Tag Archives: Italy Travel Guides

April 26, 2013 · 10:35 am

Mangia and Vino con Vista in Ravenna: A UNESCO Site in Emilia-Romagna

: Image via Wikipedia

English: Cross. Detail from the 6th century Byzantine mosaic in the apse of the basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe (Ravenna, Italy) Italiano: Croce gemmata. Particolare del mosaico bizantino nel catino absidale di Sant’Apollinare in Classe a Ravenna (secolo VI). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Built in 548 A.D. The sights of Ravenna are mostly from the period when Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ravenna houses early Christian Monuments in the Romagna Region www.turismoravenna.it . Ravenna was initially the seat of the Roman Empire in the 5^th century, the Visigoth Empire and finally the Byzantine Italian Empire under Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora until the 8^th century. Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire for 150 years.

Dante; Dante Museum, Ravenna, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Dante Alighieri’s portrait by Sandro Botticelli. Tempera 54,7 x 47,5 cm. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ravenna’s proximity to the sea and unique collection of early Christian mosaics and monuments make it a desirable destination. The Torre del Pubblico leans more than the Tower of Pisa. Dante’s tomb is located on Via Dante Alighieri. Beautiful beaches are found in the Punta Marina di Ravenna.

Domenico di Michelino, La Divina Commedia di Dante (Dante and the Divine Comedy). 1465 fresco, in the dome of the church of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence (Florence’s cathedral). Dante Alighieri is shown holding a copy of his epic poem The Divine Comedy. He is pointing to a procession of sin. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ravenna flourished under the Byzantine Empire. All eight artistically noteworthy buildings: the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Neonian Baptistery, the Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo, the Arian Baptistery, the Archiepiscopal Chapel, the Mausoleum of Theodoric, the Church of San Vitale and the Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare in Classe were constructed in the 5^th and 6^th centuries. The octagonal baptistery contains a beautiful mosaic of John the Baptist and Christ.

Ravenna 1996_0016 (Photo credit: thomas alan)

Ravenna’s mosaics are considered to be the finest in the world outside Istanbul. “The artistry of the mosaics and monuments presents an enlightened blend of Greco-Roman, Christian iconography, oriental and Western genres. Ravenna provides a glimpse into artistic and religious relationships during an important period of European cultural history.” UNESCO

Dante gazes at Mount Purgatory in an allegorical portrait by Agnolo Bronzino, painted c. 1530 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ravenna offers an array of annual events including the prestigious summer “Ravenna Festival” with opera performances, classical music and ballet. In September, the Basilica of San Francesco conducts Progetto Dante: “La Divina Commedia nel Mondo” with readings from Dante’s Divine Comedy. The Basilica was built in the 5th century and completely re-built between the 10th and 11th centuries. Dante Alighieri’s funeral was held here in 1321.

Gustave Doré’s illustration to Dante’s Inferno. Plate IX: Canto III: Arrival of Charon. “And lo! towards us coming in a boat / An old man, hoary with the hair of eld, / Crying: ‘Woe unto you, ye souls depraved!’” (Longfellow’s translation) “And, lo! toward us in a bark / Comes an old man, hoary white with eld, / Crying “Woe to you, wicked spirits!” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dante’s death tomb in Ravenna. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the peaceful Piazza dell Popola, or beside the Marina di Ravenna, you can enjoy a pleasant “Vino con Vista.” Have a glass of Rosso Ravenna, Bianco Ravenna or Sangiovese de Romagna Superiore Riserva with your Parmigiano Reggiano. Ravenna is famous for its olive oil from Brisighella, and the vineyards from prestigious Albana.

Think about that Ducati or Ferrari you’ve had your eye on as you watch the Italians enjoy their testosterone infused rides. If you prefer, you can plan your next mosaic tile project as you sip your delicious Lambrusco at one of the charming cafes.

If you dine at Gigiole on Piazza Couvour or Antica Trattoria al Gallo 1909 on via Maggione, try some Tagliatelle Bolognese. In this region, they love cheese and butter; so don’t forget to take your cholesterol medication.

Dine at the Buon Ricordo destination at the Ristorante Hotel Tino in Massa Lombarda @ Via Resistenza, 22 (www.tinomassalombarda.it). The “Ossobuco del Cavaliere” comes with a charming collector plate depicting a knight on horseback. The veal is served with saffron risotto. Dine in the charming courtyard of this hotel.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides to Italy and Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites.

To learn more about Italy read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides.

