TrastevereSeparated from central Rome by the Tiber River,
Trastevere is a picturesque medieval neighbourhood characterised by
a quirky Bohemian atmosphere. Its narrow cobblestone streets are
lined with overhanging flower boxes and washing lines, and home to
numerous cafes, boutiques, pubs and restaurants. The area has long
attracted artists, famous people and expats, and is a charming
place to explore, having escaped the grand developments of central
Rome.Galleria RegionalePalermo's largest art museum, devoted to medieval
works, is housed in the Gothic Palazzo Abbatellis, built in 1488.
The collection includes several particularly interesting works. The
Bust of Eleanor of Aragon by Francesco Laurana, for example, dates
from 1471 and is considered to be the epitome of Renaissance
Sicilian sculpture, while the beautiful masterpiece painting Our
Lady of the Annunciation is considered Antonello da Messina's
greatest work. Also renowned is the chilling Triumph of Death
fresco by an unknown 15th-century artist that covers an entire
wall.Capitoline HillCapitoline Hill was the original capitol of the
ancient city and continues to serve as the seat of the city's
government. The main feature of the area is Michelangelo's Piazza
del Campidoglio, a testimony to the superiority of Renaissance town
planning. The piazza is bordered by three palaces: the Palazzo dei
Conservatori and the twin structures of the Palazzo dei Senatori
and Palazzo Nuovo which house the Musei Capitolini, containing the
largest collection of classical statues in the world. Among the
notable statues found here are the Dying Gaul and the Satyr, the
Capitoline Wolf with Romulus and Remus and the Spinario. Paths cut
along the side of the hill from the Campidoglio giving way to
panoramic views of the ancient sites of the Forum and
Colosseum.Roman Forum (Foro Romano)The site of ancient Rome's commercial, political and
religious centre retires in the valley between the Capitoline and
Palatine hills. The Forum's main thoroughfare, Via Sacra, slices
through the old market square and former civic centre. To make
sense of the ruins and relics of the old Republic it is helpful to
consult a map of the area. Some of the best preserved and most
notable monuments include the impressive Arch of Septimus Severus -
a construction designed to celebrate Roman victory over the
Parthinians - and the former atrium of the House of the Vestal
Virgins and Temple of Vesta. Also of note are the Temple of
Antoninus and Faustina, and the Arch of Titus, built to celebrate
Titus' destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. To the right of the arch
are stairs snaking up the Palatine hill through a series of
terraces to the Farnese gardens. The scented avenue festooned with
roses and orange trees gives way to a vista over the
Forum.The ColosseumThis enduring symbol of ancient Rome tenaciously
clings to its foundations as the site of former gladiatorial
conquests. Its architecture boasts an impressive array of Doric,
Ionic and Corinthian columns and an underground network of cells,
corridors, ramps and elevators that were used to transport animals
from their cages to the arena. The magnificence of the original
structure has been eroded through the years of pillaging and
earthquakes so that only a skeletal framework
remains.PantheonThe stately Pantheon is one of the world's most
inspiring architectural designs. Fittingly built as a temple to the
Gods by Hadrian in 120AD, its perfectly proportioned floating dome
rests seductively on sturdy marble columns. The only light source
flowing through the central oculus was used by the Romans to
measure time (with the aid of a sundial) and the dates of equinoxes
and solstices. The south transept houses the Carafa Chapel and the
tomb of Fra Angelico rests under the left side of the
altar.The Spanish Steps and Piazza di SpagnaThe graceful steps built in 1725, elegantly curve
their way from the Piazza di Spagna to the Church of Santa Trinit
dei Monti, a pastel tinted neoclassical building. The shopper's
paradise of Via Condotti leads back from the Spanish steps to Via
del Corso, and during spring the steps are decorated with pink
azaleas. At the foot of the steps lies Bernini's boat-shaped
Barcaccia fountain and to the right is the unassuming Keats-Shelley
Memorial House.Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)The tiny Piazza di Trevi has been immortalised through
this fountain built for Pope Clement XII. The statues adorning this
watery display represent Abundance, Agrippa, Salubrity, the Virgin
and Neptune guided by two tritons. Tossing a coin into the fountain
is supposed to guarantee a return trip to Rome.St Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)The Basilica lies above the reputed site of St.
Peter's tomb. It is an overwhelming interior containing notable
sculptures including Michelangelo's Pieta, which is protected by
bullet-proof glass since the damaging attack on it in 1972. In the
central aisle stands Arnolfo da Cambio's bronze statue of St Peter,
its foot worn down by the constant flow of pilgrims' kisses.
Proudly resting above the papal altar is Bernini's Throne of St
Peter. The Vatican Grottoes, containing papal tombs, can be reached
by steps from the statue of St Longinus. The Necropolis is located
one level below the grottoes. This is the legendary site of St
Peter's tomb and advance permission has to be obtained to view it.
A strict dress code is in place for the Basilica and no shorts,
bare shoulders or miniskirts are allowed (for men and
women).The Sistine Chapel & Vatican MuseumsThe Sistine Chapel's famous ceiling painted by
Michelangelo looms above the frescoes on the side walls that were
painted by an illustrious team of artists that included Botticelli,
Ghirlandaio, Roselli, Pinturicchio, Signorelli and della Gatta. The
altar wall is covered by Michelangelo's Last Supper, revealing the
figure of Christ hovering above centre and flanked by Mary and
other saintly figures. The Vatican Museums provide an inspiring
visit to one of the world's greatest collections of art. The
galleries stretch over four miles (6km) and include the magnificent
Raphael rooms, the Etruscan Museum and the Pio-Clementino Museum,
which boasts the world's largest collection of Classical
statues.The Uffizi (Gallerie degli Uffizi)The Uffizi is one of the world's greatest art
galleries with a collection of Renaissance paintings that include
the works of Giotto, Masaccio, Paolo Ucello, Sandro Botticelli,
Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian and Caravaggio. The
collection is housed on the top floor of a building designed as the
offices (uffizi) of the Medici, commissioned by Duke Cosimo I. From
1581, Cosimo's heirs used the upper storey to display the Medici
art treasures. Ancient Greek and Roman sculptures line the inner
corridors of the gallery and a series of rooms jut off from here,
showcasing the chronological development of Florentine art from
Gothic to High Renaissance and beyond. The scale and magnitude of
the collection may need to be enjoyed over two visits. Rooms 1-15
(Florentine Renaissance) could be explored more thoroughly on the
first trip and on the next visit one could concentrate on rooms 16
to 45 (from High Renaissance to later Italian and European
painting).The Accademia GalleryMichelangelo's David stands self-assured above the
crowds that flock to admire him. In the hallway leading up to the
famous sculpture are further examples of Michelangelo's genius in
the figures of the four Prisoners. The statues were deliberately
left unfinished revealing the marble in its unfashioned
state.Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square)Santa Maria del Fiore, the Duomo or Cathedral of
Florence, is set in the heart of the city and perches above the
metropolis like an emperor before his subjects. Its most
distinctive feature is the enormous dome designed by Filippo
Brunelleschi and built between 1420 and 1436. Visitors can climb
between the two shells of the cupola for an unrivalled panorama of
the city. The original Gothic exterior was destroyed in 1587 so
that it could be replaced by the styling of the High Renaissance.
