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Posts Tagged ‘Italy’

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.

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Traveling To Different Beaches

February 12th, 2009 No comments

Deciding where to go when taking a vacation, you should consider your possibilities and your interests. You will also need to consider the amount of time you have and your budget. Because there are so many factors that go into planning a vacation, you may want to visit a travel agent who will be able to work with you in finding a vacation that suits your needs. If you want to visit another country like Thailand or Italy, your travel agent can tell you where to go and when so you don’t end up travelling at the wrong time.

Creating a list of possible places is a good idea so you will be able to conduct research on your own. Many destinations have inexpensive places for you to stay while on vacation and you will be able to find many activities and sights to see. Depending on your interests, there are always museums, small towns to discover, and restaurants where you will be able to try many regional foods. After deciding where to go, you should begin booking airfare, rental car, hotel, and other items so you will be all set when your date of travel arrives.

Reading traveling magazines, books, and tour guides can also give you ideas about where to travel on your next vacation. By collecting articles and keeping them for when you are ready to go on vacation, you will have plenty of ideas, phone numbers, and websites to research. Creating a file is also a way to remind yourself of vacation spots you have been dreaming of for some time like perhaps the beaches in Benidorm. Many people store email and other information on their computer so they can look up these spots even when they aren’t ready to take a vacation.

Talking with those who have recently returned from a trip is a great way to generate ideas as well. If you have been considering a trip to a warmer place, talking with people who have just returned from the Benidorm beaches or from Mexico can give you ideas about your own vacation. You may decide to take a cruise or find a nice island that has beautiful beaches after talking about it with other people.

If traveling to another country, you may want to learn more about the language and the culture so you can truly enjoy it. There are many customs that you should know about so you don’t offend anyone while traveling. If you are planning to travel to different places during your vacation, make sure you pack enough clothing so you will be comfortable.

Some travel agencies sponsor trips to several locations in one country if you want an overview. You will be traveling in a group, which may make you feel safer. Traveling to another country is an exciting way to spend your vacation. You should make sure to learn as much as you can about the country before traveling, so you can have a great time while you’re there.

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Villa Doria Pamphili: Rome’s Largest Park

February 9th, 2009 No comments

Rome’s largest public landscaped park, the Villa Doria Pamphili, takes up an area of around 2 square kilometers. It was originally owned by the family that gave the park it’s name, then bought by the City of Rome at the end of the twentieth century.

This amazing are is one of the best places in all of Rome for bird watching, and it’s also a wonderful choice for a jog or a pleasant stroll.

It’s been around for a long time as a villa – before the 1630s, it was known as the Villa Veccia. Then it was purchased by Panfilo Panfili, who also purchased the neighboring vineyards.

This created an enormous holding that stood on high ground above the rest of Rome. It was known for its amazing views, and acted as a suburban resort for its owner and his family.

A new villa was begun later, in the 1640s, by the nephew of the then-Pope, Giovanni Battista Pamphili. It took until 1652 to be finished, with the villa itself designed to complement its ancient and contemporary artworks.

You’ll find most of the artifacts in the Capitoline Museum today, though there are still some at the site. Visitors to the Villa Doria Pamphili will see an exterior in the busy Baroque style, with alternating niches and windows, as well as Mannerist-type bas relief panels.

Inside, there are even more bas reliefs, as well as frescoes of Roman history. Around 1650, gardens were laid out in a sequence of connected areas around the villa, and extending to lower levels. At one point there were statues placed here, but much of the area is now grassy instead.

In the other garden areas, later fountains and gateways make this a beautiful but complex park. You can still hear sixteenth and seventeenth century music at the concerts that are still held in the Villa Doria Pamphili’s Giardino del Teatro.

Currently, the majority of the gardens of the Villa Doria Pamphili are planted in a sixteenth century style, with close cut greenery and wide gravel walks. At one point there were a number of Roman tombs on the site, but they have all been excavated through the centuries.

This lush, beautiful park was once surprisingly the site of a lot of violence. Hand to hand fighting during the short Roman Republic period of the 19th century reached up to the outskirts of the city and the fortified villas located there. The Villa Doria Pamphili was close to some of the worst combat, but it survived, where neighboring properties did not.

The then-owner of the villa took advantage of his neighbors’ misfortune, buying up neighboring lands and making the Villa Doria Pamphili’s size even bigger. In these neighboring structures, art exhibitions are held. The villa itself remains open to the public housing antiquities and sculptures from its long history.

Anyone on a trip to Rome needs to take the time to check out the Villa Doria Pamphili. This amazing Roman park is something anyone in the area should see.