About these ads

2 Comments

Filed under Ancient mosaics in Ravenna, Ancient Rome, Dante, ebooks, Italian Architecture, Italian art, Italian Food, Italian Food and Wine, Italian Wine, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, oenogastronomic, Ravenna, Roman Architecture, Roman Emperors, Rome History, The Divine Comedy, Travel and Tourism, UNESCO, UNESCO WOrld Heritage Sites in SIcily, vino con vista, Wine, World Heritage Sites

Tagged as Basilica of San Vitale, Byzantine Empire, Dante Alighieri, Emilia Romagna, Italian wine, Italy, italy travel, Italy Travel Guides, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna, Roman Empire, Rome, Travel and Tourism, vino con vista, World Heritage Site

April 20, 2013 · 11:52 am

I Love Italian Renaissance Art

: Image via Wikipedia

Euro-standard circulation Italian 1 euro coin (national/obverse side). The design represents Leonardo da Vinci’s drawing of the proportions of the human body (also known as the Vitruvian man). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne and Saint John the Baptist (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Leonardo da Vinci was the embodiment of a Renaissance Man because he excelled at a variety of worthwhile endeavors. He was a celebrated sculptor, painter, architect, engineer and scientist. Leonardo’s “Vitruvian Man” represents the perfectly proportioned man.

Image via Wikipedia

Watch the following video showing four major Italian Renaissance artists and their work : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVQBVE9BzYk

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Michelangelo Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbZen2OOA3M&feature=related

Image via Wikipedia

Titian, Raphael, Giotto Video:

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBTtjDMBIbk&feature=related

Image via Wikipedia

Botticelli Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOILQzTfYww&feature=related are notable Renaissance artists who were commissioned by wealthy families and popes.

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Leonardo (Photo credit: Arenamontanus)

The contributions of these artists decorate the walls of churches, palaces and museums around the world. The Renaissance flourished in Italy and Italian masters graced humanity with a wealth of masterpieces

Bartolommeo Vivarini from Venice produced works of art for cities across Northern Italy and down the Adriatic Coast including this altarpiece of “Saint Mark” around 1490.

Cosme Tura from Ferrara painted “Saint George” around 1474 for the Church of San Giorgio fuori le Mura in Ferrara.

Carlo Crivelli from Venice painted the “Madonna and Child” in 1468.

Alessandro Mattia da Farnese from Rome painted the “Portrait of Prince Augusto Chigi” in 1664.

Giovanni di Paolo from Sienna painted “The Madonna and Child with Angels” in 1475.

Sano di Pietro from Siena painted “Saint Catherine of Siena” in about 1450.

Fra Angelico (Guido di Pietro) from Florence painted “The Madonna and Child” in 1411-1413.

Giotto‘s “God the Father with Angels”

Saint Jerome

Bernardino Luini from Milan painted “The Conversion of the Magdalene” (An Allegory of Modesty and Vanity) in 1520 with gesturing hands.

Catena’s “Holy Family”

I love Luca Signorelli’s, ”The Coronation of the Virgin” 1508

Reasons Why The Renaissance Started in Italy (brighthub.com)
So How Did the Renaissance Begin? (vino-con-vista.us)
Vatican Museums (romeinfo.wordpress.com)
Excellent Art Galleries Worth Visiting in Italy (vino-con-vista.info)
Face of Devil Discovered in Giotto Fresco (inquisitr.com)
The devil’s in the details of a Giotto fresco (msnbc.msn.com)

3 Comments

Filed under ebooks, Florence, IPad, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Renaissance Art

Tagged as Alessandro Mattia de Farnese, Art, art history, Art of Italy, Bartolommeo Vivarini, Bernardino Luini, Bernardino Luini An Allegory of Modesty and Vanity, Carlo Crivelli, Coronation of the Virgin, Cosme Tura, Donatello, Fra Angelico, Giotto, Giovanni de Paolo, History, Italian Renaissance, Italy, italy travel, Italy Travel Guides, Leonardo, Leonardo da Vinci, Luca Signorelli, Madonna (art), Michelangelo, Mona Lisa, Raphael, Renaissance, Renaissance art, Renaissance Florence, Rome, Saint Jerome, Sano di Pietro, Titian, Travel and Tourism, Trevi Fountain, Venice, Vitruvian Man, Vitruvian Man in a Square and in a Circle

April 17, 2013 · 10:56 am

St. Peter’s Basilica in Italy’s Vatican City

St. Peter’s Basilica at Early Morning (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

: Image via Wikipedia

In 1506, Bramante was commissioned by Pope Julius II to renovate St. Peter’s Basilica, originally built by Constantine from 324-329.

Emperor Constantine built a glorious crown for St. Peter’s tomb over the site where his bones were preserved.

Inside St. Peter’s Basilica (Photo credit: diluvienne)

English: Wide angle View of the altar inside St. Peter’s Basilica (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Statue of St Peter by Arnolfo di Cambio in St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Façade of St. Peter’s Basilica as seen from Saint Peter’s Square. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

St Peter’s Basilica (Photo credit: JP..)

Saint Peter’s Basilica is built above the site where Peter the Apostle was crucified, martyred and buried in the year 64.

English: Bernini’s “Gloria” surmounting the “Cathedra Petri”, also by him. Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

St. Peter was the first apostle and the first pope. He is always carrying his key.

