Clik here to view.
Roman Pantheon Italy – A Genius Work
Few ancient buildings have survived the ravages of time so well as the Pantheon in Rome. It is the only example of similar age, size and span that remains intact. The fact is no accident – it’s largely...
View ArticleVenice, Italy – A Work of Art
Venice isn’t just romantic. It isn’t just filled with art treasures. It doesn’t merely host an array of the finest architecture, villas and palaces. It is all this and more. Much, much more. St. Mark’s...
View ArticleTuscany is Living Art of Italy
Tuscany may be the world’s only truly organic work of art. The region and all it contains is one enormous museum, both natural and man-made. Here, as in few other places, the beauty of nature and human...
View ArticleRoman Colosseum
Il Colosseo as the Romans refer to it began life as the Flavian Amphitheater, an enormous elliptical stadium capable of seating 50,000 spectators within its six acre domain. During the 1st century AD,...
View ArticleSt. Peter’s Basilica, Rome
Formally known by the name Basilica di San Pietro, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of Rome’s foremost tourist attractions. This one site alone has enough to see to occupy an entire day or more. St. Peter’s...
View ArticleSistine Chapel
Though named after Pope Sixtus IV, who commissioned the chapel construction, the Sistine Chapel was given everlasting fame by Pope Julius II. For, in 1508, it was he who commissioned Michaelangelo to...
View ArticleRome – The Eternal City, Ancient and Modern
Like many metropoli, Rome is a glorious combination of ancient monuments and modern, bustling life. Visitors will find far too much to do, no matter what their tastes. For those who love fine art, Rome...
View ArticleFountains of Rome, The Eternal City
The fountains of Rome have an ancient and glorious history. Examples range from the Eternal City’s glory days in the 1st century AD to its even more glorious days during the Renaissance to the 18th...
View ArticleVatican Museums – Rome
An entire article could easily be taken up solely by listing the names of all the galleries and museums comprising the Vatican Museums. Naming the artists and their works would take up several more....
View ArticleThe Roman Forum, Rome
Located in a valley between Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill, the Forum Romanum or Roman Forum is one of the foremost archaeological sites in the world. Long before the first millennium the forum was...
View ArticlePiazza Navona, Rome
Rome is an outdoor city. Though, of course, there are many churches, museums, restaurants, theaters and other indoor attractions, the city shines best when seen from one its piazzas. The word means...
View ArticleDomus Aurea
One of the more recent attractions in Rome is actually one of the more ancient. The Golden House (Domus Aurea) of Nero, what remains of it, has been excavated and the ruins are now available for public...
View ArticleVilla Borghese
Like every metropolitan city, Rome is a bustling, buzzing hive of outdoor activity. While much of that is naturally a source of excitement for tourists, there comes a time when anyone will want to find...
View ArticleSpanish Steps, Rome
Though the name may not be entirely accurate (they were built by the French), the Spanish Steps in Rome deliver true delight to visitors of any nationality. ‘Ah,’ some will say, ‘they are just stairs’....
View ArticleThe Villas of Venice
Venice has an array of villas that are historically interesting and beautiful to see. They make for another outstanding thing to do in a city already filled with so many. Villa Pisani Villa Pisani is a...
View ArticleSt. Mark’s Basilica, Venice
Venice is an unusual city, a mixture of influences from East and West. Nowhere is this more evident than in the famed Basilica di San Marco. Built on top of the burnt ruins of an earlier church, the...
View ArticleThe Doge’s Palace, Venice
Venice was a Republic for centuries before the system was adopted elsewhere apart from the Roman period, of course. But even then aspects of nobility in government were present. The Doge’s Palace was...
View ArticleGondola Rides in Venice
A gondola ride in Venice can be a romantic voyage for two. Or it can be a fun group activity shared by half a dozen. Morning, afternoon, evening or nighttime are all options. Long, short and in between...
View ArticlePiazza San Marco
What could be more ordinary than a public square in Europe? Every country is filled with them. Yet, ah, there are few to compare to Piazza San Marco. One could easily spend an entire vacation in Venice...
View ArticleThe Venice Carnival
The famed Carnevale di Venezia has very old origins. There are documents as far back as 1268 discussing its games during the celebration. Though the carnival faded after Napoleon’s invasion, it came...
View ArticleGallerie dell’Accademia, Venice
L’Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia is one of Venice’s foremost institutions of art. Founded in 1750 by the Venetian Senate, it contains some of the city’s finest artistic treasures. Out of it evolved...
View ArticleVenice – Ca’ d’Oro
The Golden House of Venice is one of the city’s most outstanding works of architecture. In a city renowned for them, that is quite a claim. But the accolade is well earned. As a main European center of...
View ArticleScuola Grande Di San Rocco
Often compared to the Sistine Chapel Ceiling in Rome, the paintings in San Rocco by the Venetian master Tintoretto easily demonstrate why. While none can surpass Michelangelo, this native artist was...
View ArticleTeatro La Fenice
The Fenice Theater in Venice is a world famous opera house. But even for those whose musical tastes run elsewhere, it’s a tourist’s delight. First constructed in the late 18th century, the theater...
View ArticleGrand Canal, Venice
The Grand Canal in Venice is a main waterway through the city. If offers great scenery, pleasant gondola rides and more to visitors and locals alike. As Venice’s ‘Main Street’ the Grand Canal is a must...
View ArticlePalazzo Grassi
Anyone who was anyone in 18th century Venice simply had to have their own palace. And so it was with the Bolognese Grassi family. Contrary to popular thinking, aristocracy isn’t always hereditary. One...
View ArticleThe Islands of Venice
There are several islands a short boat ride from Venice that are well worth a look when you visit this beautiful city. Murano One of the most popular is nearby Murano. Most tourists come to visit the...
View ArticleSt. Mark’s Campanile, Venice
The belltower of the Basilica di San Marco is much more than just an enclosure to house bells to ring the faithful on a Sunday morning. It is a symbol of Venice and one of its most significant...
View Article