This vision however died prematurely with its patron, the Grand
Duke Francesco de Medici and the funding to build the neo-Gothic
façade that we see today was not found until the 19th century. The
Campanile (bell tower) was built according to Giotto's designs in
1334 and is an elegant prop to Brunelleschi's stout Cathedral. The
tower is decorated with two garlands of bas-reliefs, strung around
its pink, white and green marble façade. Above, sculptures of the
Prophets and Sybils, carved by Donatello, look down upon the city
below. The Campanile can also be climbed for the magnificent views
over the square and the adjacent cathedral. The neighbouring
Baptistry, with its famous doors designed by Lorenzo Ghiberti, is
one of Florence's oldest buildings, and was originally a pagan
temple. The gilded brass doors, dubbed the 'Gates of Paradise' were
commissioned in 1401 to mark Florence's deliverance from the
plague. The original panels are in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
(the Duomo Works Museum) that exists largely to safeguard the
sculptures removed from the doors and niches around the Piazza del
Duomo. The museum also contains the machines used in the
construction of the cathedral's dome and has displays devoted to
the problematic construction of the cathedral's façade. A room
containing Ghiberti's baptistry doors provides an opportunity to
closely examine the stiacciato relief technique used. Other
noteworthy artefacts found in the museum include Michelangelo's
Pieta, the carved figures of Donatello's Prophets as well as his
Magdalene sculpture. In the anteroom are Andrea Pisano's panels
from the first few levels of the bell tower.The Bargello (Museo Nazionale del Bargello)This Gothic Palazzo shelters a treasured national
collection of Renaissance sculpture. Before its renovation to
become Italy's first national museum, the building, constructed in
1255, functioned as a town hall, private residence and prison. An
extensive collection of decorative arts is on display in addition
to the magnificent sculptures of Michelangelo, Donatello,
Giambologna and Cellini. The Palazzo's inner courtyard is
ornamented with numerous coats of arms and the grand stairwell
leading to the second-story loggia overflows with bronze birds
created for the Medici's gardens. Other notable displays include an
Islamic collection, an assortment of ivories (the largest
collection in the world) and 16th-century majolica porcelain from
Urbino, Faenza and Florence.Sante CroceThis magnificent Gothic church built in 1294 contains
the tombs of many celebrated Florentines such as Michelangelo,
Galileo, Ghiberti and Machiavelli. The Gothic interior is graced by
the radiant frescoes of Giotto and his pupil Taddeo Gaddi and
integrated into the cloister next to the church is Brunelleschi's
Pazzi Chapel (Cappella de' Pazzi). When Lord Byron first laid eyes
on the church he declared himself 'drunk with
beauty'.Ponte VecchioThe Ponte Vecchio's status as the oldest bridge in
Florence saved it from destruction during the Nazi retreat from
Italy in 1944. They defied orders to blow up the stately bridge
straddling the Arno River and bombed the ancient buildings on
either side of it instead. The Arno flood of 1966 also tested the
bridge's resilience and swept parts of it away in its powerful
current. The most affected sections were the overhanging shops
belonging to the gold and silversmiths. In 1593 the original
tenants - butchers, tanners and blacksmiths - were evicted from the
workshops because of the noise and stench they created. To one side
of the bridge is the majestic bust of the most famous Florentine
goldsmith, Benvenuto Cellini. Perched above the shops is a secret
passageway, the Vasari Corridor, providing an elevated link to the
Palazzo Pitti via the Uffizi. It was the private walkway of the
Medicis who could move between the various residences without
having to rub shoulders with the riff raff.Palazzo Pitti and Giardino BoboliOriginally owned by wealthy banker, Luca Pitti, the
Palazzo later became the property of the Medici family. It is a
grand structure that now boasts no less than seven museums. Amongst
these are the Medici treasures that are showcased in the Museo
degli Argenti, the Museum of Costumes and the Porcelain Museum. The
Galleria d'Arte Moderna provides a fascinating display of works
from the Macchiaioli school - early 19th century
proto-impressionist paintings - as well as a collection of
Neoclassical and Romantic art. Extending behind the palace are the
elaborately landscaped and beautifully maintained Giardino Boboli
(Boboli Gardens). The most celebrated aspects of the gardens
include the Grotta del Buontalenti located close the entrance. In
the deepest recess of the cave is Venus Emerging from her Bath
attended by curious imps. Another notable structure is the enormous
amphitheatre designed on a scale to serve the Medici's
tastes.Etruscan TourAttracted by the mineral wealth found in the regions
of Tuscany, Lazio and Umbria, the Etruscans made their way to Italy
around 900 BC. Traces of Etruscan civilisation can be found in
their burial sites and in the artefacts found in their tombs. They
were preoccupied with the afterlife and dedicated much effort in
building burial sites carved into rock or constructed from stone
slab and reached by dedicated rock-cut roads. For an exploration of
Etruscan artefacts start at Grosseto. The Museo Civico Archeologico
in Grosseto contains a selection of Etruscan artefacts that were
found in tombs nearby. Head north from here to Roselle, the most
important excavated Etruscan and Roman remains in Tuscany. From
here follow the road leading east for 34 miles (54km) to the
Etruscan village of Saturnia to explore its rock-cut tombs and on
to Sovanato the famous Ildebranda Tomb. The town of Pitigliano is
peppered with Etruscan tombs and tunnels. The town itself is a
spectacular vista of houses jutting out over soft limestone cliffs
and caves bordering the River Lente. The cliffs contain numerous
caves that have been used to store local wines and olive oils and
the town itself is a labyrinth of medieval streets that have
carried the passage of many a traveller. From this quaint town,
head west to the extensive necropolis on the outskirts of
Marsiliana. Complete the trip with a stop at Talamone and Maremma
for a visit to the Etruscan temple, Roman villa and
baths.Chianti RegionA circular route from Siena through the Chianti hills
is a scenic and sensory experience. The route covers the villages
of the Chianti Classico wine region garnished with ancient castles
and rambling farmhouses. The vineyards and wooded hills of the
Chianti are best explored along its winding back roads or from
within its sleepy hamlets. By car, visitors would keep a lookout
for signs marked 'vendita diretta'. The first stop is at Castello
di Brolio, a magnificent vineyard owned by the Ricasoli family
since 1167. The SS484 will take you south of Brolio and north past
the hamlets of San Gusme, Campi and Linari before rejoining the
road for a diversion to the Meleto castle. Another worthwhile stop
is at Badia a Coltibuono for its restaurant and Romanesque church.
The winding road west to Radda in Chianti is especially
picturesque. A further nine miles (15km) from here north to the
hamlet of Volapia is a delightful travel back in time as is a visit
to Castellina in Chianti. Within the ramparts of this walled
village is the Bottega del Vino Galla Nero at Via della Rocca 13,
showcasing the region's delectable wines and olive
oils.MontepulcianoMontepulciano is Tuscany's highest hilltop town, built
along a narrow limestone ridge at 1,950ft (605m) above sea level.
Sheltered within the town's fortified walls are charming streets
packed with Renaissance-style palaces and churches. Its most
celebrated achievement is its Vino Nobile wines. Also of interest
is the Madonna di San Biagio, a delightful pilgrimage church on the
outskirts of the town. For a dip into Etruscan reliefs and funerary
urns collected by Pietro Bucelli, visit his Palazzo on Via di
Gracciano del Corso 73. For splendid views, take a stroll to the
Palazzo Communale and climb the tower, which is open between 9am
and 2pm Monday to Saturday.Museo Archeologico NazionaleThis world-class museum houses the Farnese collection
of antiquities from Lazio and Campania and the incredible treasures
of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Notable among these collections are the
Farnese Hercules and the Farnese Bull, the largest known ancient
sculpture. On the mezzanine level is the Alexander Mosaic and at
the furthest end of the mezzanine floor is the Secret Room
(Gabinetto Segreto). The fascinating collection contained here
showcases the erotic material found in the brothels, baths, houses
and taverns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The top section of the
museum houses the Campanian wall paintings, well preserved
creations attesting to a mysterious past world. These are supported
by a range of artefacts in the form of glass, silver, ceramics,
rope and even foodstuffs surviving from the Campanian
cities.Duomo San GennaroThe Chapel of San Gennaro is accessed from the south
aisle of the Cathedral of Naples and this 13th-century Gothic
building is dedicated to the patron saint of the city. Tradition
tells the story of how two phials of San Gennaro's blood liquefied
in the bishop's hand after his martyred body was transported to the
church. Legend has it that disaster will strike if the blood fails
to liquefy on specific festival days - the first Saturday in May,
on September 19 and December 16. The liquefaction ceremony takes
place during a special Mass in full view of the congregation. The
first chapel on the right on entry into the cathedral is dedicated
to San Gennaro and holds the famous phials of blood and a silver
reliquary containing his skull. Beneath the Duomo are the
excavations of well-preserved Greek and Roman roads that stretch
beneath the modern city. Special tours of the excavations can be
arranged.Museo e Gallerie di CapodimonteThe museum occupies a restored 18th century palace
perched on the city's hills and its artworks are arranged by
collections and not chronology. The Farnese and Bourbon rulers
amassed impressive collections of Renaissance paintings and Flemish
masterpieces that can be viewed along with other great works.
Notable amongst these are Masaccio's Crucifixion, Filipino Lippi's
Annunciation and Saints, Raphael's Leo X, Bellini's
Transfiguration, Michelangelo's Three Soldiers and Breughel's The
Allegory of the Blind.PompeiiMount Vesuvius' fiery temper erupted in the volcanic
lava that buried the Roman city of Pompeii. The most evocative
testimony to its victims is the 'frozen people', plaster casts of
the victims' whose anguished contortions and facial expressions
reveal the horror of their untimely deaths. Excavation of Pompeii
is an ongoing process and every decade has brought to light new
finds that provide insight into daily Roman life. A comprehensive
tour of Pompeii's attractions will take approximately five hours.
Guided tours are available but are pricier alternatives to doing it
alone. There is an informative 'How to Visit Pompeii' guidebook for
sale outside all the site entrances.PaestumThe well-preserved Greek temples of Paestum are the
best of their kind in the world, rivalling those of Sicily and
Athens. The city was founded by its Greek colonists in the 7th
century BC and later fell under Roman rule until it was no longer
commercially viable and its inhabitants finally left for greener
pastures. The north-south axis of the city is marked by the paved
Via Sacra and most guided tours begin at its southern end. A guide
to the excavations and Archaeological Museum can be bought at any
of the roadside shops. Notable amongst the remains are three Doric
temples, the best preserved in the world. Built without the use of
cement or mortar these remarkable structures comprise the basilica,
Temple of Poseidon and Temple of Ceres. Heading north along Via
Sacra will take one to the Roman Forum gymnasium and amphitheatre.
Paestum's museum contains a fascinating collection of pottery and
paintings found in the tombs of the area.The Grand Canal (Canalazzo)Venice's main waterway splits the city in half with
sestieri in equal parts to the west and east of it. It is the hub
around which much activity in Venice is concentrated and is
encircled with elegant facades of the palazzi, which testify to the
city's past opulence. The best way to explore the architectural
splendour of these Renaissance buildings is on board a vaporetta.