Saint Peter’s Square (Photo credit: jimmyharris)

St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City (Photo credit: kvsankar)

Since Rome is a place of pilgrimage, a “Scave Tour” is available with advanced reservations and allows you to visit the tomb of St. Peter and the archeological excavations beneath the basilica. Travel from the Baroque church to the Romanesque sanctuary to the Roman cemetery and tomb of Peter the Apostle. The crypt is located under the Papal Altar. Pay hommage to St.Peter in the Basilica.

The Basilica contains the work of some of Italy’s finest sculptors. Vatican City is the world’s smallest country and occupies 109 acres; it has been a sovereign state since 1929 and is ruled by the Pope.

St. Peter’s Square is equipped with large video screens. When pilgrims and tourists converge upon the area for festivities, spectators have a bird’s eye view of the main event.

The red granite obelisk was brought to Rome from Egypt by Emperor Caligula in 37 AD. It was moved to this square in 1587 by Domenico Fontana.

The statues surrounding the obelisk represent the zodiac. There are two 17^th century fountains in the square. The fountain on the right (1613) is by Carlo Maderno who also designed the façade of the church. The fountain on the left was added by Bernini in 1675 by Carlo Fontana.

English: A 5×6 segment panoramic image taken by myself with a Canon 5D and 70-200mm f/2.8L lens from the dome of St Peter’s in Vatican City in Rome. Français: Image panoramique composée de 5×6 photos prises par David Iliff à l’aide d’un appareil Canon 5D et une lentille 70-200mm f/2.8L à partir du dôme de la Basilique Saint-Pierre au Vatican. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Columns and Corinthian pilasters decorate the façade. The central balcony above the main entrance is the “Loggia of Benedictions” where the pope delivers the benediction after his election and gives his weekly blessing. Below the cupola, Bernini’s workshop created 13 statues: Christ the Redeemer, John the Baptist and eleven apostles. St. Peter and St. Paul’s 19^th century statues welcome visitors on the ground floor of the basilica.

St. Peter’s statue by Giuseppe de Fabris holds the golden key that he received from Christ.

St. Paul’s statue by Adamo Tadolini holds the sword that symbolizes his decapitation in Rome.

The dome of the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The building on the right is the Pope’s residence. The Pope appears every Sunday at noon to say the Angelus and give his apostolic blessing. The colonnade surrounding the square was designed by Bernini between the years 1656 and 1666. They represent two outstretched arms welcoming the faithful to the Basilica. There are 140 statues of saints watching over the Basilica above the colonnade.

St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are five bronze entrance doors. These sacred doors are symbolic and functional. From left to right these doors represent: Death, Good and Evil, the original door from the old basilica, the Sacraments and the Porta Santa (Holy Door). The Holy Door is only opened during Jubilee years so that religious pilgrims can receive the Pope’s special blessing.

Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Sculptor: Vico Consorti (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Michelangelo’s Pietà in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Français : La Pietà de Michel-Ange située dans la Basilique Saint-Pierre, au Vatican. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides to Italy and Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites.

To learn more about Romevisit www.vino-con-vista.com. Buon Viaggio–

3 Comments

Filed under Ancient Rome, Baroque Art, ebooks, IPad, Italian art, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Peter the Apostle, Renaissance Art, Rome, Rome History, Rome Italy, St. Peter's Basilica, UNESCO, vino con vista, World Heritage Sites

Tagged as Ancient Rome, Arnolfo di Cambio, Basilica, Basilica St. Peter, Bramante, Carlo Fontana, Carlo Maderno, Catholic Church, Egyptian Obelisks in Rome, Emperor Constantine, Holy Door, italy travel, Italy Travel Guides, Jubilee Celebration, Martyr, Peter the Apostle, Pope, Pope Julius II, Porta Santa, Rome, rome history, Rome Travel, Rome Travel Guide, Saint Peter, Saint Peter's Square, Scave Tour, St. Peter's Basilica, Travel and Tourism, Vatican CIty, vino con vista, What is the Vatican, Where is St. Peter's Basilica, Who is St. Peter, Why does saint Peter have a key, World Heritage Site

April 16, 2013 · 11:26 am

I Love Caravaggio

Caravaggio (Photo credit: Carmen Alonso Suarez)

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – The Sacrifice of Isaac (detail) – WGA04139 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Caravaggio, Resurrection (Photo credit: Martin Beek)

I love art and Caravaggio is one of my favorite artists. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was a famous Baroque Italian artist.

A portrait of the Italian painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Caravaggio (1572-1610) (Michelangelo Merisi)

Michelangelo Merisi, named Caravaggio, Italian painter, was born in Caravaggio in 1571 and died in Porto Ercole in 1610. Caravaggio trained as a painter in Milan under Simone Peterzano who trained under Titan. He moved to Rome in his early twenties. He died at the age of 38 of a fever in Porto Ercole in Tuscany.

