Archive

Posts Tagged ‘colosseum’

Sight Seeing in Italy

February 23rd, 2009 No comments

Once in a while, every individual deserves a break from the intensive work load in the office. The ideal scenario for a break would be a nice long vacation in an attractive and culturally rich part of the world with one’s friends and family. There really is nothing like a good vacation to relax those over worked nerves and take a moment to enjoy and appreciate life, rather than just being a machine working 24/7 without any rest or relaxation.

When it comes to vacations, what better place to spend one’s vacations would be than some place historically rich in culture? Especially for those who are interested in history, historic events, and landmarks. Italy is one of the oldest and most culturally rich places of the world. The existence of civilization in various parts of Italy predates the Roman and Greek civilizations.

There are many historic places to visit in Italy, in fact it wouldn’t be wrong to say that to absorb the entire cultural heritage of Italy one would need more than a life time. Never the less, Italy is a great vacation spot and with all the historic buildings and landmarks, no one would ever say otherwise. Rome and Venice are home to many historic buildings. Furthermore, following are some of the must see historic buildings in Italy.

The first place to visit in Rome would be the Pantheon, as it is one of the most remarkable and historic buildings in Rome. It was built around 126 AD by the emperor, and was intended to be an open temple for people to worship the gods of their belief. Later around the 7th century, it was converted into a Christian church.

The colosseum is an additional wonder of history in Rome. It was built in the last quarter of the first century and was considered to be the largest amphitheatre in Rome. It was used to host wild and cruel games, and in the days of its fame almost 50,000 people would fill the colosseum to see these violent games. There is not enough left of the colosseum at present, but it still attracts a lot of tourists from around the world. In the early 18th century a further great structure was built in Rome i.e. the Spanish Steps. There are a total of 138 steps presently leading from Piazza di Spagna up to Church of Trinit dei Monti.

Venice, one more rich in culture city of Italy, is home to many historic buildings and landmarks. These constructions include the famous Fondaco dei Turchi, The Rialto Bridge, The House of Carlo Goldoni, Palazzo Ducale, and Ca’ d’Oro and Ca’ Rezzonico. These landmarks should not be missed by anyone who visits Italy as they hold an immense amount of culture and history in them.

Fondaco dei Turchi meaning the Turks warehouse is one of the oldest constructions of Italy. It was built by Gaicamo Palmieri, the initiator of one of the respectable families in Italy, and was later on rented to the Turks of the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century for trading purposes, hence getting the name of Fondaco dei Turchi.

The Rialto Bride is an additional historic building of Venice. It was originally constructed around the 4th quarter of the 12th century, but was ruined several times until its final version was built with stone which has survived the test of time. This last version was built around the 16th century, and is around 8 meter high.

About the Author:

Areas and Neighbourhoods of Rome

February 16th, 2009 No comments

Let’s make your Italian experience something unique! Before booking your trip make sure to select the perfect location for your staing in Rome. Rome has many areas in the city center, each one with its own unique touch and style. Where should you start from? Here are some guidelines.

1)TRASTEVERE: this area has the athmosphere of the middle ages and its built in a dedalus of narrow, curling, irregular streets. At the time when most of this area was built there was little need and space for carriages, it was just a place for poor people to sleep. Trastevere remained like this, a maze of narrow streets, since then.

The area of Trastevere is a major attraction for its movie theaters, restaurants, cabaret clubs, crafts artisans and picturesque maze of narrow cobbled alleyways.

At night, cafe and restaurants tables spill out over to the pavement, especially around Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. During the early morning, this friendly neighborhood of antique charm and unique narrow streets shows its unique atmosphere.

2)THE SPANISH STEPS: in Italian means “Scalinata”. They can be easily found and recognized by a rectangle like shape and an early Baroque water fountain called “La Fontana della Barcaccia” (“Fountain of the Old Boat”), built in 1627-29 at the foot of the stairs.

This is a charming and very rich area, home of the most famous fashion brands (both italians and international). It’s also a meeting point and a top tourist attraction. From aside the square you can go for a romantic or scenic ride in a carriage pulled by a horse around Rome.

3)THE PANTHEON: by definition the “Temple of all the gods”, it was built in 27 B.C and then converted into a church in 609. This perfect square rests on a cylinder measuring 142 feet wide and 142 feet high.

Very well preserved, probably the best preserved building of its age in the world today. It’s an incredible place to visit, The Pantheon worths spending an hour visit for sure.

Enjoy your Italian cappuccino, pasta or pizza in one of its many neighbouring restaurants in the square, facing this magnificent wonder of the world. Some of the best souvenir shops and Icecreams (“Gelato”) in Rome can be found anywhere in this area.

4)THE COLOSSEUM: originally known as the “Flavian Amphitheater”, was capable of seating 55,000 spectators. Deadly gladiatorial combats and wild animals fights were staged here free of charge by the emperor for its citizens.

Emperor Vespasian wanted but it was finished only under his son Domiziano in 80 AD by his son Domitian, it’s the most famous touristic place where to go in Rome, you can’t leave Rome without witnessing it.