Pedestrian access across the canal is only provided along three
bridges situated at the station, Rialto and Academia. Gondolas
cross the canal at regular intervals and provide a romantic
interlude to the sightseeing itinerary. The Grand Canal palaces and
buildings to look out for include the Ca da Mosto, with its rounded
arches in low relief. The 'House of Gold' (Ca d'Ora) is a beautiful
Gothic building constructed between 1424 and 1430. Palazzo
Corner-Spinelli and Palazzo Vendramin Calergi combine classical and
Byzantine elements designed by Mauro Codussi. Architect Jacopo
Sansovino was inspired by Codussi's style and infused this in his
creation of the Palazzo Corner (Ca Granda). Another notable Palazzo
is the Grimani di San Luca, designed by Michele
Sanmicheli.St Mark's SquareSt Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) has always been
the nucleus of Venice. The first citadel and church were erected on
its stony foundations, the Palazzo Ducale and the Basilica di San
Marco respectively. The Basilica di San Marco is a unique
juxtaposition of Byzantine, western European and Islamic
architectural styles. The Basilica's most precious relic is the
Pala d'Or, a Venetian-Byzantine gold relief adorned with precious
gems. Travellers and pigeons flock to the Piazza with equal zeal.
It is the tourists however who pay dearly to eat or drink at the
elegant cafes that spill onto the pavements. Designer shops line
the streets that radiate from the square. There are worthwhile
places of interest to explore beyond the square that include the
Museo Correr, the Archaeological Museum and the Museo del
Risorgimento, which are housed within the Procuratie Nuova.
Attached to the Procuratie Vecchie is the triumphal Torre
dell'Orologio. The adjoining archway guides one through to the
Mercerie, Venice's main commercial street that stretches to the
Rialto.RialtoThe Rialto has long been the commercial core of Venice
and is famed as the place where the first bridge over the Grand
Canal was built. The original wooden bridge collapsed under the
strain of the crowds gathered here to admire a wedding procession.
It was replaced by the sturdier single stone arch design of Antonio
da Ponte, built in 1588. Today the area still resembles the
bustling fruit and vegetable market of former times but is
additionally swamped with tourists and the accoutrements geared
towards them.Basilica dei FrariThis great Gothic Franciscan church was constructed in
the 14th century and is primarily known as the burial place of
Titian and the Venetian sculptor, Antonio Canova. Titian's tomb in
the south aisle watches over large marble pyramid created for
Canova. The interior of the church is adorned with the works of
famous artists. These include Donatello's St John the Baptist,
Giovanni Bellini's triptych of the Madonna and Saints, Titian's
famous Assumption of the Virgin and his Madonna of Case
Pesaro.School of St Roch (Scuola di San Rocco)A Scuola in Venice was a mixture of guild and
religious fraternity where members paid annual fees to support
fellow members and to decorate the school's premises. The School of
St Roch is known for the canvasses of Jacopo Tintoretto that adorn
its interior. Tintoretto was commissioned to decorate the School in
1564 and dedicated 23 years to this task. The paintings are
arranged in chronological order that can be followed by beginning
on the second floor in the Sala dell'Albergo. Notable amongst his
works are the scenes from the Life of the Virgin and the
Crucifixion.AcademiaThe Gallerie dell'Academia houses one of Europe's
finest art collections. Its display follows the progression of
Venetian art from the 14th to 18th centuries. Notable works in the
gallery include Paolo Veneziano's Coronation of Mary, Carpaccio's
Crucifixion and Apotheosis, Giovanni Bellini's Madonna with Child
between Saints Catherine and Mary Magdalen, Giorgione's Tempest,
Lorenzo Lotto's Portrait of a Young Gentleman in His Studio, Paolo
Veronese's Feast in the House of Levi, and Tintoretto's Theft of St
Mark's Body and Crucifixion.Peggy Guggenheim CollectionThe Guggenheim collection is housed in the former
Palazzo of the wealthy American heiress and has become one of the
most illustrious collections of Modern Art in Italy. It spans the
artistic movements of Cubism, European Abstraction and Surrealism
with notable works by Brancusi, Marino Marini, Kandinsky, Picasso,
Magritte, Rothko, Max Ernst, Dali and Jackson Pollock. Peggy
Guggenheim built up her collection between 1938 and 1947 and bought
the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni in 1948 where she lived until her
death in 1979.Duomo (Cathedral)The looming Duomo, the world's largest Gothic
cathedral, presides over the Piazza that bears its name. Its
construction began in 1386 and continued sporadically until
Napoleon ordered its completion in 1809. Its lengthy creation
bestowed on it 3,400 statues, 135 spires and 96 gargoyles. It is
best visited in full sunshine when the interior is illuminated by
the colourful mosaic of its stained glass windows. The church is a
five-aisled cruciform seating 40,000 worshippers. The 16th-century
marble tomb of Giacomo de Medici lies in the south transept and
lying buried at its heart is St Charles Borromeo, the cathedral's
most important benefactor. Every year in May and September a nail
from the cross of Christ is displayed to worshippers and is
retrieved from its resting place by the bishop who is hoisted to
the nivola to reach it. Across the piazza in the Palazzo Reale is
the Museo del Duomo that displays the treasures from the cathedral.
It also houses the Museo d'Arte Contomporanea, showcasing a
collection of Italian Futurist art.Galleria Vittorio Emanuele IIThis four-storey, glass-domed arcade is entered from
the Piazza in front of the Cathedral and extends to the Piazza
della Scala. It was originally built as a link to the opera house
but has become a fashionable place to hang out, sip coffee or
camparis, or take a stroll through its many exclusive shops.
Milanese gather in this conservatory to escape the winter rains or
to socialise after a busy working day.Theatre Museum at La Scala (Museo Teatrale alla Scala)This world famous opera house rests on the site of the
Church of Santa Maria alla Scala, its namesake. The Museum provides
a wealth of mementos from the opera house dedicated to the nation's
beloved composers and performers. These include Rossini, Puccini
and Toscanini. Two halls are devoted to Verdi alone and contain
memorabilia such as the spinet on which he learnt to play,
hand-written scores and the baton given to him after the momentous
reception of Aida.Santa Maria delle GrazieLocated next to the church in the former monastery's
refectory is Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, The Last Supper
(Cenacolo Vinciano). The fresco depicts the moment of Christ's
revelation of the betrayal. Judas hovers to the right of the
painting with his hand placed protectively on the bag of silver.