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – The Fortune Teller – WGA04082 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

caravaggio (Photo credit: u m a m i)

Between 1592, “when Caravaggio arrived in Rome, to the end of Gregory XV Ludovisi’s pontificate in 1623 was one of the greatest artistic period’s of all time.” Many great artists converged on Rome in that period: Caravaggio, Annibale Carracci, Guido Reni and Rubens.

Rome has many of Carravaggio’s masterpieces. They are on display in churches, museums, places and former residences of nobility. Travel to Piazza Venezia, Piazza del Popolo, Villa Borghese and the Vatican City to view his work.

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – The Calling of Saint Matthew (detail) – WGA04117 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Caravaggio depicted his subjects with intense realism. His revolutionary use of light is a technique known as Chiaroscuro that blended shifts of light and dark. This is also called Tenebrism. Tenebrism uses dramatic illumination “where there are violent contrasts of light and dark and darkness becomes a dominating feature of the image.”

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – The Calling of Saint Matthew (detail) – WGA04115 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – The Martyrdom of St Matthew (detail) – WGA04123 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

His first public commissions in Rome were about Saint Matthew the Apostle: the Martyrdom of Saint Matthew and the Calling of Saint Matthew. These were completed between 1599-1600 for the Contarelli Chapel in the church of the French congregation, San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome.

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – The Martyrdom of St Matthew (detail) – WGA04125 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – The Martyrdom of St Matthew – WGA04121 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Between these two paintings in the chapel, he also painted The Inspiration of Saint Matthew in the altar in 1602. These three adjacent canvases by Caravaggio in the Contarelli chapel represent the story from the Gospel of Matthew.

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – The Inspiration of Saint Matthew – WGA04128 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italiano: Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi, cappella Contarelli. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of my favorite Caravaggio paintings is Bacchus (the Roman god of wine). You can find Caravaggio’s Bacchus at the Uffizi Museum in Florence, Italy.

Image via Wikipedia

If you want to go on a Caravaggio Treasure Hunt in Rome you can also visit the Galleria Doria Pamphili for more paintings.

Just a short walk from Piazza Venezia in the Galleria Doria Pamphilj on Piazza del Collegio. Admire “Riposo dalla fuga in Egitto”, “Maddalena” and “San Giovanni Battista”.

[ C ] Caravaggio – Judith Beheading Holofernes (1599) (Photo credit: Cea.)

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – Martha and Mary Magdalene – WGA04101 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

At Galleria Doria Pamphili on Via del Corso you can admire the “Rest on the Flight from Egypt”

Michelangelo Caravaggio 027 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rest on the Flight into Egypt (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

and “Pentilent Mary Magdalene”

Michelangelo Caravaggio 002 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2. Then visit the Church of St. Augustine to see the “Madonna of the Pilgrims”

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – Madonna di Loreto – WGA04156 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Musicians (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – Sick Bacchus – WGA04072 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – Medusa – WGA04108 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Borghese gallery (Piazzale Scipione Borghese, www.galleriaborghese.it/ has many pieces; the world’s greatest collection including: ”Giovane con la canestra di frutta”, “Bacchino malato”, “San Girolamo”, “Madonna dei Palafrenieri”, “Davide con la testa di Golia” and finally “San Giovannino”.

“San Francesco in meditazione” in the church of the Cappuccini Convento on Via Veneto is also attributed to Caravaggio, while the mythical “Narciso” and the “Decapitazione di Oloferne” are in the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica di Palazzo Barberini.

Other masterpieces by the great Lombard artist can be found in the Corsini Galleria on Via della Lungara (“San Giovanni Battista nel Deserto”), in the Vatican Museum (“Deposizione di Cristo”), in the church of Santa Maria del Popolo in Piazza del Popolo (“Converzione di San Paolo” and the “Crocefissione di San Pietro”); in Sant’Agostino on Via della Scrofa (“Madonna dei Pellegrini”). Finally in San Luigi dei Francesi on the piazza of the same name there is a series of paintings which tell the story of Saint Matthew in the Cappella Contarelli of the church, they are: “Vocazione”, “Il Martirio”, and “San Matteo e l’Angelo”. In the Casino Ludovisi, the last remains of the Villa Ludovisi on Via Lombardia, Caravaggio created frescos in oil on the walls of the alchemy laboratory, painting “Giove, Nettuno and Plutone” in triumph around the sun.

2010 marked the 400th anniversary of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio’s death. He was 39 when he died and had spent half of his life painting professionally. While Caravaggio’s passing came as no huge surprise to his contemporaries, the rest of us have been trying to flesh out his chronology ever since. See, when he painted, he painted in bursts and, usually, out of necessity. There seem to have been long intervals in between painting bursts when life, flight and threats of imprisonment and/or execution took over. Given the circumstances and doing the math, quite a few too many Caravaggio canvases have surfaced over the centuries to be credible.