The colossuem is occasionally hosting some special events on the inside. Modern Stadiums and structures got inspired by the Colosseum’s building structure and by the concepts it introduced.

5)THE VATICAN, St. PETER’S CHURCH: since 1377 it became the residence of the Pope. “The Vatican City” is home of the independent state of the Vatican since 1929. A mass from the Pope is held almost each Sunday to the public.

The massive large square fills with people listening to the magic and powering words of the pope.

The Vatican also houses some of the best paintings, masterpiece and archeological finds in the world. It’s worth coming to Rome even just to witness at this incredible collection. The area is nonetheless a quiet, residential area to stay and visit.

6)TREVI FOUNTAIN: is one of the most beautiful and well known tourist attraction in Rome.It’s in the really city center, and it’s the largest standing and most impressive Baroque fountain of Rome, it measures 25.9 meters (85 feet) high and 19.8 meters (65 feet) wide.

Trevi Fountain is so called because of its position which is at the intersection of 3 roads (in italian ‘tre vie’). On the back of fountain there is a building called Palazzo dei Duchi di Polis, it represents a replica of the triumphal arch. As the legend goes if visitor throws a coin into the fountain, he/she will be back in Rome!

7)CAMPO DEI FIORI: during the day is conquered by lots of standowners that sell their goods and vegetable in the famous daily outdoor market right in the campo de fiori square. The whole area is very charming and good for quick bite to eat, wonder around, and people watching.

Many small boutiques are spread all over Campo dei Fiori and some souvenir shops are very nice. During the whole year you will notice people sit outside, hanging around the square and lots of outdoor Trattorias and espresso bars.

At night, the area tunrs into a very cool place for entartainment, music and social drinking, with an animated atmosphere where people get together and enjoy the evening. It’s by far the most popular tourist attraction in the summer nights together with Trastevere.

8)PIAZZA NAVONA: built over the oval structure of the “Domitian Stadium”, at the time of the ancient romans it used to be flooded with water to stage naval battle ships and it was seating 30,000 spectators.

Nowadays, 3 magnificent marble fountains decorate the square which was actually designed by Bernini and obelisk from Egypt is in the middle of the square. The narrow streets around Navona square are full of cool boutiques and souvenir shops.

From December 8th until January 6th Piazza Navona is the host of the event “Befana” (“Epiphany”) celebration, very popular and characteristic.

About the Author:

Visit Italy’s Historical Sights

February 4th, 2009 No comments

Once in a while, every individual deserves a break from the intensive work load in the office. The ideal scenario for a break would be a nice long vacation in an attractive and culturally rich part of the world with one’s friends and family. There really is nothing like a good vacation to relax those over worked nerves and take a moment to enjoy and appreciate life, rather than just being a machine working 24/7 without any rest or relaxation.

When it comes to vacations, what better place to spend one’s vacations would be than some place historically rich in culture? Especially for those who are interested in history, historic events, and landmarks. Italy is one of the oldest and most culturally rich places of the world. The existence of civilization in various parts of Italy predates the Roman and Greek civilizations.

There are many historic places to visit in Italy, in fact it wouldn’t be wrong to say that to absorb the entire cultural heritage of Italy one would need more than a life time. Never the less, Italy is a great vacation spot and with all the historic buildings and landmarks, no one would ever say otherwise. Rome and Venice are home to many historic buildings. Furthermore, following are some of the must see historic buildings in Italy.

The place to start from in Rome would be the Pantheon, because it is one of the most notable and historic buildings in Rome. The emperor built it around 126AD, and was planned to be an open temple for people to worship the gods of their faith. Afterwards around the 7th century, it was changed into a Christian church.

The colosseum is one more marvel of history in Rome. It was constructed in the last quarter of the first century and was the biggest amphitheatre in Rome. It was used for hosting brutal and violent games, and in the days of its magnificence more than 50,000 people would fill the colosseum to be a part of these violent games. There is not a great deal left of the colosseum today, however it still attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. In the beginning of the 18th century one more great structure was constructed in Rome i.e. the Spanish Steps. There of 138 steps in total at present leading from Piazza di Spagna up to Church of Trinit dei Monti.

Venice, one more rich in culture city of Italy, has a lot of historic buildings and landmarks. These buildings comprise of the famous Fondaco dei Turchi, The Rialto Bridge, The House of Carlo Goldoni, Palazzo Ducale, and Ca’ d’Oro and Ca’ Rezzonico. These monuments must be seen by anyone who visits Italy as they reflect immense amount of civilization and history in them.

Fondaco dei Turchi meaning the Turks warehouse is one of the oldest constructions of Italy. It was built by Gaicamo Palmieri, the initiator of one of the respectable families in Italy, and was later on rented to the Turks of the Ottoman Empire in the 17th century for trading purposes, hence getting the name of Fondaco dei Turchi.

The Rialto Bride is an additional historic building of Venice. It was originally constructed around the 4th quarter of the 12th century, but was ruined several times until its final version was built with stone which has survived the test of time. This last version was built around the 16th century, and is around 8 meter high.

About the Author: