see the Icelandic design: essential, natural and irresistibly cool. So here’s our 10 things to do and see in Reykjavík.

If you are looking for a hotel in Reykjavík, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 170 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavík

Oliafus Eliasson designed and built in 2011, this futuristic glass building overlooking the bay of Reykjavík which is visible from a distance and during the night, thanks to the multi-colored lights reflected on the water and the surrounding landscape.

The particular shape of the Harpa remembers basalt columns so common in Iceland and the tribute to the land is also reflected in its function: the Harpa Concert Hall hosts Symphony Orchestra and Icelandic Opera, artistic events and small concerts. You can follow a guided tour or enter for free: inside you will find two restaurants with Icelandic dishes, and three stores in which look for the best music and the Icelandic literature.

Where: Reykjavík harbour
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: Guided tours from May 15 to August: daily at 09:00 am ; 11:00 am ; 1:30 pm ; 3:30 pm
From September to May 15: daily at 3:30 pm ; on weekends at 11:00 am and 3:30 pm
Tickets: 1.750 Kr

Blue Lagoon in Reykjavík

The famous Blue Lagoon, or Bláa Lónið in Icelandic, is a must for anyone visiting Reykjavík. Nestled in a unique setting, the lava expanse of Svartseng, the Blue Lagoon is located about 45 minutes from Reykjavík. It’s named after the incredible blue color of the water, caused by microorganisms that reflect light in this unique ecosystem. Relaxing in these waters restores the body and spirit: it’s cold outside, but the water temperature is around 38 degrees, and the you’ll see nothing than smokes and black rocks.

The geothermal water in the lagoon is good for your skin and is curative: its virtues depend on the minerals dissolved in the water, in particular silicon, which applied on the body like mud makes the skin smooth and fresh. In addition to the lagoon, the complex includes a spa area with sauna and turkish bath, beauty and spa treatments, a snack bar, locker rooms, a relaxation area with solarium indoor and an Icelandic specialty restaurant

Where: 45-minute from Reykjavík
How to get there: By car or bus from Reykjavík and from Keflavik Airport with Bus Travel companies, Iceland Excursions, Reykjavík Excursions.
When – Hours: Every day from 9 am to 9 pm , July and August until 11 pm
Tickets: adult ticket 40 Euros, children 13-19 years 50%, children free. The ticket includes the use of the lagoon, sauna and turkish bath, thermal mud, locker room with showers and hairdryers, access to the solarium

The Geysir in Reykjavík

Did you know that the word “geyser” derived from Icelandic geysir? It’s an experience to do at least once in life, and Reykjavík is the place. Imagine a barren and rocky land, nestled among mountains and volcanoes, covered with icy lichens. At the center, scattered in fairly small area, round puddles of water gurgling rhythmically, like waves on the shoreline.

Suddenly in a pool water there’s a bubble, and a moment later a vapor high column explodes into the sky, and then returns quietly underground. The eruption of a geyser is the power of nature in its primary elements. The geyser area is located about 100 km from Reykjavík, in the valley of Haukadalur, and is part of the “golden circle”, a tourist route that includes waterfalls Gullfoss and Thingvellir Park.

The geyser area is fenced because of the boiling water that flows from pools before and after eruption: we advise you to walk with caution.

Where: 100 km from Reykjavík
How to get there: by car or bus
When – Hours: Every day from sunrise to sunset

Whales Watching in Reykjavík

Whale watching in Reykjavík is a must – do; first of all because the chances of sighting are very high, especially in the summer with 90% of success, then it’s the best way to protect these animals from extinction, and finally because it’s a great experience.

Among the whales that inhabit the area there are the killer whale, the minke whale, the humpback whale and several species of dolphins.

The boats depart from the old harbor of Reykjavík and stop in the whale watching points. The tour lasts about 4 hours and we suggest you to bring binoculars and / or camera and cover you well both in summer and winter: on board you will find waterproof suits to wear to enjoy the view of the bay or (if you are lucky) of the whales, without suffering too much the cold.

But which company to choose? Simple: choose a Icewhale certified operator, which guarantees responsible conduct, the least impact on the natural habitat. Often on board there are one or more marine biologists who take advantage of the “transition” to analyse the human impact on the habitat of the whales. And if you see nothing? The company gives you a tribute ticket valid for two years for another excursion

Where: Reykjavík’s Old Harbour
How to get there: Boats from Reykjavík’s Old Harbour
When – Hours: All the year at least two trips per day, from June 15 to July 31, night excursions too.
Tickets: Adults (12 +) 60 Euros approximately, children: for free under 12 years.

The valley of Laugardalur in Reykjavík

The Laugardalur Valley is located a few km from the center of Reykjavík and is a true entertainment and sports complex, which also includes public pools and family park with aquarium and zoo, botanical garden, hostel and camping.

The Laugardalur valley is the perfect destination for young people, children and families: you’ll find many geothermal pools, indoor and outdoor saunas, water slides, children’s area and a big zoo with lots of activities for the little ones. And not far away there is a building that houses some of the monumental sculptures of Ásmundur Sveinsson, one of the pioneers of Icelandic sculpture. The center also hosts concerts, events and exhibitions, and includes ice rink and sports arena.

Where: few km far from Reykjavík
How to get there: Bus from Reykjavík station: lines 12 and 14
When – Hours: public pools: Monday to Friday from 6.30 am to 10 pm ; Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 10 pm .
Family park: August 18 to May 30 every day from 10 am to 5 pm ; May 31 to August 18 daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Tickets public pools: adults (18+) about 4 euro; children under 18 years 1 euro. The ticket includes access to all pools.
Family Park: about 5 € adults, children 5-12 years about 4 €, children under 4 years old, retired and disabled free entrance

Þingvellir Park

The Þingvellir Park is located about 45 km from the Icelandic capital and is a beloved place by Icelanders, as here, around 930 AD, was founded the oldest parliament in the world and always here on July 17, 1944, Icelanders celebrated independence from Denmark.

The park is on the UNESCO national heritage list and today and is one of the most visited destinations for the beauty of the area, the silence and the total absence of light pollution, which makes it an ideal stop for the famous Northern lights. The park offers various activities, including camping, diving, walking and horse, and a multimedia exhibition. The park can be reached by car or bus and is a perfect destination for a day trip.

Where: In the southwestern part of the island, about 50 km from Reykjavík.
How to get there: On the circular Highway 1, take the road 36 (Þingvallavegur)
When – Hours: June – August
Tickets: free entrance

National Museum in Reykjavík

The National Museum in Reykjavík preserves the history of Iceland from the so-called Age of Settlement, 800 A.D. approximately, to the present day, through a permanent collection divided into several themes: work and lifestyle, housing, crafts and language and social life.

In addition, the museum houses a photo exhibition, events and festivals throughout the year. The permanent collection includes about 2,000 objects from the late ninth century to the present and about 1,000 photographs of the last century, and it’s structured as a journey through time: starting from Viking ships that sailed the seas and arriving at the airport.

Don’t miss a bronze statue dating back to the year 1000 A.D. and that could depict Thor or Christ : the doubt arises from the object that has in his hands, which seems to be both the hammer of Thor and the Christian cross.

Where: The museum is located near the university and is within close to the center of Reykjavík
How to get there: A few minutes by feet from the center of Reykjavík, or by bus: lines 1,3, 6, 11, 12 and 14.
When – Hours: 1 May to 15 September every day from 10 am to 5 pm.
From September 16 to April 30 every day, except Mondays, from 11 am to 5 pm.
Tickets: Adults (18 +) about 10 euro; children under 18 years old, adults over 67, students, disabled, and groups from 10 people about 5 euro.

Things to eat in Reykjavík

The special taste of traditional Icelandic food is influenced by the centuries – old struggle to preserve food as long as possible throughout the winter. Meat and fish were dried, salted, smoked or preserved in serum also for 3 or 4 months. They pretty much used all parts, and that’s why among the Icelandic delikatessen you can find shark meat, liver pudding, smoked lamb and even mutton testicles.

But if you want to try something more soft we recommend you the lamb soup, seasoned with vegetables and paprika, the flatkaka, tasty oatmeal pancakes with butter and hangikjot, meat of smoked lamb and served in thin slices, or one snacks based on fish: lax (salmon) and bread. For the rest, like all European capital Reykjavík it offers a wide choice of ethnic cuisine, from sushi to pizza, vegan dishes, in every corner you will find a restaurant which suits your budget and your imagination.

Reykjavík nightlife

Reykjavík is a vibrant and very busy night capital. Along the streets of downtown there are cafés, clubs with live music, and the evening doesn’t start before midnight. After midnight, then, you will see young and old people in the streets. The cost of alcohol is higher than in other cities, but in most clubs there’s free entrance and you can book a table and receive a free bottle. The musical and cultural tradition is vibrant also during the night: you will find concerts and live music of every kind. Generally the kitchen closes around 23. Reykjavík’s places are soundproofed, crowded and often on two floors, with windows overlooking the street. Here is the guarantee that the people of elves and Vikings know how to enjoy life.

Where to sleep in Reykjavík

Reykjavík is a very cheap destination: the hotel cost about 80 Euros in the high season, and you can barely get a room with shared bathroom in a 2 star hotel.

The equivalent of a 3 star Italian will start from 120 euro. There is also a wide range of hostels, apartments and guesthouse but always with high prices. You can save a lot in May and September and by booking in advance for the high season

cities of art Ravenna

10 things to do and see in Ravenna

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

Ravenna is actually an unknown treasure for Italian people. Even if it’s not as famous as Rome, Naples, Florence and Venice, it’s an extraordinary little city which attracts tourists and art lovers from all over the world. Few people know that it has been capital for three times of three different empires: the Western Roman Empire, the kingdom of Theodoric, king of the Goth, and of the Byzantine Empire in Europe. This glorious past is also preserved in its basilicas and baptisteries where there is the richest patrimony of mosaics of the 5th and 6th centuries. Ravenna has eight monuments included on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List and in this city there are the remains of Dante Alighieri (and not in Florence as many people think…). Ravenna has a rich cuisine too and in the summertime, if you like the seaside, you’ll be few steps away from a 35 kilometres beach. To the ones who loves nature in a few kilometres there’s the Po delta, the Comacchio Valleys, the Classe and Saint Vitale’s pinewoods, and the Oasis of Punte Alberete.

If you’ve never been in Ravenna, after reading this you’ll have no more excuses. Discover with us 10 things to do and to see in Ravenna.

If you are looking for a hotel in Ravenna, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 30 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna

Looking at its simple exterior you probably won’t even imagine that in a such little space you’re going to find wonderful mosaics, the most ancient of Ravenna.

The atmosphere you breathe inside the Mausoleum is magic. The emperor Onorio (who transferred the capital of his empire from Milan to Ravenna) wanted this monument for his sister Galla Placidia. The theme represented with the technique of the mosaic is the victory of life over death according with the future use of the monument. The starry sky represented on the vaulted ceiling is the real protagonist and makes this place unforgettable. It seems that Cole Porter had the same sensation when he went to Ravenna, during his honeymoon, in the 20’s. The story tells that was this starry sky that inspired the famous song “Night and day”.

Where: Via Giuliano Argentario
How to get here: By feet from the centre of Ravenna
When – Hours: Every day from 9 am to 7 pm
Never: 25th December
Tickets: 9,50 € The ticket allows you to visit: Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Neonian Baptistery, San Vitale and Mausoleum of Gallia Placidia, Archiepiscopal Museum and Chapel.

Basilica di San Vitale in Ravenna

This temple has an octagonal shape (eight symbolizes the resurrection because it’s the result of seven, the time, plus one, the number of God) and it’s one of the most important monuments of the paleo- Christian age.

You can admire splendid mosaics and the oriental art style: there are no nave and aisles in this basilica but just a central frescoed dome with octagonal base. If you will be able to stare not only at the mosaic, in particular Teodora’s face, you’ll notice on the floor some concentric circles: it’s a labyrinth, that can be found in many Christian churches. The labyrinth symbolizes the path of salvation from the sin to the purification. If you want to try to go out from that labyrinth we give you a clue: you have to start from the centre. The rest is up to you.

Where: Via San Vitale
How to get here: By feet from the centre of Ravenna
When – Hours: Every day from 9 am to 7 pm (the ticket office closes at 6.45 pm)
Never: 25th December
Tickets: 9,50 € The ticket allows you to visit: Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Neonian Baptistery, San Vitale and Mausoleum of Gallia Placidia, Archiepiscopal Museum and Chapel.

Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna

This church has the greatest cycle of mosaics in the world. The walls of the nave are divided into three distinct strips of mosaics:

the high one represents the life of Christ, the central one represents Saints and Prophets, and the lower one portrays the famous Palace of Theodoric.
The cancellation of the figure of the Emperor and other characters, covered with white drapes, happened when the basilica passed from Arian cult (for which it was built) to Catholic worship. On the opposite wall there is a portrait of port of Classe, one of the most important in the Mediterranean sea during the Roman Empire.

Where: Via Roma
How to get here: by feet in the city centre
When – Hours: Every day from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm. The ticket office closes at 7 pm
Never: 01.01 and 25.12
Tickets: 9,50 € The ticket allows you to visit: Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Neonian Baptistery, San Vitale and Mausoleum of Gallia Placidia, Archiepiscopal Museum and Chapel.

The Mausoleum of Theodoric

According to the legend, the red porphyry tub, on the top floor of the Mausoleum, is the same where the barbarian Emperor died.

Since he was afraid of lightings , in a thunderstorm day he took shelter in his mausoleum, but a lightning hit him just as he was taking a bath. Then a black horse would have arrived and would have thrown him in the Etna Volcano!

There are many legends about the death of this barbarian king who ruled in Italy for 33 years bringing tolerance, peace and wealth and who built this mausoleum in Istrian stone. The two floor structure in decagonal shape and the massive roof ,made with a single block of stone, makes it a unique monument, completely different than the other buildings of Ravenna.

Where: Via delle Industrie
How to get there: Outside Rocca Brancaleone. Bus line n. 2-5
When – Hours: Every day 8.30 am – 7.30 pm Ticket office close at 6.30 pm
Tickets: € 4
National Museum of Ravenna and Mausoleum of Theodoric € 8 (reduced ticket € 4 ) National Museum of Ravenna and Mausoleum of Theodoric and The Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe.

Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe in Ravenna

This church is one of the most impressive churches in Ravenna. The mosaics here are beautiful, the subject of the mosaics is Jesus Christ surrounded by the 4 evangelists and by sheeps, symbolizing the apostles.

Jesus face is in the middle of a cross, in a circle decorated with 99 stars. This representation is included in a paradise landscape among the sky, green grass, stones, trees, flowers and coloured birds. Today the basilica is 8 kilometres far from the centre of the city and some kilometres far from the seaside, but when it was built it was situated on the sea shore. Near the basilica there are the excavations of the archaeological site of the ancient city of Classe, seat of the Roman fleet on the Adriatic sea.

Where: 8 km from the city centre
How to get here: From the station of Ravenna by bus n° 4 or by train 5 minutes by feet.
When – Hours: Every day from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm. The ticket office closes at 7 pm
Tickets: 5 €, or the ticket that includes the National Museum and the Teodoric Mausoleum. 6 €, or 8 € the ticket that includes National Museum, the Teodoric Mausoleum and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe.

Dante’s Tomb - Mausoleum in Ravenna

Dante’s tomb is here in Ravenna and not in Florence. Dante died in Ravenna during his exile and his body is still in Ravenna.

The Franciscans stole his mortal spoils and jealously kept them for several centuries, opposing to the will of kings and popes who tried to bring back the body in Florence. Thanks to the Franciscans the spoils of the writer has been saved from the bombardments of the second world war. There’s one thing which remembers Florence near this grave: a votive lamp of the XVIII century made up from the oil produced on the Apennines of Tuscany. This oil is donated every year, the second Sunday of September, from the city of Florence.

Where: Via Dante Alighieri
How to get here: By feet from the centre of Ravenna
When – Hours: Every day from 10 am to 6.30 pm
Never: 1st November, 25th December, 1st January
Tickets: Free entrance

Arian Baptistery in Ravenna

The Arian baptistery was built during the kingdom of Theodoric, when Ravenna was the Capital of his reign and the Arianism was the official religion of his court.

Arianism was considered from the Catholic church as heresy because one of this religion convictions was that Jesus Christ was son of God but he was considered human until the moment of baptism. The mosaics on the vault represent and celebrate the baptism. Unlike the Orthodox Baptistery, the representation here shows a Christ not coming from the East (as “Light from Light, real God from real God…”) but going in direction of the East, becoming divine only during the baptism moment. Jesus Christ is considered as a man, so his nudity it’s not censored, while he’s immersed in the Jordan’s waters and John the Baptist is baptising him. From the sky the divine dove is coming down and brings with her the light, symbolizing the spirit, on the Jesus head.

Where: Piazzetta degli Ariani
How to get here: By feet from the centre of Ravenna
When – Hours: Every day from 9 am to 7.30 pm
Tickets: Free entrance

Neonian Baptistery in Ravenna

The Neonian Baptistery was the Catholic answer ( of the bishop Neone) to the Arian heresy which has its splendour under the reign of Theodoric.

This contrast is evident if you compare the mosaic of the vault of this baptistery with the one you can find in the Arian Bapstery. The Christ here comes from the East and he’s divine before the baptism. While in the Arian one is the contrary.
Karl Gustav Jung (the famous psychologist) during his stay in Ravenna, in the 30’s, visited this baptistery and he saw a mosaic which represented Jesus Christ holding his hand to Saint Peter who was drowning. He debated long time with his partner about this image and he concluded that it was a symbolic representation of the death and of the rebirth. Only after some time, when he was looking for a photo of that image, he understood that it didn’t exist and that it was just an invention of his mind. Jung took as example that episode to write beautiful pages about unconscious and conscious and about how the imagination can change our perception of reality.

Where: Via Gioacchino Rasponi
How to get here: By feet from the centre of Ravenna
When – Hours: Every day from 9 am to 7 pm
Tickets: 9,50 € The ticket allows you to visit: Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Neonian Baptistery, San Vitale and Mausoleum of Gallia Placidia, Archiepiscopal Museum and Chapel.

Things to eat in Ravenna

Once in Ravenna you won’t resist to the abundant and tasty Romagna gastronomy.

Menu usually starts with mixed cold cuts and squacquerone (an Italian fresh cream cheese with a tangy taste), continues with cappelletti and tagliatelle with meat sauce, meat, fish and seafood or eels and frogs. It ends with a sweet mascarpone and good wines such as Albana, Sangiovese, Trebbiano or Pagadebit. We suggest you two good places to taste the local cuisine : Cà de Ven and the Locanda del Melarancio in the city centre. To taste a good piadina you can go to Piadina of Melarancio always in the centre

ade wooden toys, which are in the shops of Malà Strana and the Golden Lane in the Castle. Among food products, there are the Spa Wafers, some good home – made beer (great Czech tradition). The gift par excellence, however, is a bottle of slivovitz or Becherovka, herbal liqueurs and plum with which you can finish any meal in Prague and throughout the Czech Republic.

Where to sleep in Ravenna

During the spring Ravenna is full of students, scholars and tourists , but it has excellent tourist services organized in hotels, B&Bs, guest houses and apartments.

Hotels in the city centre are numerous and they don’t have high costs, even if you have to book a little in advance, especially during spring and autumn. Many other chances come from the hotel just outside the centre and in the suburbs. Also, not far away there is the Adriatic coast with its unique hospitality. The average price of a 3 star hotel for a night starts from 50 €.

capitals Prague

10 things to do and see in Prague

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

Prague is a “magic city” at the center of Europe. The whole history of Prague can be told through legends: the same name (Praha) “threshold” recalls the foundation of the city wanted by Princess Libuse, a wise woman of great beauty with mysterious magical powers. So begins the magical story of Prague, with big and small legends, including the most famous of Rabbi Loew and his golem, terrible monster created to defend the Jews of Prague from persecution.

In addition to these legendary and magic tales (for those who believe), Prague offers much more reasons to visit it: it’s a welcoming capital, secure, well preserved, with monuments, history and beauty, and a nightlife with no limits. The prices of the hotels in Prague are still accessible. For this reason we suggest you to plan your trip with our guide and discover the 10 things to do and see during a weekend or a holiday in Prague.

If you are looking for a hotel in Prague, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 400 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Prague Castle

Anyone who has read Kafka, will recognize in the Castle the disturbing presence of almost all the novels of the great writer. A symbol of power, the Prague Castle seems to be threatening and inaccessible

Long steep roads, including the beautiful and hard Nerudova Street, will let you discover this place where since many centuries mingle history and legend, sacred and profane things. St. Vitus Cathedral, the symbol of the Czech religiosity, coexists with the Golden Alley, where alchemists wanted by Rudolf II were looking for the elixir of life and the magic formula to turn base metals into gold.

How to get there: Tram 22 and then walk or Nerudova Street
When – Hours: From April 1 to 31 October from 5 am until midnight.
Tickets: 350 CZK , about 12 euro. The visit to the gardens is for free

Malá Strana in Prague

Malá Strana in Czech means “Little section” and is the name which, since the ‘300 is identified this part of Prague toward Nove Mesto, the New Town. Destroyed in 1541 by a great fire, it was rebuilt by Italian artists and architects, who gave it its current Baroque and Renaissance appearance.

Still intact, Malá Strana is a small gem with small squares, beautiful buildings and romantic corners. The Church of St. Nicolas (in Prague there are two) divided into two sides Malá Strana and on the whole district there is the imposing Castle, which can be reached by climbing beautiful (and steep) panoramic stairs.

The Old Town of Prague

After Malá Strana, the other great historic neighborhood is Stare Mesto, which in Czech means Old Town. The center of the district is the Old Town Square, which has always been the place of important events in Prague: from coronations of kings to the executions of the condemned people.

This troubled history is found mainly in the many architectural styles that you can find in the square, although the appearance is always balanced. Today the main attraction is the astronomical clock of the Town Hall that every hour gives “life” to the statues that move and chase each other in an ancient ritual. Another great monument not to be missed is Church Týn and its the gothic spiers.

The St. Vits Cathedral in Prague

Among the walls of Prague Castle stands this beautiful Gothic cathedral, one of the largest in Europe:

it’s 124 meters long, 60 wide and 33 meters high. Arriving at the castle after visiting Malá Strana, the first thing you’ll notice is the contrast between the Baroque of the lower quarter and the typical pointy spiers of the Cathedral. The interior is beautiful and uniform, although the constructions lasted six centuries. We suggest you to visit the Chapel of St. Wenceslas, the underground crypt with tombs of Bohemian kings and the treasure with jewels for the coronation of kings.

Where: Prague’s Castel
When – Hours: From March to October, from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 5 pm . Sunday from 12 to 5 pm . From November to February from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 4 pm . Sunday from 12 to 4 pm.
Tickets: 350 CZK, about 12 euro. Cumulative ticket for all monuments of the Castle.

The Josefov, the Jewish Ghetto of Prague

The disordered tombs of the Jewish cemetery are perhaps the most exciting show in Prague. They tell the story of Josefov, Prague’s Jewish ghetto, close to the Old Town Square, where the city’s Jews have lived from 900 to 1708.

Forced to live within a few square kilometers, the Jews have learned to use every little space, creating a kind of labyrinth in which private houses, shops and workshops were confused.

Here lived rabbi Low and his legendary Golem, Franz Kafka and 77,279 Czech Jews and Moldovans massacred by the Nazis. Don’t miss the Jewish ghetto, even if you have little time to visit Prague.

Dancing House in Prague

One of the things you have to see during a visit to Prague is the Dancing House, an extraordinary building dedicated to the great dancing couple formed by Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.

Fred and Ginger, in fact, is one of the names that were given to this palace on the bank of the Vltava built from 1992 to 1996. Designed and built by architect F.O Gehry (the same as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao) is formed by two palaces that look like a dancing couple. One of the buildings stretches out towards the other, which is waiting for the other’s embrace. On the top floor there is a French restaurant which offers great views of the Moldava.

Where: Jiráskovo nám. 1981/6

Things to eat in Prague

The long walking tours to visit Prague is a good excuse to justify to yourself the calories of typical Prague cuisine. You won’t be able to resist to restaurants (Restaurace), taverns (hostinec) and bars (pivnice) on the tourist routes of the old town.

Try the pork (vepřové) served roast (Vepřová vecene) and accompanied by dumplings leavened (knedliky), potatoes (brambory) or sauerkraut (kysele Zeli). The most popular dessert, for sale on every corner, it’s the crepe (palačinky) with jam (džem), chocolate or strawberry (jahody). The final blow usually comes with a shot of slivovitz (plum liqueur) or Becherovka, a herb liqueur.

Prague Nightlife

In the center of Prague, within a few hundred meters, there’s an extraordinary selection of pubs, restaurants, and some of the biggest and beautiful clubs in Europe.

If in the Malà Strana district there’s more private and relaxed atmosphere, in the Charles Bridge in the Old Town area life is chaotic in discotheques and clubs.

People use to go in the 4 most important nightclubs: the Duplex in Wenceslas Square; The Karlovy Lazne, the largest disco in Central Europe, a few steps from Charles Bridge; The Klub Lávkam in Old Town Square and Lucerna Music Bar, popular with young people of Prague.

These are the most famous nightclubs, but on the street you’ll notice all kind of entertainments including some great jazz clubs and several erotic clubs.

Things to buy in Prague

If you are looking for a typical Czech souvenir, Prague is the best place to find it. The most expensive gift you can do is definitely the Bohemian crystal, which has a centuries-old tradition and an appropriate cost to reputation. They come in all shapes and colors, from those that reproduce the glass from the time of Rudolf IV in much more modern forms.

Much more accessible are the puppets and the handmade wooden toys, which are in the shops of Malà Strana and the Golden Lane in the Castle. Among food products, there are the Spa Wafers, some good home – made beer (great Czech tradition). The gift par excellence, however, is a bottle of slivovitz or Becherovka, herbal liqueurs and plum with which you can finish any meal in Prague and throughout the Czech Republic.

Where to sleep in Prague

Prague has an excellent range of hotels, apartments, B&Bs, hostels, with still low prices compared to the average of other European capitals. The best area in which to sleep in Prague is called Zone 1 which includes all the central part of the city: Malá Strana, the area of the Castle and the Old Town.

Here, hotels cost a little more than suburban areas but they have the advantage of being safe and quiet. With a few euro more per night you will avoid to move to the suburbs. The costs for a 3 star hotel in Prague ranging from 35 to 120 Euros per night. Very affordable hostels and shared rooms, but without privacy.

If you are looking for a hotel in Prague, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 400 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

cities of art Pompeii

10 things to do and see in Pompeii

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

Pompeii was one of the largest and most shining cities built during the roman era, as you can see how) the ruins are everywhere. Thanks to its large production and export of oil and wines, Pompeii became a very rich city and tourist destination for the Roman patricians. You never know what Pompeii would have become. In ’79 AD, Vesuvius, which no one knew was a volcano yet because it looked like a common mountain, destroyed the town with a violent eruption.

Pompeii archeological site is a chilling testimony of the city’s lifestyle at the time, since it seems peacefully asleep under the volcanic dust. The city attracts millions of tourists every year also for the presence of the Shrine of Blessed Virgin of the Holy Rosary, a Basilica that collects thousands of ex – voto. It is venerated by Catholics all over the world. On the days prayers to Virgin Mary are performed (8th of May and the first Sunday of October), the city hosts about six million pilgrims who reach Pompeii by private vehicles and organized buses. Between the excavations and the Sanctuary, Pompeii hides other beauties that deserve to be seen. Below we will tell you the 10 things to see in Pompeii without missing anything about its millenary history.

The Shrine of Pompeii

The Shrine of Pompeii’s history is a dream that involved thousands of believers. The initiative had been promoted by Bartolo Longo as a fundraiser for the Basilica’s construction, which was built thanks to donations received all over the world.

On May the 8th, in 1876, the construction began under the direction of Antonio Cua, who offered his work for free to start the building of the Sanctuary. Over the centuries, it was necessary to expand the sanctuary because the original structure was no longer able to contain the numerous believers who came to venerate the icon of the Virgin. Today, the Basilica looks as it was designed by the architect priest Monsignor Spirito Maria Chiapetta, with three naves. The two minor naves have three altars on each side, and are connected behind the apse, where there are four semicircular chapels. On May 8th and the first Sunday, days during which there is prayer to Virgin Mary of Pompeii, the Basilica cannot contain the pilgrims arriving from all over the world to attend. This important prayer is transmitted by radio and television around the world.

The Forum of Pompeii

The Forum located in the archaeological site of Pompeii was the economic, political and religious city center. It was the place where all public debates and religious events were carried out, and it was the real heart of the city.

At the beginning, it was a not a very large area, and there were few shops showing their merchandise. During the second century BC, people of Pompeii decided to give a more appropriate structure to the Forum on the basis of the task it held. The area was enlarged, some coverings were added for the shops, arcades were added to protect walking people from the rain, and public buildings were built along the sides of the square. The decoration of the Forum of Pompeii was completed with the replacement of the old tuff flooring with a more beautiful one made of travertine, the remains of which are still visible today. Once at the center of the square, the ruins of the Temple of Apollo attracts the eye. It is the most important ancient religious site of Pompeii. The statues of the goddess found close to the Temple of Apollo, were transferred to the Archaeological Museum of Naples.

The Lupanar of Pompeii

People of Pompeii, as good pagans, loved the pleasures of the flesh and didn’t have any problem showing off their passions. Many houses of Pompeii, had a secret room in which slaves of rich masters whored themselves. You could buy a little bit of company by paying from two to eight “assi” (currency of Pompeii at that time), an accessible amount for almost everyone, considering that the average price for a glass of wine was of one “asse”.

The Lupanar (from Lupo meaning wolf, because “wolf” in Latin means “prostitute”) is the only building in Pompeii built specifically for this purpose. The brothel, located in the ruins of Pompeii, was distributed on two floors, each one reserved for a certain type of customer. The ground floor made by five bedrooms, a hallway and a bathroom, was for lower class customers. The first floor, however, was reserved for the upper class customers. Its own entrance and balcony roof gave access to the rooms, and it was also decorated with a refined taste. On the walls, you can still see the little pictures drawning voracious lovers in different erotic positions, ideal for lazy lovers looking for some inspiration. At the entrance of the Lupanare, as in most modern coffee shops, there was the chance to buy condoms to use with charming slaves of the brothel.

House of the Faun in Pompeii

The owner of the “House of the Faun”, inside the archaeological site of Pompeii, would definitely have been one of the most envied men in the city. The ruins of the house suggest a huge complex, with rooms, environments, and areas dedicated to different tasks. The property owner’s identity could not be traced back by remains. The structure has been called the “House of the Faun” for the bronze statue of the dancing faun, who was at the center of one of the main halls.

The “House of the Faun” was a sort of a modern residence, in which there was also a kind of mall. The structure, in fact, consists of two large connected areas, each one with a separated entrance, connected by a series of shops rented to traders. In addition to the shops, the “House of the Faun” also had a good number of rooms, but nobody knows if they were for private use, or rented. The structure was built with very modern construction techniques: some lead plates were placed under the walls plaster to protect the environment from moisture. In Rome, there is no trace of such majestic houses, while in the archeological site of Pompeii there are facilities such as “The Villa of the Mysteries,”, “The House of Pansa”, and “House of the Labyrinth”. They are all smaller than the “House of the Faun” but just as important in order to understand the richness and greatness of the Roman ruling class of Pompeii.

The Pompeii Amphitheatre

The Amphitheater, located at the end of Via dell’Abbondanza, in the archeological site of Pompeii, is the oldest stone building of its kind that has ever been discovered. In fact, its construction dates back to 80 BC, while the first amphitheater of Rome, the one of Statilio Tauro, was built in 29 BC. One peculiarity of the amphitheater found in the excavations of Pompeii is that the structure had no basement under the floor of the arena, as the same construction of the imperial age used to have. At the top of the Amphitheatre you can see the large holes used to shore up the roof of the arena, in order to protect the spectators from the sun beating, wind, and rain.

In this way, the shows could take place at any time of the year, without having to worry about the seasons. The terraces of the Amphitheatre of the archaeological excavations of Pompeii were divided into three orders, and one of these was reserved, with no doubt, for women. This timeless place has been the scene of one of the most exciting rock history concerts. In 1971, in fact, Pink Floyd recorded their “Live at Pompeii” concert without an audience, which became one of the most memorable moments in the music history.

The Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii

The Villa of the Mysteries, in Pompeii, is an ancient roman house, located slightly outside the city and the archaeological site. It is not possible to verify the owner of this great building, also in this case, but some ruins suggest that the owners could have been some rich Roman patrician. Some people argue that the villa belonged to Livia, the wife of Emperor Augustus, since there was a statue found in the ruins representing her. The Villa of the Mysteries takes its name from a series of paintings discovered in a room of the house, which some experts are still trying to determine the meaning.

All schools of thought agree that the frescoes represent a young woman who is initiated into a cult. The dispute is about the kind of ritual that was initiated on the woman. Some argue that it is a Dionysian rite, while others simply believe that the woman is prepared for marriage. Whatever ritual to which the frescos of the Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii refer , these images instil into visitors a strong subjection . The villa had many rooms, all decorated with great elegance and many of which were for dinners and social events. Even in the Villa of the Mysteries, bodies were found of people who were doing normal daily activities ,when they were blown over by the violence of the Vesuvius lava.

Cave Canem Mosaic

Maybe you have seen it at the entrance of some villas in Italy or in the world? The Cave Canem (Beware of the Dog in Latin) is one of the world’s most famous mosaics, and it’s right here, in the House of the Tragic Poet.

It has been recently restored in order to bring back its ancient splendour, after years of neglect, with a device that protects it from rain and wind, but does not prevent the view. The House of the Tragic Poet is a typical house with atrium and takes its name from a mosaic placed at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. E. Bulwer – Lytton used this house, which had just been dug (1824-1825) as a model to describe the abode of Glaukos in his novel , The Last Days of Pompeii (1834).

The Garden of fugitives of Pompeii

It is the most heartbreaking testimony of the end of Pompeii, for sure, with the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. During the excavations of 1961-62 and 1973-74, the bodies were found of 13 victims of the eruption, surprised by lava and lapillus while they were running away towards Porta Nocera. Men, women, and children, of one or more family groups, were asphyxiated by the gases and then slowly covered with ashes.

The ones you see today in the Garden of the fugitives are perfect reproductions in plaster, which enable us to understand the last moments of life of these inhabitants of Pompeii.

What to eat in Pompeii

Pompeii does not have a typical culinary tradition, and its cuisine collects the main recipes of Campania’s gastronomy. Restaurants and trattorias are scattered everywhere, but the best are in the area of the archaeological excavations and close to the Shrine of Blessed Virgin of Pompeii. Before the Vesuvius exploded and buried the city under a thick cover of ash, Pompeii was a city that produced and exported large quantities of wine and oil. In many of the villas of the Roman nobles, found in archaeological excavations, machines were found for pressing grapes and olives. The tradition, however, is a bit old school and nowadays Pompeii’s gastronomy is based more on international customers’ satisfaction, than the use of local products. In some places that are located close to major tourist attraction centers of Pompeii, you can find people from all over the world. In the days of greatest affluence, It is very difficult to find a quiet place to take a break” and have lunch , so it is better to start eating before, or eating in the early afternoon. In Pompeii, then, you will not find sophisticated dishes and recipes coming directly from Ancient Rome, but good and cheap tourist menus are offered everywhere.

Where to stay in Pompeii

In Pompeii, you can find hotels, agritourism, and room rental for all budgets, since the city is perfectly equipped to host the large tourists flow. The main hotels are located at the city center, along Via Lepanto, Via Roma, and Via Piave. The hotels are located in a short distance from the archaeological site, very close to the Shrine of Blessed Virgin of the Rosary and the Circumvesuviana station. The cheapest B&Bs are slightly far away from the main attraction centers, but for those who don’t want to give up on the comfort of being one step away from the ancient ruins, you can find also some B&Bs in the center. Prices range from a minimum of € 45 up to € 100, but if you do a good research, it is not difficult to find some very advantageous promotions.

cities of art Perugia

10 Things to do and see in Perugia

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

Perugia is a little jewel that visitors discover slowly. This town has artistic and monumental treasures of a rich past. It looks like a small fortified medieval village, but Perugia has a very busy city life. There is one of oldest University of the Studies of Italy (founded in 1308), as well as the biggest University for foreigners in Italy. So it’s not a city full of tourists during the day and empty at night. There are a lot of monuments to visit: from the National Gallery to the Etruscan Well (Pozzo Etrusco) , the Oratory of San Bernardino to Corso Vannucci. Below we suggest you 10 things to do and see in Perugia, the remain is a surprise you’ll discover by yourself.

If you are looking for a hotel in Turin, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 130 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Fontana Maggiore in Perugia

The Fontana Maggiore is a medieval fountain located in Piazza IV Novembre. This gorgeous fountain is one of the most celebrated in Italy and a real symbol of Perugia. The Fontana Maggiore (Main Fountain) was built between 1275 and 1278, by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano.

It was supposed to receive the waters from the Mount Pacciano aqueduct and it was built on a round stairway, composed by two basins of pink and white stone. Over the upper basin there is a bronze round vessel and three nymphs with an amphora from which the water spread out.

On the upper basin there are statues representing the mythic characters linked to the foundation of the city; the lower basin is decorated with fifty bas-relieves representing the agriculture works, and some Byble episodes, the two symbols of the city (the gryphon), of the guelf party (the lion) and of the Empire (the eagle). You can admire also two bas-relieves representing images from the Esopo’s tales (the crane and the wolf; the wolf and the lamb). The fountain has been recently restored, and now you can admire it in all its splendor.

Cattedrale di San Lorenzo in Perugia

The Cathedral, titled to San Lorenzo, one of the saint patrons of the city, was built between 1345 and 1490. Both the lateral part and the principal façade are still incomplete.

The side wall has some geometric twine of pink and white marble rhombus. The main façade is characterized by a baroque style main door, dated back in 1729.

The interior, with a late Gothic style, has three naves of the same height, divided by big columns.

The decorations were finished in XVIII century and, among these, the most important are : the “Deposition” by Federico Barocci, the polychrome window dated back in XVI century, by Arrigo Fiammingo, and the Funerary Monument in honour of the bishop Andrea Baglioni by Urbano da Cortona. In the cloister you can admire the Museo Capitolare, with important art works.

Where: Piazza 4 Novembre
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: The holy mass is celebrated from Monday to Saturday at 7.20 am, 8 am, 9.30 am, 11 am and 6 pm. In the public holidays at 8 am, 10 am, 11.30 am and 6 pm
Tickets: free entrance. Museum + archeological path: full ticket € 8 – reduced ticket € 6

The National Gallery of Umbria in Perugia

The National Gallery of Umbria is located in Palazzo dei Priori, Corso Vannucci. Its foundation is dated back in 1878 and it has the richest and the most complete artistic patrimony of all the region.

The works are from XIII to the XIX century and they are organized under a chronological path: at the third floor there are the works dated back from the XIII to the XV century, and at the second floor the works dated back from XVI to the XIX century.

The National Gallery of Umbria in Perugia

The big difference from other museums is that in this gallery the works are in a little space, so they follow one another without breaks. You can admire, in one sight, all the Virgins and the polyptych represented by the Florentine painting of 1400, the masterpiece of the Renaissance and the unique pieces of Umbria goldsmiths art. Among all these works stand out the Duccio Buoninsegna, Piero della Francesca, Beato Angelico, Pinturicchio and Perugino ones. Furthermore there are some collections dedicated to the goldsmiths art, to the ancient graphic, to the topography and to the Umbria fabrics.

Where: Palazzo dei Priori, in Corso Vannucci
How to get there: by feet in the city centre
When – Hours: From Tuesday to Sunday, 8.30 am – 7.30 pm
Never: Monday, 1st January, 1st May and 25th December
Tickets: 6,50 €, reduced tickets 3,25 €

Rocca Paolina in Perugia

Pope Paolo III commissioned Antonio da Sangallo the Younger to build Rocca Paolina (Paolina stronghold) The Pope wanted to make the city safe and to create an efficient refuge as it was Castel Sant’Angelo. To build this fortified tower more than one hundred houses, monasteries and churches were destroyed, especially the ones which were properties of the Baglioni family. This family was very hated by Paolo III.

The Rocca was symbol of pope authority until 1860, then it was pulled down after the annexation of the region with the Reign of Italy. There are still visible some parts of the walls of this tower and the bastion of Porta Marzia (Marzia door). But the most interesting part of this Rocca are the undergrounds, in particular the escalator that from the parking, situated in Piazza Partigiani, run through the Rocca under the lateral door of the Palazzo del Governo (from 1870 it’s the seat of the Region government) up to Piazza Italia. In this unique scenario there are shops, boutiques, bookshops and take place some cultural events.

Oratorio di San Bernardino in Perugia

Franciscan friars wanted this Oratory in honor of San Bernardino da Siena. The beautiful polychromatic façade was made by Agostino di Duccio, who used various materials and was able to create a real colour symphony which explodes in a charming reflex game. Agostino di Duccio used an elegant stone and marble embroidery to glorify the Saint. This work is the highest expression of the Perugia’s Renaissance.

A double door is the entrance of this church which has a beautiful Gothic interior and the altar is a pre-Christian sarcophagus dated back to the IV century. It has the mortal remains of the Blessed Egidio, friend of San Francesco. Behind the altar there is another door which leads into the Saint Andrew Oratory, which has a painted ceiling coffer dated back between the XVIII and XIX century.

Where: Piazza San Francesco al Prato
How to get there: by feet in the city centre
When – Hours: The mass is celebrated from Monday to Saturday at 5.30 pm; Public holidays 12 am and 5.30 pm
Tickets: Free entrance

Etruscan Well in Perugia

This well is a great work of hydraulic engineering and it belonged to the family Corbello. It’s the result of the technical knowledge and civic level of the Etruscan population 300 years before Christ.

Its construction is dated back in IV or III century BC, but even if the date is uncertain, the dimensions of this well are sure: 37 meters deep and 5 meters of diameter. A huge construction used as water tank: here flowed waters of three aquifers of Perugia. You can visit the well thanks to some stairs which allow the visitor to reach its deepest point. The bottom of the well is covered of travertine, the same material has been used also for the covering of the well. If you pass in Piazza Danti, don’t forget to visit this incredible work of hydraulic engineering.

Where: Piazza Danti
How to get there: by feet in the city centre
When – Hours: every day 10 am to 1.30 pm and 2.30 pm 6.30 pm.
Tickets: Unique ticket to visit the Etruscan Well, Chapel of San Severo and Museum of the doors and walls: 2,50 €, reduced tickets: 2€ and 1€.

Perugina Chocolate Factory

Baci Perugina (the famous Italian chocolate “kisses” filled with hazelnut and wrapped in a multilingual love note) take their name from the city of Perugia . Originally called “punches” have become a symbol in the world.

The Perugina factory is located just outside the historic center and you can visit it. You’ll have the chance to discover the company history and, above all, to observe the production of kisses and other products (Rossana candies, Ore Liete cookies). The visit to Perugina Chocolate Factory lasts about 1h 15min and allows you to discover the historical museum, the visit to the production lines of chocolate, a beautiful and rich tasting of Perugina products, and finally to access to the internal sales point.

Where: Chocolate Factory is located 5 Km from Perugia Train Station , stop: San Sisto.
How to get there: By bus, line A
When – Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am / 1:00 – 2:00 pm / 5.30 Saturday 10:00 am / 4:00 pm (saturday closed during January, February, June, September)
Tickets: Full € 9, reduced € 7 (13 to 17 years, groups of 10 people upwards, helper for the disable people and people over 65).
Reduced 4 € from 6 to 12 years.
Free until to 5 years old and disable people.
School groups: 0-5 years free, primary and secondary € 3, € 5 high schools

Volumni Hypogeum in Perugia

Just outside the historical centre of Perugia, in Ponte San Giovanni area, there is an extraordinary place: it’s the Volumni Hypogeum, the oldest and most preserved funerary monument of Etruscan era.

The tomb of the III century. BC, discovered in 1840, is part of the big necropolis, known as the “Palazzone”. It’s a necropolis with more than 200 tombs but only one side can be visited. The Hypogeum takes its name from the Volumni family, a rich and noble Etruscan family, of which it contains the remains. The beauty of the building is that it looks like an Etruscan-Roman period house and consists of a atrium and seven rooms.

Where: Via Assisna, 53 – Ponte S. Giovanni – Phone number 07 5393329
How to get there: By bus, line 4, 92, 93, then by feet or taxi
When – Hours: September – June 9 am – 6.30 pm / July – August 9 am – 7 pm
Tickets: € 3

Things to eat in Perugia

Perugia’s cuisine is linked to the traditional Umbrian one, and is simple, genuine and tasty. Hams, salami, cheeses and meats are the real stars of the tables.

Among the traditional dishes, you can taste the “Guinea fowl in dripping pan” (topped with a sauce made of chicken livers, herbs and white wine), the “torta al testo” (a cake of flour, water and olive oil) and many recipes whose main flavor is the truffle. Another specialty is the humpbacks parmigiana: a dish made of thistles, mozzarella, beef and parmesan sauce. You can taste also sea flavors: the tegamaccio (a flavored fish soup) is one of the most famous dishes of fish but also crabs, trout, pike and carp cooked with tasty recipes. The desserts: pinoccate, made with pine nuts, and the winepress, a donut with raisins and candied fruit, are the most famous.

Where to sleep in Perugia

Perugia is a touristic city with business people, many students and professors. There are, then, hotels, apartments, hostels and B&Bs and agritourism in the surrounding areas.

In some periods it could be difficult to find a place at a good price, so it’s better to move from the old town center the suburbs, perfectly connected to the centre by bus and towns escalators.

At events such as the Umbria Jazz or Eurochocolate, there are many tourists; so if your vacation will be during these periods, we suggest you to book some time before. The prices of a 3 star hotel in the center start from 70 Euros per night, breakfast included. In the agritourisms you can save money with prices starting at 50 Euros per night.

capitals Paris

10 things to do and see in Paris

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 15 Settembre 2016

Is there anything new to say about Paris? Some people consider it beautiful, others an ordinary city. Some people believe it’s the capital of lovers, others think there’s something more interesting to do, than a romantic kiss on the Seine. Sure, there are romantic places in Paris: Montmartre view from a loft; the soft lights of the cafes of the Latin Quarter, squares and corners of the Marais district. Paris is more than a romantic city, it has museums, monuments, churches and characteristic areas. If you can escape from the tourist traps and select well the places where you can eat, Paris will make you discover the best of French cuisine, which fortunately it’s not just croissants and cheeses. Read our 10 things to do and see during your visit to Paris.

If you are looking for a hotel in Paris, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 1800 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Montmartre in Paris

In 1800, Montmartre was the damned neighbourhood where you could find only penniless artists in search of fortune and the bored bourgeois looking for prostitutes and the Moulin Rouge shows.

An irreverent district, a city in the city, where Picasso, Van Gogh and Modigliani used to live. The Paris Commune was born because the people of Montmartre in 1871, after the surrender of France to the Prussians, didn’t hand over the cannon that was guarding the hill and killed the generals. Today Montmartre is no longer the irreverent district of Paris, it’s rather a “tourist trap” that you have to visit. Although the great artists are not there anymore (replaced by invasive caricatures illustrators) and there are a lot of tourists, Montmartre still has a special charm to be experienced.

How to get there: Subway Line 12: Jules Joffrin o Abesses; Line 2: Anvers o Pigalle
When: always

Musée d’Orsay in Paris

The place of the Musée d’Orsay can be called the first “masterpiece” of its collections, because it was built in the old Orsay railway station for the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1900.

In the heart of Paris, along the Seine, the Musée d’Orsay has an ancient and precious charm: the architecture of the Museum is absolutely modern, but looking at the complex you’ll end up surprised to see the structure of the old station. The artworks will enchant your eyes: Manet’s meadows and Monet’s poppies, Van Gogh’s self-portrait and the beautiful Tahitian girls of Gauguin. If you have ever heard of one of these paintings, you’ll will find it here, along with thousands of other works of art.

When – Hours: every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 9.30 am to 6 pm; Thursdays from 9:30 am to 9:45pm
Never: Every Monday, 1st January and 25^th December.
Tickets: free entrance the first Sunday of each month. 7.5 EUR other days.

Louvre Museum in Paris

We give you a suggestion: if you are lucky enough to get to the Louvre, once in your life, don’t fight with Japanese people to take a picture of the Mona Lisa.

It might be a good idea to start your visit from the Mona Lisa, so then you’ll be more interested to all the other works that deserve your attention. In the Louvre there is everything and you can’t see hundreds of masterpieces in a single day: if you can’t plan a visit of several days, our suggestion is to choose in advance which works to see.

How to get there: subway stop Palais-Royal/musée du Louvre
When – Hours: Every day from 9 am to 6 pm . Wednesday and Friday until 22
Never: All Tuesday, 1^st January, 1^st May 1 and 25^th December
Tickets: € 9 , free entrance the first Sunday of each month
You can find tickets in every FNAC in Paris or at the Louvre ticket office

The Eiffel Tower in Paris

This large iron structure, whose point seems to touch the clouds, is the symbol of Paris.

The Eiffel Tower, made by 18,038 pieces of metal, was completed March 31, 1889 and it had to be demolished after only two years, but it’s still there despite all the humiliations received. Some people called it “a skeleton tower,” others “a tragic chandelier ” or “a plastic chimney”. However 2 million people visited it, and now with its 6 million visitors a year, is the most visited monument of the world. A visit with picture under the Tower is a must for anyone visiting Paris, as well as waiting for the play of lights that start the first 10 minutes of every hour during the night.

The Latin Quarter in Paris

The name seems to suggest an exotic neighborhood, full of Brazilian, Spanish and Portuguese cafés, however in this part of Paris there’s definitely a lively air , but it doesn’t come from faraway countries.

The only exotic elements are the Arab World Institute and restaurants that sell kebabs in St. Michel Square. In the Latin Quarter the atmosphere is distinctly French, but very “effervescent” thanks to places and cafés, opened day and night all year. Full of professors and students, who once out of the sober walls of the Sorbonne and other cultural institutions, look for distraction and some relaxing time.

How to get there: by feet from Notre Dame. Subway : Line 10 station Cluny-Sorbonne or Saint Michel
When: normal days without students

Notre – Dame Cathedral in Paris

Notre-Dame de Paris, the elegant and mysterious lady of Paris is the center of France. In front of it there’s the Zero Point, the bronze star from which all road distances are calculated in France.

The Bishop Sully wanted it, because he was envious of the St. Denis Cathedral. It was built asking money to all people of Paris and transformed into a Temple of Reason by the revolutionaries. It has always risked to be demolished, but it has always been saved by the will of some powerful people of Paris. Notre Dame has experienced dark moments and glory, but at the end it was saved by the charm of a novel: Notre-Dame de Paris by Hugo. The novel returned prestige to this cathedral which hosts some of the most important relics of Christendom, including a nail from the cross of Jesus and the crown of thorns.

How to get there
Subway:Line 1 Hôtel de Ville stop. Line 4 Châtelet stop. Line 7, 11 and 14 Cité or Saint – Michel stop
When: everyday
Tickets: Free entrance

The Palace of Versailles in Paris

If you grew up watching Lady Oscar (the famous Japanese manga) , you can’t miss a visit to the Palace of Versailles. The splendor and majesty of this palace, make it one of the most beautiful and the biggest palaces in the world.

This jewel was created by the vagaries of Louis XIV, known as the Sun King. It became the reflection of the power and victories of this monarch who ruled for 72 years. The King was suffering from some mania of persecution and grandeur: he moved to Versailles because in Paris he saw conspiracies of the nobles from all sides and asked to be called Sun King. For this, the rooms have the name of the planets and are close to the important Salon of Apollo (god of the sun), not surprisingly its throne Room.

How to get there: Subway line C RER, direction Versailles-Rive Gauche-Chateau.
Montparnasse and Saint Lazare, the SNCF trains to Versailles.
Tickets: Passepartout ticket 16 €
Tips: Buy tickets at FNAC, to avoid 3 km queues.

The Sainte-Chapelle in Paris

The very Catholic King Louis IX ordered the construction of the beautiful Sainte-Chapelle to host a piece of the Holy Cross, one of the nails pushed into the flesh of Christ and his crown.

These important relics of Christendom are currently preserved in Notre-Dame, but the chapel still has its charm: it’s considered the most authoritative expression of Gothic architecture and the splendor is perceived already outside, by the stained glass windows. The Sainte-Chapelle is divided into two parts: the lower was the place of prayer of people, the upper was for the royal family and the nobles who reached the chapel through a protected passage. You can admire the beautiful colored light filtering through the 600 square meters of the stained glass windows, the most important testimony of glassmaking art of the XIII century. The scenes are a Bible in pictures and tell different stories of the Bible, including Genesis, Exodus, the story of the Passion relics, the Book of Kings and more. The large rose window on the south side (9 meters in diameter), is the Apocalypse.

How to get there
Subway: Cité station, Line 4.
Bus: line 21, 27, 38, 85, 96 including the Balabus
When – Hours: The chapel is open daily. From March 1 to October 31 from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm . From November 1 to February 28 it’s open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm . The ticket office closes 30 minutes before closing time
Tickets: € 6,50

Saint Ouen flea market in Paris

If you love antiques or you like just stick your nose in colored patches, singular objects, ancient and current books, you can’t skip the Saint Ouen flea market that takes place three days a week: Saturdays, Sundays and Monday.

If you are looking for a great deal or a precious and charming object, don’t miss this chance. There’s everything: from the Chinese fake jewellery to important valuable objects. The Saint Ouen market is divided into sections: books, furniture, clothes, discs. If you don’t find anything you like, which is very difficult, you’ll be happy anyway to breath a bit of chaotic, festive French air.

How to get there: Subway Line 4, stop Porte de Clignancourt, line 13 stop Garibaldi.
When – Hours: Saturday, Sunday, Monday 10.30 am – 1 pm . 2 – 6 pm . Friday: 1-6 pm
Tickets: free entrance

Where to sleep in Paris

Paris is the most visited tourist destination in the world: there are countless hotels, apartments, B&Bs, rooms in each category in each district of the city.

Obviously costs are not low, and it could take one hour to get from the hotel to the most famous monuments. You should look for a compromise among the costs, starting from 80 € per night in a 2 or 3 star hotel. The central areas are always secure, while you should avoid the districts 18, 19 and 20 especially at night.

If you are looking for a hotel in Paris, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 320 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

capitals Oslo

10 things to do and see in Oslo

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

Oslo is a must- see city with its natural reserves, beautiful parks and green spaces. The capital of Norway is situated between the Oslo Fjord and the green hills with so many woods that in 2007 it was named the second city more green and eco- friendly that the others. Taking a walk in the city center you’ll need a few steps to find a nice park where you can relax and in just 10 minutes by boat, you’ll discover the beautiful beaches of the Oslo Fjord. The capital of Norway is also rich of attractions, museums, art galleries and shops. And remember: you can’t leave Oslo without having first met its painter, Edvard Munch. The paintings of this tormented genius are exposed at the Munch Museum and the National Gallery. To admire the artistic sense of this city you don’t have to enter in a museum: the Vigeland Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Oslo and offers 212 statues of the sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Here we suggest you 10 things to do and see in this city !

If you are looking for a hotel in Oslo, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 320 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Akershus Castle in Oslo

Located on the hill overlooking the Oslo Fjord, the Akershus fortress is the main architectural symbol of the Norwegian capital. It was built under the reign of Håkon V in the late XIII century to protect the city from invaders (as evidenced by the four defensive towers). In the first half of 1600 the medieval building was transformed into a Renaissance palace by order of Christian IV.

During the 1700s, the structure had some signs of decay but the renovations were started only in 1899. Today the complex, while remaining a military installation, looks like a park often used for theatrical performances and outdoor concerts during the summer. In the Akershus Festning there is the old Castle (Akershus Slott) whose sumptuous rooms are now used by the Government as boardrooms. The royal chapel instead houses the mausoleum of the Norwegian Royal. Within the walls of the fortress there are also the Norwegian Resistance Museum and the Museum of the Armed Forces. You’ll have also a beautiful views over the harbour and the city. Don’t miss the changing of the guard that takes place every day at 1.30 pm

When:
Fortress – every day from 7 am to 9 pm.
Castle – September to April: Sat. and Sun. 12 – 5 pm
May-August: Mon – Sat 10 am 4 pm ; Sun. 12 – 4 pm .
N.B: the castle or parts of it may be closed on certain days due to public events (for info http://www.forsvarsbygg.no/festningene)
Tickets Fortress: free entrance
Tickets Castle: ordinary ticket Kr 70
seniors / students / groups of over 10 people Kr 50
Children (6-18 years) 30 Kr.
Free entrance with the Oslo Pass

The National Gallery in Oslo

One of the top destinations in Oslo is the National Gallery, in Norwegian: Nasjonalgalleriet.

This gallery, included in the complex of the National Museum, houses the largest collection of Norwegian art from the Romantic period to the modern works, ranging from the XIX century to the Second World War. There’s a great interest for many Edvard Munch masterpieces, including a version of the famous Scream.

In the National Gallery there are not only works by Norwegian artists, but also works of many important European painters like Picasso, Gauguin and El Greco. Don’t miss the masterpieces of Impressionist Monet, Manet, Renoir, Degas, Cezanne and Matisse. The collection of sculptures is big too: “Triumph of Afrodite” by Renoir and “The Morning Toilette” by Degas. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibitions of historical and contemporary art.

When: Tues, Wed. and Fri. 10:00 am to 6:00 pm ; Thur. 10:00 am to 7:00 pm ; Sat. and Sun. 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Never: Monday
Tickets: Adults 50 Kr; b30 Kr
children free entrance
Free admission with the Oslo Pass.
Free admission on Sunday.

Oslo Cathedral

The beautiful Our Savior’s Church was consecrated in 1697 and restored to its original appearance (Baroque) in 1950. It deserves a visit especially for the beautiful stained glass windows, designed by Emanuel Vigeland and for the beautiful painted ceiling with scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

The altarpiece, depicting the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, was built in 1748 by Michael Rasch and was a distinctive element of the church: later was moved to different cities in Norway until in 1950 when was returned by the church Prestnes in Majorstuen. If you are lucky you can watch one of the suggestive concerts that sometimes take place in the Cathedral. The arches and porches on the back of the Cathedral (Le Basarhallene, the bazaar halls) dating back to 1858, now host shops and markets.

When: Mon. – Thurs. / Sat. and Sun. 10 am -4 pm ; Fri. 6 am – 4 pm
Tickets: free entrance

The Vigeland Park in Oslo

Probably you will go to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the heart of the very popular Frognerparken, without any clue of what it is.

Annoyed statues of children, lovers embraced and old people will surprise you for their exceptional beauty. The Vigeland Park is an outdoor museum of masterpieces of the most famous Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, with 212 granite and bronze sculptures all to admire and to photograph. The most famous statues is that of Sinataggen, the “Little hot-head”, which depicts a very angry child, and Monolitten (Monolith), a high tower of 17 meters with 121 human figures one close to another, struggling to reach the top of the obelisk. You should visit the park at sunset, when the shadows create games of light.

When: every day
Ticket: free entrance

The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo

The Viking ships in the Museum inspire a little bit of fear and subjection, so that visitors use to talk in a low voice with no reason.

Funerary boats at Vikingskipshuset are imposing and majestic and tell a piece of history of ancient sailor people. The ships made of oak wood, were buried more than 1100 years ago because they were used as big coffins for the noble people. In these ships were placed all the object that could have been useful for people after life from jewelry to tapestries (many finds are in the museum). As believed the Vikings, ships would have transported their owners, members of the royal family, in the world of the dead. The most solemn of all the ships is the Oseberg, decorated on the stern and on the bow with sculpures depicting dragons and snakes; the strongest ship is the Gokstad, the most meaningful and important example of a Viking ship; the third vessel, Tune, made of just few fragments and axes. The three ships were found in the Oslo Fjord and excavated in the second half of the XIX century.

Where: Huk Aveny 35 (penisola di Bygdøy)
When: May to September every day from 9 am to 6 pm
October to April every day from 10 am to 4 pm
Tickets: Adults 80 Kr
students and seniors 50 Kr
children free entrance
Free entrance with the Oslo Pass

Tusenfryd Amusement Park in Oslo

Oslo is not only rich in art, museums and monuments, but it has also a big amusement park: the TusenFryd Amusement Park is a beautiful amusement park, about 20 km far from the city center, loved both by adults and children.

In the park there are exciting attractions, a water park, the BadeFryd, and an area dedicated to children. Don’t miss the SpeedMonster, exciting roller coasters inspired by racing cars: it will take you from 0 to 90 km / h in just 2 seconds and will reach zero gravity 12 times. After you have walked the streets of Oslo, you can finish your trip with some shivers!

Where: Vinterbro. From Oslo: Bus 541 Drøbak / TusenFryd from the bus stop near the Central Station (Fred Olsens Gate). Buses four departures per hour.
When – Hours: from May to October (BadeFryd June to August).
to know the opening days and timing (variable) please visit http://tusenfryd.no
Tickets: adults 299-389 Kr
over 60 209 Kr
children 269-315 Kr
kids free entrance (the ticket price also includes the entrance to BadeFryd)

Oslo Opera House

The Opera House, with its glass building and white Carrara marble on the banks of the Oslofjord, emerges from the sea like a huge glittering ice.

The structure was inaugurate in 2008 to house the Opera’s activities and the Ballet of Norway. It has already become the symbol of the redevelopment project of the sea in front of Oslo. The monumental work, designed by the Norwegian office Snøhetta, cost about 600 million euros and is considered a bold experiment of urban architecture, as evidenced by the entrance of the theatre with a sloping floor . The interior rooms are made by fine materials (foyers and theaters) and Baltic oak. The building has 1,100 rooms, including a large auditorium whose stage measures several thousands of square meters. To visit the interior of the building you need to book (in advance) a guided tour (in English); the atrium and roof instead are open to visitors.

Where: former port area of the peninsula Bjøzvika
When – Hours: guided tours with fee (discount with the Oslo Pass): Mon, Wed., Ven. and Sun. 1 pm ; Sat. 12 pm To book the tour: E-mail to omvisninger@operaen.no and at the ticket office of the Opera

Folk Muneum in Oslo

Located in the Bygdøy peninsula, the Norvegian Folk Museum is the largest open-air museum in Norway, where through the reconstruction of rural and urban landscapes, rich collections and many activities, the visitors can relive the Norwegian cultural history from the Middle Ages to nowadays

The museum includes more than 150 buildings from different regions of the country dating back to the XVII and XVIII centuries and a stavkirke (church with bearing piles) built entirely with wood in 1200 and transported there in 1885 at the behest of King Oscar II of Sweden. In the museum you can admire also the old shops, craft workshops, the coaches, the music and the dancing, the guides dressed in traditional costumes and even a historical playground. If you want to have an outdoor day and discover the life, the arts and Norwegian traditions, the Norsk Folke Museum will not disappoint you!

Things to eat in Oslo

The Oslo dishes are related to its ancient and deep seafaring tradition, in this city you can enjoy different kinds of fresh fish and seafood specialties that you have never tasted in any other place

Don’t miss the famous salmon to eat smoked or grilled, cod, catfish , herring, clams and prawns, cooked or freshly caught. If you prefer meat, Oslo isn’t unprepared: moose, reindeer and deer with an already strong flavor but often served with sour cream sauce . You have to taste also the dried meat, accompanied perhaps by geitost , fresh cheese made from cow and goat milk. To enjoy these dishes we suggest you to taste the delicious local beer and the exquisite brandy.

Where to sleep in Oslo

Oslo offers a wide selection of hotels, B&Bs, cottages, and hostels. Most B&Bs are located in the city, but some are also scattered in the country: beware of signs along the roads, looking for the Rom or Husrom words.

Another place where you can sleep are the fishermen’s houses, the so-called Rorbu. A little outside the city, these houses are completely independent, with living room and kitchen in one room, a bedroom and a bathroom. A rorbu with two bedrooms, costs from 600 NOK per night and often you have to pay a little more for towels and linens. Hostels in Oslo belong to two different chains: Hostelling International and VIP Backpackers Resort International, both very cozy and comfortable. A bedroom costs from 100 to 300 NOK per night, while a double room from 300 to 600 NOK. In the rooms you will find blankets and pillows, but you have to bring the sheets or, if you want, you can rent them at the hostel. Hotels offer some discounts especially during weekends and the summer: compared to the rest of Europe, the prices in Oslo are not very high. Another very convenient solution for your holidays are farms, located in the western part of Oslo, where you can take care of the animals and do many different activities: fishing, hiking, horseback riding and boat excursions.

cities of art Orvieto

10 things to do and see in Orvieto

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

Orvieto has been called “the tall and strange city” because it’s placed on a tufa cliff emerging from the surrounding city. From a distance, especially at night, it seems suspended in the sky while during the day it appears placed on clouds. It’s a small treasure chest full of art and it’s famous especially for the cathedral, European – Gothic marvel, and St. Patrizio’s well, hydraulic engineering masterpiece. Small, clean and cozy, Orvieto is a must-see during your tour in Umbria but it also deserves a weekend to enjoy the Chapel of San Brizio, the Museo del Duomo, the millennial underground city and the excellent gastronomy. On this page we suggest you 10 things to do and see in Orvieto.

If you are looking for a hotel in Orvieto, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 70 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Cathedral in Orvieto

The Cathedral is a real Italian – gothic marvel and it’s an harmonic mix of 20 different artists’ work happened during more than 3 centuries. The construction started in 1290 to give to the Corporal of Bolsena’s Miracle a place to be revered, and they continued until the second half of 1500.

The largest investments were done by Arnolfo di Cambio, Lorenzo Maitani and Orcagna. Starting from the bottom, you can admire the bas-reliefs with stories from the Old and New Testament and the Last Judgment.

At the center there is the magnificent rose window and all around the mosaics, which despite being very beautiful, have very little of the original ones. The interior contains two main chapels for religion and art: the Chapel of the Corporal and the Chapel of San Brizio. The corporal of the chapel is the one of the Miracle of Bolsena, stained by the blood of a host in 1263. A key event for the Catholic Church who built the cathedral to house the relic and, since then, every August 11 it celebrates the Corpus Domini. The corporal and the host are kept in a gold and silver reliquary , true masterpiece of medieval jewellery.

Where: Piazza del Duomo
When – Hours: November to February from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm 2.30- 5:00 pm
March and October from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm
April-September from 9.30 am to 7.00 pm
Sundays and holidays:
November to February from 2.30 to 5.30 pm
March, April, May and October from 1.00 to 5.30 pm
June, July, August and Settembre from 1.00 to 6.30 pm
Tickets: Cathedral, Chapel of San Brizio and other museums of the MODO circuit € 5

Chapel of San Brizio in Orvieto

The Chapel of San Brizio in Orvieto Cathedral (see point 1) is a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. Beato Angelico and Benozzo Gozzoli were the first artists who painted part of the ceiling, but it was Luca Signorelli to complete it.

The theme of the chapel is the Last Judgment, a story in pictures about the end of the world populated by angels, terrifying demons, sinners and people into the sky. Extraordinary scenes with the Sermon of Chapel of San Brizio in Orvieto

The Chapel of San Brizio in Orvieto Cathedral (see point 1) is a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. Beato Angelico and Benozzo Gozzoli started the works, painting part of the ceiling, but it was Luca Signorelli to complete it.

The theme of the chapel is the Last Judgment, a story in pictures of the end of the world populated by angels, terrifying demons, sinners saved on hold and flew into the sky. Extraordinary scenes with the Antichrist Predica, the Resurrection of the body, the defeat of the Demon by St Michael, the ascent to Paradise and the Damned to hell.

Where: in the transept of the cathedral
When – Hours: November to February from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm 2.30- 5:00 pm
March and October from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm
April-September from 9.30 am to 7.00 pm
Sundays and holidays:
November to February from 2.30 to 5.30 pm
March, April, May and October from 1.00 to 5.30 pm
June, July, August and Settembre from 1.00 to 6.30 pm
Tickets: Cathedral, Chapel of San Brizio and other museums of the MODO circuit € 5

St. Patrizio’s Well in Orvieto

First of all we have to clarify the reason for the name: the well looks like the cavity where the Irish saint loved to retire in prayer.

This engineering marvel was built in 1527 thanks to Pope Clement VII. The goal was to ensure water all the time of the year in Orvieto, especially in preparation of a siege like the one of the Sack of Rome where the Pope had just escaped. The well, 62 meters deep, is entirely carved into the stone and reaches the water that is located under the cliff where Orvieto stands. The masterpiece consists in the double spiral staircases, big and independent, one for the descent and the other one for return. This allowed to make easy operations with the water. The light comes from 72 windows open towards the center of the well. If you want to find out how is the well down at the bottom, there are 258 steps to deal with. And then go back.

Where: at the end of Viale Cavour
When – Hours: January, February, November, December: from 10.00 am to 4.45 pm
March, April, September, October: from 9.00 am to 6.45 pm
May, June, July, August: from 9.00 am to 7.45 pm
Tickets: € 5

Orvieto underground city

For 2500 years the people of Orvieto dug into the tufa rock on which is built the city, building a new, underground and hidden city

Only in the last few years a group of speleologists has discovered a complex labyrinth of more than 1200 caves, tunnels, wells and cisterns. The underground city has been discovered after some landslides. Today you can discover the underground city thanks to Orvieto Underground project that bring tourists to discover this fascinating route.

Where: departure from Piazza del Duomo
When – Hours: every day at 11.00 am; 12 pm,3 pm; 4 pm, 5.15 pm (during periods of large number of tourist, every 15 minutes)
Never: December 25
Tickets: € 6

Piazza del Popolo in Orvieto

Full of cars during the day, Piazza del Popolo regains its charm during the night when lights are up and on Thursday and Saturday, when the cars go away and there is the market.

The square then becomes the central place of the Orvieto’s life, as it has been for centuries. It dominates the large space the outline of the Capitano del Popolo Palace, with the strange tower and the beautiful staircase leading to the entrance hall. Today the building houses an exhibition space and an area for meetings and events. If you manage to get in, enjoy the exhibition of the fifteenth century, where the four hundred members, who ruled the city, used to meet.

Museo dell’Opera del Duomo in Orvieto

The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (MODO) actually consists of four small spaces, including the Chapel of San Brizio, the Church of Sant’Agostino and the Library Albèri.

The papal palaces deserve a visit, because there are few but exceptional works collected in the so-called Wonderland Rooms. A small path, from the thirteenth century to the first half of the seventeenth century in which stand out the great Enthroned Madonna and Child by Coppo di Marcovaldo, two works by Simone Martini (Madonna and Child with Angels and Madonna with Child and Saints Mary Magdalene, Domenico, Pietro and Paul). There is also a beautiful Magdalene by Luca Signorelli, the same artist of the Chapel of San Brizio.

Where: Piazza del duomo
When – Hours: from November to February 10 am -1 pm / 2-5 pm (closed Tuesdays)
April to September from 9.30 am to 7 pm
October and 10 am to 5 pm March (closed Tuesdays)
Tickets: Cathedral, Chapel of San Brizio and other museums of the MODO circuit € 5

Torre del Moro in Orvieto

Let’s start with the name: the Moro was the owner of the building under the tower, his name was Roberto de Sante or Gualtiero called the Moro. Over the centuries the tower belonged to different owners but especially to the Papacy which in 1515 sold it along with other church buildings.

Today it’s a cultural center, but, above all, a place from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Duomo and the rooftops of Orvieto. To get to enjoy this view, though, you have to face 250 steep steps. At the top, watching the landscape, your company will be the android playing the two bells. The clock, a reference point for Orvieto and tourists, began to work in 1885 and is still there.

Where: Piazza del Duomo
When – Hours: November to February: from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm
March, April, September, October: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
May-August: 10.00 am – 8:00 pm

The Albornoz Fortress Orvieto

Anyone who has seen Orvieto at least for once, even from the A1 highway , understands that the rock on which the town is built is already a natural fortress.

It was not easy for the invaders to climb up through the few available roads. Nevertheless, in 1359 began the building of the Albornoz fortress that the ruling families were challenging for centuries. Destroyed and rebuilt several times, the fortress was permanently rebuilt only in 1450 when Orvieto subjugate itself to the papacy. The decline by the way continued through the centuries and nowadays there are little remains of the original structure. Today it houses the public gardens and is the ideal place for a break with views of the surrounding valley.

Where: close to St Patrizio’s well
When – Hours: always
Tickets: free entrance

Things to eat in Orvieto

You can start with umbricelli, pasta made by flour and water, egg and wine, so thick that the people of Orvieto season it “all’arrabbiata”, with truffles, mushrooms or according to the creativity of local chefs.

Among the second courses you can taste many cold cuts, excellence of Umbria, the meat Chianina and boar. Some baked goods have to be tasted, including the “lumachella” with cheese, bacon, ham, pepper and the “Easter cake”, with eggs and pecorino cheese. A local peculiarity is the Pera Monteleone, also called the “Farmer’s steak” for its consistency. Among the wines, the master is the Orvieto DOC where, the protagonist is the Grechetto grape and the Aleatico and cabernet. Among the desserts don’t miss the dots with almonds and wine buns.

Where to sleep in Orvieto

Orvieto is a must of every holiday in Umbria, so it has a long tradition in tourism and a well-organized reception system.

Hotels in the center are numerous but usually have high costs and you have to book a little in advance, especially during spring and autumn. Many more possibilities come from the hotel in the lower part of Orvieto in the surrounding countryside where you can save money and enjoy the green. The average price of a 3 star hotel for one night starts from 40 €.

cities of art Naples

10 things to do and see in Naples, Italy

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

The legend tells that the origin of Naples is due to the mermaid Parthenope. That’s why this city keeps the features of an hybrid. Naples is characterized by opposites: good and evil, joy and sadness, beauty and decay. This continue struggle between the two spirits of the city is clear at first sight: in this city you can find both historical memories in the National Archaeological Museum and in the Royal Palace and the worst marks of modernity: chaos and traffic. The religious devotion to San Gennaro is mixed up with the pagan soul of the city, symbolized by the Underneath Naples (Napoli Sotterranea), and San Severo Chapel (Cappella Sansevero), between the “capuzzelle” (which are skulls) and the alchemy of Veiled Christ.

You’ll find, moreover, breath-taking glimpses and unique way of life, held up by rules that can be applied only here and nowhere else. Naples is a big, free and open theatre even though it isn’t always funny or beautiful. If you want to discover this city you just need to go around, but if you don’t want to miss the best, start to read the 10 things to do and see in Naples.

If you are looking for a hotel in Naples, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 700 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Spaccanapoli in Naples

Spaccanapoli is a street that goes through the historical centre of Naples, from Quartier Spagnoli to Forcella.

It divides the city in two parts (the name Spaccanapoli means literally “Splitter – Naples”). This street has very ancient origins: it’s one of the three decumani, the nearest to the sea (the “decumani” were three streets that ran through the city, built by the ancient Greeks). Walking through Spaccanapoli you’ll meet the thousand-year history of the city . Here you can find ancient buildings, churches and you can even smell flavors of the typical Neapolitan cuisine. Don’t be astonished by anything: the experience of walking through Spaccanapoli will let you see wonderful churches, the “bassi” (the “bassi” are poor houses with the entrance door at street level), artists, artisans and street vendors. During the last years little hotels and B&Bs began to rise on this street allowing tourists to live the city like the Neapolitans do. Spaccanapoli is a narrow alley where Neapolitans, tourists and motorcycles coexist (not always in a peaceful way). In spite of appearances there’s no place in Naples that can describe you the soul of this city more and better than this one. The essence of Naples here is revealed without tricks. Spaccanapoli isn’t a touristic postcard: Spaccanapoli is Naples.

Where: city centre
How to get there: Subway line 2. Montesanto stop

The Cappella San Severo and the Veiled Christ in Naples

The Veiled Christ is one of the most fascinating and mysterious statues you can see in Naples.

The story tells that the marble veil that recovers the statue is a real veil transformed in marble thanks to a special mixture made by the sinister Prince of San Severo, illustrious alchemist. Many experts support the theory that the amazing effect of the statue is due to the talent of the sculptor Giuseppe Sanmartino, who realized the Veiled Christ. The secret room and some macabre works (both open to the public) contributed to give to the Chapel a mysterious aura. The Chapel deserves a visit not only for the Veiled Christ, but also for other works . This place is a secret jewel hidden among Naples alleys and it’s rich of esoteric and religious signs.

Where: city centre
When – Hours: Weekdays from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm, Sunday and Public holiday from 9.30 am to 2.00 pm
Never: Every Tuesday
Special openings:
Sundays from December 6, to January 3 : 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday, December 7 : 09:30 to 19:30
Tuesday, December 8 : 09:30 to 19:30
Thursday, December 24: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday, December 25 : Closed
Saturday, December 26 : 09:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 31 : 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday, January 1 : 09:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 6 : 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Full ticket 7 €, reduced ticket 5 €
How to get here: by feet from Spaccanapoli

Archeological Museum in Naples

Originally the museum was an horse riding school, then the location of the University. The Archeological Museum was inaugurated in 1816 and nowadays it’s one of the most important museums of the world because of the quality and quantity of works exposed.

The king Ferdinando wanted a place consecrated to the arts and after two centuries his will has been done. The Museum hosts a collection of archeological finds coming from Pompei, a great number of sculptures, artefacts and arts of the Greek – Roman age, the Etruscan and Egyptian collection (the Borgia’s collection) and an interesting antique coin collection (Santangelo’s collection).You can’t miss the secret chamber (“Gabinetto Segreto”) where there’s the collection of erotic frescoes and sculptures.

Where: city center
When – Hours: Every day from 9 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Never: Every Tuesday, 1st January, 25th December
Tickets: Full ticket 8 €, Reduced ticket 4 €
How to get there: Bus 201 or the line 2 of the subway, stop: Piazza Cavour. Line 1 stop: Museo

Plebiscito and the Royal Palace of Naples

Piazza del Plebiscito is the symbol of Naples. Over the centuries it has been transformed from simple country place into meeting place of Neapolitan people: here were held the medieval tourneys and feasts of the Borbone’s family to avoid conflicts with the people.

Today is the symbol of the new “Neapolitan Renaissance”. It’s free from cars and people use to have long walks in order to admire two jewels: the neoclassical colonnade of the church of San Francesco di Paola and Royal Palace. The latter was built in the late 1500s when the possible visit of King Philip III in Naples created some excitement. The city in fact, had no place to host the most powerful man in the world. After endless thoughts, the viceroy Don Fernando, ordered the construction of a residence for the guest. The Royal Palace was commissioned to Domenico Fontana in 1600, which built it in only two years. Too bad, that the capricious King Philip III changed his mind without warning: he put back his visit to Naples until a later date. You are luckier than the King, and you can visit the Royal House, the Royal Chapel, the gardens and the little court theatre.

Underground Naples and Bourbon Gallery

For a long time the area underneath Naples has been a tuff reserve, the stones extracted in this enormous cave were used to build the city. Therefore below the street level there is plenty of tunnels and caves. “Napoli Sotterranea” (Underground Naples) tells us about a parallel life of the city that takes place under our feet. People used this underground city in many different ways, for example as an air-raid shelter during the second world war, water source, landfill, and place where criminals used to hide themselves.

In the last decades it has been started a restoration work of Napoli Sotterranea that today you can visit on two main paths: Via dei Tribunali leads to the classic route through the Greek-Roman aqueduct, air-raid shelters, the War Museum, gardens and underground the Seismic Station “Arianna”. It’s particular, instead, the visit that starts nearby Roman Theater of Nero: the access is from a private home where a moving bed shows you a trapdoor!

Always dug underground but for different reasons is the Bourbon Gallery, built in 1853 by Ferdinand II of Bourbon. It had many goals: an underground viaduct to join the Royal Palace with Piazza Vittoria, a quick access to the Royal Palace by the troops and an escape to the sea for Neapolitan kings. The Gallery has played over time, the role of anti-aircraft shelter and legal deposit: along the way, then, there are wells, tanks, cavities, the remains of everyday life during the war, huge fragments of statues and old vehicles from the 50 , 60’s and ’70.

Where: Via dei Tribunali, piazzetta San Gaetano
How to get there: by feet in the city centre
When – Hours: 10 am to 6 pm . Thursday at 9 pm, mandatory reservation, minimum 10 people
Tickets: € 10

Gallery

Where:
2 entrances: Vico del grottone n. 4 close to Piazza del Plebiscito or Parcheggio Morelli in Via Morelli
How to get there: by feet in the city centre
When – Hours: From Friday to Sunday and holidays 10 am / 12 am / 3.30 pm / 5.30 pm
Tickets: € 10

Capodimonte Museum in Naples

In 1738 Charles of Bourbon decided to transform his hunting lodge located in the wood of “Capo di monte” in a Royal Palace – Museum in order to host the Farnese Collection received from his mother. In fact, even today, walking through the big halls of the building, it seems that the Bourbon family went out of the house just before our entrance.

The museum has three floors: at the first floor you can find the historical apartment and the rich Farnese collection with works by Tiziano, Masaccio, Botticelli, Rafaello, Guido Reni, Brueghel the Elder, Andrea del Sarto and many others. On the second floor there is a gallery with works from 200 to 700: Ribera, Goya, Pinturicchio, Vasari, Mattia Preti, Ribera and the extraordinary “Flagellation of Christ” by Caravaggio. On the third floor there’s the collection of the XIX century and contemporary art with works by internationally famous artists: Andy Warhol, Mimmo Jodice, Alberto Burri, Mario Merz, Joseph Kosuth, Enzo Cucchi, Michelangelo Pistoletto. There are also the collections of everyday objects used in the Bourbon Palace. If you feel still strong, at the exit there’s a beautiful park with a magnificent Belvedere over the city, not surprisingly called by the Neapolitans “the view of Naples.”

Where: Via Miano, Naples
When – Hours: Every day from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm. Last entry at 6.30 pm
Never: Every Wednesday, 1st January and 25th December.
Tickets: Full ticket 7.50 €, after 2 pm € 6.50 reduced ticket 3.75 €.
How to get here:
BUS: ANM 178 stop: Capodimonte
BUS: ANM R4 stop: Capodimonte
BUS: ANM C63 stop: Capodimonte

The artistic subway of Naples

It could be strange that in a city rich of history as Naples, some subway stations are in the list of things to see. When you visit one of the station of the Line 1 and 6 , you’ll understand why. A real contemporary art museum

The route can start from the new Garibaldi station linked to the Naples Central Station. Here, the French town planner Perrault has designed a station with escalators suspended with predominant glass and steel. You can reach the University station , where the Egyptian architect Rashid was inspired by digital languages with an extraordinary sculpture called “synapses”. There is the Town Hall and then Toledo, considered the most beautiful railway station in Europe. With the work Relative light of Robert Wilson it’s illuminated by extraordinary light on the color of the blue. Don’t miss Dante, Museo, Materdei and the others. More than 200 works by contemporary artists to be admired with a metro ticket. A single route in the world, not to be missed.

The Cathedral and Treasure of San Gennaro

In via Duomo there’s the façade of the neapolitan Cathedral, place dedicated mainly to the cult of San Gennaro. Rich of powerful neapolitan families chapels, the Cathedral is adorned by Luca Giordano paintings representing the Apostles, the Fathers and Doctors of the Church.

The Cathedral is first of all the place where there is the Chapel and the Treasure of San Gennaro. This should let you understand how strong is the connection between Naples and San Gennaro. It’s an innate and shared feeling, which over the centuries has passed through prohibitions and restrictions, getting its strength from time to time. San Gennaro is considered by the Church a “B Series” saint, but it’s not for Neapolitans. The Chapel and the treasure are the most immediate and important evidence of this love for “Yellow Face”, the name used by Neapolitans to call the Saint. The Chapel has a gate of Cosimo Fanzago, Domenichino’s frescoes and works by Ribera. The Treasure of San Gennaro has finally found a place in a location next to the Cathedral and collects relics and precious objects, which have become oracles of faith. The Treasure includes also statues, chandeliers and several silver objects, that devotees have jealously protected during the numerous raids of the city. This is a proof of how Neapolitans consider San Gennaro a comforting presence, like it was a dear neighbor. A neighbor to visit in times of need, but also when you just want to have a little chat.

Where: Via Duomo
How to get there: By feet in the city centre
Subway 2 stop: Cavour
Subway 1 stop: Museo
When – Hours: Every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
Tickets: € 5

Things to eat in Naples

If you have tasted the pizza in other places in Italy and you’re disappointed, you asked for it! Pizza is good only in Naples. Many people pass off unrealistic round, short and salty cakes as Neapolitan pizza.

The real one is made with few ingredients, and respect almost divine laws. Water, flour, salt, and yeast for a thin dough with high and tasty borders. Despite the variations, the original pizza is the “Margherita”, invented by the pizza maker Raffaele Esposito in honor of the Queen. Esposito seasoned with tomato, mozzarella, olive oil and basil, inventing one of the best, patriotic and envied around the world dishes.

In Naples, the pizza is great everywhere: if you want to look for a place where the food is bad, it will not be easy to find. Obviously the Neapolitan cuisine is not just pizza: it’s something extraordinary, a true symphony of flavors, colors and calories. Think about a dish: it was born almost certainly in Naples. Spaghetti, meat sauce, lasagna, pasta with seafood, fried fish, chops and fried, sweet and savory pies, pastries, baba, struffoli, pastiere and then … and then … Take a seat and enjoy.

Where to sleep in Naples

In the past few years, Naples has become a fast-growing tourist destination. Everywhere, in the old town centre, small hotels and B&Bs rose up

Prices are still quite low and warm and genuine hospitality of Naples attracts millions of tourists in the city. A 3 star room starts from 50 Euros per night, the price is higher for the most exclusive seafront hotels. The city is especially busy during the holidays of Spring, in every weekend, Christmas and in the summer and autumn months. You should book in advance to find the best place with acceptable prices

If you are looking for a hotel in Naples, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 700 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

capitals Madrid

10 things to do and see in Madrid

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

Beyond any clichés, Madrid is really the city of Movida, a lifestyle made by entertainment during night and day. But Movida is not just pure fun: people of Madrid love to stay up late, stay on the street, drinking and eating with others. Some of them meet their friends after work, others end up the nightlife and go back to the office. With the Movida are also born some expressions such as Madrid Me Mata (Madrid kills me) and Madrid nunca duerme (Madrid never sleeps). Here time is considered in a different way but Madrid is not only a capital made of cafés, small talk and early hours. Every kind of people finds its own entertainment: art lovers will find three big museums, the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen museums, and people who don’t like museums can spend their holidays in the Chueca neighborhood. Madrid has many souls, here are 10 things to see and do absolutely during a holiday in Madrid.