To learn more about Italy read Dr. Lovero’s Travel Guides . They are available at www.vino-con-vista.com

Vatican Museums (Photo credit: ocad123)

How to Decipher the Eternal City of Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
Art at the Pinacoteca Vaticana in the Vatican Museums (vinoconvistablog.me)
Caravaggio ‘ was killed by the Knights of Malta’ (telegraph.co.uk)
Book Review: Caravaggio – Painter of Miracles by Francine Prose (todworner.wordpress.com)

Book Review: Caravaggio – Painter of Miracles by Francine Prose (todworner.wordpress.com)

3 Comments

Filed under Bacchus the Roman God of Wine, Caravaggio, ebooks, Florence, IPad, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Tuscany, Uffizi, vino con vista, Wine Festivals, World Heritage Sites

Tagged as Ancient Rome, Bacchus the Roman god of wine, Caravaggio, Caravaggio's Bacchus the God of Wine, Contarelli Chapel, Donatello, Florence, Florence attractions, Florence Travel Guides, Giotto, House of Medici, italian food, Italian wine, Italy, italy travel, Italy Travel Guides, Leonardo da Vinci, Lorenzo Medici, Michelangelo, Nicola Pisano, Palazzo Pitti, Pitti Palace, Porto Ercole, Renaissance art, Rome, Simone Peterzano, Sistine Chapel, Sistine Chapel ceiling, Tenebrism, The god of wine, Travel and Tourism, Tuscany Travel Guides, Uffizi, unesco, Vasari Corridor, Vatican Museums, vino con vista, Who is Bacchus, Who painted Bacchus, Who was vasari, World Heritage Site

August 28, 2012 · 11:37 am

Top Ten Reasons to Travel to Italy

: Image via Wikipedia

Villa Cimbrone, Ravello, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Vernazza town in Liguria, Italy. Vernazza is in the cinque terre region. Français : Le village de Vernazza, dans les cinque terre, en Ligurie (Italie). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italy is one of the world’s most alluring travel destinations. It is brimming with outstanding art, historical buildings and spectacular fountains.

There are magnificent bridges and churches with sculptures by Bernini and Michelangelo. The Food and Wine is outstanding and there are plenty of enchanting villages for touring and tasting. Italy is a premier wine tourism destination.

English: Rome, the Coloseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre Italiano: Il Colosseo a Roma, originariamente conosciuto come Anfiteatro Flavio Polski: Rzymskie Koloseum, znane też jako Amfiteatr Flawiuszów (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italiano: Collage di vari immagini di Roma. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here are the Top Ten Reasons to Travel to Italy:

1. It is the historic and cultural epicenter of the Etruscans, the Roman Empire, the Catholic Church

English: Cathedral of Pisa (Duomo di Pisa), Pisa, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

and the Renaissance.

Capo Conca at Conca dei Marini, Almalfi Coast (10/10/2007) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rome, the Coloseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre Italiano: Il Colosseo a Roma, originariamente conosciuto come Anfiteatro Flavio Polski: Rzymskie Koloseum, znane też jako Amfiteatr Flawiuszów (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italy is imbued with superlatives. Italy has more than 47 World Heritage; more sites than any other country in the world. They have sultry fashion and vehicle design, outstanding culinary and entertainment options, spectacular beaches and magnificent art and architecture.

Spagna, Spanish Steps, Spanische Treppe in Rom (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Enzo Ferrari (Photo credit: kenjonbro)

Castel Sant’ Angelo, Roma. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the 5 villages known as “Cinque Terre” in Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Enzo Ferrari (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2. Italy is also a manufacturing juggernaut. It produces sexy, powerful driving machines. In 1929, Enzo Ferrari founded the racing team that led to the famous sports car. the legendary Ferrari auto company recently built a new museum in Ferrari’s hometown of Modena.

Tour the museum here: http://www.businessinsider.com/take-a-look-inside-the-ferrari-museum-2012-8?op=1#ixzz24r0pztPS.

Prestigious nameplates like Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati thrill car enthusiasts around the world.

Ferrari 308 (Photo credit: dave_7)

Ilario Bandini and Enzo Ferrari in Forlì in 1964. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italian design prowess spills over into the motorcycle industry. The sleek curves of Ducati, Cagiva, Aprilia and Motoguzzi offer exciting, desirable rides. Even the country’s Fiats and Vespas are alluring. The cacophony of Italy’s motorcycless can be heard throughout the world.

English: Castel Sant’Angelo/St. Angelo and Ponte Sant’Angelo (Rome) Français : Pont Sant’Angelo, Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mount Etna seen from the town of Taormina. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

3. Captivating panoramic vistas of the peninsula’s majestic mountains, volcanoes and glistening seas enhance Italy’s timeless charm. The fascinating array of sights and travel experiences includes glorious cityscapes overflowing with art and architectural masterpieces in the Vatican City are captivating! Churches and museums are repositories of magnificent art. Saint Peter’s Cathedral, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums contain the most spectacular art collection in the world. The Uffizi in Florence has more masterpieces per square foot than any other art museum in the world.

