Vatican City. Vatican is the smallest state in the world, the papal residence, was built over the tomb of Saint Peter. Within its walls the sightseeing complex is without compare. The ornate St Peter’s Basilica and the astonishing Sistine Chapel. There are beautiful gardens, apartments frescoed by Pinturicchio, Raphael and Angelico, and 10 museums. |
The Roman Coliseum was commissioned in AD 72 by Emperor Vespasian and completed by his son, Titus, in A.D. It is located just east of the Roman Forum and was built to a practical design, with its 80 arched entrances allowing easy access to 55,000 spectators, who were seated according to rank. The Coliseum is huge, an ellipse 188m long and 156 wide. Vespesian aimed to gain popularity by staging deadly combats of gladiators and wild animal fights for public viewing. Roman gladiators were usually slaves, prisoners of war or condemned criminals.
The gladiatorial games continued until Christianity progressively put an end to those parts of them which included the death of humans. |
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| The Roman Forum was the central area of the city around which ancient Rome developed. Here commerce, business, administration of justice and religious activities were conducted. The Roman Forum became the spectacular showcase of the Roman Empire filled with beautiful statues and architecture. The main sights of the Forum include the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Saturn, Temple of Vesta, and the church of San Luca e Martina. These are all linked by the Sacra Via, the main road through the Forum. |
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| The Pantheon is the most preserved building of ancient Rome. It is a temple dedicated to all the gods of pagan Rome. It was built by Emperor Hadrian and dedicated between A.D 118 and 125. The original use of the Pantheon is somewhat unknown because the structure of the temple is so different from other traditional Roman temples such as in the Roman Forum. |
Capitoline Museums consist of two palaces. Palazzo Nuovo was opened to the public in 1734 by Pope Clement XII. This Palace contains mostly fine selections of Greek and Roman sculptures as Discobolus. Portrait busts of Greek politicians, scientists and poets can be seen in Hall of the Philosophers. Palazzo dei Conservatori was the seat of the city’s magistrates during the late Middle Ages. Its halls covered with colourful frescos are still occasionally used for political meetings and the ground floor is the seat of the municipal registry office. Masterpieces such as the huge sculpture of Constantine, Bernini’s Medusa and fabulous paintings by Veronese, Tintoretto, Caravaggio or Van Dyck can be seen here. Outside the palace, the ‘She Wolf’ with Romulus and Remus can be found. |
| Ostia Antica is a large archaeological site and is Rome’s excavated answer to Pompeii. It is close to the modern suburb of Ostia, which was the location of the harbour city of ancient Rome, approximately 19 miles (30 km) to the northeast. “Ostia” means “mouth”. At the mouth of the River Tiber, Ostia was Rome’s seaport, but, due to silting and a drop in sea level, the site now lies 3 km from the sea. It is noted for the excellent preservation of its ancient buildings, magnificent frescoes and impressive mosaics. |
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| The Borghese Gallery housed in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana is one of the world’s greatest small museums. Many of Bernini’s best sculptures and Cavaggio paintings can be seen and paintings of note include Titian’s Sacred and Profane Love, Raphael’s Entombment of Christ and works by Peter Paul Rubens and Federico Barocci. |
| San Clemente was built around 1100. With its mysterious passages and legends this fascinating church provides a unique experience of the layers that comprise Rome. You can descend to a depth of 18 metres (6o feet) and go back over 2000 years. Below the church is a 4th century church, and below that a Roman house in which it is believed Christians worshipped until the 4th century church was built. The oldest level is thought to be the titulus Clementis, one of the first parish churches in Rome, and probably belonged to the family of Titus Flavius Clemens, consul and martyr and a contemporary of Pope St Clement. The church was set right next to a pagan temple, a Mithraeum or Temple of Mithras, which is also preserved. |