Scaffolding covers the bottom of the painting (an ongoing
restoration project), leaving the rest in full view. Controversy
has erupted over the removal of layers of corrective over-painting
completed in the 18th and 19th centuries. The painting has endured
more than hot debate however as it escaped the bombing during WWII
that destroyed the roof of the refectory.Museo Poldi-PezzoliThe Museo Poldi-Pezzoli contains a spectacular private
collection that was bequeathed by its namesake Poldi Pezzoli to the
city in 1879. Numerous masterpieces hang from the walls of the
Golden Room with its vista onto a picturesque garden. Antonio
Pollaiolo's Portrait of a Lady has become the symbol for Milan's
own style and elegance and depicts the profile of an elegant woman.
Other famous paintings include a Virgin and Child by Andrea
Mantegna, Bellini's Ecco Homo, Piero della Francesca's St Nicholas
and Guardi's Gray Lagoon.Museum of Historic Art of the Sforzesco CastleThe gargantuan Sforzesco Castle built in the 15th
century is one of Milan's foremost monuments. It was restored after
being bombed in 1943. The vast interior, which is broken here and
there by smaller courtyards, contains three museums, the most
notable of which is Museum of Historic Art (Museo d'Arte Antica del
Castello Sforzesco). Within its collection of sculptures is the
famous Pieta Rondanini, Michelangelo's final work. The picture
gallery features paintings by Mantegna, Bellini, da Vinci and Fra
Filippo Lippi. The two other museums within the Castle's ramparts
are the Museum of Applied Arts and the Archaeological
Museum.Leonardo da Vinci National Science & Technology
MuseumWithin the Leonardo Gallery of the museum is a
collection of Leonardo's ingenious designs from war machines to
architectural visions. Applied physics is the focus of another room
in keeping with the museum's tribute to the history of
science.The Gallery of Modern ArtThe Gallery of Modern Art (Civica Galleria d'Arte
Moderna) is housed in the building, which once served at Napoleon's
summer palace and was occupied by the famous statesman and
Josephine between 1805 and 1814. It is now recognised for its
collection of modern art with works by Picasso, Matisse, Renoir,
Gaugin and Cézanne.PortofinoNestled in a sheltered inlet within the stretch of the
Italian Mediterranean is the coastal village of Portofino. It has
long been the playground for the rich and famous, attracting the
likes of Humphrey Bogart, Sophia Loren, Richard Burton, Elizabeth
Taylor and Princess Grace. It is not surprising therefore that its
exclusivity and prices rose to match its holidaymakers. The scenic
surrounds can be explored from the outlying nature reserve graced
with cypress and olive slopes. Set off from here on a 90-minute
trek to San Fruttuoso or a 2½-hour hike to Santa Margherita. Other
sights around Portofino include its castle and the lighthouse
(faro) with its breathtaking view of the coastline.Cinque TerreCinque Terre means 'Five Lands'. These are the five
related fishing villages that nestle precariously on the cliffs
overlooking the azure ocean of the Italian Riviera, off the
country's northwestern coast. It is a picture postcard dream of
sparkling clear waters and dramatic vistas contained within the
tranquil embrace of the villages that are connected to one another
by a scenic pathway that curves through the hillside among olive
groves and vineyards. Monterosso is the largest of the towns and is
recognisable through the huge statues carved into the rocks facing
its shores. The village of Riomaggiore is quickly identified
through the myriad fishing boats festooning its shores and is
linked by the 'lovers lane' to the charming town of Manarola.
Corniglia perches precariously onto the mountainside and is
accessed through a steep climb and Vernazza's promenade and piazza
have beautiful sea vistas.Marionette MuseumOne of Palermo's most unique attractions is the
engaging Museo delle Marionette, a museum dedicated to the art of
puppetry, which is an age-old traditional Sicilian entertainment.
Free shows are often put on in summer, but the museum collection
itself, the greatest of its kind in the world, is entertainment
enough. Most of the antique puppets on display evoke Norman Sicily,
representing chivalrous heroes and Saracen pirates, knights, ladies
and troubadours. The collection includes puppets from the Far East
and even some English 'Punch and Judy' dolls.Time Elevator RomeTime Elevator Rome is an interactive movie theatre
featuring panoramic screens, flight simulators and surround-sound.
This modern technology offers kids the opportunity to be enthralled
by a cinematic, 3-D journey back through 2750 years of Roman
history.The Citadel of MuseumsSardinia's history and culture is conveniently
packaged in the Citadel of Museums complex in the centre of the
capital, Cagliari. Here is sited the National Archaeological
Museum, the National Picture Gallery, the Cardu Siamese Museum and
a collection of anatomical waxes by Florentine sculptor, Clemente
Susini, all administered by the University. The Archaeological
Museum houses artefacts from all the ancient cultures of the
island, including ceramics from Phoenician tombs, Punic jewellery
and Nuragic bronzes. The Picture Gallery contains a collection of
contemporary art and sculpture, while the Siamese museum exhibits
fascinating items from the east. The unique Collection of Waxes
consists of 23 models of parts of the human body created by
Clemente Susini, from waxes, resin, tallow, pitch and
balsam.NuragheThe mysterious Nuragic people who arrived in Sardinia
around 1500 BC festooned the island with about 30,000 circular
fortified structures. Today about 7,000 of these remain standing to
be marvelled at by tourists. The complex of Nuraghe in Barumini has
been added to UNESCO's World Heritage List and is the finest and
most complete example of this prehistoric architecture. The
Barumini site can be reached from Oristano or Cagliari on route 131
and turning off onto route 197. Other well-preserved nuraghe can be
seen at Sant Antine. At Nora on the very southern tip of the island
are the remains of an extensive Nuragic village including an
amphitheatre, forum, baths, temple and Kasbah. Other good Nuragic
sites are near Villanovaforru, Alghero, and
Abbasanta.Trenino VerdeSardinia has an unforgettable coastline, but the
interior of the island is equally beautiful. A fun way to explore
it is aboard the Trenino Verde (Little Green Train), a vintage
steam locomotive that puffs its way through forests, over bridges
and through tunnels into some of the island's most scenic mountain
areas. The narrow gauge train tracks were laid in 1888 to serve the
more isolated areas of Sardinia, and the picturesque restored train
and locomotive is just as old. The train runs on scheduled routes,
connecting Nuoro and Bosa, Sassari and Alghero, Sassari and Palau,
and Cagliari and Arbatax. Most popular is the Cagliari to Arbatax
route, which departs each morning at 6.45am.Neptune's GrottoA popular sightseeing expedition from Alghero is a
boat ride to Neptune's Grotto, an impressive deep marine cave in
the sheer cliffs at Capo Caccia. The boat ride takes 45 minutes
past the bay of Porto Conte. At the cave visitors can take a
45-minute tour entering through the long snaking passage that
delves into the rock, to view dramatically lit, fantastic
stalagmites and stalactites. The cave can also be reached by bus
from the main terminal in Alghero, or by car, which on arrival
necessitates climbing down 650 steps to the cave
entrance.Garibaldi's HouseFamous revolutionary, Giuseppe Garibaldi, lived the
last third of his life on the woody, undeveloped island of Caprera,
a short ferry-ride from Palau on Sardinia. The trip to view
Garibaldi's house and museum is very popular in season, with
visitors queuing to catch one of the regular ferries to Caprera.