If you are looking for a hotel in Madrid, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 800 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Museo del Prado in Madrid

The Prado is one of the most important museums of the world, and it’s worth spending a number of hours to visit it. Caravaggio, Goya, Raphael, Velasquez, the Prado can represent the history of European art of the last five centuries.

If you want to visit it without stress, we suggest you to go to the Prado on weekdays, you will find not so much people. If you have many bags with you, you might wait a while before you can enter: the deposit boxes are not so many. The Prado has an efficient emergency room inside the building de los Jerónimos :it’s a guarantee for those who risk the “Stendhal Syndrome”.

How to get there: Metro Line 2 station Banco de Espana or line 1 Atocha station. Bus: 9, 10, 14, 19, 27, 34, 37, 45.
When – Hours: Tue – Sun and holidays from 9 am to 8 pm . 24 and December 31, January 6 hours 9 am to 2 pm
Never: the Monday, December 25, January 1, Good Friday and 1 May
Tickets: Adult 6 €, reduced 3 €, free Tue – Sat 6 to 8 pm and every Sunday at 5 – 8 pm

Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid

The Reina Sofia is the museum with art works from the XX century to the present day.

The building that hosts it, was a hospital and has been used as hospital until 1986 when it was opened the Art center of Reina Sofia. The museum gives particular emphasis to Spanish painters such as Dali, Miro and Picasso. We suggest you to visit the whole museum: not only Guernica with other hundred tourist that arrived before you . The museum has so many beautiful works, and you should watch Guernica around closing time. You can really enjoy the Master’s masterpiece only at that time.

How to get there: Metro Line 1 station : Atocha
When – Hours: Mon – Sat 10 am – 9 pm , Sunday from 10 am 2.30 pm
Never: Tuesdays, 24, 25 and 31 December, 1 and 6 January, 1 May and 9 November
Tickets: Adult 6 €, reduced 3 €, free on Saturday 2:30 – 21:00 pm and Sunday from 10 am – 2:30 pm

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid

The paintings of the Museum are from the private collection of the German steel magnate, Thyssen-Bornemisza, who became rich during the Second World War.

The Baron Hans Thyssen-Bornemisza put together the huge collection of his father Heinrich, divided among the heirs at his death. Baron regained the works by his relatives, first focusing on the German impressionist works, then on the paintings of Russian avant-garde period, enriching it with the first abstract works. Since 1992, the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum, which includes among others Van Eyck, Caravaggio, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Hopper, is ready to delight the eyes of tourists.

How to get there: Metro Line 1 or Line 2 station Atocha station Banco de Espana. Bus: 1,2,5, 9, 10, 14, 15, 20, 27, 34, 37, 45
When – Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00
Never: Monday, December 25, January 1 and May 1
Tickets: Adult € 6, reduced € 4

The Royal Palace of Madrid

The Royal Palace in Madrid dates back to 1764. It’s located on the ruins of the royal family’s residence destroyed by a terrible fire on Christmas Eve of 1734: the Alcázar, which was home of the Spanish royal family since the XVI century.

The façade of the huge building is clearly inspired by the Louvre in Paris and it’s a magnificent example of the late Italian Baroque. The whole monumental complex covers an area of 135,000 square meters and has more than 3000 rooms, so it’s the biggest royal palace in Europe. Inside there are some enviable collections of great value, such as the string instruments with the signature of Antonio Stradivari preserved in the Capilla Real, or the ancient ceramic vases and cabinets for medicinal plants of the Royal Pharmacy, including prescriptions of the royal family. In the Real Armería, however, there is the collection of arms and armors that once belonged to the King and the royal family since the XIII century.

However, despite the magnificence of the building and its treasures, the sovereigns of Spain don’t stay in these apartments, but their private residence is the Zarzuela Palace, in the wooded area of Monte de El Prado, north of the center of Madrid. The Royal Palace remains, however, the headquarters of the official events and state ceremonies.

Where: Calle de Bailén
How to get there:
Bus 3, 25, 39 e 148
Subway: line 5 e 2 fermata Ópera
When – Hours: From 1 April to 30 September: every day from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
From October 1 to March 31: daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Never: 24, 25, 31 December; 1 and 6 January; May 1
Ticket: Full price: € 11, reduced: € 6

The Almudena Cathedral in Madrid

Close to Royal Palace, there’s another story of ruins and reconstructions: the one of the Almudena Cathedral, a more troubled story than the one of Royal Palace, with the signs of 5 centuries of battles, negotiations between the King and the Catholic bishops of Toledo, economic and political problems.

In 1624, King Philip IV and his wife Isabella of Bourbon decided that Madrid’s cathedral would have been built in the same place where there was once the church of Santa Maria of the Almudena. But the cathedral was built 200 years later because of political unrest and economic problems. The foundation stone of the Almudena Cathedral was laid in 1883, but only in l 1993, it opened its doors to people, and was consecrated by Pope John Paul II.

That is why the appearance of the Cathedral is a real mix of different style : the Romanesque crypt , the neo-Gothic interior, the neo-classical of the external and the dome with a Baroque exterior and the Gothic interior

Inside the dome there is the statue of Our Lady of the Almudena and a representation of the Via Crucis in 14 images in Gothic style, while the bronze door is decorated with pictures depicting the Spanish Catholic monarchy and the long glass wall 10 meters is enriched by the depiction of the Virgin of Lis.

Where: Calle de Bailén
How to get there:
Subway: Line 2 or 5 ,stop Ópera
Bus: 3, 25, 39 and 148
When – Hours: The cathedral cannot be visited during the liturgical celebrations.
From 1 September to 1 June: every day from 09:00 am to 8:00 pm
From 1 July to 31 August: every day from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm

Plaza Mayor in Madrid

Can you imagine that until 1580 Plaza Mayor has been the city’s market square? It was the place of executions, popular festivals, bullfights and between ‘600 and ‘700 it was damaged by three huge fires.

The current appearance of this elegant square, surrounded by buildings with three floors, is the result of the reconstruction of the old Plaza del Arrabal commissioned by Philip II of Habsburg when, in 1561, he moved the court to Madrid.

The works were first entrusted to Juan de Herrera, then to the architect Juan Gómez de Mora to continue the reorganization of the square, giving it its characteristic and stylish arcade with café and shops. In the center there is the huge statue of Philip III on a horse. Plaza Mayor has 9 access doors, but the most famous one is the Arco de Cuchilleros leading to the same name street and both take their name from the guild of knife makers who settled here their workshops. Another great building is Casa de la Panaderia with two towers decorated with frescoes that represent an allegory of the zodiac.

How to get there:
Subway: Line 1, 2, 3, 5 stop Puerta del Sol or Line 2 and 5, stop Opera station

Puerta del Sol in Madrid

Plaza de la Puerta del Sol is the square of the New Year in Madrid: on top of the Real Casa de Correo, which is the oldest building of the square, a large clock has the task of marking the famous “campanadas”, the 12 chimes that mark the last seconds of the year. The tradition is that the new year should be celebrated with 12 grapes: one for each campanada and those who finish them in time will have a year full of luck and prosperity.

Plaza de la Puerta del Sol has also other iconic symbols of capital, such as the famous bear statue biting a strawberry plant (madroño) and the “kilometer zero”, called Origen de la calles radials because just from this point they calculate the distances in kilometers across the country.

How to get there: Subway Line 1, 2, 3, 5 stop Puerta del Sol

Buen Retiro Park in Madrid

Built in 1640, the Buen Retiro Park opened to the public only after the revolution of 1868, when the gardens became municipal property. In fact, the park was created as a place of escape and entertainment of the monarchy, after the Duke of Olivares gave the king Philip IV 145 many hectares to be used for this purpose.

So there were built the “Teatro del Buen Retiro”, where the most popular actors of the “golden age” (1500-1600) use to go. For elegant parties organized for the nobility was built the beautiful ballroom “Cason del Buen Retiro “. For events and outdoor performances were installed two large cages in the beautiful gardens: one to accommodate certain species of exotic birds, the other used as a stage for performances with wild animals.

Over the years, the Buen Retiro Park had several renovations and transformations, and slowly began to accept even ordinary citizens: thanks to King Charles III the people of Madrid could walk there in elegant dresses

Today, the symbol of the Park is definitely the wonderful Crystal Palace, built in 1887 to host a huge exhibition of botanical species from the Philippines Islands. For the occasion an indigenous village was created too, a detailed reconstruction to make even more interesting the discovery of plants and animals of the exotic world.

Where: Plaza de la Independencia
How to get there:
Subway: line 2 station Retiro
Bus: 1, 2, 9, 15, 19, 20, 28, 51, 52, 74 and 146
When – Hours:
Summer: from 06:00 am to 11:00 pm
From November to March: 07:00 am to 11:00 pm

Things to eat in Madrid

Madrid’s cuisine is a successful mix of popular and aristocrat dishes such as the cocido madrileño (potatoes, vegetables, meat, pork bacon and chickpeas) and the famous tortilla (potatoes, eggs, oil and salt).

Eggs, flour, sugar and almonds are the ingredients of almost all the sweets of Madrid: huesos de santo (potatoes, almonds and cream), the rosquillas de San Isidro (donuts with egg white), churros, fried sweet with hot chocolate. Remember that in Madrid you’ll eat later than in other European countries: breakfast at 9 am, lunch between 2 and 3 pm , dinner between 9 and 10 pm . A tip: if you need desperately some coffee, ask for it strictly “espresso” or you’ll taste a black drink with indefinite flavor.

Where to sleep in Madrid

It’s quite easy to find a place where to sleep in Madrid, thanks to the large amount of hotels, guest houses, hostels and rooms.

You can really find what you want, from the ultra-luxury, to the B&Bs making you feel at home for the kindness of the owners. One more thing: remember that in Spanish, the term “hostal” does not indicate the “hostels”, but structures comparable to the Italian small hotels, where you can sleep and have breakfast.

If you are looking for a hotel in Madrid, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 800 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

capitals London

10 things to do and see in London

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

Many years ago there were many gentlemen in London with black bowler and umbrella…but it’s been too long since that period. And since The Beatles crossed the pedestrian crossing. And it’s been too long since the time when the Clash have made London the Punk capital. At 5pm there’s just one person in London who still drinks the tea: the Queen. Here people are too busy making money and they prefer to eat “Fish & Chips” or something else in a fast ethnic food. The serious English gentlemen walk side by side with Sri Lankans, Indians, Jamaicans, Africans and a few hundred other ethnic groups around the world. Something in London is irrevocably changed, and only you can decide whether for better or for worse. It remains the charm of monuments such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament which are never out of fashion, but you should also try to see London from an unusual points of view: a ride on the footsteps of Jack the Ripper could open up unexpected scenarios. Here you will find the 10 things you to do and see during a visit in London.

If you are looking for a hotel in London, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 2300 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery in London

Trafalgar Square is the navel of the world and the first thing to see in London, definitely. From the big square start the main streets of the city: The Mall, the avenue leading to Buckingham Palace, the Strand, leading to the City and Whitehall, leading to the House of Parliament.

Named after the battle of Trafalgar, where Admiral Horatio Nelson defeated the Spanish and French fleets during the Napoleonic wars in 1805, the square was originally the headquarters of the King’s Mews, the royal stables.

Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery in London

Today Trafalgar Square is a true icon of the city and hosts one of the most famous museums in the world, the most important of London: the National Gallery.

A reputation well deserved when you consider that there’s the naked most famous prehistoric art, the Venus of Bilendorf, dating back to 25,000 years ago, and the main collection of English painting, a must see, with the Italian school paintings, including which some precious Botticelli, Raphael and Michelangelo, and the English masters of the ‘700 and’ 800, plus an extensive collection of contemporary works.

Where: Trafalgar Square, Westminster district.
How to get there: Metro – Westminster (Circle and District and Jubilee); Embankment (lines Northern, Bakerloo, Circle and District); Piccadilly (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines); Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines); Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines) Bus – 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 23, 88, 139, 159, 453
When-Hours: every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm ; on Fridays from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Never: 24, 25 and 26 December; January 1^st
Tickets: free entrance

Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard in London

Buckingham Palace is another must-see during your visit in London: the residence of the British monarchy, built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, and only later purchased by George III who made it his residence with the royal family.

The majestic palace of 775 rooms, with an immense royal park of 20 hectares, can be visited only during the summer, when the royal family move into the summer residence, Windsor Castle. From August 1st to September 27^th the West Wing is open to the public, which includes some rooms in the apartments and the royal stables, where there are the fabulous carriages used by the rulers on official occasions. If you walk around 11:30 am near Buckingham Palace and see men in red uniform, with a big black fur hat, parading with some curious signs, you are certainly watching the ceremony of His Majesty’s Guard change, a rite that is renewed since 1660. If you’re curious to know if the Queen is in the palace, we reveal you a tip: be careful about the number of guards, if there are 4 guards “the Queen” is at home.

How to get there: Metro – Victoria (Victoria, Circle and District); Green Park (Victoria lines, Piccadilly and Jubilee); Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly Line) Bus – 11, 211, C1 and C10
Where: St. Margaret Street
When-Hours: from 25 July to 31 August from 09:30 am to 7:30 pm (last entry at 17:15); 1st to 27^th September from 09:30 am to 6:30 pm (last entry at 4:15 pm)
Tickets: £20,50

Big Ben and Houses of Parliament in London

An excellent example of neo – Gothic architecture, the House of Parliament, also known as Westminster Palace, is a magnificent building of 1,200 rooms in which there are both houses of the British Parliament: the House of Commons and House of Lords.

Crossed far and wide by 3 km of corridors, the huge structure hides an underground labyrinthine and is said that George Orwell was inspired precisely by these underground to describe the “Miniver”, the Ministry of Truth in London, in his visionary novel “1984”. The House of Parliament, is dominated by two famous towers: the Victoria Tower, which leads to the Parliament, and the Clock Tower, that is the clock par excellence, considered the most accurate in the world. Perhaps only few people know that Big Ben is not the name of the watch, but the big 13-ton and a half bell, so called because it was made by Benjamin Hall, which beats the hours, while the other four smaller bells ring every quarter of hour. Unfortunately the visit to the Clock Tower is only allowed to British citizens, on the other hand you can attend free of charge to the parliamentary debates and visit the two chambers. We advise you to admire the façade of the House of Parliament in the evening, when the lights are reflected in the Thames remodeling the profile.

Where: St. Margaret Street
How to get there: Westminster (District and Circle Line e Jubilee Line)
When: Big Ben is always there. A part of the House of Parliament is open to tourists from Monday to Saturday, August and September, with times to be verified

St. Paul's Cathedral in London

The current Cathedral of St Paul arose from the ashes of the cathedral that was destroyed during the tragic fire of London in 1656. This marvel of the English Baroque is the result of a double deception: the English clergy vetoed the initial project of the architect Christopher Wren, because of the catholic dome in favor of a more traditionally English bell, all spiers and aisles.

But in 1710, after 35 years of work, London found the cathedral with the big dome, which is actually an illusion: the domes are 3.

St. Paul's Cathedral in London — St. Paul’s Cathedral in London

There is the external one, so majestic and impressive that everyone can see it, inside it contains a second dome visible only from the inside of the cathedral, and in the middle there is a third that is not seen at all, and supports the skylight.

It’s precisely for its unique and charming character that St Paul’s Cathedral has always hosted the most significant events of the city: from Winston Churchill’s funeral to those of Lord Nelson, the hundredth birthday of the Queen Mother, the Lady Diana wedding with Prince Charles. Don’t miss the Whispering Gallery which owes its name to an acoustic singularity: saying a word close to the wall, you can listen to it from anywhere near the tunnel. From the Gold Gallery it’s possible to enjoy a wonderful view of London.

Where: Ludgate Hill, nella City.
How to get there: Metro – St Paul’s (Central Line); Mansion House (District and Circle Line); Blackfriars (District and Circle Line); Bank (Central, Northern and Waterloo & City Line) Bus – 4, 11, 15, 23, 25, 26, 100, 242
When: every day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm last visit at 4:00 pm
Tickets: £18,00

Tate Gallery in London

The Millennium Bridge was built aligned with Saint Paul, a spectacular pedestrian bridge steel, which connects the north bank of the Thames to the south shore. Here you can find the Tate Modern, the art gallery born from the project to expand and divide the British contemporary art collection from the past kept in the Tate Britain, and both, along with the Tate Liverpool and Tate St. Ives in Cornwall, are part of the museum complex Tate.

Inaugurated in 2000, the Tate Modern is considered one of the most avant-garde art galleries in the world: a must see for lovers of contemporary art : all art from 1900 to the present day, with works Picasso, Matisse, Dalí, Kandinsky and Van Gogh, but also the structure itself is a work of art. It’s located in a former power station, and the building still retains its original charm in appearance, such as the imposing chimney, and its interior spaces: the Turbine Hall, for example, what once was the engine room, is now the main entrance to the Tate, directly from Holland Street.

If in addition you love also the theater, we reveal you a secret : just around the corner from the Tate Modern there’s the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, modern reconstruction of the famous Globe Theatre, built in 1599 by the Shakespeare theater company.

Where: Bankside
How to get there: Metro – Blackfriars and Mansion House (Circle and District Line) Southwark (Jubilee Line) St Paul’s (Central Line) are a 10-minute walk . Boat Tate – every 40 minutes . The Tate Boat will allow you to move from Tate Britain to Tate Modern enjoying an unusual view of the city from the River
By feet Millennium Bridge
When-Hours: every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Never 24, 25, 26 December. On December 31, the closing is at 6:00 pm
Tickets: free entrance

British Museum in London

The British Museum, the oldest public museum in the world, will give you a unique experience from the contemporary art to the roots of our history. A trip back through the centuries to discover the most beautiful and ancient treasures of the world, including eight million objects that tell the story of man, from the first petroglyphs prehistoric era to the first coins, from hieroglyphics to the ancient Chinese ceramics , up to the twentieth century paintings.

Africa, the Americas and Asia, all combined in a majestic building which recalls the atmosphere that reigns in this extraordinary journey through time, with its imposing entrance with pediment and columns that look like the model of Greek temples. No coincidence that the British Museum is dedicating an entire gallery to the Parthenon sculptures, with the oldest collection of Greek vases, the largest collection in the world of Ancient Egypt artifacts, and houses the Rosetta Stone, which allowed studying and deciphering the hieroglyphs. Be careful not to get lost among the antiquities of the British Museum and the precious artifacts: visit it all in one day is a real “mission impossible.” We suggest you to choose the itinerary that most inspires you and choose in advance the things to see.

Where: Great Russell St, Bloomsbury district
How to get there:
Metro: Tottenham Court Road (Central Line and Northern Line. Central Line trains will not stop at Tottenham Court Road from 1 January to early December 2015.
Russell Square (Piccadilly Line)
Goodge Street (Northern Line) Bus – 1,7, 8, 19, 25, 38, 55, 98, 242 stop in New Oxford Street 10, 14, 24, 29, 73, 134, 390 northbound stop at Tottenham Court Road, southbound stop Gower Street 59, 68, X68, 91, 168, 188 stop at Southampton Row
When-Hours: every day from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm on Friday until 8:30 pm
Never 24,25 and 26 December; 1 January and Good Friday.
Tickets: Free Entrance

Tower of London

World heritage, protected by UNESCO and with more than 1000 years of history, the Tower of London is another of the things to see in London. A monumental complex of towers, buildings and courtyards surrounded by high strongholds built in 1078 along the Thames to protect the Normans from the incursions of the citizens of the City and the foreign invaders.

The first and oldest building to be erected by William the Conqueror, is the White Tower with four corner towers covered by domes and houses the beautiful St. John’s Chapel.

Former royal residence, state prison, theater of the executions of high-ranking personalities and religious dissidents, guardian of the Crown Jewels, is within the walls of this impressive. Here the story is mixed to the legend. The fortress is guarded by “Beefeaters”, the guards in sixteenth-century costumes black and red, and by a group of special guardians: the Ravens, the family bird crows. Legend tells that King Charles II was convinced that the monarchy and the Tower would be ruined if the six ravens who guard the Tower abandon the fort. Today you can meet the group of birds that continue to watch the area but only under the guidance of “Raven Master” and, remember, you are not allowed to feed them!

Where: St. Margaret Street
How to get there: Metro – Tower Hill (Circle and District Line) Bus – 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1
When-Hours: from March 1 to October 31 from Tuesday to Saturday 9: 00 am 5: 30 pm ; Sunday and Monday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm , last admission at 5:00 pm . From November 1 to February 28, from Tuesday to Saturday 9: 00 am -4: 30 pm ; Sunday and Monday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm , last entry at 4:00 pm
Tickets: £ 22 and includes access to the Tower and the exhibition of the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, guided tour of a Yeoman Warder.

Tower Bridge in London

The Tower Bridge links the area of Southwark to the Tower of London. It’s not as old as the tower, from which it takes its name, but fans of unusual and breathtaking views, have to visit to the Tower Bridge and the impressive glass walkway that connects the two neo-Gothic towers.

Built to allow the transit of much larger ships on the Thames, the mechanism that was raising the two ends of the bridge was driven by a hydraulic system that used the power of steam, operating until the ‘70s of the last century.

Today, however, the steam has been replaced by diesel, but you can visit the Victorian Engine Rooms, in the North Tower, where vintage gears are exposed. In the Tower Bridge Exhibition, there’s an interactive exhibition that tells the history of the impressive feat of engineering.

Where: Tower Bridge Rd
How to get there: Metro Tower Hill (District and Circle Line), London Bridge (Northern Line e Jubilee Line) Bus – 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1
When-Hours: From April to September from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm , last admission at 5:30 pm. From October to March from 09:30 am to 5:30 pm , last admission at 5:00 pm. Mai: 24, 25 and 26 December; January 1st
Tickets: £10,50

Things to eat in London

The air of London always has a strange smell, sometimes it seems that all the citizens at the same time, are frying everything including pictures of the Queen. There are restless hawkers at every street corner frying snacks to eat on the street, onion rings, and the famous fish & chips.

Fish & chips is a piece of cod and potatoes, strictly fried, served in a food paper. We suggest you to enjoy your fish and chips and don’t think about the fact that the oil in which it was cooked, has a bad color. If you don’t want to taste the local cuisine, don’t miss the ethnic alternative: London is the most multicultural city in the world, so it’s a food festival of Thai, Chinese, African, Sri Lankan, Jamaican tradition. For breakfast you’ll taste bacon, eggs and porridge. To eat something typically English, go to a pub where are served also food made from beef or pork, venison and onions. A tip: the meat is usually below…very below the onions, but there is. Don’t give up!

Where to sleep in London

With thousands of hotel rooms and other accommodation, London is the most friendly city in the world but also the most expensive one. Perpetually invaded by tourists and business people, finding a place at a good price can be very tricky indeed.

So be patient and look for the right accommodation for you. Remember that staying in the center can be very expensive, so consider a room in less central districts. There is an efficient network of public transportation that gets you everywhere.

capitals Ljubljana

10 things to do and see in Ljubljana

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

Ljubljana is the small capital of Slovenia. Romantic and rich of history, vibrant and full of attractions, Ljubljana surprises visitors. With its beautiful landscapes, stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage the cheerful and relaxed atmosphere, it’s easy to love it. It’s not hard to discover its treasures, all reachable by a walk or a nice ride. On the hill, the castle dominates the town on the Ljubljanica river (worthy of a boat trip), the historical center preserves the major monuments, excellent museums and galleries celebrate the art, the city market is a concentration of history and traditions. Each district has its historic character: Medieval, Baroque and Art Nouveau, the whole city is “marked” by the amazing works of the brilliant architect and urban planner Jože Plečnik. Since the ‘20s until the beginning of World War II, he had the goal to rebuild the city. Bridges are a characteristic feature of the Slovenian capital. Numerous cross the Ljubljanica river and offer panoramic views. Cute cafes and restaurants on the riverside where, especially at night, the atmosphere is filled with magic. Many, therefore, the reasons for visiting Ljubljana, tourist destination, perhaps a bit too much neglected.

On this page we suggest you 10 things to do and see during your visit in Ljubljana

If you are looking for a hotel in Ljubljana, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 400 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Library of Ljubljana

The eclectic art of the great master Joze Plecnik is manifested in the National and University Library (NUK), his most important work in the city of Ljubljana. Designed in 1932, the library was built between 1936 and 1941.

The huge building with the shape of an irregular rectangle consists of four floors, four wings and two courtyards. The façade is decorated with red brick and stone blocks placed randomly. The classic architectural element is represented by a Ionic column which bisects the windows. The handles on the front door have the shape of two heads of horses, representing Pegasus, a kind of symbolic guide for visitors to the library in the world of knowledge. Inside, the monumental central staircase in dark marble with 32 black columns leads to the large reading room with glassy walls that let natural light enter into the space. The NUK is an important cultural monument. It has in fact, the largest collection of literature in the country, and has a number of medieval and Renaissance manuscripts prints.

Where: Turjaska 1
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: Mon – Fri: 8 am – 8 pm ; Sat: 9 am -2 pm

The Castle of Ljubljana

On top of the hill called Grajska Planota stands the oldest castle in Ljubljana. The earliest records of its existence dates back to the Middle Ages when the wooden castle was the seat of the Carinthian Prince Spanheim, governor of the province.

In 1335, the castle became property of the Habsburgs and was fortified because of the frequent Turkish invasions. Only in the second half of the fifteenth century, the changes made by the Duke, completely changed the appearance and size of the castle. All the main buildings were rebuilt in the sixteenth and seventeenth century following the terrible earthquake of 1515. In the mid-seventeenth century, the fortress lost its function as a fortress and noble residence to become military warehouse.

After the occupation of France (1809), the castle was used as barracks and a military hospital. In 1849 the castle was abandoned until in 1868 when it was used as a prison again. Purchased by the city in 1905, the castle today is a popular tourist destination where there are concerts, cultural events, exhibitions and shows.

Where: Grajska planota
How to get there: by feet or by funicolar
When – Hours:
Castle: from 1/10 to 30/04 every day from 10 am to 9 pm ; from 1/05 to 30/09 from 9 am to 11 pm .
Panoramic Tower: from 1/10 to 30/04 every day from 10 am to 6 pm ; from 1/05 to 30/09 from 9 am to 10 pm
guided tours (also in Italian) June: 10:00 am , 4:00 pm ; July and August: 10:00 am , 11:30 am , 6:00 pm , 7:00 pm ; September: 10:30 am , 12:00 pm , 4:00 pm , 6:00 pm .
Tickets: Guided tour (castle tower ++ exhibitions) including funicular: adults 10 Euro; reduced 8 Euro.

St. Nicholas Cathedral in Ljubljana

The Cathedral of St. Nicholas is one of the finest examples of Baroque art in Slovenia. The church dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen, is located on the former site of a Romanesque church of the thirteenth century, but the current building with its twin bell towers dates back to the early eighteenth century.

The cathedral, designed by the Andrea Pozzo on the Roman church model, is a Latin cross plant. It consists of a nave, side chapels and a transept, above which rises the dome, added in 1841. The interior of the church in pink marble, white and golden stucco, was painted by Giulio Quaglio with scenes from the life of San Nicola. Of great interest are the sculptures of the four bishops of Emona Angelo Putti, the angels altar of Corpus Christi of the Venetian sculptor Francesco Robba and the benches of the choir. In 1996, to commemorate the visit of Pope John Paul II, two extraordinary bronze doors were added. In particular, the main gate built by Demšar Tone, symbolizes 1250 years of Christianity in Slovenia.

Where: Pogačarjev trg.
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: every day from 10 am to 12 pm and from 3 to 6 pm .
Tickets: free entrance

The Central Market in Ljubljana

A lively atmosphere characterizes every day the Ljubljana Central Market, the main selling point of the city .

Designed by Jože Plecnik between 1940 and 1944, the typical market consists of the outdoor market Vodnikov trg, the covered one Pogačarjev trg, the elegant Renaissance-style porch that follows the curve of the Ljubljanica (Colonnade Plecnik), a number of interesting underground areas and a giant flower shop added later.

At Centralna Tržnica there’s almost everything: food of all types (vegetables, meats, spices, fruits, herbs, meat, fish, honey), flowers and plants, local crafts, Slovenian specialties such as Karst ham, the horse pate, homemade bread, tasty cheese, the typical cake “potica”.. You can wander around for hours for the Market without getting tired, enjoying the authentic atmosphere of a public market that reflects an old city tradition.

Where: Vodnikov trg, Pogačarjev trg
How to get there: by feet in the city center
When – Hours:
Market: Monday through Friday from 6 am to 6 pm , Saturday from 6 am to 4 pm ; winter from 6 am to 4 pm , Sundays and holidays closed.
Covered Market (Pogačarjev trg): Monday through Friday from 7 am to 4 pm , Saturday from 7 am to 2 pm. Market covered under the colonnades of Plečnik: Monday through Friday from 7 am to 4 pm , Saturdays from 7 am to 2 pm.

The Tivoli Park in Ljubljana

The Tivoli Park is not far from the center of Ljubljana, and it’s the largest park in the city, great place to walk, play or meet up.

The large green area (510 hectares) was created in 1813 according to Jean Blanchard project but since then had many changes. As well as geometric paths, boulevards and gardens with statues and fountains, the complex of the park has a pond and a small botanical garden created in 1880, an outdoor lap pool built in the thirties along with sports fields and the children’s playground, a sports hall (1965), where sports events and concerts take place. Tivoli’s main feature is, however, the evocative walk Jakopič (named after the Slovenian Impressionist painter Rihard Jakopič) redesigned by Plečnik in 1934, leading to the seventeenth-century Castello di Tivoli guarded by four sculptures of dogs, which now houses the Tivoli Gallery – International center graphic art.

Where: On the slopes of the hill Rožnik
How to get there: It is reached by using Cankarjeva cesta underpass
When – Hours: the park is open 24 hours on 24.
Tickets: free entrance

The Bridge of the Ljubljana Dragons

Four fierce winged dragons watch the arched bridge crossing the river in Ljubljana. The Dragons bridge was one of the first reinforced concrete bridges in Europe.

Originally called the Jubilee Bridge, it was built in 1900 to honor the 40th anniversary of the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I (1848-1888) to replace the old wooden bridge called “Butcher”. In 1919, the opera was renamed Zmajiski Most (Bridge of Dragons) in reference to the monstrous creatures placed at the four corners of it, symbols taken from the emblem of Ljubljana. The innovative structure was designed by engineer Austrian Josef Melan, a famous designer of concrete bridges, and built by the Dalmatian architect Jurij Zaninović.

Where: north of Vodnikov trg
How to get there: by feet from the city centre

The Triple Bridge, Ljubljana

One of the best known symbols of Ljubljana is the small Three Bridges which is the elegant door outside the Old Town.

Actually, when it was built (1842), was a common single-arched stone bridge over the Ljubljanica, known to all as Špitalski most (Bridge Hospital)

Between 1929 and 1932, due to the increased traffic, the architect Jože Plečnik added two pedestrian bridges to support the existing bridge. Plečnik who loved some elements of classicism, removed the metal railing of the central bridge and added three stone balustrades, over which he placed the streetlights.

Today, the Three Bridges, completely closed to traffic, is a pleasant walk, enlivened by artists and street musicians, connecting Prešeren, the main square and popular meeting point in Ljubljana, the historic center.

Civic Square in Ljubljana

Mestni Trg is the Town Square, the heart of the historical center of Ljubljana. The elegant buildings made after the earthquake of 1511 embellish the square and give a strongly Baroque appearance.

Among the most beautiful buildings, stand out the house Haman, that hosts the Mestna galerija (City Gallery), the Lichtenberg building with the façade decorated by the sculptor Osbalt Kittel, the Rakovec and Obrez palaces Matija Persky. There’s also the Mestna hiša, or the City Hall (also called Magistrat or Rotovž), Erected in 1484, it was rebuilt and enlarged in 1717-18, and was renovated in 1963. In front of the Town Hall stands the obelisk of the fountain of Carniolan Rivers (1751), one of the most famous monuments of the Slovenian capital. The sculptor, drawing inspiration from the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona made by Bernini, wanted to represent the three Carniolan rivers: Krka, Ljubljanica and Sava through three figures that hold great vessels from which the water flows.

Things to eat in Ljubljana

Slovenia has a rich culinary culture made of typical dishes from the region but also of Italian, Austro-Hungarian and Balkan recipes.

Therefore, restaurants and gostilna (taverns) in Ljubljana offer Slovenian specialties as well as also dishes of the countries that have dominated this land and left their mark even in the kitchen.

Soups, meat and game are the protagonists of the traditional cuisine that does not hide his peasant origins. A must: the soup with beans and sauerkraut (jota), polenta usually prepared with semolina (žganci), the ravioli stuffed with potatoes Idrija and bacon, served with meat sauce, the Kranjska klobasa ( Carniolan sausage), ilKraški pršut (Karst prosciutto), the divjačinska sausage (sausage of wild game). Among the “contamination” instead, the barley soup of Austrian origin (ricet), the Njoki (potato dumplings) or riota (risotto) Italian, Hungarian gola (goulash), are the most common dishes. Excellent Slovenian wines to enjoy dishes with flavors so strong, like Teran and Cviček. As far as thee desserts: the potica is the famous sweet rolled stuffed with walnuts; the Prekmurska gibanica is made by a number of layers of dough with walnuts, poppy seeds, raisins, honey, cottage cheese and cream.

Where to sleep in Ljubljana

Ljubljana has a great offer of hotels, hostels and apartments with low prices or under the average of the European capitals.

In the old town centre , where there are all the main attractions, prices of 3 star hotels are from 40 to 80 Euros per night. Don’t forget that Ljubljana is placed in a green area (as all over Slovenia), then just outside the city center there are cottages and B&Bs immersed in nature. Of course, this forces you to move by car or public transport.

capitals Lisbon

10 things to do and see in Lisbon

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

Lisbon is a popular, lazy and melancholy city like all big cities of the sea, especially those who are in the south. The same way are its inhabitants and you can understand them better with the song Fado, the song that the Portuguese sailors sang on the ships. We suggest you to visit the neighborhoods of the city, from the Bairro Alto, to the Baixa, passing through Belem and Chiado: only in these areas you will discover the true cultural identity of Lisbon. Read the 10 most important things to do and see in Lisbon to fully understand the unique charm of the Portuguese capital.

If you are looking for a hotel in Lisbon, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 300 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Baixa in Lisbon

The Baixa district is the heart of the city, part of Lisbon that starts from the banks of the Tagus and reaches Avenida da Liberada.

This area was completely destroyed by the terrible earthquake of 1755, and rebuilt in an perfect way: the Baixa is not only the symbol of hope and reconstruction, it’s also a wonderful example of neoclassical architecture. The Marquis of Pombal, prime minister of King José I, wanted to rebuild it and today it has with many streets for pedestrians and it’s plenty of bars, restaurants, shops. The places that you have to visit are the Praca do Rossio with the Station, the Praca do Commercio and the Elevador de Santa Justa. The Praca do Rossio is recognizable by the white and black pavement. Called by Lisboetas the large sea, it was built by prisoners of the Sao Jorge Castle after the earthquake of 1755. The station is an extraordinary place, a masterpiece in neo-Manueline style with the characteristic entrance with double horseshoe.

The Barrio alto in Lisbon

For many centuries, the Bairro Alto has been the neighborhood of rich families: the rich people lived in this area of Lisbon carefully avoiding the most disreputable places of the city.

From 1800 things changed and the Bairro Alto acquired a double personality that even now characterizes it: on the one hand the aristocratic families and the other one creative people: poor artists, libraries, restaurants and antique dealers. The Bairro Alto is characterized for being the district of young people and fun: during the weekend the Lisbon boys meet here to chat or they go to some exclusive jazz club.

The Chiado in Lisbon

The Chiado, badly damaged by fire in 1988, has been rebuilt in an perfect way. Walking around these streets, infact, you don’t notice anything about the destruction.

Chiado means smart, but also malicious and it seems that these were the characteristics of Antonio Ribeiro, poet and monk, whose nickname was “O Chiado.” It was the favourite district of Pessoa, melancholy poet and Portuguese writer. Chiado is currently full of shops, libraries and theaters. One of the most famous places, loved by Pessoa, is coffee “A Brasileira”, located in Rua Garrett, the elegant street that bisects the Chiado with bakeries, shops luxury and libraries. A bronze copy of the poet sitting at a coffee table reminds visitors that here Pessoa spent his days reading and writing. Don’t miss the impressive Gothic ruins of the Carmo Church, partially destroyed by the earthquake of 1755 and left in that way, for future memory of what it was.

Belém in Lisbon

The Belém district is located on the banks of the Tagus and its history is closely connected to the maritime discoveries: from here the Portuguese ships were leaving in search of riches and new lands to conquer.

The Belém district is very large, full of colorful gardens and splendid monuments such as the Monastery of Jeronimos and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of Discoveries). Among them stands out the Tower of Belém, built to be the lighthouse and fortress in Restelo harbor. The special feature of the district is the architectural style of its facilities characterized by the hyper-decorated Gothic style called Manueline.

Monastero de Los Jeronimos

The Monastero de los Jeronimos is the most important monument of Lisbon. It was built in 1505 to celebrate the return of the Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama who had just discovered the sea route to India.

For its architectural uniqueness, the Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It takes its name from the monks of the Order of St. Jerome to whom was donated after the construction. He became known as the Monastery of Gerolomini. In the monastery there is the Bethlehem church (hence the name of the district) in which the tombs of Vasco da Gama (left) and Luis Camoes are hosted. The tomb of the most famous Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa, is instead in the beautiful cloister, considered the most successful example of Manueline style.

Where: Belém district outside the center.
How to get there:
Bus: 727, 28, 729, 714 and 751
Tram: 15.
Train: Belém.
By boat: Port of Belém.
When – Hours:
From October to April from 10.00 am to 5.30 pm (last entrance 5:00 pm).
From May to September from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm (last entrance 6:00 pm).
Closed: Mondays, 1 January, Easter Sunday, May 1 and December 25
Single ticket: 10 €.
Combo ticket with the Torre de Belém: 12 €.
Free admission with the Lisboa Card

Alfama in Lisbon

Get on a tram, make yourself comfortable with you head out of the windows and discover the Alfama. You have to discover this district of Lisbon in this way, sliding rapidly in front of your eyes: only after you put together all the pieces of the puzzle and figure out what really is Alfama.

The tram takes you to the streets of even 4 meters wide: you touch the walls of the buildings, but be careful not to lose balance, these alleys can also have a gradient of 14%! You’ll love the chaotic and elusive atmosphere of Alfama, its clothes hanging from balconies, the parked cars: all you’ll see in this neighborhood will seem an intense and significant expression of the word “life.”

Trams, funiculars and elevators Lisbon

To move from one neighborhood to another, and to admire all the beauty of Lisbon at a glance, you’ll have to get around by tram.

Trams in Lisbon are legendary: they face the slope of narrow streets and alleys and never give up. You can see some boys hanging on the outside handles because they don’t want to pay the tickets. We recommend you the tourist line 28, with a little attention to pickpockets. You’ll see all over the Alfama district in few time. Lisbon, like Naples, is the city of funiculars and elevators. Funicular railways (called elevators) are 3: the Glory that goes up to the Bairro Alto, Bica and Lavra that was the first built in Europe. The neo-Gothic elevator is the Elevador de Santa Justa, built at the end of 800 by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. With its 32 meters of hill and two spectacular wooden cabins, it leads directly into the Chiado, in front of the church of Carmo.

The Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Lisbon

Just below the Castle de Sao Jorge, taking Rua da Saudade, you get straight to that masterpiece half human and half natural which is the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

If you have ever seen a Lisbon panoramic picture, almost certainly it was made from here. Just as certainly in the picture there are not only the roofs of Alfama and Lisbon horizon, but also the wonderful azulejos (painted tiles) decorating the wall of the belvedere. The tiles are an old Portuguese tradition to which is also dedicated a small museum near the Belvedere (Museum of Decorative Arts). Behind, on the façade of the church of Santa Luzia, there are two beautiful mosaic tiles: one depicts the Terreiro do Paco (Praça do Comércio) before the earthquake of 1755, and the other depicts some crusaders who reconquer Lisbon.

Things to eat in Lisbon

Portuguese gastronomy will be full of surprises, not only bacalhau and Porto will delight you, but there are many other flavors to taste.

To taste the typical dishes of Lisbon you’ll have to enter into the tascas, very poor cafés managed by Portuguese families, where you eat well and don’t pay much. As soon as you sit there, without saying anything, they will bring you a lot of starters such as black olives, sliced meats, goat cheese and a kind of smoked ham. Bacalhau is definitely a highlight of the city and it’s said that there are 366 ways of cooking it well, one for each day of the year plus one for February 29. Even some meat dishes deserve to be tasted like cozido à portuguesa, stew of meat and vegetables, and sarrabulho, with pork liver or duck marinated in red wine and tied with pig’s blood. For an unforgettable meal, taste a good Porto with some exquisite Portuguese cakes.

Where to sleep in Lisbon

Lisbon is a city still quite cheap and finding a place to sleep will not be a problem. The Lisbon accommodations are very numerous, there are hotels of all levels and many motels, hotels on the road.

Who is willing to pay a little more can choose to book a room in a pousadas, houses of great historical value that have been adapted to hotel. The pensao are typical family houses, very comfortable and cozy, where you meet some Portuguese doc. There are also bed and breakfast for those who don’t want to spend so much and the apartments, which here are called quartos, aparthotel or tourism de abitacao, for those who want more independence.

If you are looking for a hotel in Lisbon, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 380 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

itineraries Lake Garda

10 things to do and see in Lake Garda

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

The Lake Garda is the largest Italian lake with an area of 370 square km. It would be right to consider it a sea among mountains, because that is the feeling you have looking at it: you can’t find boundaries. In fact, Lake Garda flow through three Italian regions: Lombardia, Veneto and Trentino-Alto-Adige, offering many extraordinary landscapes. The Lake Garda is a destination that please everyone all the year because you can find mountains covered with snow, hills, small town on the banks, including some islands in the middle of the lake. In this page we suggest you some of the places to visit and 10 things to do and see in Lake Garda.

If you are looking for a hotel in Lake Garda, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 380 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Sirmione Castle, Lake Garda

The Scaliger Sirmione Castle dates back to 1250 and is one of the best preserved castles in Italy.

Today it’s in perfect conditions and open to public: two crenellated towers dominate the lake and the dock, still functioning, which houses a Roman era gravestone.

The castle is a suggestive stronghold overlooking the lake, from which you can access through drawbridge over the waters. The 146 steps allow you to reach the patrol path and admire the surrounding territory. The entrance of the castle is also the only way to enter into the historic center of Sirmione: you’ll feel the history around you

There are many legends about this Castle including the one of Ebengardo and his beloved Arice. According to legend, one night a knight asked for hospitality at the castle but he was impressed by the beauty of Arice and he sneaked into her room. Arice refused him and he stabbed her. Ebengardo was his rival , from that night, on stormy nights his spirit roams into the castle in search of his beloved.

Where: Viale Gugliemo Marconi 2, sirmione, Brescia
How to get there: highway Milano – Venezia, exit Sirmione
When – Hours: from March to October from 8:30 am to 7 pm and from November to February from 8.30 am to 5 pm , every day except on Sundays when it closes at 2 pm
Tickets: € 4 €, € 2 for childrenfrom 18 to 25 years and free entrance for children until 18 years.

Grotte di Catullo in Sirmione

“Le Grotte” (caves), as it was called this Roman Domus before the excavations in the ‘400, are actually well-preserved remains of a Roman villa built in the first century AD, and is now considered the most important example of Roman villa in Northern Italy.