St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome seen from the roof of Castel Sant’Angelo. Location: Rome Taken: September 2004 Source: Wikipedia Commons Photographer: Wolfgang Stuck (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Last Judgement (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The left half of the entire ceiling, after restoration (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sicily 2009 (Photo credit: mad_76)

Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino 2003 Italian wine from Tuscany made from Sangiovese (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

4. Italy’s historic cities are surrounded by dreamy landscapes coveted and replicated by Renaissance artists. Rolling hills are carpeted with vineyards and olive and citrus groves. The micro climates of wine regions from Piedmont to Sicily provide the Italian wine producers with resources and endless opportunities to produce highly-regarded local wines. Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Barbera and Nebbiolo grapes become estate wines that ultimately stock wine cellars throughout Italy. Italy supplies the world with the finest Barolo, Brunello, Amarone and Chianti wines. There are more than 300 varietals that are cultivated in many locations: by the sea, on the foothills of the magnificent mountains and in the southern-most volcanic islands.

World-wide Italian wine sales in 2011 were 13 billion euros with 700,000 wine estates and 30,000 bottlers. Outstanding wines earn accolades like “Three Glasses” (Tre Bicchieri) from Gamberro Rosso. In 2012, from over 20,000 wines tasted by Gambero Rosso panels, only 375 labels attained the “Tre Bicchieri” status. By the way, Italy also has outstanding olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Italian Olive Oil

Montalcino, Toscana, Italia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

5. In 1972, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) passed the World Heritage Convention. This International Treaty was designed to preserve the world’s greatest cultural and natural sites. Italy has a wide array of the designated World Heritage Sites. The sites range from archeological ruins to distinctive city centers like Rome, Florence and Venice. Sicily has incredible Greek Theaters and Temples.

Federico Fellini (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Taormina 05 (Photo credit: Giovy.it)

“Fellini, la Grande Parade” exposition sur l’oeuvre de Federico Fellini au musée du Jeu de Paume à Paris. (affiche de la Dolce Vita : le film culte du cinéaste) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

6. Italy’s reputation as Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita” destination is enhanced by the availability of superb accommodations. Italians have mastered the art of seaside lounging; many hotels offer rejuvenating spas, rooftop observatories and infinity pools.

English: Plaque to Federico Fellini on the Via Veneto, Rome, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Historic monasteries and villas have been converted into luxuriously appointed five-star hotel properties that meet the discriminating needs of sophisticated sojourners.

If you go to Rome, stay at the Hotel Majestic Roma on the Via Venato. This is one of my favorite properties. The historic architect Gaetano Koch catered to the luxury crowd and the hotel served as a backdrop for Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita”. I love the panoramic views from the balconies of the newly renovated restaurant overlooking the Via Venato.

Interior of the Grand Hotel Minerva in Rome Italy

I love the Grand Hotel Mineva in Rome because everytime you walk out of the front door, you get to see Bernini’s famous elephant in Piazza della Minerva. Bernini

Grand Hotel Minerva in Rome Italy

Another one of my favorites is the Hotel de Russie. The 18th century terraced gardens are close to the Popolo churches and they serve a great de Russie Martini with caviar. Near the Spanish Steps, stay at the Hotel Eden near the Via Condotti. They have a fabulous rooftop restaurant called La Teraza. The Hassler is at the top of the Spanish Steps. The 1885 building was reconstructed in 1938. There are fabulous views of the Pantheon, Aventino Hill and the Borghese Gardens through the 6th floor windows. Have lunch at the Palm Court Garden. I must admit that my favorite Vino con Vista hotel in Italy is Villa Cimbrone in Ravello; perched high above the Amalfi Coast.

View from Ravello, Italy, down into the bay. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ravello Italy coast (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

7. Government-supported agritourism is growing exponentially across Italy since its inception in 1985. Agriturismo allows travelers to stay and dine at working farms. The government offers tax breaks and incentives to farmers who create rooms for tourists. There were more than 14,000 agriturismi in Italy in 2007; over 3500 in Tuscany and about 600 in Sardinia.

Door of the Cathedral’s Bell Tower in Alghero Sardinia

8. The nation’s flourishing culinary culture spawns superb cooking schools and gourmet restaurants. Many detail-obsessed chefs use fresh farm-to-table ingredients. Notable chefs earn sought after Michelin Stars, as well as Italy’s coveted “Tre Forchette” (Three Forks) Awards.

Pasta vongole in Naples, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

9. “Buon Ricordo” is an association of gastronomic entrepreneurs founded in 1964 (www.buonricordo.com). The union of member restaurants promotes regional cuisine with specialty entrees, membership cards and charming ceramic collector plates that celebrate local culinary tradition. There are more than 100 Buon Ricordo Restaurants in Italy. Card-carrying Buon Ricordo members are afforded hotel privileges as well. Outstanding Italian restaurateurs are passionately committed to palate-pleasing regional cuisine and wine. They offer extensive wine lists that provide depth and diversity of labels and vintages. They frequently retain devoted wine directors and sommeliers. By the way, Italy has the best desserts in the world!