Garibaldi came to live in Caprera in 1855 after a 20-year exile
from Italy. He led his famous 1,000 Red Shirts on his campaign to
conquer Sicily and Naples from here in 1861. The elegant homestead
has been preserved as he left it. Tours of the property end with
his tomb in the garden.Monreale CathedralOf all the many architecturally beautiful and
fascinating places of worship in Palermo, probably the most
renowned is the 12th-century cathedral in the suburb of Monreale,
high on the mountain slope about five miles (eight km) from the
city centre. The dazzling cathedral is a mixture of Arab, Byzantine
and Norman artistic styles, a blend of medieval Christian and
Muslim architecture. The magnificent mosaics that cover 68,243
square feet (6,340 sq metres) of the cathedral's dome and all of
the walls on the interior are unsurpassed. The adjacent Benedictine
abbey features a cloister with 228 carved stone columns, many
inlaid with mosaics, depicting scenes from Sicily's Norman
history.Capuchin CatacombsThe subterranean catacombs that contain the mummified
remains of about 8,000 ancient inhabitants of Palermo may be
macabre, but are fascinating to visit. The Capuchin friars began
mummifying and embalming the bodies of the city's nobles back in
1533, and the tradition continued for centuries with the last body
(a seven-year-old girl named Rosalia) being embalmed in 1920. After
embalming, the corpses were hung along the walls of the catacombs,
dressed in their best, which they still wear proudly, like the
military officer in an 18th-century uniform complete with
tricorn.Palazzo MirtoThe excessive opulence of Baroque is nowhere better
demonstrated than in the magnificent Palazzo Mirto, one of the few
aristocratic homes of Palermo that is open to the public, offering
visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of Sicily's noble
19th-century families. The Palace was the residence of the Lanza
Filangeri family whose last heir left the estate to the Ministry of
Cultural Assets in 1982. Most of the princely rooms and salons are
furnished with original items that belonged to the
family.Regional Archaeological MuseumSome of Europe's greatest archaeological treasures are
tucked away in Palermo's somewhat musty museum, which is well worth
visiting even though it is rather shabby. The collection is housed
in several old convent buildings, dating back to the 13th century,
and includes artefacts from the Phoenician, Punic, Greek, Roman and
Saracen periods found on the island. Highlights include two
Phoenician sarcophagi dating from 5 BC, and the Pietra di Palermo,
a black slab discovered in Egypt containing hieroglyphics that is
known as the 'Rosetta Stone' of Sicily. One room is devoted to the
marvellous finds unearthed at the temples of Selinunte. There is
also an interesting section devoted to underwater
archaeology.UsticaAn underwater city and a landscape of petrified black
lava are the characteristics of the unusual little island of Ustica
in the Tyrrhenian Sea just a short ferry ride 36 miles (57km) north
west of Palermo. The ancient volcanic island was originally
inhabited by the Phoenicians and fell prey to pirate raids often
during the Middle Ages. In the 20th century Ustica became a penal
colony. Today the island is a designated national marine park and
its crystal clear waters and undersea treasures, particularly the
submerged ancient city of Osteodes, attract divers from all over
the world. Every year in July the island is the venue for an
International Underwater Activity Show.SoluntoThe Roman ruins at Solunto are 10 miles (16km) east of
Palermo overlooking the coast near Santa Flavia, on the slopes of
Mount Catalfamo. The site was originally a Phoenician village that
was expanded by the Greeks who conquered it in 396 BC. By 255 BC it
had fallen to the Romans, who rebuilt much of the original town. No
complete structures remain and the ruins consist mainly of floors
and the lower portions of walls and columns. Portions of mosaics
and paintings are still visible. An impressive view of the Gulf of
Palermo can be had from the hilltop above Solunto, and there is a
small archaeological museum at the site, although most of the
artefacts from Solunto are in the Palermo's Regional Archaeological
Museum.OrtygiaThe Ponte Nuova ('New Bridge') connects the mainland
city of Syracuse to the island of Ortygia, where most of the worthy
sights are located. The remains of the Temple of Apollo are sited
in the Piazza Pancali; this is the oldest Greek temple in Sicily,
built in the Doric style in around 565 BC. The cathedral in the
nearby Piazza Duomo is uniquely made up of the original walls of a
5th-century BC Greek temple known as the Athenaion and near the
sea, reached along Via Capodieci, which is the mythical Spring of
Arethusa. There are medieval relics on the island too, including
Maniaces Castle dating from the 11th century. Apart from the many
historic sights, the island of Ortygia also offers numerous
boutiques and craft shops, as well as restaurants and cafes galore.
