Categoria: itineraries

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

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 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

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.

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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.