| Santa Maria del Popolo is a church which is a perfect introduction to Roman art and architecture. It stands inconspicuously in a corner of the vast Piazza del Popolo and often goes unnoticed, but the treasures inside make it a must for art lovers, as they include an entire chapel designed by Raphael and one adorned with striking Caravaggio masterpieces. Inside are frescos by Pinturicchio, a Carracci and outstanding chapel architecture and sculptures. The church includes works by several famous artists, architects and sculptors, for example Raphael, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Caravaggio, Pinturicchio, Andrea Bregno, Guillaume de Marcillat and Donato Bramante. |
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| Museo Nationale Romano features some of the world’s finest ancient art including Classical sculpture and Mosaics. It is however vast and now housed in 3 facilities. If time does not permit a visit we suggest a “hidden gem”. Visit ‘San Pietro in Vincoli’ (Saint Peter in Chains). This is a church and minor basilica. Here just seeing Michelangelo’s statue of Moses is a memorable experience. There are other works of art and St Peter’s chains. |
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TUSCANY
Our Top 10 Sights (in no particular order) |
| Uffizi Gallery in Florence is one of the oldest and most famous art museums of the Western world. Some 1700 works are on display with paintings by Leonardo de Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Titian, Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, Rembrandt Van Rijn and many more. The building was originally the offices of the ruling Medici family. This is one of the most popular attractions; a booking is needed to avoid long delays due to queuing. |
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| Florence’s Duomo Group consists of the Cathedral, Baptistery with its Gates of Paradise, Bell Tower designed by Giotto, and the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. The Cathedral offers 2 panoramic viewing places, from the top of the Bell tower and from the summit of the dome. The Baptistry has glittering 13th century Byzantine mosaics and the ‘Gates of Paradise’admired by Michelangelo. Allow about 3 hours for a full visit which can best be arranged in the afternoon because of varying opening times. |
| Pitti Palace Florence was once the residence of the Medici family. It is a treasure trove with Royal Apartments, modern art, costumes, silverware and porcelain. The Galleria Palatina has splendid frescoes and one of the world’s best collections of Titans and Raphaels paintings. |
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| San Gimignano is a hilltop town, the most representative of the Middle Ages of any in Tuscany. It served as an important relay point for pilgrims travelling to or from Rome on the Via Francigena. The families who controlled the town built around 72 high tower-houses as symbols of their wealth and power. Although only 14 have survived, San Gimignano has retained its feudal atmosphere and appearance. The town also has several masterpieces of 14th- and 15th-century Italian art. |
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| The Chianti area in Tuscany is one of the most beautiful in the whole region, and appreciated by visitors from across the world. It lies mainly between Florence and Siena and offers a unique landscape with steeply rolling hills terraced with vineyards and olive groves, crenelated castles small stone villages, bustling market towns and countryside homes in stone. |
| Lucca is one of Italy’s finest mediaeval treasures. Within its majestic walls, it’s Roman and medieval heart is a medley of piazzas, countless splendid churches, art galleries and cobbled lanes. There is plenty of culture but it is one of those places where many of the pleasures are incidental; a place where it’s enough simply to stroll and sip drinks, shop or enjoy a summer concert. Teatro del Gigleo stages operas and concerts, composers Puccini and Baccherini were born here and are celebrated at the theatre. |
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| Cortona is one of Tuscany’s most rewarding hill towns. It is surrounded by defensive walls, the foundations of which date back to the Etruscan period. A guided tour will discover monuments, churches, museums and the impressive Etruscan and Roman treasures. You will be impressed by the rich art, history and culture of this town. Some ancient historians suggested that Ulysses was buried here! It is only a legend, but what an extraordinary one! |
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| Siena Campo & Palazzo Pubblico The Campo is one of Europe’s loveliest squares where crowds turn out to stroll and gossip. The well-known Palio horse race has taken place every year since 1644 on July 2 and August 16. It is packed with crowds for the bareback horse race. This takes place between the 17 Contrades (wards) in the town. The Sienese are citizens of their Contrada first, Siena second and Italy third. Siena has one of Europe’s lowest crime rates, rivalries are played out in the Campo races. |