The complex, now as more than a thousand years ago, overlooks the peninsula in Lake Garda and extends for about 2 hectares: the original structure had three floors and a long terraces that looked on two sides of the lake.

There was an efficient thermal section and an underground cistern to collect water. Today the villa is open to the public and has a large olive tree grove and a museum. The 1.500 olive trees produce a valuable oil, while the museum has several archaeological finds as well as a detailed documentation of the history of the lake and its people from prehistory to the Middle Ages.

Where: in Sirmione
How to get there: by feet from down town or by an electric train that leaves from the Baths of Sirmione
When – Hours: The complex is open in winter from Tuesday to Saturday from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm , on Sundays until 2 pm . In the summer closes at 7:30 pm and on Sundays it’s open from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm
Tickets: € 6 €, € 3 for children from 18 to 25 years and free entrance for children until 18 years.

Isola del Garda

The Garda Island, also known as Isola Borghese, is the largest island in Lake Garda, and is located about 200 m from the coast, in the territory of San Felice.

Today is reached by boat and it’s the property of the Cavazza counts, which since 2002 manage guided tours in the charming park and the Villa Ferrari, an admirable example of a villa built in the early ‘900, which is the only example of Venetian – Gothic style of the lake .

In addition to the villa and its gardens, Isola del Garda is well worth a visit for its fascinating history.

This place, actually, is inhabited since Roman times, as evidenced by the gravestones and the remains of votive temples found here, and has been a refuge for pirates, before becoming an important ecclesiastical center thanks to the intervention of St. Francesco d’Assisi who built there a small hermitage. Over the centuries the island has gone under many owners and has seen many famous people: in addition to St. Francesco d’Assisi, Dante Alighieri, St. Anthonio da Padova and Adelaide Malanotte, the main interpreter of the works of Rossini.

How to get there: by Boat and speedboat from major nearby cities with private guide. Info: +39 388 4971640
When – Hours: from April to October with guided tours by appointment. The tour lasts about two hours and includes transfers, multilingual guide and a welcome cocktail.
Tickets: The excursion costs from 25 to 30 euro for adults depending on the port of departure, with discounts for children and groups.

Riva del Garda

Riva del Garda, in Trentino, is one of the most northern places of Lake Garda and has a special charm. Here, in fact, the lake narrows and slot in between high cliffs of Monte Rocchetta: water is colder and bluer, the landscape is influenced by the nearby Dolomites and the silence becomes more rarefied, because on this part of Lake Garda the navigation engine is prohibited.

Riva del Garda, as the name suggests, overlooks the lake and is placed between its waters and the historic center, which slot in the mountain. Riva is a fully equipped resort, organized and rich in history, inhabited since Roman times and with numerous remains of its medieval past.

The center of Riva is Piazza 3 Novembre: here you can find the Apponale Tower, its most important monument, which dates back to 1220, the Town Hall rebuilt by the Venetians in the ‘400 and the Praetorian Palace built in 1375 by Scaligeri family . A walk in the square allows you to breathe the Austro-Hungarian charm of Riva, maybe sitting at a café. It worths a visit also the Inviolata Church, a fine example of Baroque style built in 1603, the medieval quarter of Marocco (from “marocche”, the landslide remains on which were built some palaces), and the lakefront, surrounded by white balustrades overlooking the water.

The Italian Vittoriale, Lake Garda

The Italian Vittoriale is the burial place of Gabriele D’Annunzio and a real citadel built together with the architect Giancarlo Maroni between 1921 and 1938.

Here the poet decided to celebrate his literary works, war and patriotic feats. The Vittoriale includes the Priory, a large house – museum full of objects, room decorations, a large park with statues, ponds and gardens, an auditorium for 200 people which hosts exhibitions, conferences and events and an amphitheater.

Among the most fascinating places there is the D’Annunzio Secret Museum, located in the basement of the amphitheater and collects the objects of everyday life of the poet, including shoes, clothes and collars for its dogs. Among the many relics to admire, stand out on all the Mausoleum at the top of the hill that houses his remains and the Puglia ship. This ship is now placed in the park with the bow towards the Adriatic. It was donated to D’Annunzio by the Royal Navy in 1923. The Vittoriale is a place of charm, but also a place where you can have a great view of Lake Garda and the surrounding landscape.

Where: Via Vittoriale 12, Gardone Riviera (Brescia)
How to get there:
Highway: A4 Milan-Venice, exit Desenzano; A22, exit Rovereto South.
When – Hours: every day of the year (except 24 and 25 December and New Year) from 8:30 am to 7 pm from the end of March-end of October
From 9 am to 4 pm from late October to late March
Tickets: the cost for the visit to the Vittoriale varies from €16 to 8 depending on the chosen route. Discounts are available for children from 7 to 18 years and for over 65 years. free admission for children under 6 years.

Limone sul Garda

Limone sul Garda is one of the oldest and best preserved towns on Lake Garda. The origins of the name are uncertain: they may derive from “limes”, the border in Latin, but actually lemons dominate this little pearl of Garda. Limone is famous for the cultivation of citrus fruits, that here, thanks to the breeze of the lake and its microclimate have been grown always in “limonere”. They are protected terraces, one above the other , where citrus trees are cultivated. The most famous, now owned by the municipality, is the Limonaia del Castel, which dates back to 1700 and today is open to the public.

In addition to the famous lemons you will find cedar, mandarin, bitter oranges, kumquats. The old town of Limone sul Garda is instead a pleasant walk through narrow streets, squares and old houses of fishermen on the lake.

Today the houses are opened to tourists for the holidays. Do not miss the church of San Pietro in Oliveto: built in the IX century, is one of the oldest Romanesque churches in the area and thanks to the restoration of 1989 today you can admire the original frescoes.

Don’t miss Piazza XX Settembre, the Old Market Square, with Visconti Tower (XVI sec.), The Basilica of St. Nicolò, the XIX Town Hall (Palazzo Bovara) and the Azzone Visconti Bridge with its arches. Built during the Renaissance, the bridge was used to connect Lecco to the Duchy of Milan and still today is the access to the city for those coming from Milan or Garda.

Gardaland and other parks in Lake Garda

Lake Garda offers also a number of theme – park attractions perfect for the whole family. Most of the parks are just a few kilometers from the lake’s shores. The Lake Garda park attractions are generally opened from April to late October, with special openings during the Christmas holidays and some weekends.

It starts from the famous Gardaland, the largest in Italy, with more than 35 theme attractions for young and old: the park is located in Castelnuovo del Garda, near Verona.

Adventure lovers can’t really miss the Caneva World theme parks: Movieland, dedicated to the world of cinema with shows, animation and reconstructions of film sets, and the Caneva Water Park, a paradise made of big and small pools with slides , attractions and water games. Both parks are located in Lazise sul Garda, in Verona district.

Parco Natura Viva however, is in Pastrengo, Verona district, and is a zoo with more than 1,500 animals of 200 different species from all continents. A perfect opportunity, even for children, to know and to protect the animal species in the world. But don’t think about a simple visit: the park is a research and preservation center, and includes the Safari Park with African animals and birds and an area completely dedicated to dinosaurs.

Cathedral of Salò, Lake Garda

Salò Cathedral, Brescia district, is in late Gothic style and is worth a visit because it appears to the visitor almost as it was in 1453, when the first stone was set down.

The façade also: simple, unfinished, made up of simple brick, was enriched in 1509 only by a marble portal in Renaissance style. Inside houses, among others, works by Paolo Veneziano, Romanino and Moretto. Salò Cathedral is the most important place of worship in the city and is dedicated to Santa Maria Annunziata. It’s also famous for the altarpiece in gilded wood, which dates back to the XV century. This is one of the most important examples of Brescia crafts of the area. At the center of the church there is a large crucifix made in 1493 by Giovanni Teutonico, while on the left of the Crucified you can admire the large and valuable organ made in 1489 and given in 1957 to the Commission for Artistic and Cultural Heritage

Where: Vicolo Campanile 2 in Salò (Brescia).
When – Hours: Mass times: daily at 6:30 pm ; public holidays at 9:30 – 11:00 am to 6:30 pm

Marmitte dei Giganti in Lake Garda

The Marmitte dei Giganti (Pothole Jiants) are a true wonder of nature; those of Torbole are unique, because they are in excellent condition. Imagine some huge holes, about 5 meters width and deep up to 12 meters, placed in a kind of canyon in a landscape that looks like the Moon.

The name derives from the popular imagination, that didn’t know how to explain these gigantic wells. It’s actually a phenomenon due to the ice age, which dates back more than 130,000 years ago. During the summer, in fact the glaciers used to melt quickly, creating streams and waterfalls made of water and pebbles, which corroded the rock creating wells and pools still visible today.

A curiosity: the discovery of pottery and arrowheads are the evidence that the Marmitte dei Giganti of Torbole were inhabited in prehistoric times.

Where to sleep in Lake Garda

Lake Garda is one of the international tourist destination, loved by ordinary people and celebrities all around the world.

Movie stars, artists, various rich men bought a house here or decide to spend part of their vacation. The tourist accommodation is well organized, with more than 2,100 available properties. During the spring and the summer there are many Italian and foreign tourists and school groups, so you’d better to book in time. In the autumn the weather is cooler and the hotel are less crowded, so it’s the ideal time to enjoy the Garda Lake in peace and without haste.

itineraries Lake Como

10 things to do and see in Lake Como

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

The most important city is Como with its beautiful monuments, the lovely old town centre and its picturesque views. Boats and hydrofoils are an excellent opportunity to see the city and admire the beauty of the landscape, but to enjoy a wider landscape there’s the funicular railway that connects Brunate to Como. The second-largest city is Lecco, famous for being the city of the “Promessi Sposi” (Betrothed). The countries of the lakefront are suggestive too such as as Cernobbio, with its big villas like Villa d’Este and Villa Erba, and Bellagio, known as the “pearl of the lake” for its attractive scenery. Comacina island is less famous but very charming, a small green jewel surrounded by the waters of the lake, where some settlements of the Roman period were found, so that scholars like to call it the “Pompeii Lariana”.

Here you’ll find 10 things to see and do if you decide to spend some time in Lake Como.

If you are looking for a hotel in Lake Como, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 380 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Cathedral of Como

Considered one of the most beautiful monuments in northern Italy, the Duomo of Como is a complex building, begun in 1396 and completed in 1740 with the construction of the dome by Filippo Juvarra, architect of the King of Sardinia.

The construction has different styles (Gothic façade, and Renaissance side doors), but is really harmonious. The imposing façade with spires and pinnacles is full of decorations. The two niches dedicated to the Latin writers Plinio il Giovane and Plinio il Vecchio, and the three decorations of the portals are made by Giovanni Rodari. The interior, in a Gothic style, is divided into three aisles by 10 columns and there are many important works. Among them: paintings by Bernardino Luini (Adoration of the Magi) and Gaudenzio Ferrari (Marriage of the Virgin and Flight into Egypt), Renaissance tapestries (by Giuseppe Arcimboldi), the sixteenth-century altarpiece of Sant’Abbondio, patron of the city, the baptismal font (1590) and the two lions from the ancient church of Santa Maria.

Where: Piazza del Duomo
When – Hours: everyday 8 am – 6.30 pm

Church of Sant'Abbondio in Como

Built at the end of XI century, the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio is a magnificent example of Lombard Romanesque architecture and a masterpiece of the Masters of Como, ie those builders – architects – sculptors who spread the Lombard style, not only in Italy but throughout Europe.

Built by Benedictine monks, the church is dedicated to the fourth bishop of Como and from ‘500 had many changes that modified the original appearance. Fortunately the restoration in ‘800 gave it back its original aspect .

The stone façade of Moltrasio is marked by big columns that divide it into 5 sections, and a beautiful portal adorned by bas-relief sculptures. The interior, with five aisles divided by tall columns adorned with precious capitals, preserves the splendid frescoes of 1300, the work of the Master of S. Abbondio, in twenty scenes that tell the story of Christ.

Where: Via Regina Teodolinda
When -Hours: Everyday 8 am – 6 pm – during winter 8 am – 4.30 pm

Palazzo Broletto in Como

Old town hall, the Broletto (from the Latin word “brolo”, ie field, open space where citizens meet) was built in 1215, by the will of Bonardo Cadazzo, next to the Cathedral to symbolize the continuity between the authority of the bishop and the new municipal power.

The Broletto is composed by two floors (ground floor with arches and first floor with three light – window) with white gray and red marble strips, and a tower built according to the ashlar technique. During the time the building had many changes and alterations. In the second half of the ‘400 a good part of the building was demolished to make more room for the Duomo; in 1764 it was transformed into a theater; It was later used as a notary archive until the end of 800. Restored several times since 1899, only in 1972 it has been restored to its original form. Currently the palace of the Broletto, owned by the city, hosts art exhibitions and congresses.

Where: Piazza Duomo

Tempio Voltiano in Como

The building, with the shape of a neoclassical temple and built on the lakefront, celebrates the work of the great physicist Alessandro Volta. The museum, created and funded by Francesco Somaini, was erected on to celebrate the first centenary of the death of Volta and to host the scientific instruments that belonged to him.

Many of these instrument are original, others are just a reconstruction. The main part of the mausoleum is preceded by a large portico with statues of Faith and Science. The interior is on two floors. In the central hall of the ground floor there are equipments, machines and devices used by the scientist for physics experiments and electrology, and for the study of gases and their properties. The loggia on the first floor exhibits letters, publications, portraits of the scientist, and the awards he received during his life and after death.

Where: Viale Marconi
When – Hours: from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 to 4 pm (from October to March); from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 12 pm and from 3 to 6 pm (from April to September).
Tickets: Full ticket € 3, old people € 1,30; free entrance for children under 15 years old

Como-Brunate funicular

Inaugurated in 1894, the Como – Brunate funicular connects the capital to the Larian “balcony”: the lake and the mountains, and offers a beautiful sight of Como. The “trip” in fact, begins in a gallery and then continues outside where the two small carriages go up a steep hill allowing you to see the beautiful scenery. The funicular is on a single track which doubles only half-way where the two cars meet.

The route is of 1084 meters with a maximum slope of 55% and gives you the chance to reach in less than 7 minutes the small village of Brunate. Pleasant holiday place, Brunate is also called the “balcony” of the Alps for its beautiful sights of Como, the whole section of the lake, the plains of Lombardy, the Alps with Monviso and Monte Rosa . One of its kind in Europe, the construction is among the most popular attractions in Como. Although short, the trip in funicular is exciting and thrilling. To try.

Where: departure / arrival stations: Piazza A. De Gasperi in Como, Piazza A. Buonacossa Brunate.
When – Hours: The funicular runs from 6.00 am to 10:30 pm , on Saturdays from 6.00 am to midnight. During the summer, the service is extended until midnight
Tickets: one way € 2,90; round trip € 5,25

Lecco, Lake Como

Lecco is linked to Alessandro Manzoni that from these places drew inspiration for the story of ” I promessi Sposi” (The Betrothed)

Here there are some places that remember the famous novel and its author: Pescarenico, the Lecco village mentioned by Manzoni, where were found the traces of the convent of Fra’ Cristoforo, the districts and the citizens of Acquate Olate, identified as the little towns of Renzo and Lucia. Don’t miss then the monument of Manzoni erected in Piazza Manzoni and the Manzoni museum housed in the villa where the writer spent his childhood and adolescence, with manuscripts and rare editions of famous literary work. You can visit also Piazza XX Settembre, the Old Market Square with Visconti Tower (XVI century), the Basilica of St. Nicolò, the nineteenth-century Town Hall (Palazzo Bovara) and Azzone Visconti bridge with its arches . Built during the Renaissance, the bridge was used to connect Lecco to the Duchy of Milan and still today is the access to the city for those coming from Milan or Como.

Bellagio, Lake Como

Charming town, known for its lovely location and its old town centre , Bellagio is a great tourist town. The so-called “Pearl of Lake Como” is placed on a hill that divides the lake into the two branches of Como and Lecco, in a picturesque landscape.

Colored houses, picturesque alleys, steps, old churches are the characteristics of the old village. Between the ‘700 and’ 800, nobles and rich Lombard people built luxurious villas to host famous people, both Italian and foreign. Napoleon Bonaparte was a guest of Count Melzi d’Eril in Villa Melzi, beautiful villa built in neoclassical style surrounded by a beautiful garden. The Emperor Francis I, Kaiser Wilhelm, Alessandro Manzoni however, stayed in the ancient Villa Serbelloni, a beautiful complex set in a spectacular terraced park made of paths, clearings, exotic plants and many rose bushes. Today the villa belongs to the Rockefeller foundation of New York who has made it a center of studies and conferences.

When – Hours:
The gardens of Villa Melzi are open from late March to early November daily, from 09:30 am to 6:30 pm Tickets cost € 6.
The Villa Serbelloni Park can be visited from March 22 to November 3 every day except Monday and in case of bad weather only with guided tours for a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 30 starting at 11:00 am and at 3.30 pm by the Promobellagio (Piazza of the Church of St. Giacomo – medieval Tower).
Tickets: € 9.
Warning: during winter time, the afternoon tour is moved at 2:30 pm

Cernobbio, Lake Como

Elegant town on the shores of Lake Como at the foot of Monte Bisbino, Cernobbio owes its name to the ancient monastery of Cluny (Coenobium). The city’s heart is Piazza Risorgimento, also known as the “Riva”, which overlooks the lake.

In addition to the awesome views, Cernobbio is known for the presence of so many prestigious villas. The impressive Villa Erba, built in 1898, is a complex made of the main house, guest house, greenhouses, boathouse, stables, service homes, surrounded by a large park. Noble residence of Luchino Visconti family (the great director loved to spend the summer holidays here), the villa is today an important congress center that hosts events. The most precious treasure of Cernobbio, however, is the sixteenth-century Villa d’Este transformed in 1873 into a luxury hotel with princely furnishings and a beautifully landscaped garden. Walking along the lake can still be admired, Villa Bernasconi in Art Nouveau style, Villa Pizzo consists of two buildings, one of which is on the lake, and the eighteenth-century Villa Fontanelle in a beautiful park.

Isola Comacina in Lake Como

Comacina island is a place of great charm where history, nature, art and archeology are mixed up in this small place almost uninhabited.

It was a fortified citadel and important religious center of the Diocese of Como until the twelfth century when the Comaschi, to punish its loyalty to Milan, razed it to the ground (1169). The Cavalier Caprani, last owner of the island, gave it to King Albert I of Belgium, who donated it to the Italian State and then it was entrusted the Academy of Fine Arts Brera (1920). Among the “treasures” of the island there are the ruins of the magnificent Romanesque church of St. Euphemia, the crypt and the beautiful porch, the remains of a marble colonnade of Roman era under the church of St. John, and the three houses built for artists between the years 1936-40 by the architect Pietro Lingeri.

How to get there: Boarding in Ossuccio with Taxi-boat or Navigazione Lago di Como.
When – Hours: from March 15 to October 31, daily from 10 am to 5 pm ; July and August until 6:30 pm
Tickets: full ticket € 6; reduced ticket € 5; Children under 5 years have free admission, from 6 to 14 years 3,50 €. The ticket office at the Ossuccio Antiquarium is open daily at the following times: 10:00 to 1:00 pm / 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Where to sleep in Lake Como

Lake Como is almost tourist destination for nobles, artists and ordinary people since two centuries. The great tradition of hospitality is reflected in a wide touristic services and good prices to suit all budgets.

In Como, Lecco and in several villages bordering the lake there are hotels, guest houses, holiday cottages and a large number of B&Bs. Lake Como is international tourism destination throughout the year and during the high season (Easter, Christmas, long weekends and summer holidays). So we suggest you to book in advance to find a place that suits your needs.

capitals Edimburgh

10 things to do and see in Edimburgh

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

The castle stands on an ancient volcanic mountain, while in the lower part of the city (the Old Town), medieval buildings and Gothic architectural structures, are characterized by a melancholy and romantic atmosphere: it’s a kind of promise for those who want to discover this city with a mysterious and troubled past. In the north however, the New Town with its network of parallel roads closed by a square at each end, the residential buildings and the gardens tells another era, the Georgian one. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh is a magical city placed in a stunning setting, one of those fairy tales of Tim Burton, sweet and dark at the same time. Here some famous writers have been inspired by some legendary characters like Sherlock Holmes, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Harry Potter. On this page we suggest you 10 things to do and see during your visit in Edimburgh.

If you are looking for a hotel in Edimburgh, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 400 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Edinburgh Castle

It’s one of the most famous castles of Scotland, which offers one of the most beautiful views of the entire city. The historic fort is located on a volcanic hill (Castle Hill) and was built in many stages: the oldest part of the castle, St Margaret’s Chapel, dates back to the twelfth century, the Great Hall was built by James IV in 1510. The Battery Half Moon was built by Regent Morton in the late sixteenth century and the Scottish National War Memorial was erected after the First World War.

Crossing the drawbridge you’ll arrive into the Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels), among the older royal emblem of Europe, and the legendary Stone of Destiny, on which were crowned all the Royal Scots. If you’re here, on any day of the week except Sunday, at 1:00 o’clock, you’ll hear the echo of an explosion but no worries! This is the gun with blanks (One O ‘Clock Gun) that resonates from Mill’s Mount Battery. In the past, the coup served to inform the time to ships in the Strait of Forth, with time it has become a nice city tradition. The castle is the fantastic scenery of the spectacular military parade Military Tattoo, as well as the setting of one of the adventures of Harry Potter.

Where: Castle Hill
How to get there: 15 minutes walk from Waverley Station and Princes Street.
When -Hours: from April 1st to September 30th: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm ; from 1 October to 31 March: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm . Admission is allowed until one hour before closing.
Never: December 25
Tickets:
Adults: £ 16; over 60: £ 12.80; Children (aged 5 to 15 years): £ 9.60; Children under 5 years: free entrance

The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence in Scotland of Queen Elizabeth, is at the end of the medieval road all made of pebbles, called Royal Mile, or “real Kilometer.”

The palace has inside dark and unmentionablesecrets: within its walls Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, pregnant of few months, witnessed the assassination of his Italian secretary David Rizzio, commissioned by her second husband, the jealous Lord Darnley. In the building you’ll find many personal belongings of the queen that date back to the period when she was imprisoned, before her sudden death. Currently the State apartments have abandoned their dark and gloomy aspect to regularly host the Queen and other members of the Royal Family for ceremonies and official receptions.

Where: Royal Mile
How to get there: The Palace is a 15-minute walk from Waverley Station. Bus: lines 35 and 36 stop near the Palace
When – Hours: The palace is open daily. April 1 – October 31, 9:30 am to 6:00 pm , November 1 – March 31, 9:30 am 4:30 pm . Never: 25 and 26 December and during royal visits.
Tickets: (Entrance + audio guide) adult £ 11:00; over 60 and students £ 10.00, children under 17 £ 6.65, children under 5 free entrance

Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre in Edinburgh

Are you are Scotch lovers and do you want to know the story of the famous Scotch whiskey? In the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre you’ll enjoy 300 years of production history of this famous liquor through audiovisual paths and a taste of each type of whiskey.

In the distillery of the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre you’ll not only listen to all the secrets of the process liquor from the guides trained voice, but with the help of good whiskey connoisseurs you’ll learn to distinguish the Grain Whisky by Malt Whisky. After the tour at the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre ” the water of life”, as they call whiskey around here, will have no secrets for you.

Where: Royal Mile
How to get there: The Centre is located at the top of the Royal Mile, near the Castle.
When – Hours: Every day, from September to May from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (last tour at 5 pm ); from June to August from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (last tour at 6 pm)
Tickets: (Entrance + audio guide) adult £ 11:00; over 60 and students £ 10.00, children under 17 £ 6.65, children under 5 free entrance

The Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh

After a period lasted almost 300 years, Scotland has finally regained its Parliament.

The old parliament building was before the Palace of Justice, and so it was right to give a new and worthy seat to the first Scottish Parliament since 1707. The parliament of Holyrood is located in a modern structure in steel, granite and oak that stands at the foot of the Royal Mile: the building has a very innovative design which refers to the rich cultural and natural heritage of Scotland. Inside the Scottish Parliament are discussed many important issues and are not absent the controversy, not only among politicians but also among the visitors who show some doubts about the real beauty of the building.

Where: Royal Mile
How to get there: The parliament building is located just a short walk from the Royal Mile and close to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Bus: 35 (Canongate stop) and 36 (stop Horse Wynd).
When -Hours: Monday, Friday, Saturday and public holidays 10:00 am to 5:00 pm ; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 9.00 am – 6:30 pm . Free admission.
Never: Sunday
Tickets: free entrance

The Writers Museum and Makars Court in Edinburgh

How could the City of literature, as well as UNESCO has called it, don’t have a museum dedicated to three of the most famous Scottish writers?

The Writers Museum in Edinburgh is home of manuscripts, personal portraits and memories of three great Scottish writers: Sir Walter Scott, the inventor of the modern historical novel, Robert Burns, one of the most famous figures in the history of Scottish literature, and Robert Louis Stevenson, author of the famous “The strange case of Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde.” But the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions dedicated to other important contemporary Scottish writers of the past. The beauty of the visit also continues outside the museum, specifically in the medieval courtyard Makars Court, where there are stone plates on which are written some of the quotes of the most famous Scottish authors from the fourteenth century to today: have fun to look for the phrase that you prefer!

Where: Royal Mile
How to get there: The Museum is located in the Palace Lady Stairs Close a short walk from the Royal Mile
When – Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 2:00 to 5:00 pm during the Edinburgh Festival; August 12:00 to 5:00 pm on Sundays.
Tickets: free entrance

The Scottish National Galleries in Edinburgh

If you love the masterpieces of European and international painters you can’t miss the National Gallery of Scotland which, in collaboration with the neighboring Royal Scottish Academy, has important collections of art of Titian, Monet, Gauguin and others.

Those who are interested in the last 500 years of Scottish history retraced through some beautiful portraits, will have to take a ride to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery: here you’ll find all the most significant personalities of Scotland, from Robert Burns to the legendary Sean Connery. If you like everything that is modern, you can visit the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, where even the grass is a work of art, and the Dean Gallery, which is directly forehead.

Where Scottish galleries are situated close to Waverley Station.

How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: Daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm . Never: 25 and 26 December
Tickets: free entrance

The St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh

Gray, severe and rigorous. That’s how is the historical city Cathedral in the Gothic style, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh. The origins of St. Giles date back to the twelfth century but the present building dates back the fifteenth century as well as the beautiful crowned spire of its central tower.

Considered the cradle of Scottish Presbyterianism, the reputation of the church dedicated to the patron saint of the city is linked to the Calvinist reformer John Knox who was pastor between 1560 and 1572. Inside stand out the colorful stained glass windows and the Chapel of the Thistle (Thistle Chapel ) built with wood and refined stone in 1911 for the Knights of the ancient and most noble order of the Thistle.

Where: Royal Mile
How to get there: Lawnmarket, Royal Mile. Waverley Station; bus numbers 35, 23, 27, 28, 41 and 42.
When – Hours:
From May to September: Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm ; Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; 1:00 to 5:00 pm on Sundays. From October to April: Monday – Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; 1:00 to 5:00 pm on Sundays
Closed: December 25 after the function of 11:30 am , 26 December, 1 and 2 January.
Tickets: Free. Visitors are welcome to make a donation of £ 3.00 per person.

Things to buy in Edimburgh

For your crazy shopping you’ll have everything at your disposal in Edinburgh: many of the elegant shops of the city are at the center, very easy to reach. With its 100 different departments, including electrical appliances, clothing, electronic products and beauty and so much more, Jenners is one of the most crowded shops in the city since 1838. Near Jenners you can go buy a nice dress at Harvey Nichols shop, with its four floors of clothing and trendy accessories. To take a break and rest your legs, you can stop in a cafe of George Street, and then start shopping from the streets of the Royal Mile: Grassmarket and Victoria Street. These two famous streets of Edinburgh are rich not only of food shops, selling local cheeses and whiskeys, but also tailors and jewelers. Cockburn Street, however, has many trendy stores , extravagant craft shops and art galleries. The shops are usually open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 5: 30/6:00 pm and Sundays from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. On Thursday shops in the city are also open in the evenings throughout the year.

Things to eat in Edimburgh

If you want to understand the relationship between the Scots and the food, just think about that Edinburgh is the city with the highest number of restaurants in the whole Britain.

The restaurants are so widespread and of a particularly high quality, because the citizens of Edinburgh love to go out and spend the evening together, perhaps with a good traditional Scottish dish. The traditional Scottish cuisine is not limited to the course haggis, a tasty dish rich in spices and meat with potato, but it’s rich of many other culinary delights. Soups are widespread in Edinburgh and are very useful to keep warm in the winter months. The city’s restaurants will offer you fresh fish or the delicious seafood, but if you love meat you can choose between the partridges, lamb, pheasant and beef steaks of the famous Aberdeen Angus species. You can finish your meal with a delicious dessert made of genuine and natural fruit grown in the lands of Scotland.

Where to sleep in Edimburgh

Although it’s not very big, Edinburgh is a city full of accommodation where you can choose to spend your vacation.

Edinburgh will satisfy your needs: luxurious, stylish accommodation for those who love comfort, cozy and comfortable B&B’s close to the center. Nature’s lovers will find camping well-connected with the center by public transport. Hotels in 2 stars in the center, near Frederick Street and Princess Street, start from € 56 per person, up to the € 160 for a 4-star hotel. To be totally independent, in the center there are also available apartments to rent and hostels, where you can meet people from all over the world.

If you are looking for a hotel in Edimburgh, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 400 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

capitals Dublin

10 things to do and see in Dublin

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

The images and the stories about Ireland suggest very often a reality out of time: green field, Catholic churches, Celtic cemeteries and secular traditions that still influence the island. A kid of “poor sister” of England. Once arrived in the Irish capital you’ll immediately realize that this doesn’t correspond to reality; Dublin is, in fact, a modern city, headquarters of many multinational and “promised land” of young workers.

Crossed by the River Liffey, Dublin had many changes during the past years, especially in its central areas: modern buildings, offices, the most famous fast food chains and the inevitable shopping street, Grafton Street.

In down town you’ll admire some statues of its most illustrious personalities, such as Molly Malone, Oscar Wilde and James Joyce. There are also many monuments and museums which tell us about the ancient history of the Irish capital, founded by the Vikings as slaves trade center .

Dublin offers different types of attraction: for lovers of nature and green are available many parks, including the central St Stephen’s Green and the huge Phoenix Park; Temple Bar is the suitable area for those looking for entertainment, with pub, street performers especially on weekends and in mid-March, during the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day , the patron saint of Ireland; for lovers of history and literature is possible to visit monuments and museums, but above all you can walk through the many urban routes narrated in the novels of its greatest authors.

On this page we suggest you 10 things to do and see during your visit in Dublin

If you are looking for a hotel in Dublin, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 400 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Trinity College in Dublin

You can’t miss Trinity College. It’s one of the most prestigious and oldest university complexes in the world, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I of England and that can boast among its illustrious students Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker and Samuel Beckett.

The university is located in the center and two things stand out immediately : the majesty of the Georgian-style buildings, and the tranquility and sense of peace of large green open spaces .

Walking on campus you can come across some typical Trinity student life scenes. On the green fields you can watch cricket matches and badminton among students during the breaks between lessons. Going under the theologian George Salmon Statue during periods of degrees, it’s possible to see some recent graduate student at the foot of the statue. It’s a small and ironic revenge against this theologian, who worked for many years at Trinity College and who strongly opposed the entry of women at this university.

Don’t miss the library with no equal in the world; massive wooden columns with ancient volumes. The most famous of all is the “Book of Kells”, manuscript in miniature of rare beauty, which contains, among other things, the text of the four Gospels in Latin.

Where: College Green
How to get there: All bus lines that run through the city center
When – Hours: Visit to the Old Library and Book of Kells: Monday to Saturday: from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm ; Sunday (May-September): from 09.30 am to 4.30 pm; Sunday (October to April): from 12.00 to 4.30 pm
Tickets:
Entrance to Trinity College: Free entrance
Visit to the Old Library and Book of Kells: Adults: € 9; Reduced (students and seniors): € 8; Families: € 12 (2 adults and 4 children); Groups: 6.50 € per person (for groups of more than 10 people); Children under 12 years free entrance

St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin

Located in central Dublin, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the only two Protestant churches in Ireland.

The cathedral, in Gothic style, was built in the twelfth century, and the legend tells that it was built right on the well from which St. Patrick took the holy water to baptize the first Irish Christians. It’s said that the well was bottomless and a gateway to the Purgatory.

Its solid structure, the light filtered through the windows, the enormous organ with 4000 pipes give to visitors a kind of solemnity and impose a natural silence. Inside the cathedral there are the tombs of more than 500 Irish illustrious personages, including the writer Jonathan Swift.

There’s a wooden door inside the cathedral, source of inspiration for a famous motto in Ireland: “Changing one’s arm” , which define people who risk a lot just to get a big benefit. The legend tells that during the war between two Irish noble families, one of the two contenders, the Count Ormod, to protect from his enemy took refuge behind this door. The Count Kildare, his opponent, seeing the opponent in extreme difficulty, promised to save his life and the end of hostilities. So he did with the sword two holes in the wooden door to shake his hand from there and establish the peace.

Where: St Patrick’s Close
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: From March to October: Monday-Friday 09: 00 am -5: 00 pm ; Saturday 09: 00 am -6: 00 pm ; Sunday 09: 00-10: 30 am /12: 30-2: 30/4: 30-6: 00 pm
From November to February: Monday-Saturday 09: 00-5: 00 pm ; Sunday 09: 00-10: 30 am /12: 30-2: 30 pm
Never: 24, 25 and 26 December
Tickets: Adults: 5,50 € – Reduced: € 4.50

Temple Bar in Dublin

Welcome to the heart of Dublin life. The Temple Bar district is undoubtedly the liveliest of the whole city; many pubs, bars, clubs, exhibition spaces, restaurants and theaters. According to the legend about the name, it seems that this area is named after Sir William Temple, Master of Trinity College and who settled there with his family.

Located on the River Liffey and not far from the city center, Temple Bar is a place to live during the day and at night. During the day streets are crowded by so many markets and historic workshops, where you can buy products of all kinds; during the night the streets are crowded by young Dubliners looking for fun.

Nowadays Temple Bar is just the latest of the many transformation. Attended initially by the upper middle-class of Dublin, over the centuries it became a slum and degraded district; so bad as to convince the city council to knock it down and turn it into an area of remittance for buses.

At 150 meters from Temple Bar there’s Half Penny Bridge an iron pedestrian bridge, which crosses the Liffey River and connects the north side of Dublin to the south. It’s named after the price that was paid to use it (half a penny, in fact). It’s one of the most evocative places of the Irish capital, ideal to go at dawn and sunset to enjoy a landscape from the very special view.

Guinness Store House in Dublin

7 floors to discover the Guinness universe, the most loved beer by the Irish and famous throughout the world for its dark color and bitter taste.

The Guinness Storehouse is the first manufacturing building of this beer and was built in 1759 in the St James’s Gate Brewery, thanks to the intuition of Sir Arthur Guinness, founder of the beer . Located in the west of the city, 10 minutes from the old town, in this huge factory and museum are produced thousands of liters of beer, exported all over the world.

The visit to the Guinness Storehouse is not just a journey into the universe Guinness, but it’s also a trip into the Irish spirit; tenacity, creativity, practicality, precision and attention to detail are indeed characteristics that emerge from proceedings to create the Guinness. Each of the 7 floors tells a story about the production of beer; from old photographs of the brewery to the exhibition on processing methods, from machinery to the working techniques.

The tour ends with a free taste of a fresh pint of Guinness, to be enjoyed in the Gravity Bar, panoramic point of the building, from which you can admire the entire city of Dublin.

ith other 113 Danish kings, the manufacture of 40 tapestries that are currently exposed in one of the castle halls. Children will not get bored with the brochure Kronborg, made for smaller, with puzzles and quizzes about the castle. The beauty and magnificence of the ballroom is for all ages instead, and we suggest you also to visit the dark underground where is placed the statue of the national hero Holger Danske: the legend says that in case of danger, the statue of the hero will be transformed into flesh and blood to help the country.

Where: St James’s Gate
How to get there:
Bus: 51 B and 78A from Aston Quay, 123 from O ‘Connell Street and 123 from Dame Street
When – Hours: Every day from 09:30 am to 5:00 pm
July and August: 09:30 am -7: 00 pm
Never: 24, 25 and 26 December and Good Friday
Tickets:
Adults: € 14.40; Students with more than 18 years old : € 10.60; Students aged between 12 and 18 years old : € 8.50; seniors (over 65 years old): 10,50 €; Children (6-12 years old): 4,80 €

The prison of Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin

You can’t visit Ireland and Dublin without visit it. Enter into the prison of Kilmainham Gaol means a closer look at the history of this country. It’s indeed here, within these cold and gray cells, who was fought the most important political battle for the independence of Ireland.

Many common criminals and political rebels have crossed the threshold of this prison, never to leave again alive. These people were in fact executed in the courtyard of the prison, a place used for executions.

Today the prison is a museum. It was also chosen as the location from U2 to record one of their music videos; it was used by the cinema as a location in many films, including “The father’s name”, an insight into the strength and the abuses suffered by the Irish during the British occupation.

Located in the west area of the city, a visit to Kilmainham Gaol prison is the most emotional stage of the entire trip to Dublin. During the visit you can be locked up in one of the many prison cells, to understand the feeling of prisoners.

Where: Inchicore Rd
How to get there: Bus: 51, 51 B, 78A, 79 from Aston Quay
When – Hours:
From April to September: 09: 30 am -6: 0 pm (last admission at 5 pm)
From October to March: 09: 30 am -5: 30 pm (last entry at 4.30 pm ); Sunday 10: 00 am -6: 00 pm (last admission at 17).
Never: 24, 25 and 26 December
Tickets:
Adults: 6 €
Students and children: € 2
Free admission for the Dublin Pass holders

The Irish National Gallery in Dublin

In the National Gallery of Ireland there are real masterpieces: the dark Taking of Christ by Caravaggio, the delicate watercolors by J. M. W. Turner, The Annunciation by Rubens, several works of Flemish, English and French Impressionists, and numerous portraits and landscapes by Irish artists that trace the history of the country Anglo – Irish.

Among fascinating and wonderful paintings, there’s a room entirely dedicated to opera of Jack Yeats, Irish illustrator and cartoonist who in 1894 built the first Sherlock Holmes comic.

Where: Pearse Station area
How to get there: Train station Pearse Station. Bus: 4 / A, 5, 7, 7A, 10, 13 / A, 44 / C, 48A
When – Hours: Mon – Sat 9:30 am to 5:30 pm , Thursday 9:30 am to 8:30 pm , Sunday 12:00 to 5:30 pm
Never: 10 April, 24 to 26 December
Tickets: free entrance

The Dublin Castle in Dublin

Dublin Castle is the center of administrative power in Dublin and is located exactly halfway between the two most important religious places of the city, the Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

This ancient Norman castle was built in 1204 thanks to King John I of England, also known as Giovanni “landless”. Inhabited for many centuries by various ambassadors of His Majesty, the Dublin Castle has been a symbol of the English oppression and was took by the Irish government just in 1922.

Today Dublin Castle is the seat of government representation and is used in officials ceremonies . You can visit for free the outdoor spaces of the castle and admire the majesty of the walls. You can also visit the interior apartments, halls, long halls, the huge chandeliers and St Patrick’s Hall. Don’t miss the Throne Room, which houses the throne of William of Orange III, king of England and Ireland from 1689 to 1702.

Where: Dame St
How to get there: Train station Pearse Station. Bus: 4 / A, 5, 7, 7A, 10, 13 / A, 44 / C, 48A
When – Hours: Mon – Sat 9:30 am to 5:30 pm , Thursday 9:30 am to 8:30 pm , Sunday 12:00 to 5:30 pm
Never: 10 April, 24 to 26 December
Tickets: free entrance

The Spire in Dublin

The Spire is a huge steel tower 120m high which is located in the center of O ‘Connell Street, one of the most important avenues of Dublin

It’s in the north of the city and nowadays there are no longer beggars and criminals as in the past. O’Connell Street is a street of a very elegant area, full of pubs, fast food, high fashion shops and services of all kinds.

The story of The Spire has no official versions; some say, maliciously, that is the symbol of rebellion against the long English domination; others claim it’s a symbol of the fight against heroin use, widespread in Dublin of the ‘90s. Some say it is simply a monument to light or that the tower it’s just an embellishment of the city skyline.

Things to eat in Dublin

In Dublin there are two times of the day dedicated to food: breakfast and dinner. The breakfast is a varied savory menu, made of sausages, eggs, bacon and tea; while dinner is composed by various meat and fish menus.

Lunch remains a very marginal time of the day.

We suggest you to stop in one of the city’s many bars and cafes where you can taste the famous scones, biscuits made with raisins, chocolate chips, dried fruit, blueberries or berries, maybe accompanied by a tea.

For dinner, we recommend you to visit one of the pubs of Temple Bar and taste the many traditional meat and Irish dishes, including the Beef Guinness Pie, meat cooked beef in Guinness and covered with a layer of puff pastry.

Where to sleep in Dublin

Like any big capital, Dublin offers to its visitors any kind of solution for the night. The Irish capital has many hotels, B&Bs, camps and hostels, in every corner of the city. The richest area of accommodation, as well as the most expensive one, is next to Trinity College and close to Temple Bar.

You can find excellent solutions in O ‘Connell Street area, near The Spire, which has more reasonable prices and is also very close to Temple Bar, the central place of the nightlife.

Dublin is very rich in the guesthouse and B&Bs, furnished in such a way that guests breathe the typical Irish atmosphere. The advice is to book accommodation in Dublin in advance, especially during most important events of the year, such as the t “6 Nations” Rugby or the famous St Patrick’s Day.

capitals Copenhagen

10 things to do and see in Copenhagen

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

Copenhagen will surprise you with its contradictions: innovation and tradition, modern and ancient buildings, relaxed atmosphere and nightlife events, all in the same city. Walking through the streets of Copenhagen you’ll admire its historic buildings, its old streets, its wonderful museums and art galleries, the beautiful Tivoli Gardens and the oldest resident monarchy in the world. The Danish capital is a trembling outdoor museum, always with brand new trends about fashion, design and architecture. The way Danish people take care and respect their capital will amaze you: just think about that the harbour of Copenhagen is so crystal-clear that you could also take a bath! We suggest you the 10 things you to do and see in Copenhagen to discover its charm and its irresistible attractions.

If you are looking for a hotel in Copenhagen, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 200 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen

There she is, lying on a sort of rock, the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen seems to be bored despite many visits she receives each day, however she watch the sea, to express, maybe, a deep nostalgia for her home.

The Little Mermaid is the most popular tourist attraction in Denmark and is located on the city’s waterfront. The Danish author Hans Christian Andersen wrote the fairy tale “The Little Mermaid” in 1837. In 1909, Carl Jacobs (patron and owner of the Carlsberg beer), deeply moved by the tragic love story represented in the ballet “The Little Mermaid”, commissioned to the sculptor Eriksen a mermaid statue to adorn the city’s port.

Royal Palace of Amalienborg in Copenhagen

Amalienborg is a real castle, even if it has no towers and spires.

The Royal Amalienborg Palace is the winter residence of the Queen and is also the place of the famous balcony, you have seen for sure in some news or a magazine, from which the royal family greets people in the street.

Royal Palace of Amalienborg in Copenhagen

Even if the royal couple live in the castle, you’ll still be able to visit some of the sumptuous and elegant royal chambers that the king and queen don’t use every day.