Several hours are required to explore the island
fully.Paolo Orsi Regional Archaeological MuseumSyracuse's archaeological museum is one of the most
extensive in all of Italy, preserving relics and remains from the
Greek, Roman and early Christian eras of Sicily's history. The
museum building itself is ultra-modern, consisting of glass and
steel exhibition halls connected in a hexagonal shape. The exhibits
cover a vast range, from the skeletons of prehistoric animals to
the renowned Landolina Venus statue.Parco Archeologico della NeapolisThe archaeological park on the western edge of the
city of Syracuse contains the celebrated rock-hewn Greek
amphitheatre, capable of holding about 15,000 people, where
Euripides and Aeschylus' works were performed in antiquity. Today
Greek dramas are still played here on occasion. Inside a leafy
quarry at the site near the theatre is the ear-shaped cavern, the
Orecchio di Dionigi, reputedly used by Dionysius as a prison.
Nearby is the Roman Amphitheatre, built in the time of Augustus,
where gladiators fought each other and wild animals in gory
contests.CataniaThe second-largest city in Sicily, Catania sits in the
shadow of Europe's highest volcano, Mount Etna, on the east of
Sicily between Syracuse and Taormina. Ugly, decayed and
crime-ridden today, it was once called the 'city of black and
white' because of the use of white marble and black lava to
construct its elegant buildings, many of which have since fallen
into ruins or been destroyed by war, earthquakes and lava flows. In
summer Catania sizzles; it is regarded as the hottest city in Italy
with temperatures often soaring to 104ºF (40ºC). Despite its
unattractive aspects, Catania is an ancient city, founded in 729
BC, and boasts some interesting historical relics. There are two
Roman amphitheatres, one reminiscent of Rome's Colosseum, and a
13th-century fortress, Ursino Castle, which is now a museum. The
city's cathedral contains some royal tombs and was built in the
11th century.Mount EtnaSicily's greatest natural attraction is the very
active volcano, Mount Etna, which has been spewing lava and shaking
the earth for centuries, most recently in 2002. About 20 miles
(32km) from Catania the craters below the summit can be reached
from the town of Piano Provenzana at the base by mountain bus or on
foot. This town also serves as a ski resort in winter, and during
summer is a base camp for hikers intent on enjoying the wooded
scenery and exploring the interesting caverns in the area. Various
species of oak and stone pine, birch and beech trees cover the
lower mountain slopes, while frogs, toads, tortoise and Sicily's
ubiquitous lizards hide in the forest streams. Foxes, weasels,
squirrels and other small mammals stalk the forests and a plethora
of bird species fill the trees and the Gurrida Lake
area.CapriCapri's beauty captured the imagination of the Roman
Emperor Augustus in 29 BC and continues to draw admiring crowds to
its picturesque banks. Ferries and hydrofoils transport travellers
from Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Naples to its embarkation point
at Marina Grande. From here a funicular runs to the town's Piazza
Umberto. The island's main attraction is the Blue Grotto. The cave
is illuminated by a fantastic neon blue, created through the
interplay of light and water. The ruins of Villa Tiberio can be
explored through a 45-minute trek up the hill. Legend has it that
Tiberius tossed those unfortunate enough to anger him off the
precipice; walking down is luckily an option nowadays. On the
descent along the path one can take a short detour to the Arco
Naturale. The weathered stone arch on the island's eastern cliffs
provides the perfect perspective from which to contemplate the
vista that stretches to Paestum. Another interesting villa to
explore is the Villa San Michele (in Anacapri), the magnum opus of
Swedish author and physician Axel Munthe. Henry James described it
as 'the most fantastic beauty, poetry, and inutility that I have
ever seen clustered together.' It is open in summer between 9am and
6pm, and winter 10am to 3pm. Still in Anacapri, take the 12-minute
chairlift to the summit of Monte Solaro to experience the
breathtaking views stretching to the distant Apennines and Calabria
mountains.Basilica di San GiovanniThe Basilica of St John Lateran was built in the 4th
century by Constantine the Great and was the first church built in
Rome. It is the cathedral of the diocese of Rome, and as such ranks
above all other Roman Catholic churches, even St Peter's Basilica
in the Vatican. It is the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope,
and it is here that he celebrates Mass on certain religious
holidays. The building has suffered much damage in the past and has
been rebuilt several times, leaving only fragmented parts of the
original church. The present building is characterised by its
18th-century façade and contains several important relics, a
13th-century cloister and an ancient baptistery. Inside are
numerous statues, paintings, the High Altar that can only be used
by the Pope, and a cedar table that is said to be the one used by
Christ at the Last Supper. Across the street is one of the holiest
sites in Christendom that is visited by pilgrims from around the
world: the Palace of the Holy Steps, believed to be the 28 marble
steps originally at Pontius Pilate's villa in Jerusalem that Christ
climbed the day he was brought before Pilate. They have been in
Rome since 1589.VeronaJust two hours west of Venice is Verona, the famous
historical city where Shakespeare placed his star-crossed lovers,
Romeo and Juliet. Located in the centre of the city is the house
which inspired the residence of the Capulet family, dating back to
the 13th century. Other highlights include several beautifully
preserved Roman structures and examples of architecture, ranging
from the Middle Ages up to the 19th century. The city is also a
good place for shopping and browsing.Lido di VenetiaThe Lido di Venetia looks out on to the Adriatic. The
area's best beaches can be found here and a day spent relaxing on
the sand is well worth the trip. Lido has various restaurants,
cafés, shops and bars to keep everyone happy.AqualandiaOn the Lido de Jesolo is Aqualandia, a water-theme
park. The standard attractions of pools, slides and shows will
entertain younger visitors.Padua (Padova)Once second only to Rome in terms of wealth, Padua is
a gorgeous city. The fabulous architecture of the old town, dating
back as far as 1000AD, is a magnificent backdrop for the wealth of
culture the city contains. The main attraction is the cathedral
dedicated to St Anthony. The high altar is decorated with bronzes
by Donnatello, who was also responsible for the proud equestrian
statue of General Erasmo da Narni (il Gattamelata) that stands in
the Piazza del Santo. Padua is situated just 35km west of
Venice.Pinacoteca di BreraHousing one of Italy's finest collections of medieval
and Renaissance art, the 17th-century Palazzo is by far the best
collection of northern Italian paintings. Many of the masterpieces
here are the work of Napoleon, who used the Palazzo as a storeroom
for all the art he confiscated from public and private holdings and
his a bronze sculpture in his likeness greets visitors as they
enter the courtyard. Three of Italy's great masterpieces can be
found here, namely Andrea Mantegna's Dead Christ, Raphael's
Betrothal of the Virgin, and Piero della Francesca's Madonna with
Saints (the Montefeltro Altarpiece).Milan AquariumOne of the oldest and largest of its kind in Italy,
the Milan aquarium houses 36 gigantic pools filled with more than
100 different species of fish, living in recreated environments
ranging from the Amazon to the Mediterranean. The main focus of the
pools is more towards native Italian fish life, both fresh and
saltwater, and plenty of exotic sea life from other continents. The
Amazon freshwater pool contains a wonderful exhibit of the infamous
piranha. The aquarium hosts events throughout the year suitable for
the family and the library is one of the most important resources
for marine biology and oceanic studies in Italy.Orto Botanico di BreraThe Orto Botanico di Brera is a botanical garden
located behind the Pinacoteca di Brera in the centre of Milan, and
is operated by the Istituto di Fisica Generale Applicata of the
University of Milan. The garden was established in 1774 under the
direction of Maria Theresa of Austria, transforming an existing
Jesuit garden to be used by students of medicine and pharmacology.