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| Michelangelo’s David (located at Galleria Accademia) Why do 1.2 million people visit Florence every year and admire an enormous statue of a naked man? Well Michelangelo was considered the greatest living artist in his lifetime, and ever since then he has been held to be one of the greatest artists of all time. The appeal is however partly sheer size - standing five metres high, the sculpture is as tall as a double-decker bus and was worked from a block of marble weighing 6 tonnes. He managed to carve the whole statue in less than two years. |
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| Campo de Miracoli The ‘Field of Miracles’ is home to the buildings that have made Pisa famous. The four most notable are the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral (Duomo) of Pisa, the Baptistery, and the burial grounds of the Campo Santo. The Cathedral of Pisa was completed and consecrated by Pope Gelasius II in 1118. At the time the Camposanto was little more than vacant space. There was no bell tower (lening tower) or baptistery and the museums had not yet been conceived. The cathedral was constructed to service the prosperous mercantile traders of Pisa and its territories. |
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ITALIAN LAKES & MILAN
Our Top 10 Sights (in no particular order) |
Lake Como Boat Tour – Lake Como is spectacular. The lower half of the lake is divided into two legs, the western branch called Lake Como and the eastern branch called Lake Lecco, enclosed by soaring cliffs that give a fjord-like beauty to the area. The best way to see Lake Como is by boat taking in the wonderful scenery, Villas, towns and villages. |
| Lake Maggiore Islands – From Stresa you can visit 3 islands and 2 of them have the finest palaces and gardens in the lakes region. Isola Madre has an 18th century villa and is a floating botanical garden. Isola Bella is the loveliest of the islands with an interesting Baroque palazzo and terraced Italian style gardens. |
Lake Orta has been described as mystical, romantic and a shimmering sleeping beauty; it is Cinderella to the bigger lakes. Isola di San Guilo, a tiny island, is the main attraction and boats run every 15 minutes. Opposite the island is the picturesque medieval town of Orta San Giulio with a charming lakeside Piazza. Orta can be crowded and is best visited on a weekday. |
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Bellagio is Lake Como’s medieval jewel and exudes great charm. The town traces the shore of the lake and has a medieval walled entrance into the picture-perfect central square from which narrow lanes lined with colourful boutiques and restaurants lead uphill. Views of mountains, painted medieval buildings, flowers everywhere, promenades around the lake, and paths into the hills enhance your stay here. |
| Historic Milan – although known as a city of wealth, business and fashion Milan has a great deal to offer historically. Highlights are the Cathedral (Duomo) which is the 3rd largest in the World, Leonardo de Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’ in the church Santa Maria delle Grazie, La Scala Opera House, Ambrosiana Art Gallery, Sforzesco Castle, Brera Art Gallery and more. |
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| Fashion in Milan The first stop for ‘fashionista’ is the ‘Quadrilatero d’Oro ( Golden rectangle) near the Cathedral. This tiny area of small streets comprises the richest shopping area in the world and possibly the craziest. All the latest trends from the biggest names in fashion are displayed. Discount Fashion – There are several factory outlet stores and discount warehouses in Milan selling last year’s collections with heavy discounts. Outside of Milan there are more factory outlets the nearest being at Vertemate Lake Como ( Armani), near Brescia, near Lugano just over the Swiss border and Biella. |
| Lake Area wines Franciacorta Wine Trail – This wine growing area just south of Lake Iseo produces the country’s most prestigious sparkling champagne style wines. Known as Franciascorta DOCG they can be PaseDose (exceptionally dry), Brut (classic dry), Sec (dry) and Demi Sec (desert). Valtenesi Wine Route is on the South Western shore of Lake Garda between Desenzano and Salo, this area is also known for Olive oil and gourmet food. Zuliana Estate provides a light Rose and a Chardonnay. The South Eastern side of Lake Garda is home to some of Italy’s most popular wines, Valpolicella produces classic reds and Bardolina, mainly full bodied reds. Zeni Museo del Vino at Bardolina is a good place to start. It offers explanations of local wines and production methods and offers tastings. |
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