Phila Airport Parking Vacations

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.

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.

The famous Roman Spanish Steps might be slightly misnamed since they were actually built by the French, but they are a wonderful part of any tourist’s visit to Rome. It is too easy to read about them and think, “What’s the big deal? They are just stairs.” And it is true that they are a means to an end – to walk to and from the Piazza di Spagna and the Villa Medici. But it is worth the effort to take your time on those steps and enjoy them for the ambiance they alone can hold for you.

The Spanish Steps or as they are otherwise known, the Scalinata di Spagna, are 137 steps that were built between 1723 and 1725. They can be found near a outdoor plaza that is triangular in shape called the Piazza di Spagna which itself is one of the most popular tourist sites in Rome.

The steps are scenic, mysterious and elegant as they wind up a mild incline that passes through some of the most enjoyable and popular areas people love to visit in Rome. But it’s good to glance down at these amazing stairs, because they are lovely to look at in their own right. They look delightful in any season but when the spring flowers are erupting all over Rome, the Spanish Steps are alive with the sight and smell of azaleas that pour over from the many greenhouses along the walk.

There is no better moment than to be on the Spanish Steps in Rome when the flowers are everywhere and summer is just around the corner. Now, Rome can get hot even into the early Autumn, so nearby the Spanish Steps are some of the finest Rome has to offer for shops, cafe’s, boutiques and a huge variety of restaurants. In fact, there is a long tradition for locals and tourists alike to bring a light lunch to the steps and sit on a step and enjoy the day while taking in the atmosphere with your meal. And while “officially” such activities are illegal, custom often wins out over legalities and you can still get away with it.

The base of the steps is near a wonderful Bernini fountain called La Barcaccia or the Fountain of the Old Boat. This fanciful fountain features a partially sunken ship. The water of the fountain literally bursts from the holes in the boat. They say the ship itself was designed by Bernini’s son Gian Lorenzo. But it is a unique fountain that Pope Urbano VIII commissioned done in 1627.

Not far from that delightful fountain, you can satisfy your literary side by touring the Keats-Shelly Memorial House. Then enjoy a refreshing beverage before taking on the gentle climb up the Spanish Steps.

Don’t worry too much about getting winded on the climb because the designers provided three resting areas of flat plateaus for you to rest, enjoy some shopping or a snack or just watch the locals and tourists stream by. Once you get to the top of the stairs, don’t rush on too quickly. Instead look back at the wonderful view of where you came from and the move on to enjoy the Church of Trinta dei Monti.

The formal name of this lovely church is the Santissima Trinita al Monte Pincio. The initial design and construction of this church dates back to 1502 and it took almost 200 years to complete the work. The Gothic style is distinctive, as is the neo-classical facade that you first encounter when you come off of the steps. The love affair that many Roman designers had with Egyptian style art work that dates back to the third century is evident in the obelisk outside the church.

You will be only a block or two from Via Veneto, a well known spot that gained a reputation as a place where an Italian girl could get stared at and pinched in the 1950s. While the culture of this area is tamer now, it is still a fun stop on your schedule to take in some wonderful shopping and dining and to see outstanding examples of that architecture that Rome is famous for.

Don’t miss out on the chance to see and experience the Spanish Steps during your next trip to Rome. Even though these Italian steps were created by the French, the name dates back to the 18th century when the Spanish Embassy stood near by. And while the embassy is gone, the international feel of the Spanish Steps continues on to this day.