Tivoli Park in Copenhagen

Tivoli is the oldest amusement park in the world, where history and tradition are mixed constantly.

The fabulous park Tivoli Garden is an important meeting point for the locals: business families with children, people on their lunch break, young people at the concerts and elderly who take a walk.

When you’ll be in the Tivoli Gardens watching the fireworks, with the smell of flowers and enjoying rock music, it means that the summer is just arrived in Copenhagen! If you want to experience the thrill of the attractions you can enjoy the Deamon rollercoaster or a relaxing ride on small boats.

Where: in the city centre
How to get there: 5 minutes by feet from the central station
When – Hours:
April 8 to June 18 and August 17 to September 20, Sunday – Thursday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm , Friday 11:00 am to 00:30 am , Saturday 11:00 am – 12:00 am ; 19 June – 16 August Sunday – Thursday 11:00 am – 12:00 am Friday and Saturday 11:00 am to 00:30 am ; October 9 am to 6 pm Sunday – Thursday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm , Friday and Saturday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm ; 20 November to 30 December Sunday – Thursday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm , Friday and Saturday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm ;
Tickets: Adults (12 +) DKK 85 and Friday after 8:00 pm DKK 125, children (3-11) DKK 45, children from 0-2 years: free.

The Kronborg Castle in Copenhagen

The beautiful Kronborg Castle in Elsinore, reachable by train from Copenhagen in 10 minutes, is one of the most important Renaissance castles in Northern Europe. This castle is famous around the world for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and each year is visited by about 200,000 people, including the Danish people and tourists from all over the world.

In 1580 King Frederick II commissioned, along with other 113 Danish kings, the manufacture of 40 tapestries that are currently exposed in one of the castle halls. Children will not get bored with the brochure Kronborg, made for smaller, with puzzles and quizzes about the castle. The beauty and magnificence of the ballroom is for all ages instead, and we suggest you also to visit the dark underground where is placed the statue of the national hero Holger Danske: the legend says that in case of danger, the statue of the hero will be transformed into flesh and blood to help the country.

Where: Elsinor, outside Copenaghen
How to get there: by train Copenaghen – Elisonr. Bus 340, 388, 840
When – Hours: October to March, Tuesday – Sunday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm ; from April to September, daily 10:30 am to 5:00 pm
Tickets: Complete ticket adults DKK 90, children 15 – 18 years DKK 65, kids 6 – Aged 14 DKK 25.

National Museum of Copenhagen

Adults and children can have a travel back in time about the history of the Danish kingdom with a visit to the National Museum in Copenhagen. Historical events are explained through a play of light and sound inside the palace originally built for King Frederick V. A time travel that starts from a pagan-mystical conception of prehistory, through the medieval centuries up to contemporary works. You can take a look at the embalmed body of the young Egtved or listen to the speeches of the writer and Danish critic Georg Brandes. Although the National Museum is mainly inspired to the history of Denmark, sometime you can also find temporary exhibitions about the history of exotic places like Greenland and Latin America. If you don’t have much time, you can get a quick DIY guide that will offer you an overview about the 10,000 most significant items of the museum in just one hour.

Where: near the central station
How to get there: by feet from central station in 10 minutes
When – Hours: Tue – Sun 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Never: Monday 24 – 25 to 31 December
Tickets: free entrance

The Copenhagen Round Tower

The Copenhagen Round Tower, or Round Tower, is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe, here the stars have been looked and studied since 1642. When Christian IV built the tower, Denmark was very famous for the astronomical discoveries made by astronomer Tycho Brahe.

When Brahe died in 1601, the king decided to continue researches into the tower by his own. Nowadays in the round tower there are many astronomers and curious tourists: the observatory is surrounded by an outdoor platform from which you have a magnificent view of the old part of Copenhagen. You’ll have a long way to walk to get to the platform, but we assure you that it’s worth it! The public observatory , just as you see it now, was built in 1929 and from here you can see the movements of celestial bodies through the telescope.

Where: Købmagergade 52A, , city center
How to get there: Bus, subway or train to Norreport station, from here 5 minute by feet
When – Hours: September 21 to May 20, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm ; May 21 to September 20 10:00 am to 8:00 pm .
Observatory: from October to March, Tuesday and Wednesday 7:00 to 10:00 pm , 1 July – 12 August, Sunday 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Tickets: Adults: 25 DKK; Children: 5 DKK

Things to buy in Copenhagen

The design and innovation capital will satisfy all your shopping desires! Ake Stroget, the main pedestrian street in Copenhagen, is full of international design shops, but you will do the most exclusive shopping along the narrow streets and the alleys of the city. There you will find the most special and original boutiques where you will buy unique clothes of their kind. Department stores, design and furniture shops, flea markets and small shops of souvenirs are located in every corner of the city. In some districts such as Osterbro, Vesterbro and Norrebro will not be difficult to find the right shops for you: be careful only to save money to go back home!

A night out in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is full of cafes, traditional or trendy, placed wine bar and picturesque historic buildings. Here you can drink cocktails, eat the typical Danish meatballs or smørrebrød, tasty sandwiches, until late evening : many of these locals on Fridays and Saturdays are transformed into real animated club with dj. Vesterbo district of Copenhagen is the most creative district where there are many clubs and you can dance and have fun. Discos and clubs in Copenhagen usually close after midnight, because people prefer to go out in the evening to eat and drink.

Things eat in Copenhagen

From marinated reindeer to the freshly caught lobsters, from red and hot Thai curry to the traditional “frikadeller” delicious Danish meat balls, from sushi to hot dogs: if you love food, you’ll go back home happy but fat!

There are many inns, modern or more traditional restaurants where you can try Danish cuisine, which is a mix of traditional flavours, old but also innovative. Danish cuisine is contaminated by the influences of French cuisine and typical Nordic flavours. The result is a rich and tasty cuisine that you’ll love so much, too much!

Where to sleep in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is not a cheap city, but it has many hotels, apartments and hostels, so you won’t have problem finding the ideal accommodation for you.

In Copenhagen you can sleep in a eighteenth century warehouse or in the latest generation of hotels designed by Danish architects. If you prefer the quieter atmosphere, in the countryside you will find delicious small hotels. All Danish accommodations are characterized by their hospitality and range from one to five stars, based on the services they offer. If you are looking for something cheaper, hostels and camp sites are well connected to the city centre. You just have to choose where to stay and start the Danish adventure!

Budapest capitals

10 things to do and see in Budapest

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

Budapest is called the “Paris of the East” because it has many features in common with the French capital and some glimpses remind some views of Paris: there is a river, castles and beautiful palaces, and there is a hill, similar to Montmartre, to climb and enjoying the landscape of Budapest. However Budapest has its own identity , maybe even more than one: it’s the result of three cities: Buda, Pest and Obuda, united by the Chain Bridge and other seven bridges, some of the most photographed corners of Budapest. Three days are enough to discover the Hungarian capital: from Roman buildings, to the Middle Ages ones with the Castle, the Danube and a beautiful journey through time in the underground stations, made 130 years ago. To know the things to see and do in Budapest, read our 10 tips on this page.

If you are looking for a hotel in Budapest, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 400 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The District of Buda in Budapest

The district of Buda was the first center of the city of Budapest. On this hill, and within the walls of the castle, the inhabitants of Pest came here to avoid the Mongol attacks

It was a beautiful city, to compete to the nearby Prague and Vienna. But then arrived Turks who conquered Buda in 1541, staying there for about 150 years. Buda came out transformed: the churches became mosques and minarets and steam bath were built. In 1686, after 75 days of bombing, the Austrians made Buda free, but the beginning splendour was destroyed: it was rebuilt keeping the old look. It was destroyed again in 1945 and once again rebuilt, today it hosts the Royal Palace, the Matthias Church and some beautiful views. Definitely one of the 10 spots of Budapest not to be missed.

Where: In the upper part of Buda.
How to get there: by funicular railway from the Chain Bridge. By buses 16A and 116 from Moszkva Square.
When – Hours: Every day from 10 am to 6 pm . Closed December 25.
Tickets: HUF florins. 700 with the Budapest Card

The District Pest in Budapest

If Buda is the ancient and noble part of Budapest, Pest ,on the other hand , is the modern and innovative heart. Restless and messy, it’s the perfect contrary of Buda, all gathered around the castle.

Pest has no great museums to see: here stands out the creative Budapest, with shops of designers and young artists. However there are some things to see: the Parliament Building and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Great Synagogue and the Ethnographic Museum. It is also the ideal part of Budapest for shopping: along the Andrássy Avenue you can buy a lot things. There is also a House of Terror, used both by the Nazis both by the communists, as a place of torture.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest

People don’t expect to admire such a large art collection in an Eastern country. Yet, the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest has nothing to envy to the great museums of the world, such as the Prado in Madrid and the Louvre in Paris.

The museum is divided into six major sections: greek-Roman antiquities, Egyptian collection, sculptures, drawings and molds, the gallery of the Old Masters and the one of the contemporary artists. These last two sections has works of exceptional richness: Giotto, Tiepolo, Raphael, Titian, Velázquez, Ribera, El Greek, Murillo, Goya, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Rubens, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Albrecht Dürer, Lucas Cranach the Elder. In the XIX and XX century collection there are works by all major French Impressionists, Renoir, Monet, Manet, Delacroix, Gauguin, Cezanne, Picasso and others.

Where: Heros square (Hősök tere)
How to get there: underground M1 stop: Hosok tere
When -Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Tickets: HUF 1200

Statue Park in Budapest

People of Budapest have been clever: while all European eastern countries at the end of Communism threw down the marble statues, symbols of no freedom, here have done better.

They have turned those giants into an excellent tool for memory utilization. They have put together all the statues representing the great figures of communism (Marx, Lenin, Stalin, Bela Kun) along with anonymous soldiers and have created a Memento Park Communism. If it’s not enough for you to face the “comrades” but you want to bring home a piece of them, you can also buy souvenirs of the years of the Cold War (brooches, pins, T-shirts, vintage cigarettes). If you are interested, there is a fine show about how being trained as a communist spy.

Where: Outside the centre of Budapest.
How to get there: With a direct bus from the city center. Daily departures at 11 from Deák tér (you can get there by subway No.1, No.2 and No.3). You will find a bus with the sign: Memento Park.
When – Hours: every day from 10 am
Tickets: 1500 HUF 20% of discount with Budapest Card

The thermal baths of Budapest

We know that the Romans had a special predilection for the spa: they not only used to have a hot bath in Budapest sources, but they did more.

They founded “Aqiuncum” with the magnificent baths, of which you can still see the remains in different places of Óbuda. Since then, Budapest has always been a spa town and has not lost this characteristic even when it became a metropolis: today it is the only European capital with the thermal baths and in 1934 it obtained the title of “spa town.” You can enjoy this long tradition and, above all, 70 million liters per day with temperatures from 21 to 78 ° C, in large and small thermal baths.

The Great Synagogue in Budapest

Budapest has always had a large Jewish community. Even today there are 22 active synagogues, many of which are in schools, hospitals or private homes. In the heart of the Jewish ghetto there is the largest synagogue in Europe.

Built in 1859 in neo-Moorish style, it can host up to 3000 people. In the lower part of the synagogue there are places for 1497 people, while upstairs there are places for 1472 women. In the garden, right above an ex mass grave, there is a monument reminding the Jews killed by the Nazis in 1944-45: it’s a willow tree, called “Tree of Life”, with metal leaves. On each leaf is engraved the name of a martyr.

Where: Dohány Utca, city center
How to get there: By underground, stop Astoria
When – Hours: Variable hours depending by the time of year and religious functions.
Closed: 1 and 18 January, 15 March 9, 10, 15, 16 April. 29 and 30 May. 18, 19, 20, 27, September 28, 3, 4, 10, 11, Oct. 23. November 1st. December 24 and 25.
Tickets: 1600 HUF

The Margaret Island in Budapest

Gardens, spas, swimming pools, parks for walking and do sports. Hastily visitors, usually lose a round on the Margaret island, which is right in the middle of the Danube, and is easily accessible through the bridge.

We suggest you to rent a bike and go along the corners of this small island in the far and wide, they are only 2.5 km! Before Margaret Island, there were three distinct islands: the island Seaside resort, the island of Painters and the island of Hares. Linked by the cement at the end of 1800, now there is a single island which takes is name by the daughter of King Béla IV, Margaret, that after the Tatar invasion retired to a monastery on the island itself. Today it’s a popular place among people who are looking for few hours without smog or for a bath in the thermal waters of the large outdoor swimming pool Palatinus.

The Parliament Palace in Budapest

The Parliament is one of the symbols of the city, perhaps the best known and photographed. It was built between 1885 and 1904 by the architect Imre Steindl, who was inspired by the London Parliament and the Cologne Cathedral.

The Gothic façade with spires, turrets, arches and windows, is a contrast with the inside characterized by baroque and Renaissance styles. The building is about 18,000 square meters, 27 entrances and 691 rooms. We have to say it, the President of the Republic, Prime Minister and parliamentarians have a pretty good home in which to carry out their duties!

Where: Kossuth square, city center
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours:
May – September: 8 am -6 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 8 am – 4 pm Saturday and 8 am -2 pm Sunday. October-April: 8 am-4 pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 8 am 2 pm Sunday.
Guided tours in Italian begin at 11:30 am and 4:00 on weekdays and on Sundays at 11.30 am Between May 1 and September 30 at 11:30 am , 4:15 pm on weekdays, Saturdays at 11:30 am , 4:00 pm and Sunday at 12:15 pm . For tourists from EU countries the visit is free with a valid document recognized (passport, identity card, etc.)
Tickets: free entrance

Things eat in Budapest

It’s not a light cuisine. Meat, potatoes, onion, spices and paprika are the basis of many dishes of Budapest and Hungary.

Fat foods which are justified especially by the cold weather, which in winter can also lead to -50 degrees below zero. With a cold like that, the body requires calories. It all starts with the fried bacon to which you add the paprika: it’s the basis of everything, even the famous goulash, the typical dish par excellence. There is no goulash equal to another, because everyone use to cook it with a variant: meat, potatoes, pepper and paprika cannot miss. In addition to the Goulash there are other soups, while the most famous meat dish is the pork with (as usual) paprika and potatoes. There is so much to try, just prepare yourself for long digestions.

Where to sleep in Budapest

Budapest is one of the European destinations with a remarkable growing. The development of low cost flights, still acceptable prices and a good tourist hospitality, explain the success of the Hungarian capital.

Since many years, Budapest is one of the top ten of European capitals. There are many hotels, B&Bs and guest houses: there are about 600 facilities distributed in all parts of the city. We recommend you to go in the central part that allows you to move in an easy way, especially in the evening, even if it means to pay a little bit more

Brussels capitals

10 things to do and see in Brussels

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

Brussels is one of the European city that people use to visit at the end of their journey. Many other European cities has this destiny but Brussels take its revenge welcoming tourists with the majesty of the Grand Place. It tells fantasy stories, with comic strips shown not only in the Museum of Comics but throughout the city; it can compete with Paris, Madrid and Florence with its Museum of Fine Arts, showing the skills of the Flemish artists; It amazes for its Art Nouveau routes, signed by the name of Victor Horta as Barcelona is signed by Gaudi; and it delights its tourists with “brussel sprouts” and with beer, one of the best in the world.

For people who love antique souvenirs we suggest to visit to the Flea Market of Sablon – le Quartier du Sablon – and the Vintage Market – le Quartier des Antiquaires. There is so much to see: we will suggest you 10 things to see and do in Brussels.

If you are looking for a hotel in Brussels, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 200 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Grand Place in Brussels

The Grand Place in Brussels is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world, and it’s on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Every tour of Brussels should start from here, in the morning when there is the flower market, or in the evening, with the yellow lights that create some atmosphere.

The main character of the Grand Place in Brussels is the Hotel de la Ville, with Saint Michael statue that overlooks the whole city. In front of the Hotel de la Ville there is the ancient House of Bread, later renamed Maison du Roi. Despite the name, there is no King but a museum of the history of Brussels. All around the square there are the houses of the corporation, which tell the story of the trades that took place in the square: you can find the House of traders, l’Etoile with the memorial to Everard ‘t Serclaes (if you touch it you’ll have good luck). The House of Bouchers, the one of Brassers (brewers, with a museum), the House of the Dukes of Brabant, the House of tailors and the one of painters, where Victor Hugo lived in 1852. The Grand Place is also a meeting place for many young people who , especially in the summer, spend the night there, perhaps sipping an excellent Belgian beer.

The Atomium in Brussels

The Atomium is a characteristic structure located in Heysel Park, on the northern suburbs of Brussels. About 102 meters high, it represents an iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times. Each of the nine spheres that form the Atomium has a diameter of 18 meters, which makes them suitable for hosting exhibitions, conferences, concerts, and regular exhibitions .

It was built for the International Exhibition of 1958, (like the Eiffel Tower in Paris) and it was supposed to be there for a short period, but it’s still there, so nowadays is one of the monument that people have to visit in their tour. During clear day from the spheres you can enjoy a beautiful view over the city, while tasting some Belgian specialties at the panoramic restaurant in the highest sphere…if it’s affordable for you!

Where: Avenue de l’Atomium, outside the city centre.
How to get there: From the center of Brussels take the metro to “Beekkant” station, then line 6-Roi Baudouin “, stop” Heysel ”
When – Hours: Every day of the year from 10 am to 6 pm . December 25 and January 1 open from 12.12 pm
Tickets: Adult 9 €, children 6-11 years old € 2, 12-18 years old € 6

The Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium are the most important art exhibition of the whole nation: the two offices in Brussels hosts more than 1,000 paintings, sculptures and drawings. Even if many people believe to visit four different museums, the Museum of Ancient Art (XV-XVIII century), the Modern Art (XIX – XX century), the Wiertz Museum and the Meunier Museum are part of the complex of Fine Arts in Brussels . The core of the Museum of Ancient Art are the works of the Flemish, shown in chronological order.

It starts from the first Flemish painters with Rogier van der Weyden, Petrus Christus, Dirk Bouts, Hans Memling , Bosch and you can visit the Bruegel room. The works of Rubens, Jordaens and Van Dyck are of XVII and XVIII century. In the Modern Art Museum there are 200 paintings about the art in Belgium from 1800 until today: from Neoclassicism Jacques-Louis David (Assassination of Marat) to Romanticism of Delacroix, through the first Van Gogh, an unusual and gloomy Gauguin up to De Chirico. Since June 2009, the beautiful museum complex has been enriched by a fifth museum, or the Magritte Museum, entirely dedicated to the author of the pipe and flying bombs. The museum, a neoclassical building in the heart of Brussels (Place Royale), collects the largest collection in the world of Belgian painter, undisputed star of the current of surrealism and conceptual art

Where: Place du Roi
How to get there: underground, stop: Parc or Gare Centrale
When – Hours: Every day, except Mondays, from 10 am to 5 pm
Never: 1st January, 2nd Thursday of January, 1 May, 1 and 11 November, December 25.
Tickets: € 13 Magritte Museum included

The Museum of Comics in Brussels

Belgium is the home of the comic strips but few people know it: the colored pencils of the cartoonists of this small nation created the Smurfs, Tintin, Lucky Luke, Zagor and many other characters that have been famous around the world. The line of these designers is original, simple and full of colors, and have created a production of great value, defined as the Ninth Belgian Art

You can admire this production at the Belgian Comic Strip Centre and The House of Comics. The Belgian Comic Strip Center is located in the beautiful Art Nouveau warehouses with liberty style. It houses everything : from original drawings of comic books to the copy of the cage where Gargamel imprisoned his first Smurf; from reprint of the first comic strip book up to a library with 25,000 books! Actually Brussels is an immense museum of comic strips, with characters painted on the walls of houses .There is a real tourist route called “Route of Comics” that crosses the heart of the city and let you admire 30 giant murals with the most famous heroes of the cartoon world.

Where: Rue des Sables, 20, city center
How to get there: by feet or by underground stop Care – central
When – Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
Tickets: Adult € 8 , Children € 3

L'Ilot Sacrè in Brussels

The Ilot Sacré (Sacred Island) has a quadrilateral shape and is located just behind the Grand Place in the city center of Brussels. A maze of narrow streets with many tourists every day, coffee tables, restaurants (especially in Rue des Bouchers) and souvenir shops.

This part of Brussels is independent from the rest of the cities and self-governing since 1960, when this space was renovated. The highlight of Ilot Sacrè are the Saint-Hubert Gallery, an indoor gallery of 200 meters built in the XIX century. In the first decades after the construction of the gallery it became a literary center: the “Café de la Renaissance” (now the “Taverne du Passage”), met French artists and writers such as Baudelaire, Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo, Verlaine and Apollinaire. Today the gallery has less noble purposes, in particular the sale of luxury goods for rich tourists, but this place is still full of charme.

The Mannequin Pis in Brussels

One of the symbols of Brussels is the subject of a bronze fountain representing a peeing child, called in Flemish “Mannequin pis” or in French “the enfant qui pisse “. One of the most famous legends on the little Julien, the baby that saved the city. The story tells that he peed on the fuse of a bomb, saving Brussels. The “Mannequin pis” is located at the intersection of Rue de l’étuve / Stoofstraat and Rue du Chêne / Eikstraat and is one of the most photographed monuments in Brussels.

Over the years, the little bronze boy has received more than six hundred dresses as gift: Paris Hilton could be envy of this! In Brussels, the “Little Julien” as it is called by the citizens of the Belgian capital, has been emulated: in the Ilot Sacré area, in fact, there is “Jeanneke pis”, ( “Jeanne qui pisse ” in French): female symbol of the city. This more recent statue, is in Getrouwheidsgang / Impasse de la fidélité, and symbolize the loyalty: in this case it’s a peeing girl. Finally, if you really want to go on this little tour with the same subject, on the corner of Rue Vieux Marché aux Grains et la rue des Chartreux, you can also find the peeing dog.

Museum of Magritte in Brussels

A must see in Brussels, the Magritte Museum hosts about 200 works by the surrealist master. A real journey in Magritte’s art, through paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures but also advertising works and films.

The route starts from the 3rd floor and through a chronological journey in the artist’s life. If you are in hurry and look for his most famous works, you can find it at the bottom, on the 1st floor: like everyone else, you will remain fascinated in front of the “Empire des lumieres”, the Domaine d’Arnheim, l ‘oiseau de ciel”. Unfortunately the works of Magritte travel the world, so if you go there for some works in particular, better check first

Where: Rue de la Régence 3 city center
How to get there: Subway – Gare central or Parc stop
When – Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm . Wednesday till 8 pm . Closed Monday.
Ever: every Monday, second Thursday of January, 1/1, 1/5, 1/11, 11/11, 25/12
Tickets: € 8 or € 13 Fine Art Museum included

Quartier du Sablon in Brussels

The Place du Sablon, outside the city walls, takes its name by the yellow sand which is on the suburbs of Brussels.

Today the district is one of the most elegant in the Belgian capital, a must see for three reasons: the first is the cathedral of Notre Dame du Sablon, gothic masterpiece, the second one is Wittamer, the oldest pastry shop famous for Brussels gauffres; The third reason is as sweet as the second one: Marcolini with his Maison du Chocolat brought Brussels pralines in every remote corners of the planet. If you are in Brussels on Sunday, don’t miss the antique market that takes place every weekend right on the Place du Sablon.

Things to eat in Brussels

Belgian cuisine has typical dishes that will surprise you. The famous brussel sprouts, to make an example, are famous in the world as the “moules- frites”, literally a dish of “mussels and fries”.

The latters are another specialty of Belgium, in direct competition with those of Amsterdam. If you prefer sweet recipes, you should know that Belgium has a long and recognized tradition of master chocolatiers. You will find around the city many chocolate shops selling chocolates both simple and stuffed with creams. In the cafés, you can ask for a cup of hot milk with chocolate beans to melt into it. Another specialty is gauffres or waffles, very soft waffles cooked on the plate. You can eat them stuffed with Nutella, cream, or fruit. If you love cookies, you have to taste “speculoos” made with spices, among which stands out the cinnamon, usually cooked for St. Nicholas celebration. You can buy them in boulangeries, in the biscuit shop or at the supermarket: the best are those of the Lotus. For beer lovers, a must drink is the traditional Belgian beer, called “bière blanche” (white beer). You should visit the monasteries where it is produced: one of the best is Maredsous, where in addition to an exquisite and heavy beer, you can taste some cheese made by the monks themselves.

Where to sleep in Brussels

The hotels are well placed in the city and you can find them everywhere, the difference is of course about the price. In Schumann area, there is a good number of hotels, with fairly high prices.

Same goes for the historical center of the city. If you want to spend less, you can move into suburbs area such as the Atomium, where there are hotels of good quality at the lowest prices. Don’t worry about the distances: the metro city works very well and if you don’t want to use it, you go by bus, or a taxi which are not so expensive. If you prefer the hostel solution, you find them everywhere in the city, with common rooms or double and single room. Be sure about the availability of rooms and remember that not all accept reservations. You can sleep also in B & B where you can experience the great courtesy of the Belgian people. If you want to stay a little more than a weekend, you can rent an apartment that will allow you to move, even if it isn’t sure that you’ll save some money

If you are looking for a hotel in Brussels, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 200 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Bratislava capitals

10 things to do and see in Bratislava

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

Bratislava is, perhaps, one of the few cities in the world whose name was decided by a public competition. The residents didn’t like the German name Pressburg defined when it was capital of the Kingdom of Hungary. The Slovak capital, is 60 km from Vienna, but also 200 km from Budapest and 300 km from Prague. It’s therefore a must see during the Est European cities tour. Nowadays the Slovak capital is the main destination for those seeking a nice little town, clean, quiet, full of things to see, so many young people and a nice night life. In this page we suggest you the 10 things to see and do during a trip to Bratislava.

If you are looking for a hotel in Bratislava, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 115 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Castle of Bratislava

The Castle dominates the town from a hill and you’ll see it in every tour in the city.

It was built in 913 on a place already inhabited during the Stone Age, but it was repeatedly damaged and rebuilt in Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance style and then was destroyed by a fire in the early 1800. It has been rebuilt and since 1993 is representativeseat of the Slovak parliament when the nation has become independent with the separation of Czechoslovakia. From the castle, taking the path Zidovska, you’ll cross what remains of the Jewish Quarter largely destroyed to buil the New Bridge. In the district there is the “narrowest house in central Europe” in the Rococo style, which houses a Museum of Clocks.

When: On the hill of the Old Town
How to get there: by feet from the Old City or bus 203 and 207.
When – Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm . Never on Monday.
Tickets: Adults 2 €, children, teenagers and students € 1.33

The Old Town of Bratislava

The Bratislava’s Old Town (Stare Mesto) is perfectly preserved and entirely pedestrian. It’s developed all around the Main Square (Hlavné namestie) where for centuries there were markets, riots and executions.

Nowadays there’s the Town Hall with the tower and above all restaurants and bars where Slovaks and tourists drink beers at any time of day every day of the year. According to legend, the statue of Maximilian II turns and starts to walk backwards!

The old town is a succession of well-preserved buildings, streets and squares, including the large Hviezdoslav Square which hosts the National and the Philharmonic Theatre. During the winter it becomes a huge ice rink and a giant chess during the summer. The old town is dominated by the Church of San Martino, the most beautiful Gothic building in Bratislava. Don’t miss the bronze statues that appear from the most uncommon places including a photographer, a voyeur in a manhole, two girls on a mailbox and the soldier of Napoleon.

The Church of St. Martin in Bratislava

St. Martin’s Cathedral is the most important church in Bratislava. Built in a Gothic style was for centuries the place of coronation of Hungarian kings (when the region belonged to the Hungarian Empire).

This feature is remembered by a reproduction of 300 kg of the Hungarian crown that is placed on a golden pillow 2 × 2 meters which is located at the top of the bell tower. The interior is divided into 3 aisles and you can admire the great portal in relief and the lead group of San Martino depicting the saint in the act to donate part of his cloak to a beggar. Don’t forget to visit the catacombs, which are under the church: a really exciting place.

Where: Rudnayovo námestie
How to get there: by feet in the old town center
When – Hours: From April to October: Monday to Saturday 9 -11.30 am and 1 -5 pm ; Sunday 1: 30- 4 pm. From November to March: Monday to Saturday 9 -11.30 am and 1 -4 pm; Sunday 1:30- 4 pm
Tickets: € 2

The Blue Church in Bratislava

Actually this church is not much interesting from an architectural point of view but worth a visit for only one reason: the color of the walls, turquoise blue, which makes it looks more like a cake or a fabulous-looking house.

A choice certainly unusual for the church dedicated to St. Elizabeth of Hungary who lived in the Bratislava Castle. The construction is recent, 1907, which explains the Art Nouveau style chosen by Hungarian designer Odon Lechner. The entire area surrounding the church is full of houses and buildings with Nouveau elements. You can arrive to the Blue Church walking from the Old Town or taking the tram number 13.

Where: Bezručova, in the eastern part of the Old Town
How to get there: by feet in the old town centre
When – Hours: every day from 11 am to 6 pm
Ticket: free entrance

The Grassalkovich Palace in Bratislava

No wonder the young Slovak Republic Presidency has headquarters in Grassalkovich Palace, the most beautiful one of Bratislava. It was built in 1760 in Baroque style as a summer residence for Count Anton Grassalkovich, an influential adviser of Queen Maria Theresa, Empress of the Empire Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Inside you can admire the beautiful staircase and if you have time, hundreds of different rooms. The palace gardens are an oasis of tranquility in the already quiet Bratislava: lawns, trees, benches and a few statues of contemporary art to be admired. Admission until the sunset every day of the year

Where: Old town centre
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: The palace is not open to visitors, but we recommend to watch the changing of the guard at 1:00 pm
The park’s opening hours: January to March: every day from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm ; April-May: every day from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm ; June-September: daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm ; October to December: daily from 10:00 am -7: 00 pm

The picturesque statues of Bratislava

For those who are not prepared to them, the bronze statues are scattered around the old town of Bratislava and represent a truly unexpected spectacle. So you could see appearing from a manhole “Cumil the voyeur” named in this way by the inhabitants for obvious reasons.

On a nearby bench, a Napoleonic soldier waits for the return of his commander. Watch out to the photos of the “Paparazzi” or the “mocker” at the window. Even Andersen, the great writer of fables, was rewarded with a statue for writing in Bratislava “The Little Match Girl”. The Baron Munchausen, instead, is having a bad time sitting on a cannonball in the façade of a building. The Bratislava bronze statues are changing: every now and then someone appears. Everything was born as an inexpensive and fun way to revitalize the center after the fall of Communism. Today they have become one of the most important tourist attractions of the Slovak cities.

The New Bridge in Bratislava

This futuristic bridge over the Danube is called the New Bridge (Nový Most) even though it was built over 30 years ago. You’ll have the impression of getting on a UFO spaceship (the inhabitants call it that way) suspended in Bratislava. The elevator that takes you up is super-fast so you can take a beer, eat at the restaurant (luxury but affordable) or simply admire the view from the platform.

The Jewish District was destroyed to build this bridge during the communist dictatorship, and the politicians of the time didn’t think twice to build the road of the bridge close to the Cathedral San Martino, the city cathedral and crowning place of the Hungarian kings.

Night life in Bratislava

Sitting at a table in a bar or a pub and drinking a beer (also 3 or 4) with some friends is the favorite sport of the inhabitants of Bratislava. This explains the large number of bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs in the Old City.

For the evening, then, you can choose: pubs with live music, some great nightclubs, jazz clubs, or, if the weather is nice, a walk along the Danube.

Things to eat in Bratislava

We are sure of two things: when you return from Bratislava you will have a few extra pounds and you will not want to see gnocchi, sheep meat and cheese for a little bit. The first Slovakian dish is the gnocchi (halusky) or ravioli (pirohy) with sheep cheese (bryndza) or lekvarom (jam and walnuts). They are present in all menu sometimes with very classic goulash (beef, paprika, carrots, potatoes).

The Slovak soups are dense and hearty with the appearance of garlic soup, onion, potatoes, cabbage, lentils and so on. The Slovak wines are of great level, and then choose aTokai, a Traminer, Riesling or Müller-Thurgau. But don’t forget that we are here in the East and the beers are good and cheap. Costs for food are generally low (10-20 € for two). Among the restaurants the choice is wide: in the old town there are almost all friendly and generally the service is fast but never rude.

Where to sleep in Bratislava

Bratislava offers a good choice of hotels of all categories with prices starting at 60 Euros.

Our suggestion is to choose a hotel in the Old Town or just outside the centre: don’t go visiting the suburbs where you could have problems with your connections and, above all, with safety. Prices start at around 60 Euros for a double room in a hotel with 2 or 3 stars but you could find also good opportunities for superior hotel in the center for the same price.

Berlin capitals

10 things to do and see in Berlin

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

Berlin is not only the city that was once was divided by the most famous wall in the world, but it’s also and above all a cradle of human history’s treasures. These treasures such as the Pergamon Altar, the Gate of Babylon, the Papyri Collection and several works of European Prehistory are kept in one small island, right in the middle of the Sprea River.

It’s the home of electronic music, avant-garde architecture and Gothic ruins. It’s the city where destruction, division, reconciliation, memory and redemption chase each other in an eccentric and cosmopolitan views.

Under the austere blanket of a dark past and impossible to forget, Berlin will surprise you.

Here we suggest you the 10 things to do and see during a holiday in Berlin.

If you are looking for a hotel in Berlin, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 1000 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Reichstag in Berlin

This monument represents the collapse of Nazism and immortalizes a Soviet soldier hoisting the flag with hammer and sickle on its top. The Reichstag is the seat of the German parliament and like many Berliners monuments, it brings all the signs of the Second World War and has its own story to tell.

Born as a building to house the rooms of the German Parliament, it was from one of its windows that in 1918 was proclaimed the birth of the German Republic, marking the decline of the monarchy. In February of 1933, a terrible fire almost completely destroyed the building and during the Second World War it was used as a clinic for new births.

One year after the fall of the Wall, in October 2 1990, here was celebrated the official ceremony of the reunified Germany. Only in 1999, it has officially returned the symbol of German democracy hosting the Houses of Parliament again. The beautiful dome of steel and glass that we see today was designed by the British architect Sir Norman Foster, as a symbol of openness after the dark period of division and through its windows you can see the whole of Berlin and the Parliament’s internal area.

Where: Platz der Republik
How to get there: Metro S-Bahn: S1, S2 stop Unter den Linden – Bus: 100
When – Hours: Every day from 08:00 to midnight; Never: December 24. It’s required the online booking at least 2 days in advance
Tickets: free entrance

Berlin wall

“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall”, said the US President Ronald Reagan, during his famous speech in Berlin in 1987. Only two years later, on November 9, 1989, the wall was torn down, and with it all the ideological and political barriers that for 28 years have materially and cruelly split in two sections Berlin and Germany.

In August 1961 the city completely changed: 170 km of concrete marked the division of the world into two spheres, the American and the Soviet one. It was impossible to cross the borders, at least 136 people died trying to escape to West Berlin, others used all kinds of tools to cross the wall: hot air balloons, ultralight aircraft and false documents with the letterhead of the United Nations are just a few examples.

On 9 November 1989 the leaders of the DDR government announced that East Berliners could cross the border and the wall fell down under the blows of hammers and picks. Just 1 km of concrete remained intact and in 1990 artists from all over the world celebrated the reunification of Germany with colorful murals, some of which have become famous works in the world as “the mortal kiss” that captures the kiss on the mouth of Honecker and Brezhnev, and “Test the best” that depicts the “official” car of East Germany that breaks through the wall.

These and many other graffiti can be admired in the East Side Gallery, a real open – air art gallery, protected by the German government as a real monument.

Where: Mühlenstraße
How to get there: Metro U-Bahn: line 3, 5, 7, 9, 75 Warschauer Straße; or Ostbahnhof railway station.
Bus: 248, 165, 265, N65
When – Hours: always
Tickets: free entrance

Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin

Checkpoint Charlie was a crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War , armored and controlled by the US military, built at the cross of two of the main streets of the city: between Friedrichstraße and Zimmerstraße.

Here, on October 25 1961 Soviet and American tanks faced each other and the American troops gained the right to freely move in Berlin. With the city divided in two sections , it was necessary to ensure that nobody of the DDR tried to go to the West side, so different checkpoints were installed: Checkpoint Alpha separated East Germany from Germany West; Checkpoint Bravo separated East Germany from West Berlin and Checkpoint Charlie, monitored the border between Americans and Soviets.

Checkpoint Charlie fell down with the wall and what we see today is a reproduction made in 2000, with the suggestive posters of two soldiers: an American guy who look toward the East Berlin and a Soviet soldier looking towards the West zone, and the famous sign announcing “you’re leaving the american sector”

You can visit the museum “House at Checkpoint Charlie”, where there’s a permanent exhibition about the history of the Wall and are exposed the most weird objects used to escape by the inhabitants of East Berlin.

Where: Friedrichstraße 43-45
How to get there: Metro U-Bahn station Friedrichstraße
When – Hours:
Checkpoint everyday
Museum every day from 9 am to 10 pm
Tickets Museum: € 12,50

The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin

The Brandenburg Gate is the third symbol of the Cold War.

When the night of November 9, 1989 the wall was demolished, thousands of people met in front of the door, which had been closed since 1969 in the “no man’s land” between the two sectors of the city. But the story of the Brandenburg Gate start in 1788 when William II commissioned the construction of one of the 18 gates of the City of Berlin like the front door of the Athens Acropolis. On top of this majestic arch supported by 12 columns and 26 meters high, stands a Quadriga which depicts the Goddess of Victory on a chariot drawn by four horses.

The sculpture on the Brandenburg Gate has a troubled history to tell : in 1806 it was the war booty of Napoleon who conquered the city. It was taken and brought to Paris before returning to Berlin in 1814 , and during the second World war it was destroyed by bombings. The Quadriga we see today was refund in 1953 and placed on one of the most significant monuments of XX century history.

Where: Pariser Platz
How to get there: Metro S-Bahn: line 1, 2, 25 station Brandenburger Tor

The Island of Museums in Berlin

Have you have ever thought to find an island in the middle of the river running through the city? A special island that can host five museums in a row, each with its treasures about the human history.

The Altes Museum was the first to be built, between 1823 and 1830, and in the halls of the ground floor houses a collection of works and objects of the Ancient Greece world, while the upper floor is dedicated to the Etruscan people and imperial Rome. Other relics of classical antiquity and the fabulous Egyptian works are hosted by Neus Museum, the “New Museum”. Among its treasures there’s the bust of Nefertiti, which dates back to 1340 BC stone, of the Papyri Collection and several works of European Prehistory. In the Alte Nationalgalerie there’s is the most important collection of German painting and sculpture of the XIX century and a collection of French Impressionism and German works. The Bode Museum, named after the architect who designed it, was built in 1904 and has a wonderful collection of coins with about 500,000 pieces, in addition to objects of Byzantine art and sculptures of the Classical World.

The Pergamon Museum, top of the range in the island, hosts the Pergamon Altar, dating from the second century BC, and other architectural wonders like the majestic Gate the market of Miletus, built in 120 BC, and the Gate of Babylon, built by the sovereign Nabucosondor and consecrated to the goddess Ishtar, embellished with beautiful mosaics.

Where: Bodestraße
How to get there: Metro U-Bahn: U6 (Friedrichstrasse)
Metro S-Bahn: S1, S2, S25 (Friedrichstrasse); S5, S7, S75 (Hackescher Markt)
Tram: M1, 12 (Kupfergraben); M4, M5, M6 (Hackescher Markt)
When – Hours:
Altes Museum: daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm ; Thursdays until 10:00 pm
Neus Museum: daily from 10:00 to 4:00 pm ; Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 8 pm.
Alte Nationalgalerie: daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm ; Thursday until 8:00 pm ; Never Monday.
Bode Museum: daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm ; Thursday until 8:00 pm ; Never Monday.
Pergamon Museum: daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm ; Thursday until 8:00 pm
Tickets:
Altes Museum: 10 €
Neus Museum: 12 €
Alte Nationalgalerie: 10 €
Bode Museum: 10€
Pergamon Museum: 12 €

The Berlin Cathedral

The Berliner Dom has a baroque style with strong influences of the Italian Renaissance and it’s 114 meters long, 73 wide and 116 high.

The great copper dome, is decorated with paintings depicting events of the New Testament and the period of Reform. Climbing up 270 steps, moreover, you can arrive at the top, enjoying a breathtaking view of Berlin. The bombing of the Second World War damaged the roof but the reconstruction works began only in 1975. The cathedral was reopened in 1993, after 18 years, and still today you can admire the main altar, dating back to 1850; the Crypt of the Hohenzollern and the majestic Sauer Organ of 7000 pipes.

Where: Am Lustgarten
How to get there: Metro S-Bahn: 5, 7 e station Alexander Platz
When – Hours: Monday to Saturday from 09:00 am to 8:00 pm ; Sundays and holidays from 12:00 to 8:00 pm ; from October to March closed at 7:00 pm
Tickets: full ticket € 7 ; for people under 18 years old free entrance

Holocaust Memorial in Berlin

This monument is 1 km far from the Brandenburg Gate and represents the commemoration for the 6 million Jews killed during the Nazi era. The monument was built by the American architect Peter Eisenman.

Opened in 2005, it’s made of concrete stelae (stele) arranged in a grid pattern on a sloping field. Walking through the stelae the memorial becomes increasingly tight and irritating, so that visitors can experience the contrast between the before and after his entrance. You can find underground the information point with a permanent exhibition to trace the stories of several Jewish families and in the “Room of Names” will find brief biographies of all the victims with their names and year of birth.

Where: Cora-Berliner-Straße
How to get there: Metro S-Bahn: stop Brandenburger Tor or Potsdamer Platz
Metro U-Bahn: stop a Potsdamer Platz or Mohrenstraße
When – Hours:
Info Point: from April to September: Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm ; October to March: Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm ; never: 24 to 26 December; Dec. 31 open until 4:00 pm
Tickets: free entrance

Alexander Platz in Berlin

Alexander Platz has always been the most famous square in Berlin. Its name dates back to 1805, when during a visit to Berlin of Tsar Alexander I, the square that housed the cattle and wool market, Ochsenmarkt (cattle market, in fact), was renamed Alexander Platz.

The square has always been a crucial point for the traffic of the capital : 20 tram and bus lines intersect at this point.

Its aspect is a socialist architecture testimony, all surrounded by big buildings as “The teacher’s house”; “The House of the trip”; “Electronic Industry House”. But the iconic building of Alexander Platz is undoubtedly the TV tower, which with its 365 meters high, each meter for each day of the year, dominates the town and is the tallest structure in Europe Western.

An elevator takes visitors to the steel ball, which offers a spectacular view of Berlin. There are other two iconic symbols: the Urania Weltzeituhr, the clock that marks the hours of the world’s major cities, and Brunnen der Völkerfreundschaft, the fountain dedicated to “friendship among peoples”.

Where: Alexander Platz
How to get there: Metro S-Bahn: line 5, 7 e 75 stop Alexander Platz
Metro U-Bahn: line 5, 8 e 2 stop Alexander Platz
When – Hours: TV tower: from March to October from 09:00 am to midnight; from November to February from 10:00 am to midnight
Tickets: Full ticket € 11 ; under 16 years old € 7

Things to eat in Berlin

German people love meat , especially sausage of which there is a great choice, and the cuisine is rich and nourishing.