The garden has greenhouses from the 19th century that are now used
by the Academy of Fine Arts, as well as flowerbeds and elliptical
ponds from the 18th century. Orto Botanico di Brera is home to one
of the oldest Ginkgo biloba trees in Europe and various other
mature flora specimens can be found within the grounds; a true
plant lover's paradise.Basilica of Sant'AmbrogioThe Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio is one of the oldest
churches in Milan, built by Bishop Ambrose in 379-386 AD. Located
in an area where numerous martyrs of the Roman persecutions were
buried, it was originally called Basilica Martyrum. In 1099 the
church was rebuilt in the Romanesque architectural style but the
basilica plan of the original edifice was maintained, including a
portico with elegant arches in the front entrance. In keeping with
Lombard medieval architecture, the hut-like façade has a typically
flat appearance. Of the two bell towers, the left and higher tower
dates back to 1144 AD. Inside there is an apse mosaic from the
early 13th century that portrays the Christ Pantokrator (Ruler of
All), an inspirational religious and artistic artefact. The church
also houses the tomb of Emperor Louis II, who died in Lombardy in
875 AD.Bell Tower (Campanile di San Marco)Originally built in the 9th century, this 318-foot
(97-metre) bell tower is the highest structure in Venice and offers
visitors breathtaking views of the cupolas of St. Mark's, the
lagoon, its neighbouring islands and the red rooftops and church
domes of Venice. When the air is clear, one can even spot a
snow-capped peak of the distant Dolomite Mountains but, strangely
enough, not one canal can be seen from this bell tower. The tower
collapsed unexpectedly in 1902 and was rebuilt exactly as before,
even rescuing one of the five historical bells that are still in
use today (each bell was rung for a different purpose, such as war,
the death of a doge, religious holidays, etc).Clock Tower (Torre dell'Orologio)Entering the Piazza San Marco, the clock tower is one
of the first things to be seen, towering above the Procuratie
Vecchie (the ancient administration buildings for the republic).
Built in 1496, the clock mechanism of that same period still keeps
perfect time. The two bronze figures, known as 'Moors' because of
their dark colour, pivot to strike the hour.Unusual Rome for KidsUnusual Rome offers fun, tailor-made tours and
activities for children, planned and presented according to age and
interests. With options ranging from visiting the popular sites of
Ancient Rome to modern museums and shows, as well as taking part in
cultural and outdoor activities, kids in Rome certainly won't be
bored!Villa Doria Pamphili ParkVilla Doria Pamphili is a wonderful park to take
children to while on holiday in Rome. The park's playground,
skating rink and soccer fields will keep kids happy (and very
active!) for hours, and the pony rides around Villa Doria Pamphili
are also great fun.Looney'sLooney's Indoor Entertainment Center is a great place
for kids to hang out, featuring costumed characters and
entertaining shows, as well as fun play areas. While the centre
offers recreation for children as old as 14, there are also play
groups for toddlers and their mothers to enjoy
together.Puppet ShowsThere are many theatres throughout Rome staging
excellent puppet shows (in English) that will keep the kids amused.
Well-known venues include the Pulcinella Puppet Theatre, an
open-air theatre on Gianicolo Hill, and the Teatro delle Marionette
degli Accettella, on Via Genocchi. The Teatro San Carlino is a
puppet theatre in Borghese Gardens, while Teatro Verde is located
in Circonvallazione Gianicolense.Museum of Natural HistoryKids will love the Museum of Natural History, which is
home to the skeleton of an Ouranosaurus, which was found in the
Sahara Desert by a Venetian palaeontologist in 1973. The museum
also features an aquarium where children will be able to view and
learn about the marine life living off the Venetian
cost.Naval MuseumWith a rich and fascinating maritime history, Venice's
Naval Museum is a great place for kids to explore. Displaying
intricate models and, in many cases, the real life thing, kids will
find this museum mesmerizing. Gondola making is also
demonstrated.MuranoThe Venetian Island of Murano is a great trip for the
whole family. Visitors can enjoy watching the local art of
glass-blowing and amaze in the products that are created. And,
since glass-blowing is the thing to do here, there are plenty of
glassware shops and factories, most of which can be visited free of
charge, where visitors can take home souvenirs, or simply enjoy
looking around. The Museo Vetrario is another great place to admire
glassworks.Parco delle RimembranzeOne of the nicest parks in Venice, Parco delle
Rimembranze is the best suited to kids in Venice. Featuring plenty
of play areas for children and a roller-skating rink, this park is
a must for a family day out on a sunny day.Po Delta Natural ParkVisitors to the Po Delta Natural Park can enjoy
exploring a day in the great outdoors. Discover the park by bike,
boat, canoe, horseback, or on foot. Tours are also available for
those who want to discover the more protected areas of the park and
avid fisherman can enjoy the fishing lagoons where they can catch
bream, bass and grey mullet. There are great bird-watching
opportunities here too, so bring the binoculars.
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