YUMMY!!

Armani is another example of luxury designer clothing label. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

10. Italy is a shopping paradise. Designer fashion luminaries grace Italy’s catwalks. Socialites and celebrities embrace the designs of Italian purveyors like Gucci, Pucci, Roberto Cavalli, Versace, Armani, Prada, Valentino and Ferragamo. Italy’s haute couture and ready-to-wear adorn global fashionistas.

To learn more about Italy read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides.

Rome (Photo credit: Moyan_Brenn)

English: Map of Italy and its districts. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Angelo (Photo credit: aldoaldoz)

Juliet’s Balcony makes Verona Italy the City of Love (vinoconvistablog.me)
Spend a Glorious Vino Con Vista Weekend in Rome: Non Basta una Vita (vinoconvistablog.me)
Watch the Water Flow in the Spectacular Fountains of Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
A Tuscan Winery Tour at Captivating Castello Banfi in Montalcino Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)
Wine and Food Festivals in Italy (wine-festivals.vinoconvistablog.com)
The Ten Most Seductive Places to Drink Wine in Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)
Historic Rome: A UNESCO Site in Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)
Santa Maria in Traspontina sits on the site of an Ancient Pyramid in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
Who built Rome’s Historic Pantheon? (vinoconvistablog.me)
Food and Wine Festivals in Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)
Roman Emperor History Tips (vinoconvistablog.me)

9 Comments

Filed under Italy, Rome, Top Ten Reasons to Travel to Italy, Venice, vino con vista, Wine Tourism

Tagged as Add new tag, Buon Ricordo Restaurants, Cagiva, Catholic Church, Cinque Terre, Colosseum, Enzo Ferrari, Ferrari, Haute couture, italian food, Italian wine, Italy, italy travel, Italy Travel Guides, Moto Guzzi, Renaissance, Roberto Cavalli, Roman Empire, Rome, Sicily, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Top Ten Reasons to Travel to Italy, Travel and Tourism, unesco, Wine Tourism in Italy, World Heritage Site

May 10, 2012 · 11:06 am

Insights into the Vatican in Italy: UNESCO’s Holy City

: Image via Wikipedia

The Vatican City is the world’s smallest country and occupies 109 acres. It has been a sovereign state since 1929 and is ruled by the Pope.

Magnificent works of art are housed in the Holy City. Rome’s grand churches were built in the following order: Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Classical. Most of the exquisite Baroque monuments and buildings were erected during the 16^th and 17^th centuries. Many ancient churches have received newer facades.

Sack_of_Rome_by_the_Visigoths_on_24_August_410_by_JN_Sylvestre_1890. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On May 6, 1527, the Sack of Rome was perpetrated by German Lutheran and Spanish Catholic troops who resented the wealth of the papacy. The soliers entered the Vatican as Pope Clement VII was saying a mass in the Sistine Chapel. Swiss Guards were being slaughtered in St. Peter’s Square and the pope was brought to safety in Castel Sant’Angelo.

Sack of Rome of 1527 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

St. Peter’s Basilica, believed to be the burial site of St. Peter, seen from the River Tiber. The iconic dome dominates the skyline of Rome. St. Peter’s Basilica from the River Tiber. The iconic dome dominates the skyline of Rome. Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Christianity became the dominant religion of Western Civilization when the Roman Empire converted to Christianity. St. Peter’s Basilica, believed to be the burial site of St. Peter, seen from the River Tiber. Saint Peter’s Basilica. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Roman Emperor Constantine (306-337 AD) joined the Christians and before he moved to Constantinople he built several churches in Rome. San Giovanni in Laterano, St. Peter’s Basilica and San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura were all built during Constantine’s reign. Talent and leadership abandoned the newly divided empire and successive waves of Barbarians invaded Rome including the Visigoths, Vandals and the Ostrogoths. By 800 AD, Emperor Charlemagne asserted papal authority and launched another power struggle between the Church and imperial authority. By 1309, the pope moved to the safety of Avignon.

Tomb of pope Julius II by Michelangelo, church San Pietro in Vincoli; Rome, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rome’s imperial legacy lived on in the Catholic Church where Roman senators became bishops, scholars became monks, and philosophers became theologians. The pope or high priest adopted the title originally held by the emperor; “Pontifex Maximus.” Look for this word in the Latin inscriptions in Rome. The grandeur of church rituals is reminiscent of the glory days of Julius Caesar.

The papacy’s supremacy returned to Rome in 1377. In the 1500’s, a glorious rebirth of Rome flourished when the popes invited the most talented architects, painters and sculptors to rebuild Rome’s grandeur during the Renaissance. On April 18, 1506 Pope Julius II (Giuliano Della Rovere) laid the cornerstone for the new Basilica of Saint Peter. Saint Peter’s magnificent basilica was built above the site where Peter the Apostlewas crucified, martyred and buried in the year 64.