The meat is accompanied by potatoes (or Sauerkraut Kartoffel) with a clear preference for potatoes which are also in the salads (kartofellsalat). gnocchi (kartoffelklosse) soup (kartoffelsuppe), and grilled (Bratkartoffelln). The most famous dish is the Eisbein, boiled pork pieces with sauerkraut. Beer is of course the most famous drink. Not everyone knows that in Berlin there are some of the most famous restaurants gourmet in the world as well as many restaurant with ethnic and Italian food. Whatever your tastes don’t miss the hot dogs at the kiosks scattered everywhere in the city and the Kebab, Turkish specialties, masterfully prepared throughout Berlin.

Where to sleep in Berlin

In Berlin there are about 1000 hotels of all categories and hundreds of hostels and apartments for rent. A great offer with low prices will allows you to always find a suitable room for your needs.

In Mitte (center) you can find rooms in big buildings at 40 euro per night or small designer hotel with prices around 100 €. The German capital is well served by metro, bus and tram so you can choose a suburban hotel to save some money

Barcelona cities of art

10 things to do and see in Barcelona

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

Barcelona is not the city of the Movida. “When you sleep outdoors you always wake up at dawn, and there isn’t a café in Barcelona which is open before nine,” wrote George Orwell. People of Barcelona don’t go to sleep late and wake up late, but they take it easy: during the evening all places close early and on Sunday the city is empty. The nightlife is concentrated in few areas of the city, especially in the Gothic Quarter. So, if someone told you it was a city that never sleeps and you have already bought a flight, chin up! There are many things to see and do in Barcelona. Here are the 10 most important ones that you should not miss.

If you are looking for a hotel in Barcelona, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 2200 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

La Rambla in Barcelona

La Rambla in Barcelona is the long avenue from Plaza de Catalunya to the statue of Columbus, few meters from the sea.

Here you can meet, night and day, tourists and people of Barcelona, street artists looking for fortune and thieves looking for of victims. You can start your visit of La Rambla from the sea, passing under the Mirador of Columbus, or from Plaça de Catalunya.

In both cases, don’t forget to drink some water at the Fountain of Canaletes (it’s said that it ensures a return to Barcelona) and walk into the colors and smells of Rambla de les Flores, kingdom of florists in Barcelona.

La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

If you find your way among the tourists, you’ll find that La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is truly an extraordinary work. It’s not important that it’s incomplete (this is just a big marketing operation that has lasted for a century) but it’s amazing what is already there.

On the façades there is the story of Jesus, from birth until death. In the interior there is the heavenly Jerusalem, inhabited by the Lamb, the son of God who has finished his earthly suffering and lives in Paradise, finally rescued. La Sagrada Familia is a huge Christian symbol, a sort of biblical story. The fact that you have to pay € 9 to look some bags of cement inside, it’s another matter.

The Gothic Quarter in Barcelona

Bookstores and antique shops, cafés and restaurants, populate the streets of this neighbourhood which has been always the centre of Barcelona life. Above the district stands the spire of the Cathedral of Barcelona, dedicated to Santa Eulalia.

To discover the Gothic Quarter there isn’t a recommended route: you’d better to wander around the streets, without forgetting Plaça Reial (restaurants, bars and tourists) and Carrer Montcada, that houses the Picasso Museum. Wandering around the Gothic Quarter you could see from some sheets with various insults in Catalan: the residents don’t want anymore tourists and tipsy musicians in the neighborhood

For a stop, day and night, you can choose Els Quatre Gats (The Four Cats), a hostel that opened in Barcelona in 1897 which became one of the meeting points of the artists of the city hosting also the first two individual exhibitions of Picasso. The food is not great, but you can eat outside in the history of art.

The Boqueria Market in Barcelona

Lively and colorful as a Neapolitan market, ordered as a Swiss one, with the choice of products like a mall. It’s the Boqueria, the largest market in Barcelona and Spain, which is located at number 91 of La Rambla. A large iron building houses kiosks of all types: vegetables, fish, sweets, meat, ruled by women in traditional costume.

People who have seen Italian markets, will be surprised by the beauty of the kiosks and the perfect arrangement of the products. While enjoying this show, watch out for pickpockets in every corner. If you are in an apartment and want to buy something to cook, go to the Boqueria early and keep an eye on the people of Barcelona, who know what and where to buy. If you are looking for something to munch, choose the bench of dried fruit or that of fresh smoothies.

The Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona Cathedral is dedicated to Santa Eulalia and to the Holy Cross, and this explains a lot. First of all, the presence of the crypt dedicated to the saint, with his remains and a sarcophagus that tells the foundation of Barcelona by Hercules. So far, so clear. Then there is a cloister, with the Fountain of Eden. Here it gets complicated, because the cloister is “defended” by 13 white geese.

What are they doing here? The origin is uncertain, but the legend tells that they represent the 13 years of Eulalia (300 d.C) martyr girl who was sacrificed where today stands the cathedral. The Cathedral is dedicated to the Holy Cross, the crucifix above the altar is of the XV century. In 1571 it was hoisted on the ship of John of Austria as a banner during the Battle of Lepanto against the Turks. It seems that during the battle the crucified Christ has moved to avoid a cannonball. This would explain the strange shape which assumed.

Barceloneta and Port Vell in Barcelona

After the Olympics in 1992 there is a part of Barcelona which has been lost for ever: old docks and warehouses on the harbor, a place of illegal traffic and prostitutes. This area coincided with the end of the Rambla and the Old Port area, now replaced by a shopping mall and technological attractions with an Imax theater and an aquarium.

It remains the Barceloneta, the old fishermen’s quarter, the same as it was in the past. It’s the place where you go to eat fish, “Pan and Tomate” (bread and tomato) and “bomb”, a croquette stuffed with meat and spicy sauce. The hanging clothes (and the cars parked on the sidewalks) make it looks like Naples, especially in summer, when the traffic doesn’t stop and people use to stay on the beach until dawn.

The Raval Quarter in Barcelona

The Raval is a neighborhood that we can define “Ex” . There is an ex-name: it was called Barrio Chino (Chinese Quarter) because at the beginning of 1900 it was the ghetto where chinese people lived marginalized. The ex-district of prostitutes, who used to meet here the Barcelonians in search of cheap physical fun. It ‘also the ex-thieves district: until a few years ago it wasn’t possible to enter the Raval without being delinquents and well-armed.

It’s also the district of ex-bullfighters, who for good luck before each corrida, came to spend the night in the Barrio Chino. Today the Raval is a fashionable area: fashion cafés, ethnic restaurants, immigrants shops, trendy artists have made this maze of alleys, their home. There is the MACBA, the Museum of Contemporary Art that attracts tourists by day and that started the rebirth of the neighborhood. But the old Barrio Chino is not lost at all : there are still some streets where is better not to enter. There are still some thieves ready to make your wallet your ex-wallet.

The works of Gaudi in Barcelona

Some people go to Barcelona just to admire the works of Gaudi, others suddenly find them walking around the city. You can admire the works of this artist with his head in the clouds, visionary and eccentric, the most bizarre expression of Barcelona. Its houses (Pedrera, Batlló) and its gardens from comic architecture and brightly colored (Park Guell) halfway between dream and reality, will follow you during your walks in Barcelona.

The most famous work of Gaudi is the Expiatory Temple of La Sagrada Familia, to which the artist dedicated himself with all his heart until the day of his death, happened because of a tram that invested while he was walking.

Things to eat in Barcelona

If you can get away from the tourist trap menu (especially on La Rambla) you’ll understand that the cuisine of Barcelona is part of the great cuisines of the world.

From 11 am in the streets there is the smell of basic recipes in Barcelona: sofrito (oil, tomato, garlic and onion) samfaina (tomato, red pepper and eggplant ), the picada / romesco (toasted almonds, parsley, pine nuts, cinnamon and saffron) and allioli (a sauce made only with garlic and oil). These are the basics, but people of Barcelona can build around them a real show. Seafood and fresh fish arrive daily; meat comes from the surrounding countryside, even with generous wine (3 DOCG, Priorat, Penedès, Alella) and the cava (champagne, although it can’t be called champagne because the French could get angry). For dessert, some clichés: a creme brulee and the ricotta with honey.

Where to sleep in Barcelona

Barcelona is a destination all year and it’s equipped to accommodate the constant flow of tourists coming from all over the world.

The hotels are well placed in the city and scattered everywhere, the difference is of course in the price. In Rambla area, Gothic quarter, Barceloneta, there is a good number of hotels, rooms, apartments, with fairly high prices. If you want to spend less, you can move into a little more external areas, such as the Eixample and the Diagonal, from which you can still move easily thanks to the subway

If you are looking for a hotel in Barcelona, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 2200 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Athens capitals

10 things to do and see in Athens

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

Fascinating and mysterious city of Greece, Athens was the center of literature, art and philosophy. Birthplace of Socrates and Plato, the history of Athens begins a myth that attributes the construction of the city to the goddess Athena. But Athens is not only the history, myths and legends, it’s also modernity, street vendors with their colorful clothes, taverns, night clubs and open-air theaters. Made even more beautiful by the 2004 Olympics, Athens is ready to welcome you and to bring you into its magic historical streets and its monuments full of adventures and conquest.

On this page we suggest you 10 things to do and see during your visit in Athens. We just have to wish you bon voyage!

If you are looking for a hotel in Athens, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 220 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Acropolis of Athens

The first place that deserves your attention in Athens is certainly the Acropolis overlooking the surrounding valley from a hill.

The Acropolis with its beautiful monuments is the universal symbol of the classical spirit and civilization and immediately will let you dive into an atmosphere full of charm and mystery.

The Acropolis is the greatest architectural and artistic complex left from Greek civilization to the whole world: a rocky hill where were born important philosophical thoughts and ambitious political strategies. You’ll enter into a world old and new at the same time.

The Agora of Athens

To try to understand what it once represented the agora for the Athenians, you can close your eyes and let yourself be carried by the imagination: it won’t be difficult to hear the confused voices of the market and the disquisitions of philosophers. Among these wonderful ruins there were the commercial, political and administrative heart of Athens, and all the men came together here to make important political decisions and to do some business. Just in the agora, in 399. C., the great philosopher Socrates was sentenced to death on charges of corruption against youth. It was a historical injustice to which only the behavior of Socrates made sense: despite it was offered to him a way to save himself, the philosopher wanted to serve his sentence demonstrating to everyone the respect of the law.

National Archaeological Museum of Athens

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is one of the 10 most important museums in the world for the richness of its collections. Greece is proud of this museum that traces the origins of this fascinating country and traces the path of all the cultures that have passed through here. All the assets present in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens is divided into three sectors: the ground floor, the section of the sculptures and the prehistoric, where you trace the beginnings of the history of Greece, while in the second floor there’s the splendid ceramics collection. It won’t be enough one day to admire all the beauty of this museum, so it’s best to plan two days to visit it.

Monastiraki in Athens

Do you want to buy some souvenirs or simply breathe a little typical Athenian air? Go ahead in the Monastiraki neighborhood that, unlike the name, has nothing of the quiet and peaceful monastic atmosphere, but thanks to the famous market held here is always overcrowded

The Monastiraki market is an explosion of colors and liveliness with all its adorable trinkets, musical instruments, shoes, used clothes, cell phones, household appliances, CDs, videos and even caviar. All sort of stuffs among the alleys and narrow streets of Monastiraki which is also a treasure chest of beautiful churches and monuments to explore. Follow the flow of life of this district with its street performers, bars and outdoor cafes and the sellers are ready to bargain with you. Just watch out for big business, because they might be some big bluff.

Syntagma Square in Athens

Syntagma Square is the heart of the city that still vibrates for major historical events that have passed through here: now just walking around this square you could run into some protest.

The name “Syntagma” can be translated as the square of the Statute or Constitution Square and refers to the majestic façade of parliament. At its base is located the monument of the Unknown Soldier guarded by the “Evzones”, guards with the characteristic greek costume. Syntagma square is one of Athens’s top tourist destinations because of its troubled history and for its proximity to the most interesting and charming areas of the city.

The Plaka in Athens

The Plaka is the old lady of Athens: an area inhabited for 7000 years that has not been changed by the excavations.

For its appearance unchanged, the Plaka is one of the most tourist areas of the city with its charming boutiques, palaces and Byzantine churches, monuments just hidden by little streets and numerous gift shops and special items.

A pleasant walk in this neighborhood will make you feel fully involved in Athenian life: a nice dish in one of the outdoor restaurants, music of street artists, a fun puppet show, and you can say that you experienced all that this unique place can offer.

Things to buy in Athens

Probably shopping in Athens is one of the main attractions for tourists, but the city is full of shops, boutiques and markets scattered everywhere and not just concentrated in the center. If you are a lover of elegant and refined clothes you need to go in Glyfada quarters, Kifissià and Kolonai, where you’ll find many luxury boutiques, but if you prefer an easy shopping you can go to malls in Platia, in the streets and neighborhoods of Piraeus Maroussi, Kallithea and Nea Ionia, looking for some occasion. Who wants colorful multiethnic and cheap clothes has to go to Omonoia square and in Odos Eolou.

Night life in Athens

The fact that Athens is a city rich in history and culture doesn’t mean it’s not the destination for fun and entertainment. In Athens you can dance until dawn in nightclubs or drinking very fashionable drink in bars. Here the night is always young: restaurants and taverns don’t close before one o’clock and the locals put all kinds of music, from traditional Greek to hip hop, at least until 5am. You will know how to have fun in this city because there are all the conditions to spend unforgettable evenings.

Things to eat in Athens

Greek cuisine will tempt your palate with spices, herbs and an oil which is just gold due to its intense flavor and its genuineness.

Don’t be frightened by strange names like zadziki, which is actually a simple and delicious sauce made with cucumbers, garlic and yogurt, or definitions as feta that is a very good low-fat goat or sheep cheese: despite these extravagant definitions Greek food is very inviting and succulent.

You’ll taste also the hospitality that characterizes the Greek people, imagine rich outdoor tables and colorful dishes while chatting happily and drinking ouzo in quantity, tasty aniseed liqueur. The timing of meals is very flexible: lunch from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and dinner not before 10:00 pm.

Where to sleep in Athens

Athens is a city in which it’s not difficult to find comfortable and cheap accommodation: residences, mid-range hotels and youth hostels are scattered everywhere ready to welcome you for the night.

Accommodation for the night in Athens are simple and generally clean. If you want to have even the minimum of comfort and the bathroom in the room, the TV, you have to look for a hotel at least three stars which usually has fairly reasonable prices. Areas of the city where we recommend you to spend your holidays are the busiest districts of Monastiraki and Plaka and delicious squares Syntagma and Omonia.

If you are looking for a hotel in Athens, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 220 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Assisi cities of art

10 things to do and see in Assisi

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

“Assisi is a beautiful thing, country, city and sanctuary”, wrote Giosuè Carducci (Italian poet). Country, because it has all the characteristics of an Umbrian village: on the top of a hill overlooking the valley. City because Assisi played a key role in world history: from here St. Francesco moved to change (or at least try) the church. Sanctuary, because there are many small and big churches, sacred places and crypt consecrated to St. Francesco and St. Clara. Besides religious places, where you can admire some masterpieces by Giotto and Simone Martini, Assisi has a beautiful Rocca, a rich Art gallery, an extraordinary Temple of Minerva and the spectacular Piazza del Comune. You’ll find also a great tradition of hospitality and gastronomy with excellent products. We think that these are good reason to visit this town and we suggest you 10 things to do and see in Assisi.

If you are looking for a hotel in Assisi, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 180 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Cathedral of San Francesco in Assisi

On July 16, 1228 Gregory IX declared the friar Francesco a Saint and the next day began the construction of the Cathedral of St Francesco. In 1230 the basilica was ready.

It looks like a unique stronghold but is actually composed of two churches: the lower Basilica, the upper one and a crypt with the tomb of the Saint. In the two churches it was written the history of Italian art: Cimabue, Giotto, the Lorenzetti brothers and Simone Martini worked there. Among the many works : the complete cycle of the Stories of St. Martin painted by Simone Martini; the Chapel of Mary Magdalene by Giotto; in the transept there is a fresco by Cimabue and eight Childhood Stories of Christ painted by Giotto. In the upper church, there are the famous frescoes by Giotto illustrating, in 28 paintings, St. Francesco’s life. In the lower church there is the crypt with the remains of St. Francesco. Simple, dug into the wall and circular as the Holy Sepulchre, there’s the stone urn. Above the tomb burns a lamp with the oil offered every year by a different Italian region.

Where: old town centre
How to get there:
By feet from the old town centre
By car: find a parking close to Piazza Giovanni Paolo II
When – Hours:
Winter:
UPPER CHURCH from 8.30 am to 6.00 pm (5.45 pm last entrance)
LOWER CHURCH AND TOMB from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm
(The lower church is open until 7.30 pm , except on Wednesdays, only for prayer)
Summer:
UPPER CHURCH from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm (6.45 pm last entrance)
LOWER CHURCH AND TOMB from 6.00 am to 7.00 pm
(The lower church is open until 8:00 pm , except on Wednesdays, only for prayer)
The Tomb is open on Friday and Saturday from 9 to 10 pm only for personal prayer
Tickets: Free entrance

The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Porziuncola in Assisi

4 km from the center of Assisi you can find the second church in Assisi related to St. Francesco: the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Porziuncola was built to protect some emblematic places in the life of the saint.

First of all the Porziuncula was the church where St Francesco composed the Canticle of the Creatures, and where he died on October 3, 1226. The church takes its name from “Portiuncula”, which literally means the small portion of land on which it was placed. This church was restored by the Saint who made it the center of the Franciscanism: here he had a vision in which Jesus gives the Indulgence known as “Indulgence of the Portiuncula” or “Forgiveness of Assisi”, then approved by the Pope Honorius III.

In the Basilica there is also the Transit, a stone chamber where it was the infirmary of the monastery, where St. Francesco spent the last days of his life and died on October 3, 1226. There is also a symbolic place full of charm : the rose garden with roses in which St. Francesco is rolling to fight against doubt and temptation. According to the story, the plants in contact with the body of the saint lost some spines creating the “Rosa Canina Assisiensis”, which even today continues to flourish only to the Portiuncula.

Where: 4 km from the center of Assisi
How to get there: Bus every 30 minutes from the center of Assisi.
€ 1.30 or € 1.50 ticket on board.
When – Hours: From 6.15 am at 12.40 pm and from 2.30 to 7.30 pm
July 1 to October 4
Night time for personal and silent prayer: 9:00 to 10:30 p.m.
Tickets: free entrance

The Basilica of St Chiara in Assisi

St Chiara had a special relation with St Francesco : when she was 18 years old she run away from her rich family to join Francesco at the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, already called Porziuncula.

She was reached by her sisters Agnes and Beatrice and her mother in the church of St Domenico, and founded the Order of Poor Clares. She lived and died there after 42 years. The church of Santa Chiara was built immediately after the death, right next to the ancient church of San Giorgio. The church is Gothic-Umbrian style, with three naves: behind the altar there is the Oratory with the crucifix . Behind a grating there are some important relics of the saint and of San Francesco. From the stairs, you can access to the crypt with the body of the saint. Her mortal remains are kept in a stone sarcophagus

Where: old town centre
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours:
from 6.30 am to 12.00 pm
from 2.00 to 7.00 pm (summer time)
from 2.00 to 6.00 pm (winter time)
Monday and Friday the Crypt opens at 9.00 am
Sundays and solemnities
In the morning the Chapel of the Crucifix of San Damiano closes at 11.00 am
Tickets: free entrance

Minerva Temple in Assisi

When in 1786 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe came to Assisi for his trip to Italy, he was fascinated by the columns of Minerva Temple, the first intact monument of antiquity he had ever seen The façade is perfectly preserved, with six columns placed directly on the stairs, with Corinthian capital.

It is believed that the temple, built in the first century B.C., was dedicated to Hercules although if it was named after the discovery of a statue of a woman. After being used as a prison, house, shops, headquarters of the city council, in the Middle Ages the temple was converted into a church with the name of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. In 1634 it was remodeled with Baroque style and dedicated to St. Filippo Neri.

Where: At the highest point of Arezzo close to the Cathedral
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: everyday 8.30 am –1 pm / 3.30 – 7 pm
Tickets: free entrance

Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, Palazzo dei Priori and Torre del Popolo in Assisi

Piazza del Comune is the main square of Assisi and one of the most beautiful in Italy. In this place you can admire Torre del Popolo and Palazzo dei Priori.

The Tower was built from 1276 to house the family Capitano del Popolo. In front of the tower you can still see a red stone tomb of the Subasio, with the typical products of medieval Assisi: bricks, tiles. The Municipal Statute of 1469 prescribed the use of these models for anyone engaged in craft and commercial activities. In front of the Fountain of the three lions there is the Palazzo dei Priori, now the Town Hall and the Art Gallery.

Cathedral of St. Rufino

The main ecclesiastic place of Assisi is not the Basilica of San Francesco but the Cathedral of San Rufino. Can you believe it?

It’s the oldest church of Assisi. It was built in the XII century and it was dedicated to San Rufino, bishop and martyr of the III century. The Cathedral is an important place of Franciscan worship because it’s believed that there were baptized St. Francesco and St. Clara. In this church, moreover, St. Francesco made his first sermon. The façade is considered the finest example of Gothic-Umbrian style: with three rose windows and three portals. The lunette houses the Christ enthroned between the sun and the moon, on the left the Madonna and on the right San Rufin.

Vallemani Palace and Municipal Art Gallery of Assisi

Vallemani Palace is the most beautiful palace in Assisi : it’s located in the central Piazza del Comune.

The main floor is completely painted by Umbrian and Tuscan painters of the XVII century . It houses the Municipal Art Gallery with frescoes of the medieval and Renaissance periods collected from civic and religious buildings in Assisi and surroundings. The collection was formed immediately after the unification of Italy to avoid the dispersion of the works. The most important pieces of the collection are a Majesty attributed to Giotto and some paintings by Perugino. In the rooms on the first floor there is “Memory Museum, Assisi 1943-1944”, an exhibition of 300 Jews saved from the Nazi extermination thanks to the hospitality of Assisi.

Where: old town centre
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours:
November to February
10:30 am to 1:00 pm / 2:30 to 5:00 pm every day
March-May October
10:30 am to 1:00 pm / 2:30 to 6:00 pm every day
June August
10:30 am to 1:00 pm / 2:30 to 7:00 pm every day
September and October
10:30 am to 1:00 pm / 2:30 to 6:00 pm every day
Closed December 25 and January 1
Tickets:
Full price: € 3.00
Reduced: Euro 2.00 University students with ID; school children; children from 8 to 17 years old; groups of at least 15 people; 65s.
Cumulative tickets for Art Gallery, Roman Forum, Rocca Maggiore (valid for 7 days.)
Full price Euro 8,00 – Euro 5,00 Reduced

The Rocca Maggiore in Assisi

If you have a little more time to spend in Assisi, it’s a good idea to climb up to Rocca Maggiore in Assisi.

Since 800 years the bastion overlooks the city of San Francesco and the surrounding countryside. The first construction dates back to 1183, built by Frederick Barbarossa. Destroyed by some insurrections, the fortress was rebuilt by Cardinal Albornoz in 1365 and was part of the network of castles built to defend the Papal States. It was then enlarged by Biordo Michelotti (1395-98), by the Piccinino (1458), by Pius II (1460), by Sixtus IV (1478), by Paul III (1535). Abandoned in 1600, it is nowadays almost intact. Today it offers a suggestive walk among ancient walls and a magnificent view of Assisi and the surrounding area.

Where: Via della Rocca
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours:
From November to February: 10:00 am to 3:45
Closed 25/12
March: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
April, May, September, October: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
June, July, August: 10:00 am to 7:30 pm
Tickets:
Full price: € 5.50
Reduced: Euro 3.50 University students with ID; school children; children from 8 to 17 years old; groups of at least 15 people; 65s.
Cumulative tickets for Art Gallery, Roman Forum, Rocca Maggiore (valid for 7 days.)
Full price Euro 8,00 – Euro 5,00 Reduced
Free entrance Inhabitant of Assisi, children under 8 years; disable people

Things to eat in Assisi

We are in Umbria so we can expect a genuine cuisine, with local products served in the traditional way. Usually you start with a cutting board with Umbricelli, honey, garlic bread with the exceptional local oil (DOP Assisi) and truffles.

Among the first courses there are stringozzi and umbrichelli, some kind handmade pasta with pork sauces or game (hare, deer). We are in the area of Farro, therefore especially in winter, it’s the protagonist of the soups. Among the latters the excellent local meat, the pecorino of Assisi. Assisi has a typical dessert, the Rocciata, a kind of strudel made with apples. For wines, you just need to remember that the area of Assisi has 5 DOC: Grechetto, white, pink, new, red.

Where to sleep in Assisi

During some period of the year Assisi is overcrowded by tourists who arrive by bus, take a quick look at the town and then run away. They do a lot of confusion but they don’t sleep anywhere, so you can find a lot of available rooms in the hotel located in the old town centre and in the agritourism in the surrounding area.

If you are looking for a hotel in Assisi, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 180 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Arezzo cities of art

10 things to do and see in Arezzo

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

Arezzo is the Cinderella of Tuscany, unfairly overshadowed by the fame of Florence, Siena and Pisa. However it can’t be considered a minor tourist destination. Arezzo offers everything you would expect from the beautiful Tuscany: the atmosphere, hospitality, art and gastronomy, but without the crowd of tourists.

Giorgio Vasari and Piero Della Francesca have always been the historical testimonial of Arezzo. Their artistic and architectural works are, even today, the major attraction in town. Everything remember them: the Piazza Grande arcade, the frescoes in the Basilica of St. Francesco, the Cathedral of San Donato, the Museum of Vasari. But that’s not all: Arezzo offers much more. In this page we suggest you 10 things to do and see during a weekend or a holiday in Arezzo.

If you are looking for a hotel in Arezzo, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 40 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Basilica of San Francesco in Arezzo

The small church made of brick and stone is popular because of “The Legend of the True Cross” by Piero della Francesca, rightly considered one of the masterpieces of Italian art. The cycle of frescoes was inspired by the Legenda Aurea written from the Ligurian Bishop Jacopone Da Varagine and very popular in the Middle Ages. The “Legend” tells the story of the piece of wood with which it was built the Cross of Jesus: raised from the dead branch that God put in the mouth of Adam, the tree was to be used to build the Temple of King Solomon but it was thrown into a river and used as a walkway until the Queen of Sheba predicted its use.

Solomon then bury him until the Israelites found it to make the cross of Jesus. The frescos are held in a non-chronological way, but are aligned for symmetry: at the top there are the outdoor scenes, in the central part there are the court scenes , and, below, the battles. Inside the Basilica of St. Francesco there is also a fresco by Luca Signorelli and the large central Crucifix of the Master of San Francesco.

Where: Piazza San Francesco
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: Monday / Friday: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday: 1:00 to 5:00 pm . Visiting hours every 30 minutes. Reservations required at tel. 0575 352 727.
Ticket Church: free entrance. Frescoes visit € 8

Piazza Grande in Arezzo

Piazza Grande or Piazza Vasari in Arezzo is one of the most harmonic architectural complex in Italy, and so in the world. Built in a steep rise where you can admire churches, historic buildings, galleries and antique shops.

On the left there is the church of Santa Maria and the Palace of Fraternita dei Laici with the still functioning Astronomical Clock. On this side there is also the beautiful public fountain. In the high side of the square stands the silhouette of the Palace of the lodges built on a project of Vasari. On the right, the Palace Lappoli with wooden gallery and the Palace of Casatorre dei Cofani with the characteristic tower. This is the square of “Life is Beautiful” by Roberto Benigni, when you see him on a bik ein the square. Piazza Grande houses the monthly Antique Fair and the Giostra del Saraceno

Cathedral of San Donato in Arezzo

The Cathedral was built on the site of the ancient Acropolis town. Works started in 1278 and ended only in 1500.

The façade was rebuilt in the early 1900s while the interior is original and is divided into three naves. Stand out for the beauty the stained glass windows by Guillaume de Marcillat and Mary Magdalene by Piero della Francesca painted in 1465. In the Diocesan Museum there are different works including some of Vasari and Luca Signorelli. The marble panel with the “Baptism of Christ” that decorates the baptismal font is attributed to Donatello

Where: At the highest point of Arezzo
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: Every day from 7 am to 12.30 pm / 3 to 6.30 pm
Tickets: free entrance

Basilica of San Domenico in Arezzo

The large crucifix by Cimabue, recently restored, is the great attraction of the Basilica of San Domenico.

The large cross, more than 3 meters high, is the first work attributed to Cimabue and was painted between 1268 and 1271 approximately.

The Romanesque-Gothic exterior has an unfinished façade with a bell tower.

The interior has a nave with frescoes largely deteriorated while it’s still visible the Gothic altar of the Chapel Dragondelli.

Where: At the highest point of Arezzo close to the Cathedral
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: everyday 8.30 am –1 pm / 3.30 – 7 pm
Tickets: free entrance

Museum of Medieval and Modern Art in Arezzo

This small museum is one of other Italian treasures overshadowed by the big galleries. The Museum of Medieval Art in Arezzo, however, is just what you would expect from a museum: a fine selection of works, the tranquility to admire them with no crowds, and expert available guides.

The museum is hosted in the beautiful “Casa della Dogana” that once hosted the State’s Monopoly. After the large backyard porch you enter into the rooms divided by historical periods. Along the way you will encounter works by Pietro Lorenzetti, Parri Spinello, Bartolomeo della Gatta, Andrea della Robbia, Vasari, beautiful Umbrian and Tuscan schools ceramics up to the most recent works of the nineteenth century with paintings by Telemaco Signorini and Cecioni.

Where: Via S.Lorentino. 800 meters far from Piazza Grande
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: everyday 8.30 am – 7.30 pm
Tickets: Full ticket € 4. Reduced ticket € 2

The Pieve of Santa Maria in Arezzo

Overlooking Piazza Grande, the apse of the church of Santa Maria contributes to the set of the whole principal square of Arezzo. The main façade of the church is hidden in Via Seteria, on the left of the square.

It has five blind arches in the basement and three rows of arcades that stand on 68 columns. The imposing bell tower on the right is called the “100-holes” for the special production of the mullioned windows on five floors. The interior has three naves with truss ceiling. The most important work of the Pieve is the polyptych by Pietro Lorenzetti depicting a Madonna and Child, the Annunciation, the Assumption and 12 saints. The apse, which overlooks Piazza Grande, is Romanesque with blind arches and two loggias.

Where: Piazza Grande
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: everyday 8.30 am – 1 pm / 3.30 – 7 pm
Tickets: free entrance

Giorgio Vasari House - Museum

Arezzo has rightly paid tribute to one of its most illustrious sons: Giorgio Vasari, painter, architect and Italian art historian. Vasari bought the building in 1511 but he didn’t lived there for long: soon after the marriage with Niccolosa Bacci, he moved to Rome and then to Florence. Despite this, he managed the decoration of the house directly collecting paintings, sculptures and other works that have been dispersed.

Since 1911 it has been the property of the state which turned it into a museum and into the Vasari Archive which contains writings and correspondence that the artist held with other personalities of his time including Michelangelo, Cosimo I de Medici and Pius V. The archive properties is disputed between the state and the current owners of the building, who tried to sell the entire archive to a Russian buyer. During the visit to the House Museum you can admire the works distributed on three floors: the apartment with the Chamber of Fame and the Arts, the Chamber of the Muses, the House of Abraham and the Fireplace Hall decorated by Vasari and his pupils. In addition there is a beautiful roof garden, which the artist personally curated.

Where: Via XX settembre 55
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: Weekday 8.30 am – 7.30 pm ; holidays 8.30 am – 1,30 pm Closed on Tuesday
Tickets: € 2

The Antiques Fair and the Giostra del Saracino in Arezzo

Every first Saturday and Sunday of the month, Piazza Grande in Arezzo is transformed into a huge antiques market attracting sellers and enthusiasts from all over Italy. More than 500 exhibitors occupying the square sell items of all kinds: a treasure trove for art buyers experts or just curious.

The Antique Fair in Arezzo has nearly 50 years (since 1968) and for the glory of the organizers, has never missed an appointment. Only two times a year, however, there is the Giostra del Saracino. The second to last Saturday in June during the night (Giostra of San Donato) and the first Sunday of September during the day(Giostra of September), Piazza Grande becomes the scenery of this ancient competition in medieval costumes. The knights of the four city districts must hit the shield of “Buratto” with a spear without being hit back by the puppet of the Saracen. The carousel recalls the time when people used to train against the possible invasion of the “Moors” but then has become a simple celebration.

Things to eat in Arezzo

Nature has given to Arezzo hills, vineyards, orchards, wild animals and those on the farms. In addition, the sea is far away, with long winters and cool summers, so you can expect a nourishing cuisine made of pasta, meat, cheese, vegetables and good wine.

You can expect the great Italian poor cuisine too: as starter crostini with chicken livers and ham from Casentino; as first courses acquacotta menu (bread eggs, cheese, mushrooms) Pappardelle with hare sauce or the ocio sauce (goose or chicken), gnocchi with ricotta and spinach, or bringoli Pici with various seasonings. Among the latter stands the Chianina meat, the “Grifi” the calf muzzle seasoned with spices and tomato, a nice selection of cheeses including the Florentine abbucciato. The typical dessert of Arezzo and the province is the Gattò of Arezzo, a cake in chocolate and alchermes.

Where to sleep in Arezzo

A bit out of the most crowded Tuscan tours, Arezzo is a destination for lovers of high-quality tourism and is equipped with a good availability of accommodation. In the down town center and close to it are about 40 hotels, farm houses and B&Bs.

Usually there are no availability problems that might be during the high season (spring and early autumn) and during the most important events: the Giostra del Saracino (second Saturday of June and the first Sunday of September) and the Antiques Fair : every first Saturday and Sunday of the month. A room in a three star hotel in the Old Town centre starts from 50 euro per night.

If you are looking for a hotel in Arezzo, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 40 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Amsterdam capitals

10 things to do and see in Amsterdam

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 14 Settembre 2016

You’ll notice the charm of Amsterdam in its atmosphere of a village, not a big and gray metropolis, despite being one of the most famous and visited cities in the world. The main shopping areas are the center of the city life , but you can just turn the corner to find yourself wandering in the quiet tree-lined avenues, discovering the charm of a past that still lives. Versatile, as the water from which is crossed, Amsterdam has many hidden faces that you’ll discover just staying few more days and living the eclecticism and the sociability of its inhabitants. Here are some places not to be missed to experience the colors, the contradictions, the transgressions that characterizes the “Venice of the North”. In this page we suggest 10 things to do and see during a holiday or a weekend in Amsterdam.

If you are looking for a hotel in Amsterdam, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 400 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Dam Square and the Royal Palace in Amsterdam

The Dam, called in this way by the inhabitants, was named after a dam built in 1270 on the Amstel River. Since 8 centuries the life of Amsterdam is all around this square. If today is a highly popular tourist spot, over the years it has played the role of the market, center of power, place for executions, stage for riots and demonstrations of all kinds.

The most important architectural presence of the square is the Royal Palace, built in the seventeenth century as City Hall to show the richness of the Dutch Republic. The building was transformed in 1808 by Louis Bonaparte in the Royal Palace. To prevent attacks by insurgents, the entrance is well hidden under the porch and right, both the interior and the exterior are tangible evidence of the prestige enjoyed by Amsterdam. Today the Royal Palace is not the official seat of the Dutch monarchy but is used by the royal family only for the solemn holidays and state visits. The presence of some major lines of public transport, the Museum Erotica and that of Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and the Gallery De Bijenkorf, make Dam Square the first thing you see as soon as you arrive in Amsterdam

The canals of Amsterdam

Known as the “Venice of the North” Amsterdam is a city built on islands on the river Amstel and Lj lake. More than 165 channels per 100 km in length around the Dutch capital in a labyrinthine path where are able to move only those who live in cities since long time.

The old town is surrounded by the “Canal Belt” (Grachtengordel), a large water ring separated from other channels. In the belt are located approximately 2,200 buildings of historic interest 1,550 homes, mostly built during the ‘600, the golden age of the Dutch economy. A trip by boat or bike is ideal to discover the beauty of the canals and enjoy a simply unique urban landscape. Urban masterpiece, a symbol of the history and spirit of this city, finally in 2010 the network of canals, has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam

Among the fabulous neo-Gothic villas, there’s a building that imposes itself with its brutal simplicity: the Museum that Amsterdam has dedicated to Van Gogh. Opened in 1973, it contains an extensive collection of works by the artist.

Nowhere else in the world you’ll have the chance to visit such a rich collection of works. Drawings, paintings and letters offer visitors the opportunity to learn more about the personality of this crazy genius of art. Arranged over three floors, the museum also preserves a series of paintings from which Van Gogh drew inspiration and a number of his contemporaries works of artists. Get ready to endless rows , because the Van Gogh Museum is the most visited of Amsterdam.

Information for visits to the Van Gogh Museum
Where: Paulus Potterstraat 7.
How to get there: trams No. 2, 3, 5, and 12 or with bus No. 170, 171 and 172
When-Hours: Every day from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm , Friday from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm . Never: 1^st of January.
Tickets: full price € 12.50; Reduced 2,50 €.

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Even if the tourists use to see the works of Rembrandt and Vermeer, the Rijksmuseum offers much more: it’s the most important art museum in the Netherlands and brings together a vast amount of paintings, prints, sculptures, objects and more.

The heart of the collection is the one of Dutch and Flemish paintings from the 15th to the 19th century, with a particular attention to the works of the “Golden Age”, the ‘600 of which Rembrandt and Vermeer are the most authoritative representatives. A must see is the “Night Watch” by Rembrandt, his most famous work. You can also go directly to the “Masterpieces”, where they collected the works of the two painters already mentioned but also those of Van Gogh, by Piero di Cosimo, Fra Angelico and a selection of works by Hals, de Wit and Bol.

Information for visits to the Rijksmuseum
Where: Museumstraat
How to get there: Tram: no. 2:05 (stop Rijksmuseum); n. 12 (stop Concertgebouw) Metro: up to Weesperplein, then take tram n. 7 or 10 (stop: Spiegelgracht) Bus: n. 26, 65, 66, 170 or 172
When-Hours: Daily from 09:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tickets: Adults: € 17.50. Children under 18 years: free entrance

The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam

It’s the house where Anne Frank and her family, along with another Jewish family, took refuge, from 1942 to 1944, before being discovered by the Nazis and deported to various concentration camps.

Through a secret passage, hidden from a library, you have access to two rooms where Anne wrote her diary. Since 1960 the building has been used as a museum that, through films, photographs, historical documents and personal items, testifies not only the events of the house but also Holland events of those years. To avoid waiting outside to enter, you should plan your visit to the museum in the morning or late afternoon.

Information for visits to the Anne Frank House
Where: Prinsengracht 263-267, in the center.
How to get there: Tram No. 13:17 or with bus No. 170, 171 and 172 to the Westermarkt stop.
When-Hours: January 1 from 12.00 to 7.00 pm . From January 2 to March 14 every day from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm From March 15 to June 30 every day from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm on Saturdays until 10.00 pm .
In July and August every day from 9.00 am to 10.00 pm . From 1 to 14 September every day from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm . from 15 September to 14 March from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm . 31 December from 12.00 to 7.00 pm . May 4 from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm ; 8 June and 2 July from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm ; 21 August from 9.00 am to 8.30 pm ; December 25 from 12.00 to 5.00 pm
Tickets: Adults € 9; reduced € 4.50; Children 0 to 9 years ,free entrance.

The Red Light District of Amsterdam

Here is the more tolerant and transgressive Amsterdam. The Red Light District is a major tourist attraction, named after the color of the lights of the windows where prostitutes are exposed. Prostitution, as well as soft drugs, here is perfectly legal.

Dutch people have turned human vices into an opportunity to make money. So go ahead women in the window and coffee shop where smoking soft drugs freely. There are 3 red light districts (Singel, Pijp and De Wallen) but the latter is the most beloved and crowded by tourists. Today tourists of all ages and from all over the world come more for curiosity. De Wallen is also a nice neighborhood with beautiful houses overlooking the tree-lined canals and the wonderful gothic church of Oude Kerk (Old Church).

Information for visits to the District Red lights
Where: De Wallen (between Central Station and Nieuwmarkt); Singel (between Raadhuistraat and the Central Station); Pijp (nearby the Rijksmuseum)
How to get there: bus No. 22, 359, 361 and 363 at the stop CS / Nicholas.

The Oude Kerk (Old Church) in Amsterdam

“Get married early so you have time for a divorce”, “Money aren’t made by your butt” and other precious pearls of wisdom are written on the wooden seats of the Old Church in Amsterdam. That’s all that was saved from the fury Calvinist that from 1566 to 1578 destroyed much of the original furnishings of this beautiful Gothic cathedral.

On the floor there are tombs of important people of Amsterdam (certainly unknown to you), including the wife of Rembrandt (Saskia van Uylenburg) and Frans Banning Cocq, the protagonist of the painting “The Night Watch” by Rembrandt (see point 4). The Oude Kerk is famous for its acoustics, so if you stop by in Amsterdam on Sunday, don’t miss one of the many organ concerts. If you have the strength, climb up to 70 meters of the octagonal bell tower which offers a magnificent panorama of the city. Every 15 minutes the 47 bell carillon system plays a series of melodies (from 1658 !)

Information for visits to the Oude Kerk
Where: Oudekerksplein
How to get there: It is about 8 minutes walk from Central Station
When-Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm ; Sunday: 1:00 to 5:30 pm; ever: January 1, April 27, October 28 and December 25
Tickets: Adults: € 7.50; Students: € 5; Children 0-13: Free entrance

The Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam

It’s not the most famous museum in Amsterdam but it’s certainly one of the things to see during a visit to the Dutch capital.

The Stedelijk is one of the most important museums of contemporary art and contains works ranging from the mid-nineteenth century to the present.

There are paintings, sculptures, graphics, drawings, photographs, design objects, posters, videos, works of applied art and industrial design not only Dutch. Some names are indicative of the quality of the works: Chagall, Matisse, Picasso, Warhol, Mondrian, Rauschenberg and many others.

Information for visits at the Stedelijk Museum
Where: Museumplein
How to get there: From Central Station Tram 2 and 5, 170 and 172. Bus stop Hobbemastraat or Museumplein.
When-Hours: daily from 10 am to 6 pm . Thursday from 10 am to 10 pm.
Ticket: € 15. Free entrance with the Amsterdam Card.

Things to eat in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam the same dish can have many variations, on the basis of the culinary influence received. Gastronomy, in fact, has the influence of the colonial past of the city: from French cuisine to Portuguese up to the Asian, and local restaurants offer multi-ethnic flavors and fragrances. Meat and fish are the main foods, usually accompanied by potatoes and vegetables with crispy bacon. Don’t forget the crêperie, which offer endless variations of sweet and savory crepes. All enjoyed with beer or juniper brandy: Dutch typical drinks.

Where to sleep in Amsterdam

Hotels, B&Bs, camping, hostels, apartments and houseboats represent the several options that Amsterdam offers.

The hotels, in most cases, are well furnished and clean and the intimate and cozy Dutch hospitality will make your stay absolutely pleasant.

Because of tourists all year round, we suggest you to book in advance and if you have the idea to stay close to the water, think double because you may find yourself fighting against mosquitoes.

If you are looking for a hotel in Amsterdam, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 400 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

cities of art Milan

10 things to do and see in Milan

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 10 Settembre 2016

Milan is commonly known as the economic capital. However this definition is not enough for a city that has a lot to offer from a cultural and entertaining point of view. People who don’t know Milan, may imagine it as serious and grey, but it has a lot to give to its visitors. You could start from green space of Sempione Park, which surrounds the Palazzo Sforzesco, symbol of the power of the past Duke of Milan. There are many monuments to visit: the famous Cathedral, masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the first examples of Art Nouveau in Italy. You can visit also the canals, that tickled the imagination of Leonardo da Vinci, who donated to this city one of his greatest masterpieces: The Last Supper, painted in refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The San Babila area with the beautiful church in the neo-Romanesque style, today the fulcrum of the fashion and luxury. There are a lot of things to do and see in this city. That is why we want to suggest you 10 things to do and see during a visit to Milan.

If you are looking for a hotel in Milan, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 2000 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Cathedral of Milan

The Cathedral is the most representative monument of Milan. The church, dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente, built by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, is the symbol of the city.

In 1386 works started the construction of a magnificent monument, with wonderful glass wall and beautiful sculpted decorations. This majestic structure is the most significant testimony of Gothic architecture, which leaves no room for any doubt: it’s the only that combine Nordic features and Lombard elements. The beauty of the cathedral is completed by the main spire where there is the famous Madonnina, a golden copper statue, 4 meters high. If you visit the church on a beautiful sunny day, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city and the Alps from the terraces. Inside you should not miss the entrance to the sanctuary, renewed in the second half of the ‘500. On the top of the apse vault there is the relic of the Holy Nail of the Cross. You have to know that: in the Cathedral there are 3,500 statues, including the 96 gargoyles giants, and that the structure is 157 meters long, 92 meters wide and that the spire is 108.50 meters high.

Where: Milan’s historic center
How to get there: Subway Line M1 and M3 stop Duomo – Walk in the city center
When – Hours:
Devoted: every day 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Visitors: every day 8:00 am to 9:00 pm . From 1 to 31 October: daily: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

Terraces
When: from 1 August to 30 September every day: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm ; 1 to 31 October every day: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm

Tickets:
Devoted: free entrance.
Visitors: € 2.00

Terraces:
Lift € 13.00; Reduced (children 6-12) € 7.00. Uphill walk € 8.00; Reduced (children 6-12) € 4.00. Free: children up to 6 years; disable people and their attendants, soldiers in uniform. NB: access for the disable people on the terraces is limited to Saturdays and Sundays for technical reasons

The Last Supper of Leonardo da Vinci in Milan

The Last Supper of Leonardo da Vinci is jealously preserved in the refectory of the Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. Leonardo painted this work of beauty on the north wall of the hall between 1494 and 1498, during the dominion of Ludovico il Moro.

The genius Leonardo made this masterpiece on a dry wall rather than on wet plaster, which is the fresco technique usually used for wall paintings. Unfortunately during the time, due to environmental conditions and historical events, the work had heavy damages. There have been many works of restoration of the Last Supper, and the one in 1999 gave back to painting its original colors and removed prior painting operations. To avoid that the painting can still be damaged, it is stored in special environmental conditions, determined by the treatment of the air, and can be visited only by groups of up to 25 visitors at a time, every 15 minutes.

Where: Santa Maria delle Grazie square
How to get there:
Subway line 1 : Cadorna o Conciliazione stop
Subway line 2 : Cadorna o Sant’Ambrogio stop
When – Hours:
Tue – Sun 8:15 am to 7:15 pm . Last entry at 6:45 pm. Maximum 25 people every 15 minutes.
Never: Monday, January 1, May 1 and December 25
Tickets:
Reservations has to be made in advance (www.vivaticket.it): full price € 6, 50 (+ € 1,50 reservation fee); reduced (EU and EEA citizens between 18 and 25 years); € 3.25 (+ EUR 1.50 for the reservation fee); free (visitors under 18 years) € 0.00 (+ 1.50 Euro for the reservation fee)

The Art Gallery of Brera – Pinacoteca – in Milan

The Pinacoteca of Brera was born in 1776, as a collection of important works, in order to train students of the Academy of Fine Arts.

When Milan was declared capital of the Kingdom of Italy by Napoleon, many paintings expropriated to churches and aristocrats (those not brought in Paris) were brought in Brera. So the Pinacoteca of Brera is different from other prestigious Italian museums because it’s not from the private collections of the aristocracy and of the princes, but from the state. There is a rich collection of some of the most famous works in the world: the Supper in Emmaus by Caravaggio, the Dead Christ by Mantegna, the Brera Altarpiece by Piero della Francesca and the Marriage of the Virgin by Raphael. There are also other less famous works , but they’re exceptional too. One of the symbols of Brera is the painting of Romanticism par excellence: the Kiss by Hayez. The collection goes back to ‘900 with works by Braque, Modigliani, Picasso, Morandi, De Chirico and many others.

Where: Via Brera, 28
How to get there: Subway line 2, Lanza stop. Line 3 Montenapoleone stop. Tram: 1-4-8-12-14-27. Bus: 61, 97
When – Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 8.30 am – 7.15 pm (the ticket office close 45 minutes before)
Never: Monday, 1 January, 1 May, 25 December
Ticket: € 10, reduced € 7,50

The canals of Milan

People don’t think about Milan as a city of water, but, yes it is. The system of canals was created with the ambitious project to link Milan to Como Lake , Adda, Maggiore Lake and the Po, arriving in northern Europe and then to the sea.

The history of canals begins in the second half of the XII century, with the construction of the first navigable spot. The first channel, the Ticinello, was inaugurated in 1179, and with its 50 km of length, it started the building of the great canal. In 1457 Francesco Sforza gave to Bertola da Novate the construction of the Naviglio della Martesana – Martesana Canal – but the real turning point was with Ludovico il Moro

And which genius could complete a so complex hydraulic work? With an ingenious system of sluices, Leonardo da Vinci was able to connect Milan to Como Lake. It lacked only the connection to the sea via Po but Napoleon fixed it in 1805. He completed the construction of the Naviglio Pavese – Pavese Canal . The canals have experienced contrasting eras: they brought wealth but then suffered neglect and pollution, so a large portion of them was buried. Despite everything, people of Milan have always loved them, going for a walk or going to public places close to them. Today they are the focus of several redevelopment projects: the first accomplished is the new dock in Naviglio Grande – Big Canal, which took place with the Expo 2015. You can find: cycle paths, boats, relaxation areas, traditional taverns, boutiques and shops of the artists.

The Castello Sforzesco in Milan

The castle is 750 year old and it was the decisive place for Milan on many occasions. The first building was made by Galeazzo II but it was Francesco Sforza (from whom derives the name) who finished it.

The Castle had mostly the role of military citadel and is still today one of the largest castles in Europe. Always linked to the war, dominations and grief, so loved and hated by people of Milan, in the XX century the castle changed his face. It took the cozy look of a cultural place, used to protect the testimonies of Lombard art. Currently the Castello Sforzesco is rich in museums: the ground floor of the Ducal Court is the Museum of Ancient Art, the first floor has the collection of furnitures and the Art Gallery. On the first and second floor of the stronghold there are the applied art collections and the Museum of Musical Instruments, in the basement of the Ducal Court there are the Museum of Prehistory and Early History and the Egyptian Museum. The Castle contains some masterpieces of Italian art: the Rondanini Pietà by Michelangelo, Leonardo’s frescoes in the VIII room of the Ancient Art Museum, the Virgin in Glory with Saints John the Baptist, Gregory the Great, Benedict and Jerome Mantegna in the Art Gallery and the extraordinary tapestries depicting the twelve months of Bramantino, in the Sala della Balla.

Where: Piazza Castello
How to get there: Subway : MM1 , Cadorna and Cairoli stop. MM2 Cadorna and Lanza stop. Bus. 43,50,57,58,61,70,94. Tram 1,3,4,12,14,20,27
When – Hours: Winter: Monday- Sunday 7 am – 6 pm
Summer: 7 am – 7 pm
Castle’s museum: Tuesday – Sunday 9 am – 5.30 pm
Never: Monday, 25 December, 1 January, 1 May

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the so-called living room of Milan, was built in the first half of the XIX century . At that time the city looked with envy at the urban evolution of the great European capitals and wanted to compete with them.

In 1859 an international competition was organized in order to evaluate the proposals of different architects. The idea was to build a covered passage that linked Piazza Duomo and Piazza della Scala. 176 architects proposed their ideas and among all stood out the one of Giuseppe Mengoni, who thought of a long tunnel crossed by an arm with a large octagonal room at the crossing center. In 1865 works began with the arrangement of the first stone directly by King Vittorio Emanuele II of Savoy, and two years later the gallery was opened though still incomplete and without the presence of the king. The construction of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II had a tragic end: its creator, Giuseppe Mengoni, died just during an inspection of his “baby.” Many people thought it was a suicide due to many criticisms of his work and disappointment caused by the absence of the king at the opening: no one could imagine that the king was in very poor health and that he would die a few days later. The Gallery is the elegance in Milan, where people arrange meetings there in order be seen, to buy (at high cost), or just have a coffee.

San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore Church

After 30 years of restoration, the magnificent Renaissance church San Maurizio has returned to shine. It was built in the early ‘500 above the ruins of an ancient place of worship. The church was annexed to the order of the Benedictine Major Monastery (demolished in 1799), of which today remains the entrance cloister, an integral part of the Archaeological Museum.

The old use of the structure is testified by the division of the interior space into two parts: one open to the devoted, and the other reserved to the nuns of the monastery.The simple and linear façade of the building don’t let you imagine the surprising interior full of marvelous frescoes, from walls to the vault, which is why the church has been called the Sistine Chapel of Milan. The frescoes decorations brightly colored are 4 thousand square meters, and they are made by some of the greatest masters of the Lombard painting of the XVI century: Bernardino Luini, who made, among others, the “Stories of St. Catherine”, the “Stories of the life of Christ”; Simone Peterzano, master of Caravaggio, author of “The Return of the Prodigal Son” and “Christ send away the merchants from the temple” that decorate the interior façade of the church; Antonio Campi who made the ”Adoration of the Magi ” on the high altar; Bergognone (chorus); Lomazzo; Boltraffio, a pupil of Leonardo. Great value has the monastic choir, the organ built by Gian Giacomo Antegnani (1557) originally intended for liturgical concerts, and today used during concert events taking place in town.

Where: Corso Magenta
How to get there: Subway line 2 Cadorna stop, Line 1 Cordusio stop. Tram 19-20-24; bus 19- 50- 59
When – Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 9.30 am – 7.30 pm (until 31/10 evening entry up to 10.30 pm )
Ticket: free of charge

Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio in Milan

The church dedicated to the saint of the city is considered the second most important church after the Cathedral. Founded in the IV century thanks to Ambrose, bishop of Milan (buried here in 397), the church was rebuilt between 1088 and 1099 according to the canons of Romanesque architecture.

Although it’s considered the most important example of Lombard Romanesque architecture, the Basilica’s appearance is the consequence of some building operations made during the following centuries. The basilica, preceded by a four-side atrium, has an hut-shaped façade and two orders of loggias. On the sides it has two towers: on the right the one of friars, dating back to IX century, and on the left the one of the Canons, built in the XII century. The interior is divided into three naves, each of them ends with an apse covered with cross vaults. The Christian sarcophagus has a great value and it’s known as “Stilicone” dating back the IV century. Very interesting also, the Roman column on which is based a unique bronze sculpture, the so-called “Snake of Moses”: according to legend, the end of the world will be announced by the animal’s going down from the column.

The underground crypt contains the remains of saints Ambrose, Gervase and Protase. Inside the basilica you can admire the small chapel of San Vittore in Ciel d’Oro built in the IV century to host the remains of the martyr Victor. This chapel is famous for the early Christian era mosaics on the walls and in the dome depicting some saints, including St. Ambrose.

Close to the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio there is a Roman column on which there are two holes made, according to legend, by Satan. The legend tells that the devil failed to seduce Ambrose and tried to stab him, but he struck the column. Then he used those holes to return to the underworld. So don’t worry if you hear some strange noises from those holes and there’s sulfur smell….

Where: Piazza Sant’Ambrogio
How to get there: Subway line 2 S. Abrogio stop
When – Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 -12 am , 2.30 – 6.00 pm; Sunday 3 – 5 pm
Tickets: free of charge

Things to eat in Milan

Milan, like all Italian cities, has a great culinary tradition. The true king of its cuisine is the butter, used in most dishes, from risotto, the veal cutlet until panettone.

To start with the traditional dishes, the best known is certainly the risotto alla Milanese, made with saffron. The traditional one includes the use of beef marrow, but currently not many people use to cook it in this way. Another first course typical of Milan is the “tripe” (hence the nickname “busecconi”), made with cooked tripe. Among the second courses, the best known and appreciated is the veal cutlet, which traditionally is made with veal, high as a finger, and fried in butter, but nowadays people prefer the healthier and less fat olive or seeds oil . Do not forget the Ossobuco (òsbus a la Milanesa): slice of veal shank or beef stew. The “cassoeula” instead is a very rich dish, made with cabbage and “poor” parts of the pig as the rind, head, ribs and legs. Moving on to desserts, in Milan have their origin the panettone and the colomba. Dairy products are among the local products: soft cheese, mascarpone, grana of Lodi and of course the gorgonzola.

Where to sleep in Milan

No longer just a destination for managers and business man, Milan, even before the Expo Milano 2015, is the city of cultural tourism: the revival of canals, the proliferation of exhibitions and the opening of new museums, have attracted a large number of new visitors in the city.

Today more than ever, it’s ready to welcome tourists in many hotels, B&Bs and apartments throughout the city. Alongside the large and luxurious hotel chains, you’ll also find more modest hotel, cozy, comfortable guest houses, B&Bs and even extravagant Art Nouveau houses from the early ‘900. It’s not easy to find a cheap price, especially in the center and at international events. Prices start from 80 € per night in 3 star hotel. The advice is to book early. All accommodation facilities are perfectly connected to the center of Milan, thanks to an efficient and functional transport system, so if you want to save a little you can choose to sleep in the suburbs.

If you are looking for a hotel in Milan, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 2000 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

cities of art Matera

10 things to do and see in Matera

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 10 Settembre 2016

Matera enchanted many artists such as Carlo Levi and Giovanni Pascoli. One of the oldest city in the world, where history, culture, nature, meet and mingle creating charming landscapes. Carlo Levi used to say: “Anyone who sees Matera cannot help but be awe-struck, so expressive and touching is its sorrowful beauty“; while Giovanni Pascoli wrote : “Among the cities I’ve been, Matera is the one that smiles at me more, the one I can see even better, through a veil of poetry and melancholy“. Things didn’t change with the passing of the time: Matera, incredible city dug into the calcareous rock continues to leave visitors speechless. Life in Matera has never stopped: it’s the inhabited city since it was built, the city in which, from the Paleolithic era to the present day, you can retrace the history of man who lived here, using local resources and integrating perfectly with it. Matera is a unique city, an extraordinary timeless place. It’s also the city of the famous Sassi, the first site in southern Italy declared a World Heritage Site. I’ts the city of the rupestrian churches, the natural areas with different species of flora and fauna, rural traditions, landscapes of incomparable beauty. But Matera is also a city of hidden treasures, museums, festivals, concerts, multimedia paths. October 17, 2014, the city of the Sassi has been nominated European Capital of Culture for 2019: a major victory for a country often forgotten which can get rid forever of the sad definition of “national shame”.

If you are looking for a hotel in Matera, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 50 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Sassi of Matera – Ancient town

The “Sassi” (literally: “stones”) are probably the first thing you think about when someone talk about Matera.

The ancient village dug into the calcareous rock, on the side of the Gravina Valley, in 1993 has been declared Unesco’s World Heritage. The Sassi with their particular twist of caved used as houses, alley, stone churches, terraces, gardens, tunnel, are a great example of an architectural complex perfectly matching with the natural environment.

This huge sculpture, preserved from the Palaeolithic era to nowadays, shows the way of life in the caves and close to them, from medieval era, modern houses have been built.

For this, the Sassi represents a unique landscape of its kind, a destination for fascinated travelers and inspired moviemakers. However in the years ‘50s-‘60s the Stones were considered “national shame” because of bad sanitary conditions and overcrowding in houses-caves that were abandoned and left in ruin. Luckily after about thirty years, some interventions began for the recovery of these forgotten jewels that at sunset have a magic color offering breathtaking shows. The Sassi are divided into two districts: the Sasso Barisano, the largest district, whose houses are now shops, restaurants and hotels, and the Sasso Caveoso, considered the oldest neighborhood that best preserves the appearance of the cave town . Before starting to explore the ancient districts it could be useful to first stop at Casa Noha, first FAI’s site in Basilicata. The ancient house, belonged to the noble family Noha, recently became the center of tourist information and documentation such as the movie “Invisible Sassi. Extraordinary journey in the history of Matera”. It is projected on the stone walls of the house, telling the story of the city, from different perspectives: architecture and art history, archeology and history of cinema. Thanks to technological path available through the APP Matera Invisible, free download (www.materainvisibile.it), you can discover the historic heart of the city through five routes associated with many elements: water, stone, light, time and spirit.

Where: Recinto Cavone, 9 (close to the Cathedral)
When – Hours: Wednesday – Sunday (Monday and Tuesday if holidays) from april to October 9 am – 6 pm. From November to March 10 am – 4.30 pm
Tickets: € 4 ; disable people can visit for free

Matera’s Cathedral

On the top of the hill, Civitas hill, there’s the Cathedral which offers an amazing view of the “Sasso Barisano”. This church construction is dated back at the XIII century and rose above the remains of a benedectine monastery: Sant’Eustachio.

Since 1627 the cathedral was dedicated to the Madonna della Bruna and Sant’Eustachio, protectors of the city. The façade of the church has a Romanesque – Apulian style and a beautiful decorated portal : you can see the statue of the Madonna della Bruna, an impressive rose window with 16 rays (symbol of the wheel of life) and archangel Michael killing the dragon with two male figures on the sides and one at the bottom that is used as atlas.

On the side façade of the cathedral there are other two minor gates: a “street door” adorned with a bas-relief of Abraham, and a “Lion Gate” so called for the presence of statues of two lions to protect the faith. You can admire also the bell tower ,52 m high, with 4 floors with mullioned windows . The interior, restored during Baroque period, has a Latin cross with three naves separated by columns with figurative medieval capitals. In addition to the famous stone crib made in 1534 by Altobello Persio, the Basilica contains numerous treasures including: a Byzantine fresco of the Madonna della Bruna and Child by the “Maestro della Bruna”, (XIII century), the “Last Judgement”, fragments of a cycle of frescoes, the beautiful wooden choir sculpted in 1453 by John Wee, and the great altarpiece on the high altar “Virgin and Child with Saints” made by Fabrizio Santafede (1580).

The natural areas of Matera

Nature reserves, parks, wildlife sanctuaries that characterize the whole territory of Basilicata region is a characteristic mixture between nature and culture. They are not only rare species of flora and fauna, but also relics of great historical and cultural value.

The Park of the Murgia, the Regional Reserve San Giuliano and the Colle Timmari are the natural areas that you can visit in Matera. In the upland area, you can find the remains of ancient Neolithic villages. The area of San Giuliano Lake, however, is known for a strong presence of birds and from sighting huts where you can observe the 140 bird species that live here. Moreover the Timmari hill is a small residential village over the lake of San Giuliano and it’s an important archaeological site for some objects of both prehistorical time and IV century

Rupestrian churches in Matera

Churches date back mostly to the Middle Ages, when monasticism made some room in the Christian communities of the time and Benedictine and Byzantine monks began to settle in the caves of the Gravina transforming them into prayers centers. Those mystical places, dug into the rock ,are one of the characteristics of the entire territory of Matera: crypts, chapels, basilicas, sanctuaries and monasteries, along the walls of the Gravina and Murgia upland.

The rupestrian churches with their architectural virtuosity and their decorations are exceptional works of art, expression of the historical – cultural territory. You can find greek-orthodox churches close to latin churches that testify the cultural and architectural development level reached by the rupestrian community. There are almost 150 churches in the Matera area for the protection of which it has been established the Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Among the many rupestrian churches you can visit : the church of San Pietro Barisano located in the same Sasso, with the façade in Romanesque – Baroque style and the inside is completely dug into the tuff where you can find just (unfortunately) seven altars , a series of frescoes and a crypt with the ossuary; the church of Saint Lucia alle Malve containing important frescoes including the one of the “Madonna del Latte” or “Galattotrofousa”; Santa Maria de Idris church dug into the side of Monterrone, and St. John’s crypt that forms, through an internal passage, a beautiful rupestrian complex. Four rupestrian churches grouped around a central courtyard are the Convicinio of Saint Anthony (XII – XIII c.) used in the XVII century as a cellar. It’s dedicated to Santa Barbara the church with some oriental inspiration, rich in valuable wall paintings including a depiction of Santa Barbara who has in the head a rich diadem and in the right hand the tower, the symbol of his martyrdom.

The Crypt of the Original Sin of Matera

A few kilometers from Matera, along the wall of the Gravina di Picciano you can find the Crypt of the Original Sin. It’s a frescoed church-cave (re) brought to light in 1963, and it’s called the Sistine Chapel of rupestrian wall painting. The extraordinary painting complex (sec. VIII – IX) that decorates the walls of the crypt is undoubtedly one of the most important examples of early medieval painting in the Mediterranean.

Used for a long time by shepherds as a shelter for animals, the natural cavity was known to the locals as the “Cave of the Hundred Saints”, due to the presence of many saints painted on the walls. On the back wall are shown some biblical scenes from the Genesis (God the Father Creator, the Light, the Darkness, the creation of Adam, Eve’s birth, temptation and original sin), while in the three apses there are Apostles, Archangels and the Virgin.

Where: the meeting place in order to make the visit is at the gas station “Grifo Gas” on the SS7 towards Potenza, at km 564, about 10 km from Matera.
When: Tuesday to Sunday by reservation.
Contact Coop. Artezeta to n. 320 5350910 (also SMS) or book online www.criptadelpeccatooriginale.it/prenotazioni.html.
Visiting hours
April to September 9:30 – 11:00 am – 12:30 to 3:30 pm – 5:00 to 6:30 pm
October to March 9:30 – 11:00 am – 12:30 to 3:30 pm
Tickets: € 8.00; free for children under 10 accompanied by parents.

The cave – house of Matera

Carlo Levi in 1952 wrote: “ In the Sassi cave is hidden the capital of farmers, the hidden heart of their ancient civilization” . In order to understand that farmer world, it could be useful to know the life conditions into the Sassi before people were forced to leave them.

The cave-house of Vico solitario, in Sasso Caveoso, it’s the best chance you have to understand how was the life in these houses dug into the rock. The house, inhabited until 1957 by a family of 11 people (plus animals), consists of a single room, partly excavated and partly built, with antique furniture and tools. There is the fireplace with the kitchen, the bed with corn leaves stuffed mattress, small table with a single plate at the center from which all used to eat, the chamber pot used for bodily needs, the frame for spinning, the area with the food for the mule, the cavity in which they collected manure used to warm up, the tank where the rainwater was conveyed through a channel system.

Where: Vico Solitario
When – Hours: every day from 9,30 am to the evening and all holidays 9.30 am to the evening
Tickets: € 2,00

The Palombaro Lungo in Matera

The Palombaro Lungo is the large cistern dug under the central Piazza Vittorio used until the early decades of the last century to collect drinking water. Its name derives from “plumbarius”, the Latin word for plumbing works.

Built in 1846, thanksto Bishop Di Macco, as a water reserve for the inhabitants of Sasso Caveoso, the majestic cistern was excavated in 1991 on the occasion of the piazza works. The tank, 15 meters deep containing about 5,000 cubic meters of water, was part of an ingenious water collection system made up of a complex network of channels: caves, tunnels, to catch rainwater and waters of aquifer close to Castle Tramontano in Monte. A fascinating path of about 17 meters deep and you can admire one of the tanks dug into the biggest rock in the world, admirable work of hydraulic engineering, huge and silent as a “water cathedral”.

Where: Piazza Vittorio Veneto
How to get there: by feet in the city center
When – Hours:
Summer: every day from 9 am to 1 pm and from 4 to 8 pm ;
Winter: Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and days before holidays from 9 am to 1 pm and from 4 to 8 pm;
Other days open by reservation to the number 339 3638332 (Association GTA Basilicata).
Tickets: guided tour € 3.00 (sum donated to charity to some institutions), free for children under 18 years

Musma Museum of Matera

the Musma, Museum of Contemporary Sculpture of Matera is dedicated to sculpture, and welcomes visitors with a rich collection of sculptures, pottery, jewelry, medals, art books, prints and drawings donated by artists, collectors, private galleries from Zétema Foundation. Many important names: Manzu, Cascella, Milani, Hare, Gitlin, tomato, Ortega, just to name a few.

The museum is located in the Palazzo Pomeraci (XVII century), also known for its large size as “Palace of the one hundred rooms.” The permanent collection is hosted in two different settings: in the halls of the main floor the exhibits are about the history of sculpture since 1800 while in the downstairs rooms, the main theme of the museum is the combination of environment “dug ” by man and sculpture. Temporary exhibitions are staged in the “Sale of the hunt”, splendid frescoed rooms with bucolic scenes and hunting scenes. The Museum also houses the library Vanni Scheiwiller, a rich collection of over 5000 books – monographs, catalogs and art books – donated by the widow of editor, great art lover.

Where: via San Giacomo
When – Hours:
October to March from Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
April to September from Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm / 4:00 to 8:00 pm
Never Monday (excluding holidays), December 25, January 1, July 2.
Tickets: € 5.00; Reduced (children 7-25 years) € 3.50; free (children under 6, disable people)

Things to eat in Matera

The gastronomy in Matera is linked to the farming and pastoral tradition: simple and natural ingredients combined in a cuisine of genuine flavors. Legumes, meats, vegetables, homemade pasta (orecchiette) topped with tomato sauce, broccoli, cardoncelli mushrooms, cheese (pecorino and caciocavallo), extra virgin olive oil and of course bread of Matera IGP ( ideal for the typical tomato bruschetta, with cream and wild onions peppers bran) are the basis of Matera dishes.

Among the specialties: Pignata, made from sheep meat, vegetables, herbs, cooked in a clay pot in the wood oven; the Ciallèdd made with stale bread, potatoes, onions, herbs, eggs and turnips that have taken the place of the flowers (the asfadeli) of the original recipe; the Crapiata based on legumes (spelled, chickpeas, lentils, grass peas, peas, beans), wheat and potatoes. All with red decided (Aglianico and primitive) and fragrant white (greek, Muscat).

Where to sleep in Matera

You can understand Matera hospitality by the many possibilities of accommodation for tourists in all seasons. Hotels, from one to five stars, bed and breakfasts, cottages and apartments allow a choice for every portfolio needs.

Some structures are located in the heart of the Sassi, others are located in the most modern part of the city. For sure, the first option is more attractive than the second one because it will allow you to enjoy all the charm of the ancient Matera, but it is also the most expensive one. So you can choose a cheaper accommodation and then go around to discover all the beauties of the territory. The city of the caves, the city of villages and peasant houses, the city that reminds the ancient is just waiting for you to show you all its beauty.

If you are looking for a hotel in Matera, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 2000 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

cities of art Lecce

10 things to do and see in Lecce

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 10 Settembre 2016

Lecce is both a summer tourist destination and a city of art. It is full of masterpieces of Roman, Medieval and Renaissance age, but above all, Lecce is a Baroque city. Here the baroque is expressed in an unique way. Decorations enrich the buildings with strong colors of the “pietra leccese” (Lecce’s stone): soft and compact calcareous stone, with white/gold colors. The baroque style spread in Lecce during the Spanish domination, substituting the classical art and creating a style which left more space to the imagination of the artists. In the city centre you can admire beautiful examples of the stonework in monumental churches, balconies and terraces. Cozy, organized and near the sea, Lecce is a must see place in Italy. Below we suggest you 10 things you can’t miss Lecce.

If you are looking for a hotel in Lecce, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 700 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The old town centre of Lecce

Lecce is also called “The baroque lady”. The baroque style characterizes spires, portals, churches, monuments and houses of the “centro storico”, the old town centre .

Walking through Porta Napoli, built in 1548 in honor of Charles V, you’ll enter in the old town. Here starts the main streets where you can admire refined buildings and workshops. In the city centre you can visit the church Chiesa di Santa Maria della Provvidenza, in Baglivi square, and the church of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, in Addolorata square. In Via Umberto I, you’ll see Adorno Palace and the Basilica of Santa Croce, symbol of the city and of the Baroque art.

Then you can have a walk in Sant’Oronzo square, heart of the city life, where rises the beautiful column dedicated to the Saint Patron. You can’t miss the Cathedral square, with the splendid façade of the Cathedral and its tall bell tower. Moreover there’s the XV century palace of the Bishop with an angular arched loggia, the palace of the Seminary built in 1700, now seat of the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, the Innocenziana Library and Diocesan Historical Archive.

For lovers of gardens, the Villa Comunale, situated near Sant’Oronzo Square, will be a pleasant stop. It was named after Giuseppe Garibaldi and once it was called “Villa della Lupa” for the presence of a cage in which some wolf were held (the wolf stands in the emblem of the city called by the Romans “Lupiae” )

The Roman Amphitheatre in Lecce

This is the most relevant testimony of the Roman age. It was built in the II century AD to entertain the viewers with shows and games (it could hosts about 20.000 people).

The monument was completely buried by rubble because of earthquakes, and only at the beginning of the XX century it was brought back to the surface. The part of the monument which is visible today it’s just one third of its original size, the remainder is probably still under the central Sant’Oronzo square. The amphitheatre structure was built with tuff columns surmounted by arcades. Some statues were found in this structure, a statue of Athena (nowadays at the Castromediano’s Museum) and some marble relieves on the railings. The scenes, represented on these marble relieves, illustrates hunting scenes and fights between mans and animals. Nowadays the Amphitheatre is the location of concerts and events

Where: St. Oronzo square
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: It’s possible to visit the Roman Amphitheatre (except on days when performances are scheduled) by reservation at the Info Point Castle of Charles V (+39 0832.246517 – castellocarlov@gmail.com).
Tickets: full price € 2.00; reduced rates reserved for groups composed of more than 10 people: € 1.00. Service guided tour: € 1.00 extra on the ticket price.

Castle of Charles V in Lecce

The Castle was built in 1539 by Carlo V and is placed near St Oronzo square. The project of the building was made by the architect Gian Giacomo dell’Acaya and two constructions were pulled down in order to build this fortress: Cappella di Santa Trinità and Monastero Celestino di Santa Croce. The Castle has two concentric structures separated by an intermediate court, four corner bastions (S. Giacomo, S. Croce, S. Trinità and S. Martino) and great walls

For long time the castle had a defensive functions, but in the XVIII century one of its rooms was used as theatre. From the 1870 to the 1979 it was used as military district. Nowadays it’s the seat of the Cultural Department of the township of Lecce, and it’s used for all the cultural initiatives. On the first floor there’s the big room (Duchess Hall) with cross vault and Gothic capitals with leaf decorations and allegorical illustrations.

Where: viale XXV luglio, near St Oronzo square
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours:
Winter: Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 8:30 pm , Sat. and Sun. 9:30 am to 8:30 pm ;
Summer: from 1/06 to 15/07 and 1/09 to 30/09 from Mon. the Fri. 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Sat, Sun and holidays 9:30 am to 9:00 pm ; from 16/07 to 31/08 from Mon. the Fri. 9:00 am to 11:00 pm , Sat, Sun and holidays 9:30 am to 11:00 pm
Tickets: € 3.00; reduced € 2.00; Children (6-12 years) € 1.00

St Oronzo square in Lecce

St. Oronzo square is the main square of Lecce. It’s the public living room where people use to meet and it has a mosaic pavement representing the emblem of the city: the wolf under a holm oak tree and the crown with five towers.

The buildings, built between Middle age and XIX century, have different styles but they coexist in a harmonious way. In the past it was known as the “Square of Merchants” for its large number of shops and commercial activities but then they disappeared to build the headquarters of the Bank of Italy (XX century).

From 1656 the square is dedicated to the Saint Patron of the city. The legend tells that during plague Lecce was spared thanks to the saint, so people of Lecce erected the votive column of the saint. St Oronzo column represents just one of the attractive of the square where you can visit also the Roman Amphitheatre. In the square there are also Palazzo del Seggio (1592), the ancient church of San Marco, and the church Santa Maria della Grazia, which was built in 1590 after the discovery of a painting representing the Virgin with the baby.

The Cathedral of Lecce

The Cathedral of Lecce is placed in Piazza Duomo and it’s the fulcrum of the religious city life. The Cathedral is dedicated to Maria SS. Assunta and it was first built in 1144, renovated in 1230, and rebuilt in 1659 by Giuseppe Zimbalo thanks to the bishop Luigi Pappacoda.

The Cathedral has two entrances, the principal façade is sober and elegant with some statues of St Gennaro and Ludovico, while the second entrance is a masterpiece of Baroque art with a statue representing St. Oronzo and St. Giusto and St. Fortunato. The interior space has a nave and two aisles, separated by columns and semi columns. The central nave and the transept have wood roof in which there are mounted some paintings representing the Martyr of St. Oronzo and the Last supper. This Cathedral has twelve altars.

the highest pointof art history and it’s painted on the vaulted ceiling of the Cappella Brancacci (chapel) in Florence, in the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine. Masolino and Masaccio, young and old, teacher and pupil, frescoed this chapel together, which was commissioned by Felice Brancacci. Brancacci obliged the two guys to work on the same walls to reduce the style differences at the minimum. It ‘s a masterpiece that surprises everyone, believers or not , telling the sin’s history and other episodes of the Bible and Gospel.

Where: Piazza Duomo
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: Every day 7.30 am – 12 pm and 3.30 – 6 pm; summer 8 am – 12.30 pm and 4 – 8 pm
Tickets : free entrance

Basilica di Santa Croce in Lecce

The Basilica with the Celestine Convent (now the Government Palace) is one of the biggest architectural complexes of the city. It’s also the most significant example of Lecce’s Baroque, especially for the opulence of the main façade decorations.

Between the XVI and XVII centuries, the greatest architects of Salento – Riccardi, Penna and Zimbalo – realized the great work commissioned by the Celestini’s religious order. The result was great: a magnificent monument made of Renaissance and Baroque elements. The façade of the Basilica consists of three parts.

The lower part, in Renaissance style, is divided by six columns supporting a structure richly decorated with lions and women. On the side doors there are the emblems of the Celestine’s order and the Holy Cross, while on the main entrance, with two pairs of columns, there is the emblem of Philip III of Spain.

The second part of the façade is dominated by a beautiful central rose window of Romanesque inspiration and two niches with statues of St. Benedict and St. Celestine. There are also two female statues symbolizing the Faith and Fortitude. On the top, the gable with the Cross.

The interior is divided into three naves separated by high columns and it’s sumptuous too. The nave has a wooden paneled ceiling while the aisles have vaulted ceilings and seven chapels on each side. The precious chapel of San Francesco da Paola has the altar with six columns made by Zimbalo (1614-15) decorated with 12 panels depicting episodes from the life of the saint. It’s considered one of the highest sculptural expressions of Lecce’s Baroque

Where: Via Umberto I
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: Every day 9-12 am and 5-7 pm during the winter, until 8 pm during the summer
Tickets: free entrance

Lecce's churches

There’s plenty of churches in Lecce: the Cathedral, the Basilica of Santa Croce and many other churches in the streets and in the squares of the city (about 40)

Among these, we suggest you to visit Church of St. Nicolò and Cataldo: it was built in the Middle Age (1180) and then restructured in 1716 with a Baroque appearance but preserving elements of its original style.

The portal is decorated with arabesques and floral themes while the interior has a Latin cross shape with three tall and narrow aisles. Among the most original churches, you should admire the Church of St. Matthew (1667 – 1700), with its unique curved façade. The building has a Baroque façade while the interior has an elliptical shape and arched chapels containing rich altars decorations. The church of Saint Irene is beautiful too. It was built in the ‘500 by the order of the Theatine and it has on the main portal the statue of the saint and, on the high pediment, the emblem of the city (the wolf under the crowned holm oak ). The interior has a nave with three chapels on each side; the altar is dedicated to St. Irene and behind the high altar there is the painting of the Madonna della Libera. All the churches of Lecce, with medieval, Renaissance and Baroque style, preserve the historical, artistic and religious heritage of the city.

Abbazia di Santa Maria di Cerrate in Lecce

The Abbey is a little jewel located on the road that connects Squinzano to Casalabate. It is a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture of Salento.

According to the legend, the abbey was built around the XII century by Tancredi d’Altavilla in the place where he had a vision: the Virgin between the horns of a deer (hence the name Cervate then Cerrate). Important religious center until the ‘500, the building was later sacked (1711) and left in a state of disrepair until it was restored in 1965.

The façade has a small central rose window, a single lancet window on each side and an elegant portal . Next to the church you can admire a XIII century porch with cylindrical and polygonal columns and a Renaissance well.

The abbey’s interior is divided into three naves. Apses, and walls are adorned by frescoes of XIII and XIV century. Currently the abbey is one of the assets protected by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano

Where: Country road between Squinzano – Casalabate (SP100)

How to get there by car: Country road between Squinzano – Casalabate (SP100)

Where: Country road between Squinzano – Casalabate (SP100)
How to get there by car: Country road between Squinzano – Casalabate (SP100)
When – Hours: Saturdays and Sundays in July and August, hours 9.30 am 1 pm and 3 – 7 pm
For the other months, consult the FAI website
Tickets: Entrance with voluntary donations

Things to eat in Lecce

In Lecce you’ll find only good food: There are many typical dishes of Salento cuisine. The spices of the Mediterranean scrub (sage, mint, oregano, rosemary …) contribute, then, to enhance the flavor of any dish.

Vegetables and legumes are always available: they are usually cooked in a clay pot, seasoned with olive oil and served with Friselle (toasted bread and crackers). Among the typical dishes we have to mention the savory pie of Lecce, two discs of puff pastry stuffed with mozzarella, sauce, tomato, pepper and nutmeg; the “puccia”, wheat bread round in shape with black olives in the dough : be careful because the olives are not pitted! You have to taste also “municeddhe”, snails with a white membrane that recalls the color of the monk’s dress (mudiceddhe means precisely nuns). For dessert: in addition to the famous pasticciotto of Lecce, there is a big number of delicacies prepared with almond paste. What about wine? Negramaro, the Salice Salentino and Primitivo di Manduria are just some of Salento native wines which are distinguished by the color of body and flavor.

Where to sleep in Lecce

During the last years Lecce had a real tourist explosion, so the city nowadays has a great offer of hotels, B&Bs, agritourisms.

In the old town centre there are few luxury hotels, some 3 star hotels and above all, less expensive but very cozy, B&Bs. The prices are a little bit higher than those of the suburbs. An excellent alternative are the hamlets and agritourisms located just outside the town, near the sea or among the olive trees. They are renovated old farmhouses, many of them with swimming pool.

If you are looking for a hotel in Lecce, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 2000 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

cities of art Florence

10 things to do in Florence

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 10 Settembre 2016

If you could travel back in time, like the movie of Troisi and Benigni, during the period between 1400 and 1500, you could meet in Florence Brunelleschi and Masaccio, Donatello and Michelangelo, Lorenzo the Magnificent and Savonarola. Each one of them doing their work: architect, painter, sculptor, prince and preacher in order to transform (without knowing and maybe without wanting) this little city, placed on the Arno’s shore, into a masterpiece: the cradle of the Renaissance. Before that period, Florence was a calm and rich city, but after, it became a model to the “New Man” who was coming out from the Middle Age. In a few kilometers, thanks to the artists, palaces, museums, churches, bridges began to rise. The paintings in the workshops were destined to change the history of art forever. All these masterpieces made of stone, canvas and marble are in a perfect state of preservation, open to everybody… if you succeed to find a place among the crowd of tourists. In this page we suggest 10 things to do and see during a holiday or a weekend in Florence.

If you are looking for a hotel in Florence, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 700 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Duomo, Campanile di Giotto and Brunelleschi’s Cupola in Florence

The Brunelleschi’s Cupola (dome) is still the tallest building in Florence nowadays. The Campanile (bell tower) was designed by Giotto but he never saw it finished. The baptistery is one of the oldest building in Florence, it was built in the IV century. With its wonderful main doors, it looks like an illustrated Bible. The Duomo, with its marvelous façade made of white and green marble, catches the eyes of everybody . There’s no other place in the world with a complex of so extraordinary buildings. We’re in the middle of Florence, in front of Santa Maria del Fiore, that everybody calls “the Cathedral”.

A church of 153 meters high, built in 170 years, to make the rival cities (Siena and Pisa) envious. In this ambitious realization were involved the most important artists of Florence: from Giotto to Brunelleschi, from Vasari to Talenti, from Arnolfo di Cambio to Lorenzo Ghiberti. Any tour of Florence starts from here: looking at the Campanile you’ll have the amazed expression, asking yourself how men have created such a wonder.

Where: old town centre
How to get there: by feet
When:
Cathedral
Monday-Wednesday and Friday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday:
10:00 am to 4:00 pm (May and October)
10:00 am to 5:00 pm (July-September),
10:00 am to 4:30 pm (from January to April, June, November and December);
Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:45 pm
Sundays and religious holidays: 1:30 to 4:45 pm
Holy Thursday: 12:30 to 4:30 pm
Holy Friday: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
Holy Saturday: 11:00 am to 4:45 pm
The opening days and times of access may vary on the basis of religious celebrations.
Closed Christmas, 1 January, Epiphany and Easter.
Bell tower
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8:30 am to 7:30 pm
Epiphany: 8:30 am to 2:00 pm
The ticket office closes 40 minutes before closing.
Annual closing: New Year, Easter and Christmas.
Baptistery
Monday-Saturday: 11:15 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday and first Saturday of the month: 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.;
Easter Monday, April 25th, May 1st, Holy Thursday, Holy Friday and Holy Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 pm
Access allowed up to 30 minutes before closing.
The opening days and times of access may vary on the basis of religious celebrations.
Annual closing: New Year, Easter and Christmas.

Ponte Vecchio in Florence

Florence’s most beautiful bridge, and one of the most photographed too, wasn’t in the past a chic place. Nowadays goldsmiths shops are an attraction for tourists, but until 1565 most of the shops were groceries and butcher’s shops. When it was built the “Corridoio Vasariano” (Vasari corridor), that runs over the bridge, the butchers and the grocers were driven out . Goldsmiths and artisans were considered more suitable trades for the beauty of the place. From that time, the gold became a protagonist of Ponte Vecchio, as the statue of Benvenuto Cellini (the greatest goldsmith of Florence) reminds us.

In 1565 Giorgio Vasari built for Cosimo I Dè Medici the “Corridoio Vasariano” to connect Palazzo Vecchio with Palazzo Pitti (at that time it was residence of the Medici family). The corridor is one kilometre long, it starts from Palazzo Vecchio, passes through the Galleria degli Uffizi (Uffizi Gallery) over the workshops of Ponte Vecchio and ends in Palazzo Pitti. It seems that Hitler during the Second World War bombardments ordered to save the bridge. Beauty sometimes lights up even the tyrants.

Palazzo Vecchio in Florence

The first thing you can notice of Palazzo Vecchio is that you can’t take a full picture of it. Even if you go in the farthest place in Piazza della Signoria, the palace is too large and too tall to enter in just one picture. You can’t stop taking pictures of it because it’s considered the best example of 1300 civil architecture. The palace has the “Torre di Arnolfo” which is 94 meters tall . It was built in 1310 and on its top you can see the flag with the Florentine fleur- de -lis. At the entrance of Palazzo Vecchio is exposed (as a support for the pigeons too…) a copy of Michelangelo’s David.