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Traveling In Rome

February 7th, 2009 No comments

Rome may not have been built in a day, but you can spend several days sightseeing around Rome. There is no other city like this history-filled, beautiful city. There is no wonder why Rome was ranked #2 in the 2004 Conde Nast Traveler’s Choice Awards. It was only ranked higher by Florence, which is in the northern part of Italy.

The population of Rome numbers almost 3 million people. The summertime climate is hot and dry, while the wintertime climate is mild and rainy. Except for a few specific countries in Europe, passports are a necessity to enter this country. If you are not staying for more than 90 days, then you do not need a Visa, either. October to March are the off-peak months and if you want to have a relaxing time without having to fight the crowds, then these months are the ones that you want to travel.

If you are more into the artistic side of Rome, then you will want to venture out on foot. This will allow you to take side trips into shops. Taking a private guided tour is another great way to see all of the local artistic hangouts. Ask around to see how you can make the best of this artistic side of this gem in Italy.

There are a few places that you do not want to miss in Rome. The Coliseum is one of these places and you can walk across the street and visit The Roman Forum, too. Touring these places on your own or with a guide can make a memory that you will never forget in this history filled locations.

The Pantheon is over 1800 years old and it has not changed in all of this time. It was built as the “temple to all gods” in 125 A.D. This concrete dome is the final resting place of many different people, including the painter, Raphael, and two different Kings of Italy. The building has retained much of the same feel and form as it had during the time of the Romans.

If you have visited all of the places in this article, then you will want to make at least one more stop. The Vatican is not to be missed, with its collections of books, artifacts, sculptures, and more that tell of the history of the Catholic Church. Don’t miss St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s Pieta. The Sistine Chapel is not to be missed as well. We all know that this is one of the most visible pieces of art in Europe and possibly in the world. The Vatican is a part of Rome that you definitely do not want to miss.

Many different cafes and restaurants are around these locations, so you should not have an issue with finding somewhere to eat. You will want to wear shoes that are comfortable and try not to carry very much, so that you will be as comfortable as possible. Before you begin your jaunt, check with your hotel concierge to see if there are any discounts that you can use, too.

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How To Make Your Vacation Memorable In Sicily?

February 7th, 2009 No comments

Sicily is an island close to Italy’s southern tip, and forms one of Italy’s twenty regions. As it is a extremely hot place to visit through the summers, so the best time to visit this place would be either spring or autumn.

Sicily has several cities, all of which a large number of attractions for its tourists. Agrigento is identified for being home to the Valley of the Temples. Catania is a city that is full of universities, has a very busy nightlife, and is home to Mt. Etna. Cefalu is chiefly a resort town with beaches. Enna is a medieval town on peak of a mountain. Marsala has full of history museums and famous wines are produced here.

Mazara Del Vallo has been influenced by Arabs, and even has a Couscous carnival. Messina is a city that is full of life, with a link to the mainland. Palermo is the capital of Sicily and has lots of tourist attractions. Ragusa has striking elaborate architecture and is a UNESCO World legacy location. Syracuse has historical Greek ruins, and Taormina is a visitors spot with great sights of Mt. Etna. Lastly, Trapani is a very beautiful city and from here the Egadi Island could be accessed.

The best beach to visit is San Vito Lo Capo, which is the best beach on the island as it is surrounded by many other islands. There are also Giardini Naxos, Marina Di Ragusa, and Vendicari, all of which are great beaches with golden sands and clear waters.

The Aeolian Islands are a number of dramatic islands that are a World legacy site. These are volcanic in reality and so are famous for eye-catching landscapes to tourists. There are in addition the Aegadian Islands, Ustica, Patelleria, and the Pelagies Islands.

Mount Etna is the world’s highest active volcano, and its height is 3323 metres. It has a stunning volcanic landscape where rivers of lava have turned rock-hard as the time has passed. In the winter this place is known for the skiing activity, and it is exceptionally cold here even in the summer. One more beautiful natural landscape is the Gole dell’Alcantara, which is a deep gorge cut by the Alcantara River.

There are in addition a lot of archaeological sites which are a must see, including the famous Greek Temple Valley. Others include Naxos, Himera, Kamarina, and Mozia.

When you are in Sicily, make sure you do not miss their local fare. It is very Mediterranean in its flavour, and very different from the cuisine in the north of Italy. There is a lot of use of tomatoes, olives and olive oil in the food. The food here is influenced by the Arab and Spanish food as well, so you will get pleasure from the subtle differences in the taste when you compare to the foods offered elsewhere in Italy. Sicilians have a thing for desserts, so do try the Cannoli, Granita, and Cassata. Also try the Arancini, which is a local fast food which cannot be found except of Sicily.

When you visit it make sure that you see all of he Sicily, as this is a land filled with several different influences, and cultures, and is full of tourists attractions.

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