This beautiful palace is in Piazza della Signoria, a place for long-time considered “cursed”, because it was the terrain of the struggle between guelphs and ghibellines. Today, faded away the memories of this bloody past, Piazza della Signoria is the centre of the social, civil and political life of all Florence’s city.

Where: old town centre
How to get there: by feet
When:
From October to March: Every day from 9 am to 7 pm
Thursday and holidays from 9 am To 2 pm.
From April to September: Every day except the Thursday: 9 am 11 pm
MEZZANINO-DONATION LOESER
Every day except Thursday: 9 am – 7 pm
Thursday: 9 am -2pm
TOWER
(Not allowed access to children under 6 years)
Access to the tower is suspended in case of rain
From October to March
Every day except Thursday: 10 am – 5 pm
Thursday: 10 am – 2 pm
From April to September
Every day except Thursday: 9 am 9 pm
Thursday: 9 am – 2 pm
The ticket office closes one hour before the museum
December 25: Closed Museum, Archaeological route and Tower
Tickets:
Museum: Adults: € 10 / € 8 Reduced
Torre: € 10 / € 8
+ Museum Tower: € 14 / € 12
In case of rain, access to the Tower will be suspended. You can still visit the walkway of Ronda with reduced ticket (+ € 2.00)
The climb is forbidden to children under 6 years old and not recommended for visitors with mobility difficulties, for heart patients, asthmatics, those who suffer from vertigo and claustrophobia. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence

One Caravaggio’s masterpiece returns and the one of Raffaelo is gone. Tiziano leaves for an art exhibition but the “Angeli” by Rosso Fiorentino are back. The Uffizi Gallery is like an art supermarket, a case that contains masterpieces of each historical period and the favorite destination for all the art lovers. It’s quite strange to see tourists stand patiently in queue whereas the greatest part of the Italians has never been to the Uffizi.

There are a lot of things to see. If you think about a painting, it is probably kept here. The path inside this huge museum begins with the 1300 room which host the three altar pieces made by Cimabue, Duccio di Buoninsegna and Giotto. They represent the “Enthroned Virgin and child” . You can admire other masterpieces too: Botticelli, Leonardo, Signorelli, Perugino, Durer, Caravaggio… We want to give you just one tip: during your stay in Florence you should schedule an entire day dedicated to the Uffizi, wear a pair of comfortable shoes and enjoy the show.

Where: old town centre
How to get there: by feet
When: From Tuesday to Saturday from 8.15 am to 6.50 pm.
Closing time: Every Monday, 1st January, 1st May, 25th December.
Ticket office close at 6.05 pm. Closure operations starts at 6.35 pm
How much: Full ticket € 12.50

Cappella Brancacci in Florence

An angel with a sword chases Adam and Eve in order to expel them from the Eden. Adam covers his face with his hand, he cries and tries to hide himself because of the shame. Eve has the defaced face by the pain, her face is visible because hers arms are covering her breast.

It’s a devasting scene, this fresco is considered one of the highest pointof art history and it’s painted on the vaulted ceiling of the Cappella Brancacci (chapel) in Florence, in the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine. Masolino and Masaccio, young and old, teacher and pupil, frescoed this chapel together, which was commissioned by Felice Brancacci. Brancacci obliged the two guys to work on the same walls to reduce the style differences at the minimum. It ‘s a masterpiece that surprises everyone, believers or not , telling the sin’s history and other episodes of the Bible and Gospel.

Where: Piazza del Carmine 14
How to get there: by feet in the old town centre
When – Hours:
Wednesday – Saturday and Monday: from 10 am to 5 pm
Public holiday from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Closed: Tuesday, New Year, January 7, Easter, May 1, July 16, August 15, Christmas.
Tickets: Full ticket € 6

Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence

Michelangelo’s grave, protected by three statues that represent the painting, the sculpture and the architecture, is placed at the entrance of the Basilica. In front of it there’s the Galileo Galilei’s tomb. A little forward there’s Dante’s cenotaph but not his remains which are in Ravenna, where he dead. Then you can find Vittorio Alfieri, Antonio Canova, Nicolò Machiavelli, Gioacchino Rossini and Ugo Foscolo who defined Santa Croce as the place where were preserved “le urne dei forti” (the mortal remains of the great people”).

But Santa Croce isn’t just a collection of tombs of the greatest Italian people. Indeed, at the end of the Church, there are the Chapels frescoed by Giotto with the history of San Francesco’s life. In the Cappella dei Pazzi (chapel), where Giuliano Dè Medici was killed and Lorenzo the Magnificent was injured in a conspiracy, there’s a crucifix made by Cimabue.

Where: city centre
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: weekday from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Sunday and Religious holidays (6th January, 15th August, 1st November, 8th December) from 2 pm to 5.30 pm. Easter Monday, 25th April, 1st May, 2nd June, from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.
Closing time and last entrance: 5 pm
Closed: 1st January, Easter, 13th June, 4th October, 25th/26th December.
In case of extraordinary events taking place in Piazza Santa Croce (eg: games of the historic Florentine football at the end of June) and for of publicpolicy issues, the closure can be anticipated
Tickets: Full ticket costs 6,00 €
Combined ticket with Casa Buonarroti :8 €
Where to buy tickets: Tickets are on sale only at the ticket office of the Opera, in the loggia on Largo Bargellini (Via S. Giuseppe side).

Chiesa di Santa Maria Novella in Florence

It was not possible that the churches of Santo Spirito and Santa Croce, belonging respectively to the Augustinian and Franciscans friars, were the most beautiful and majestic churches in Florence. For this reason the Dominicans in 1278 began the construction of the Church of Santa Maria Novella, that became a wonderful example of “Tuscan – Romanesque style”, thanks to the use of white, black and green marble.

The interior has three naves in which the Crucifix of Giotto immediately attracts the visitor’s eye. In the transept, in Cappella Strozzi, there is a wonderful cycle of frescoes made by Filippino Lippi. In the main chapel or Tornabuoni there is a famous Ghirlandaio’s fresco cycle in which the character portraits are all important figures of the time, including the Tornabuoni people. In the Cappella Gondi there is the Crucifix made by Brunelleschi, the only wooden work of the artist. The most important work of all Santa Maria Novella is the Trinity of Masaccio that is a totally revolutionary art. Jesus on the cross, at his feet the Virgin and St. John, with the buyers of the work on the side, Lenzi spouses. The vault over Christ seems that really exists, so that Vasari used to say that “It appears a hole in that wall.” The Virgin does not watch his son ,who is dying , but points at the viewer of the picture, resigned to a fate that must be accomplished for all men’s salvation.

Where: close to the station Santa Maria Novella
How to get there: by feet
When- Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Friday: 11:00 am to 5:30 pm
Saturdays: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
Sundays and religious holidays:
July-September: 12:00 to 5:30 pm
October to June: 13:00 to 5:30 p.m.
The ticket office closes 45 minutes before closing time

Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence

In 1784 the Gallery was founded by Pietro Leopoldo Grand Duke of Tuscany, to help the Academy fine art’s students with the Florentine art studies. Called also Museum of Michelangelo, for the abundance of the Florentine genius works, the gallery currently holds the sculptures of other artists and paintings from the XIV to XVI century.

The most important work of the Gallery is undoubtedly Michelangelo’s David that was exposed to the windy and cold of Piazza della Signoria, now replaced by a copy. The statue depicts the biblical hero when he is about to face the giant Golia and symbolizes the victory of intelligence and courage against the pure brute force. Michelangelo worked to the David from 1502 to 1504 using a block of marble that had been previously used by Agostino di Duccio and Antonio Rossellino. Both artists abandoned the sculpture because they judged the marble too fragile to support the weight of a statue of 4 meters and 10 high . Michelangelo made some special interventions making David a symbol of formal perfection and eternal beauty that emerges in spite of the cold marble.

Where: Via Ricasoli
How to get there: From the Cathedral by feet taking Via Ricasoli
When-Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, from 8.15 am to 6.50 pm
Closed on Mondays, New Year’s Day, May 1st, Christmas
The ticket office closes at 6.20 pm
Closing operations begin at 6.40 pm

Things to eat in Florence

Florentine cuisine is famous thanks to the Florentine steak, but it has more to offer: its dishes are born from common people fantasy that used to transforms poor and essential ingredients into extraordinary courses.

The meal usually starts with some salami and liver bruschetta or a “fettunta” (bruschetta with salt and oil) Among the first courses, there are the “pappa al Pomodoro” (literally “food with tomato”), and the Tuscan soup. The Florentine steak is the really queen of the table and people of Florence always specify that it must be at least 1 kilo weight. Among the second courses there is the tripe and the lamprey with beans as side dish. As all the red meat, Florentine should be served with red wine, even on the wines Tuscany has a lot to offer: Chianti, Brunello, Montepulciano. If you want to know where you can eat it in Florence we suggest you to avoid the restaurants of the city centre. It is enough to move a little away from the centre of the city to find great restaurants, where you can eat very well without making your credit card cry.

Where to sleep in Florence

Since there are always many foreign tourists and Italian schools, Florence is a city organized all around the tourism. This means that the offer of hotels, B&Bs, guest houses and rooms is exceptional, but also that you will have to look for a while, and book early to find a place to sleep with a good relationship between the price spent and the quality of the room.

In the old town centre there are many rooms in B&Bs and small 3-star hotel with an average price of about 100 Euros per night. Moving out of the center, reachable on foot, however, you can save some money and you can get a better hotel

If you are looking for a hotel in Florence, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 2000 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Bologna cities of art

10 things to do and see in Bologna

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 10 Settembre 2016

“Erudite, red and fat”: these are the three nicknames used to describe Bologna, chief town of the rich region Emilia Romagna. Bologna “la Dotta – the Erudite”, because in Bologna you can find one of the most ancient Universities of the world, still attended by many Italian and foreign students. Bologna “la Rossa – the Red”, because of the colour of the roofs, the typical colour of the medieval age. Bologna “la Grassa – the Fat”, because of its delicious cuisine: Bologna’s food is known all around the world because it can seduce everybody. In this page we suggest 10 things to do and see during a holiday or a weekend in Bologna.

If you are looking for a hotel in Bologna, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 120 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

Piazza Maggiore in Bologna

Piazza Maggiore or Piazza Grande (called in this way by people of Bologna and Lucio Dalla, a famous italian singer), is the heart of Bologna because is the centre of the religious and civil life of this city. It’s famous for the Fontana di Nettuno and for the ancient medieval buildings into the square: The Palazzo Comunale (City Hall) , the Palazzo dei Bianchi, the huge San Petronio Basilica and, in front of the basilica, the Palazzo del Podestà All these buildings testify the story of this city from 1200, when people of Bologna needed a market square.

All the buildings, that were there before, were bought by the township and then destroyed. In 1400 the square was completed and took the austere appearance that we can see today. In spite of its historical importance there’s a legend among students of the University of Bologna: it’s bad luck to pass through the square from the centre, it must be crossed going along the borders. Students that don’t follow this suggestion risk to never get the University degree.

Basilica di San Petronio in Bologna

The Basilica di San Petronio is the most important church in Bologna and it’s the fifth largest church in the world. The construction of this church began in 1390 and continued for centuries. In order to build this temple, civil pride’s symbol of Bologna, towers, houses and eight churches were destroyed.

This is the last big Gothic church realized in Italy, characterised by a Latin cross plan with three naves and chapels. You can’t miss the Cappella Bolognini frescoed with Stories of the Three Kings; the left wall, at the top, The Last Judgment and Heaven. At the bottom of the fresco, the Hell with an extraordinary and big Lucifer, and the representation of the prophet Muhammad in hell.

This Basilica has been for long time used by the township of Bologna as public building for many purposes: place of ceremonies, court, public meeting; in 1929 after the Patti Lateranensi (Lateran Pacts: agreements made between the Kingdom of Italy and the Holy See), it returned property of the church. If you visit this Basilica you can’t miss the beautiful Sundial made by Cassini, which demonstrate that the Earth moves around the sun.

Where: city centre
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: from 7.45 am to 2.00 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm
Tickets: free entrance, during exhibitions some frescoes could not be free

Asinelli's Tower

The towers are one of the main features of Bologna. Between the XII and XIII century many towers were built, but nowadays they are less than twenty. These towers had a military and civil function: they gave prestige to the families which paid for their construction.

The two most important towers are The Asinelli’s tower and the Garisenda.

Asinelli’s tower was built between the 1109 and the 1119 by Asinelli’s family, which used the tower also for military reasons. In 1448 a little stronghold was added to the tower in order to host soldiers. Nowadays the arch and the arcades host artisans’ shops in memory of the commercial function of this city during the middle age. The visitors have to climb 498 wooden stairs to reach the top of this tower, that is 97,20 meters high. From there they can enjoy the beautiful view of Bologna’s red roofs. When the weather is good it’s possible to see the sea and the Alps. Garisenda Tower is less high (47 meters) and cannot be visited

Where: city centre
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: Summer from 9 am to 6 pm, Winter 9 am to 5 pm
Tickets: 3 €

Basilica di Santo Stefano in Bologna

The Basilica is a complex of sacred buildings that form the “Sette Chiese” (Seven churches). The complex is placed in a triangular shaped square (it has been recently restored) and is made by Chiesa del Crocifisso, Basilica del Sepolcro, Chiesa di San Vitale e Sant’Agricola, Cortile di Pilato, Chiesa del Martyrium, Chiostro Medievale (the medieval cloister) and Museo di Santo Stefano.

All the buildings are very ancient, and even if they were built in different periods, they have a certain stylistic uniformity. This complex is the most interesting and best preserved Romanesque monument in Bologna. The project was probably made when the bishop Petronio, after a voyage in Jerusalem in the V century, decided to make a reproduction of the sacred places of that city in Bologna. After all the restoration works made during the centuries, the churches are nowadays only four

Where: city centre
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: Every day from 8 am to 7 pm
Ticket: free offer

Bologna Canals

Maybe only few people know that Bologna have always been a city of water, a little Venice now largely hidden. The most charming part of this unusual Bologna is discovered by opening a small window located in Via Piella. Here, as in a vision, the view is on the Moline canal, used for centuries to power water mills with which people used to work the wheat.

Forgotten for decades, so much that most of the canals were buried in the ’50s, the water nature of Bologna has been rediscovered recently by the residents who are trying to revalue it. Besides the window of Via Piella, other “views” have been opened on Canale delle Moline from via Oberdan and via Malcontenti. Around the old town, you can see half-hidden torrents, you can hear the sound of water but you can’t see it. Where? In the Jewish Ghetto, under which flows the Aposa river or between via delle Moline and via Capo di Lucca, where you can hear the roar of Salto del Reno river.

Pinacoteca Nazionale in Bologna

The Pinacoteca Nazionale of Bologna is one of the most important museum collections in Italy. The works here represent a trace the history of art in this region from the XIII to the XIX century. You can see painting of artists as Raffaello, Carracci, Reni, Perugino, Parmigianino, Tintoretto, Vasari, Guercino and other personalities.

The first core of this museum was a donation made by Monsignor Francesco Zambeccari; then during the years, thanks to donations of private citizens, acquisitions and legacies, this Pinacoteca has become one of the most appreciated and famous gallery in Italy and Europe. The museum has thirty exposition rooms and spaces dedicated to temporary exhibitions and didactic activities. The Pinacoteca besides exposing, preserves, keeps and studies the artistic patrimony of the city of Bologna and Emilia Romagna region.

Where: city centre
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: from Tuesday – Wednesday , 9 am – 1 pm; Thursday-Sunday and holidays , 2 – 7 pm.
Never: Monday
Tickets: 4 €, reduced tickets 2 €

Porticoes of San Luca in Bologna

What would be Bologna without its porticoes? This city is covered by porticoes for almost 40 kilometres. Porticoes are not only an architectural element but represent the very essence and the mood of the city.

In the summertime they are a perfect refuge from the sun and in the cold seasons a perfect refuge from the rain. They are the open subway of Bologna, covered path that allow people to reach all the points of the city centre.

The most famous colonnade is about 4 km from the centre of Bologna that leads to the Church of San Luca, the symbol of Bologna placed over the Colle della Guardia . The church was built between 1723 and 1757 to replace an earlier XV century church. The church has an elliptical plan with the Greek cross interior, decorated with works by Guido Reni and Guercino. The covered colonnade, with 666 arches, connects the sanctuary to Porta Zaragoza in city. The number of 666 (the symbol of the devil) is full of symbolic references: the arches have the shape of a snake (the devil) crushed by the foot of the Holy Virgin, represented by the church. The climb, then, is a path of liberation and purification from sin. Every year, during the week of the Ascension, from the church starts the procession that carry the Madonna and Child to the cathedral. Along the porticoes of San Luca people use to jog , especially on Sundays. If you want to deal with them, you should wear comfortable shoes and lots of patience, because it is very hard!

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vita in Bologna

This small church can be reached by a side road of Piazza Maggiore, and it’s worth a visit for the beautiful “Mourning over the Dead Christ” made in the second half of the ‘400 by Niccolò dell’Arca.

This sculpture group is considered one of the masterpieces of Italian sculpture, even if it’s unknown to many people. The pain expressed by the faces of the statues let Gabriele D’Annunzio to define the work a “scream of the stone” .The Church of Santa Maria della Vita was founded in the second half of the XIII century by the Confraternity dei Battuti o Flagellati and it’s considered the most important example of Bolognese Baroque. Don’t miss the nearby chapel and the Museo della Sanità which preserves the memory of the hospital wanted by flagellants.

Where: city centre
How to get there: by feet
When – Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 7 pm. Closed on Monday
Ticket: free entrance

Things to eat in Bologna

The Bologna gastronomic fame dates back to the Middle Ages, when students and professors from all over the world needed an enrichment of food culture. Bolognese cuisine, like the one of Emilia in general, is varied and abundant. Besides the famous tortelli, still hand-made by pasta makers and served in broth, pasta and pork meat are the main characters of the boards. Some typical dishes are created thanks to the many combinations of these two elements.

Among these typical dishes there is the sauce, prepared with mixed pork meat, veal and beef; tagliatelle , prepared with flour and eggs; lasagne, seasoned with alternate layers of meat sauce, bechamel sauce and parmesan cheese; Bolognese cutlet, covered with cheese and a slice of ham. Also from porkmeat is made the mortadella, a typical salami which is used to fill the ravioli, but also a froth that can be used as ingredient for sandwiches and croutons. Among the desserts, there’s the famous Certosino cake: it is a Christmas cake made with honey, almonds, candied fruit, pine nuts, butter, raisins, cinnamon and dark chocolate.

Where to sleep in Bologna

A constant presence of students, professors, businessmen and tourists make it difficult to find a cheap place, especially in high season. But you don’t have to be worried about it, Bologna has an excellent accommodation capacity of hotels, B&Bs and apartments.

Hotels of the city centre are the most expensive, but don’t choose them if you want to get there by car: Bologna has a very wide restricted traffic zone and there are fines for unauthorized access. Just outside the centre or near the station there are small hotels and B&Bs where you can find typical hospitality and friendliness of Bologna. Hotel prices start at 50 Euros per night in 3 star hotel.

If you are looking for a hotel in Bologna, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 2000 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

cities of art Pisa

10 things to do and see in Pisa

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 10 Settembre 2016

When Pisa is mentioned, everybody thinks about its tower, but this impressive leaning bell tower it’s just one of the many monuments you can find in this nice Tuscan city. The beautiful Piazza del Duomo collects, in a unique architectural complex in the world, the so called Campo dei Miracoli (Miracles square), the main religious monuments of the city: the Tower, the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the Campo Santo (the graveyard). Pisa, however, it’s not just about this square: it will be enough to move just a little to discover the artistic beauty that make Pisa one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Buildings, monuments and museums keep alive the memory of a past time during which Pisa was the Maritime Republic and, for a long time, the undisputed master of the Mediterranean sea .

In addition Pisa is still considered the Queen of studies, this title was assigned to Pisa from Florence, and is a very young, dynamic and animated city. Here, then, are 10 things to do and see during a holiday or a weekend in Pisa.

If you are looking for a hotel in Pisa, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 100 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The leaning tower of Pisa

Symbol of the city, thanks to its characteristic slope, this tower is the most famous monument of Piazza del Duomo and it was built between the XII and the XIV century. This tower leans because the ground gave during its early stage of construction, and since then it has remained in this way. Even if it could looks scaring, you don’t have to worry about it: the vertical axis, passing through its centre of gravity, falls into the support base, so the tower will never fall down, unless the laws of physics should be subverted.

We don’t have certain informations about who built this tower, maybe it was the architect Diotisalvi, who in that period was working at the Baptistery. But even if there are several analogies between the two monuments the diatribe about the paternity of the tower is still open. The tower has been proposed as one of the seven wonders of the contemporary world.

How to get there: From the central station: shuttle bus A or the bus n°3
When – Hours: from March to October, every day from 9 am to 7 pm. From November to February every day from 9.30 am to 5 pm. From April to September every day from 8.30 am to 8.30 pm. From the 14th June to the 15th September you can make a night visit from 8.30 pm to 11 pm.
Tickets: 18 €

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Pisa

The Cathedral of Pisa, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, is the most significant example of the Pisa Romanesque art. The architect Buscheto joined the classical tradition with elements from the Norman, Byzantine, Pre-Christian and Arabic arts, creating a new style which anticipated the Florentine Renaissance.

The Cathedral of Pisa testifies the prestige that the Maritime Republic reached in its moment of maximum power. Its construction began in 1604, in the same date of the beginning of the works of the Basilica of San Marco in Venice; probably it was risen a sort of silent competition between the two Republics for who was able to build the most beautiful and sumptuous worship place. The current aspect of the Cathedral is the result of continues restauration works made in different epochs. During the IX century some of the statues has been substituted with copies, the originals are now in the Museum of Opera del Duomo

How to get there: From the central station: shuttle bus A or the bus n°3
When – Hours: Winter from 10 am to 12.45 pm and from 3 pm to 4.45 pm during weekdays; from 3 pm to 4.45 pm on Sundays and public holidays. In Autumn, Spring and Summer from 8 am to 8 pm
Tickets: 2 €

Pisa Baptistery

The Pisa Baptistery too forms the monumental complex of Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral square or Miracle’s square). Its construction began in 1153 thanks to the architect Diotisalvi, as an inscription inside an interior pillar testifies, but a lot of the sculptures on the façade have been made by Nicola Pisano and his son Giovanni.

Nicola Pisano made also the pulpit that represents scenes from the Christ’s life and subject that represents the virtues: all masterpieces testify how their creator has been one of the principals precursors of the Renaissance art. The external dome covers only the first part of columns and probably the lack of money caused it. The dome, in fact, is made by different materials (red shingles and lead plates); for the same reason there are no frescoes on the ceiling, even if they were on the original plan. The Baptistery is the biggest monument in Italy.

How to get there: From the central station: shuttle bus A or the bus n°3
When – Hours: from November to February from 10 am to 4.30 pm. From March to October from 9 am to 6.30 pm
Never: 1st January and 25th December
Tickets: Full ticket 5 € and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo is included

The monumental graveyard of Pisa

The last wonder of Campo dei Miracoli ( Miracles square) is the monumental graveyard of Pisa, a sacred place. The crusaders brought there the saint-ground taken on the Golgotha mountain, just outside Jerusalem. There are buried the most important people of Pisa, and there can be found art works from the Etruscan time passing through the Roman and Medieval era until the last century. Simple white marble walls guards the graves; the most important persons were buried into the garden or in the Roman sarcophagi, while the other were buried under the arcades.

In the XIX century the Graveyard was restructured, the sarcophagi was moved under the arcades to protect them, so currently everything is under them. The mix between celebration of the history and the death made this Graveyard one of the most visited place during 1800 until the second world war bombardments caused serious damages to the frescoes. In 1945 started the renovation works and they are still in progress.

How to get there: From the central station: shuttle bus A or the bus n°3
When – Hours: from November to February from 10 am to 4,30 pm. From Match to October from 9 am to 6,30 pm
Never: 1st January and 25th December
Tickets: Full ticket 5 € and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo is included

Banks of the Arno

Pisa is famous for Piazza dei Miracoli ( Miracles square), but it is also known for its banks of the Arno: all the streets that go along the Arno are an important point of meeting for young people and reference’s point for the tourists. There are important buildings, dated back to the Middle age, that during the centuries have been transformed. Towers, bridges and buildings, in spite of their actual Renaissance appearance, have a medieval soul, which can’t be ignored by the eye of an attentive tourist.

Among the great number of the banks of the Arno, the most famous is the Medicean one which hosts a great number of historical buildings, such as: Palazzo dei Medici, Palazzo Toscanelli and the church of Matteo in Soarta. On the bank of the Arno Gambacorti there’s a small gothic jewel, the church of Santa Maria della Spina. It took this name in 1333 when it hosted the relic of a spur from Christ’s crown (now exposed in the church of Santa Chiara). If you are in Pisa on 16th June, you cannot miss the illustrations of San Ranieri: the backs of the Arno are illuminated by candle lights enhancing the outlines of all buildings and creating a play of light and colors.

Piazza dei Cavalieri – Knights Square in Pisa

The hurried tourist, who leaves Pisa after the classic visit around the Campo dei Miracoli (Miracles Square) ,misses this wonderful town square. Piazza dei Cavalieri owes its name to the presence of the headquarter of the Order of Knights of St. Stephen. For centuries it has been the site of a national civil power, even though today it’s above all a cultural and study place thanks to the presence of the Scuola Normale of Pisa, housed in the Palace of the Caravan.

Extraordinary example of Renaissance architecture designed by Giorgio Vasari, who decorated it with allegorical figures and zodiacal signs. Close to it there is the beautiful Palazzo dell’Orologio (Clock Palace), medieval building in which it was built the Torre della Fame (Tower of Starvation). In the Divine Comedy Dante told the story that the Count Ugolino della Gherardesca died in 1289, in that tower, with its children and grandchildren. The other buildings in the square are Canonica, il Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici, the church of Santo Stefano and the one of San Rocco. The Church of Santo Stefano was built by Giorgio Vasari and inside there is the painting Stoning of Saint Stephen with the addition of the Birth of Christ by Bronzino. At the center of the square stands the statue of Cosimo I as a Grand Master of the Knights.

The Mural made by Keith Haring in Pisa

In 1989, passing through Pisa, Keith Haring left to the city an extraordinary work of art: the mural “Tuttomondo”, painted on the rear façade of the convent of the friars “Servi di Maria” of the church of St. Anthony.

The church is located close to the station, in an urban context in which the artist used to expressed itself at the best. A few months later Haring would die and this mural is one of his last works. He had this idea in New York after a casual meeting with a Pisan student with whom he talked about world peace. The characters inside the murals are 30, stuck like a puzzle, and each one represents one aspect of a world in peace: there are “humanized” scissors defeating the evil serpent that was eating the head of the another figure. Then there is motherhood, represented by the woman with the baby in her arms, the nature with the two men supporting the dolphin and so on. Haring used soft colors, as a form of respect for the beauty of Pisa. He worked on it for a week, with the intention of making a permanent work, in fact, he used the colors specially made by craftsmen of the Caparol Center, tempera and acrylic that could keep intact the quality of color for a long time. After 20 years “Tuttomondo” is still there to remind us the brief and intense life of this extraordinary artist.

Narrow Borgo and wide Borgo

If you pass through the old town centre of Pisa probably you’ll pass through the narrow borgo (burg), or “the Borgo “, as people of Pisa use to call it. It’s the most typical street of the center, with its colonnades, the shops, the café. Along the way you can see buildings of the XIV and XV centuries that formed the nucleus of the ancient Pisa: here the noble families and merchants competed to build the most beautiful, the tallest and colorful building. All that splendor can be seen so much today

Going along via delle Colonne you can arrive in Piazza Vettovaglie, secular place of the food market, originally Piazza dei Porci. Once the arcades of Borgo Stretto are finished there is Piazza del Pozzetto (Borgo Largo) but first we suggest you to stop to see the wood tabernacle with inside a copy of Madonna dei Vetturini of Nino Pisano.

Things to eat in Pisa

The gastronomy isn’t very popular because it isn’t very different from the Tuscany one, even if it’s more spiced and abundant. Anyway here the food has its own plates such as: the frog soup, the white beans of San Michele soup and the bavettine (kind of pasta) on the fish. The fish is one of the main ingredients of these recipes: grilled grey mullet and cod recipes, boiled Mediterranean spiderfish, sweet and sour cod are the most famous recipes. You can also taste game, in particular pheasant meat, wild boar or wild rabbit.

It’s very known also the pesto pisano, different from the Genova pesto because it has the pine kernels too. To complete your meal you can have a cake too, such as Torta co’ bischeri (the pastry pins that come out of the mold) , the most typical sweet and famous of the Pisan gastronomy.

Where to sleep in Pisa

Pisa attracts about 1 million of different tourists: there are many foreigners, Italians who visit for a school weekend, many trips and even a good number of people who commute to the city to take advantage of the excellent local hospitals.

It’s therefore not easy to find a cheap room, especially in high season and during periods of school trips. We suggest, therefore, to book in advance especially if you want three stars midrange hotels in the tourist areas. Hotel prices in the center start from 80 € per night in a double room including breakfast. A good alternative are the hotels and cottages on the outskirts of Pisa.

If you are looking for a hotel in Pisa, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 2000 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

capitals Rome

10 things to do and see in Rome

Autore articolo Di Jose
Data dell'articolo 16 Aprile 2016

It is quite difficult to talk about Rome in a few words, and it is hard to believe that this wonderful city was built on a small settlement of shepherds on the Palatine hill and there was a she-wolf that nursed two children as they were her cubs. Perhaps billion of tourist each year look for this mystery, while they are visiting Rome. The modernity of this city is not so romantic if you think about people, car and things that go back and forth. However, the capital of Italy is a beautiful destination like few cities in the world. In this page we suggest 10 things to do and see during a holiday or a weekend in Rome.

If you are looking for a hotel in Rome, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 2000 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com

The Colosseum

There’s a legend about the Colosseum: one day it will fall down, Rome will fall down with it and with Rome the rest of the world. If this legend is true, let’s hope that this incredible monument stay there for long time! Inaugurated with the name of Flavian Amphitheatre, it was called “Colosseum” in a second time probably because of the colossal statue, known with the name of “God of the Sun”, which was near the amphitheater and looked like Nerone.

The Romans had fun watching the gladiators and the wild animals wrestling, or assisting at spectacular simulations of naval battles. This monument was built by the emperor Vespasiano, founder of Flavi dynasty. His son, Tito added two lines of seats completing the work wanted by his father, and to celebrate the end of the works (80 AD) he organized 100 days of games. Nowadays the Colosseum is still one of the most important monuments of Rome. Around the amphitheater is possible to see the Centurions, people dressed like ancient Roman combatants, who stay there to pose in the tourists photos, and now they are part of the tradition too. Even without knowing anything of architecture or history, everybody is charmed by this monument, for which Roma is known all over the world. And looking at it after the sunset, whit all spotlights on, it’s beyond words!

Where: Piazza del Colosseo
How to get there: Subway line B – Colosseo stop
When – Hours: from last Sunday of October to 15th February from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm; from 16th February to 15th March from 8.30 am to 5 pm; from 16th to last Saturday of March from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm; from 30th March to 31st August from 8.30 am to 7.15 pm; from 1st to 30th September from 8.30 am to 7 pm; from 1st to last Sunday of October from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm.
Never: 1st January, 1st May, 25th December.
Tickets: The ticket office closes one hour before closing time.
Tickets can also be purchased at the ticket offices of the Palatine in Via di San Gregorio n. 30, or in Piazza Santa Maria Nova 53 (200 meters from the Colosseum) and includes also the entrance to the Palatine and Roman Forum.
Full price: 12,00 €; Reduced: 7,50 euro, for European Union members between 18 and 24 years and for European Union teachers; Free: European Union citizens under 18 and over 65 years.

The Pantheon in Rome

With its dome and colonnade atrium, the Pantheon is one of the most famous Roman monuments. According to a legend, it’s the place where Romulus, after his death, was taken to heaven by an eagle. It’s a Temple dedicated to all gods (Pan Theon- all gods), and it was built by Emperor Adrian between 118 and 125 A.D. replacing an earlier temple of Marcus Agrippa consecrated to Mars and Venus.

In 609, the Roman temple was converted into a Christian basilica with the name of Santa Maria ad Martyres. In 1870 it became shrine of the kings of Italy. Inside you can find the tombs of Victor Emmanuel II, Umberto I and Margherita of Savoy, as well as that of the great Raffaello Sanzio. This building is characterized, more than anything else, by the largest hemispherical dome of 43.3 m diameter equal to the height from the floor, on top of which there is the largest opening (9 m.), called “The oculus (eye)” . From this hole comes the light, but also water falls down when it rain. However, it flows rapidly thanks to both central and lateral holes on the floor that prevent the formation of puddles. So, it’s not true that in the Pantheon doesn’t enter the rain. While it’s true that when it rains, the opening creates a “chimney effect” that is, an upward air current that crush water drops. Thus, even when the rain is pouring outside, the feeling is that inside there is less rain.

Where: Piazza della Rotonda
How to get there: Subway. Barberini stop (A line) . With the bus: n. 30,40,62,64,81,87, 492 (Lago di Torre Argentina stop)
When – Hours: from monday to friday 9.00 am – 7.30 pm. Sunday 9 am to 1.00 pm. In case of Mass or wedding celebrations, the entrance could not be admitted.
Tickets: free entrance

Trevi Fountain in Rome

If you are in Rome and you want to come back here, don’t hesitate and throw a coin into the famous Trevi fountain to realize your wish. Planned by the architect Nicolò Salvi, this fountain receive the water from the aqueduct “Vergine” (lit. “Virgin”) from August time. Central theme of the fountain is the sea, its style is characterized by the mix of Baroque and Classicism, reaching a perfect harmony.

The Trevi fountain has been a movie set , the theatre of manifestations and a stage of great events. One thing has to be clear: only Anita Ekberg in “La dolce vita” can take a bath in this fountain. If you try to do it you’ll have to face the police ‘s reaction, and we are sure, they won’t be nice. The beauty of this construction leave the visitors breathless for its majesty, and few people notice a particular: on the right of the Trevi fountain there’s a travertine vase-shaped sculpture, it’s called “asso di coppe” (lit. “Ace of Cups”, the cups are one of the four seeds in a pack of neapolitan cards). The legend tells that Nicolò Salvi positioned it in that place to prevent the vision of the fountain to a barber who tormented him with negative opinions about the work.

Where: Piazza di Trevi
How to get here: Subway line A, stop “Piazza di Spagna” or “Barberini”, then walk a little in direction of Piazza di Trevi.

Piazza Navona in Rome

It’s one of the most beloved places for Romans and tourists, the ideal place to spend time while sitting at a table in a bar, among Baroque sculptures and architectures.

Piazza Navona is the site of the ancient stadium of Domitian (here- hence its oval shape), who wanted that place to host the athletics competitions (agones). Until the XIX century, in the square were organized recreational and sport shows. In August, the piazza was flooded by closing the drains of the fountains, to give a little coolness to the Romans. The main attraction of the Piazza Navona is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed by Gianlrenzo Bernini (1651).

The rivers are the Ganges, the Danube, the Rio de la Plata and the Nile represented by four giants placed on a pyramidal rock from which rises a Roman obelisk. In front of the magnificent fountain stands the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone with a concave façade, designed by Borromini to emphasize the dome. The square is embellished by two fountains and precisely, the Fontana di Nettuno or Calderari’s and the Fontana del Moro in front of Palazzo Pamphili, designed by Giacomo della Porta. It is a sight not to be missed, populated by tourists by day and young people by night who come here to spend their evenings, especially during the Christmas season when there are many characteristics stalls and the night between 5 and 6 January during the Epiphany.

How to get there: Bus 64, 46, 70, 81, 116, 186 e 492.

The Vatican Museums in Rome

Born from the patronage of the popes who gathered for centuries and commissioned outstanding works, the Vatican Museums are considered among the most beautiful museum complexes in the world (13 museums, one different from another), with one of the finest art collections in the planet.

The largest museum treasures are made from precious works of Greek and Roman antiquity (the Laocoon, the Apoxyomenos, the Apollo of Belvedere), as well as the rich collection of Egyptian art (mummies) and the Etruscan one (Mars of Todi).

The Art Gallery has a small but fine collection of paintings ranging from XII to XIX century, with works by Raphael, Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci. The Museums also include some beautifully frescoed halls as the Borgia Apartment, frescoed by Pinturicchio around 1490, the Raffaello Rooms, which are the four rooms used by Pope Julius II as his residence decorated by raffaello.

There is also the famous Sistine Chapel (named by its founder, Pope Sixtus IV) made by the extraordinary Michelangelo’s genius. It’s one of the most celebrated treasures in the world, visited each day by 20,000 visitors. The frescoes of the Creation (on vault) and the Last Judgment (on the altar wall), are considered among the largest and most intense painting masterpieces of art history. Could you disagree ?!

Where: Viale Vaticano
How to get there: Subway line A , stop: Ottaviano – S. Pietro; Cipro (for both 10 minutes by feet); Bus 49, 32, 81, 982, 492, 990; Tram 19
When – Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 to 4 pm . Closing hours 6 pm . Closed Sunday, except for the last of each month (with free admission 9.00 am to 12.30 pm Closing 2.00 pm ), unless it coincides with the Holy Easter; 25 and 26 December; 1 and 6 January; February 11th; March 19; Easter Monday; May 1; June 29; 14 and August 15, November 1.
Tickets: Full price: € 16.00; reduced € 8.00; Special schools € 4.00; Free: last Sunday of each month.

St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome

With its dome made by Michelangelo and the monumental façade, the St. Peter Cathedral dominates the spectacular St. Peter’s Square surrounded by tall colonnades, Bernini’s masterpiece.

Heart of the Catholic Church, the Cathedral arises where in 324 Constantine built a shrine in honor of the First Apostle who was crucified and buried over there. In 1506, Pope Julius II commissioned Donato Bramante to design the construction of what would be the largest church in the world (22,000 square meters). Bramante, Michelangelo, Giacomo della Porta, were just some of the architects who succeeded in ” St Peter’s Factory” in more than one hundred years to complete the great work. The greatest artists of the Roman and Baroque Renaissance have left beautiful masterpieces, just think about the wonderful Pietà made by Michelangelo, the Pulpit of St. Peter, the monument of Urban VIII and the sumptuous canopy of Bernini. It’s a place not to be missed by pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

How to get there: Subway line A, Ottaviano – San Pietro stop
When – Hours: Cathedral: every day, from 1 October to 31 March: from 7.00 am to 6.30 pm ; from 1 April to 30 September: from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm
Tombs of the Popes: April to September: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm ; October to March: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm ; Dome: April to September: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; October to March: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Villa and Galleria Borghese in Rome

The Villa Borghese Park is the green “heart” of Rome. Designed in 1605 for the hedonistic Cardinal Scipione Borghese (favorite nephew of Pope Paul V), it was modified over the centuries by his successors. In the early XX century it was purchased by the state and today it’s a real garden of delights .

The park contains within its 6 km of circumference, neoclassical statues, exotic buildings, an artificial lake, an aviary, numerous fountains, gardens and groves, a riding school, a zoo (the Bioparc), an amphitheater (Piazza di Siena ) and some museums.

The most famous is the Museum and Galleria Borghese placed in the homonymous XVII century villa (known as the Casino Borghese) . It was designed to preserve the magnificent private collection Borghese, initially made by Scipio. The villa is divided into two sections: the collection of sculptures (Museum) on the ground floor, among which you can admire some of Bernini’s masterpieces ( “Rape of Proserpine,” Apollo and Daphne “) and the famous Paolina Borghese statue made by Canova; and the Art Gallery on the first floor, which includes works by great masters such as Tiziano, Raffaello, Caravaggio, Rubens.

Where: The park has 9 entrances among which: Porta Pinciana, Trinità dei Monti, Piazza del Popolo and Piazzale Flaminio
How to get there: Villa Borghese (Park): entrance from Piazzale Flaminio metro A, Flaminio stop.
Borghese Museum and Gallery: metro A , Spagna stop (follow the signs for Villa Borghese – Via Veneto); bus n °: 5, 19, 52, 53, 63, 86, 88, 92, 95, 116, 204, 217, 231, 360.490, 491, 495, 630, 910, 926.
When – Hours: Villa Borghese (Park)
The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Borghese Gallery and Museum
Tuesday through Sunday, from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm (with access every two hours starting at 8:30 am). Closed: Monday, December 25, January 1. To visit you have to book your ticket. Info and booking tickets: 06. 32810 (Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 6:00 pm , Sat 9:00 am to 1:00 pm )
Ticket: Adults: € 9,00 (+ € 2.00 as reservation fee); Reduced € 4.50 (+ € 2.00 as reservation fee) for EU citizens between 18 and 25 years old and permanent teachers in schools; Free (+ € 2.00 as reservation fee) for EU citizens under the age of 18 and over 65 years.

Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps

You can’t go to Rome and don’t see Piazza di Spagna with its Spanish Steps: 135 steps that seem to climb up to the sky. Wonderful setting for fashion shows and famous stars of many movies, Piazza di Spagna is known and loved all around the world.

Many historical figures have stayed here, as Joseph Balsamo, called Cagliostro, famous alchemist and esoteric, who was staying in one of the houses near the square. The legend says that his arrest happened in the square and that his wife’s ghost still walks in this area; she denounced her husband to the Holy Office, the Congregation of the Holy Roman and Universal Inquisition. Today the atmosphere is more reassuring, with thousands of tourists sitting on the stairs (even if they could not) or around the Barcaccia “Four Rivers”, the not beautiful fountain in the center of the square, ideal to cool off in the summer.

Things to eat in Rome

Roman cuisine is genuine, popular, simple but nourishing, unchanged over the centuries. Part of the tradition are rigatoni with pajata, (beef or calf offal cooked in a very tasty sautée) and Amatriciana bucatini (tomato, bacon and cheese), cheese and pepper, all high calorie dishes par excellence, but it’s worth making an exception to the diet.

The original recipe was born in Amatrice, a town of Lazio where the spaghetti with bacon and cheese, were the typical dish of the shepherds in the central Apennine mountain. Then it spreads throughout Italy. Don’t miss the other great Roman dishes like Carbonara spaghetti which, they say, were made with the food rations of the Allies during the Second World War, or the ones with cheese and pepper. The Capitoline kitchen is not only based on the first courses: in one of the excellent restaurants in the city you can taste typical dishes like Roman lamb, Vaccinara oxtail, fried mixed meat, porchetta of Ariccia with the famous artichoke at the Jewish style, chicory. If you are able to still stay stand, you can close your lunch with a nice cream currant bun!

Where to sleep in Rome

Pope’s audiences, international events, concerts, schools and millions of tourists make the search for a good hotel a big challenge, but Rome has an exceptional tourist capacity.

If you book in advance, you’ll save a lot and you can find a better location, but you’ll always find a place, even during high season. Obviously if you want to stay in the old town centre you’ll pay a higher price or if you want to save your money you have to be flexible to small hotels without breakfast or private toilet. Much more possibilities come from the hotel just outside the centre . The average price of a 3 star hotel for one night starts from 80 €.

If you are looking for a hotel in Rome, we suggest you to choose among those offered by Booking.com. There are about 2000 hotels with prices, pictures and comments of guests already stayed there. Go to Booking.com