Ancient statue of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome. Possibly the work of Atnolfo di Cambio. Thought by some historians to be much older. Crop of original pic (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Christ Handing the Keys to St. Peter by Pietro Perugino (1481-82) Fresco, 335 x 550 cm Cappella Sistina, Vatican. Ελληνικά: Λεπτομέρεια από την νωπογραφία του Πιέτρο Περουτζίνο, Ο Χριστός Παραδίδει τα Κλειδιά στον Πέτρο, 335 x 600 cm, Καπέλα Σιξτίνα, Πόλη του Βατικανού. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In 1506, Bramante was commissioned by Pope Julius II to renovate St. Peter’s Basilica, originally built by Constantine from 324-329. Emperor Constantine built a glorious crown for St. Peter’s tomb over the site where his bones were preserved. St. Peter was the first apostle and the first pope. Since Rome is a place of pilgrimage, a “Scave Tour” is available with advanced reservations and allows you to visit the tomb of St. Peter and the archeological excavations beneath the basilica. Travel from the Baroque church to the Romanesque sanctuary to the Roman cemetery and tomb of Peter the Apostle. The crypt is located under the Papal Altar.

To learn more about Italy, visit www.vino-con-vista.com and

Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites

Palm Sunday: Pope Benedict Starts Holy Week With Mass At St. Peter’s Square (inquisitr.com)
Who built Rome’s Historic Pantheon? (vinoconvistablog.me)
Santa Maria in Traspontina sits on the site of an Ancient Pyramid in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
Vatican Welcomes 26 Swiss Guards Into Oldest Army (abcnews.go.com)
Trinita dei Monti Church in Rome at the top of the Spanish Steps (vinoconvistablog.me)
May 6 in history (homepaddock.wordpress.com)

7 Comments

Filed under Ancient Rome, Beatification of Pope John Paul II, ebooks, Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception in Rome, Hotels in Rome, Italian Architecture, Italian art, Italian Cheese, Italian Food, Italian Food and Wine, Italian Wine, Italy, Italy ravel, Italy Travel Guides, Papal ceremony in Rome for the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, Peter the Apostle, Restaurants in Italy, Roman Amphitheater, Roman Architecture, Roman Emperors, Rome, Rome History, Rome Italy, Travel and Tourism, UNESCO, Vatican in Italy: UNESCO's Holy City, vino con vista

Tagged as Barbarians, Baroque, Catholic Church, Churches in Rome, Constantine, Constantinople, Emperor Constantine, Gothic, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Neo-Classical, Pontifex Maximus, Pope, Pope Clement VII, Roman Emperor, Roman History, Rome, Rome Travel Guide, Sack of Rome, Saint Peter, Saint Peter's Basilica, San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura, Sistine Chapel, St. John Lateran Basilica, St. Peter's Basilica, unesco, Vatican, Vatican CIty, Vatican in Italy: UNESCO's Holy City, vino con vista

June 21, 2011 · 12:07 pm

The Church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome Italy

Climb 124 steps to the top of Capitoline Hill and you will find the austere facade of Santa Maria in Aracoeli that was originally called Santa Maria in Capitolio until the 13th century. The stairway was designed in the 14th century by Simone Andreozzi.

Image via Wikipedia

Interior of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Rome. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Image via Wikipedia

If you are not up for climbing the stairs, there is a side entrance to the right of the stairs past the Museo Capitolino in the church’s Romanesque bell tower. The lovely lunette above the door has a 13th century mosaic of the Virgin and Child by Cosmati. In the Middle Ages, condemned criminals were executed at the foot of the steps.

Interior of Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome Italy

Entrance to Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome Italy

According to legend, during the middle ages Emperor Augustus was visited by the Tiburtine Sibyl at the Temple of Juno Moneta. The Sibyl’s prophecy was: “Haec est ara primogeniti Dei” which means this is the altar of the first-born of God. The Emperor proceeded to erect an altar on this site to the deity. The relics of Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine are housed in this church under a cupola supported by eight columns in a porphyry urn.

English: ceiling of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Rome.

Image via Wikipedia

This ancient church was built on the site of the Temple to Juno. It is from the 6th century and is located at the top of the famed Aracoeli Staircase by Michelangelo at the Capitoline. The 22 columns that support the church are from ancient buildings of the area. An inscription on the third column to the left explains that it comes from a cubiculo Augustorum (from the bedroom of the emperors).

The Commemoration of the Battle of Lepanto in 1571 adorns the ceiling and was built during the reign of Pope Gregory III Boncompagni whose family crest (the dragon) is located toward the end of the altar.

To the right of the entrance door is a tombstone by Donatello memorializing archdeacon Giovanni Crivelli. The Pinturicchio frescoes in the first chapel on the right, depict the life and death of St. Bernardino of Siena and on the left wall is The Burial of the Saint.

Chapel of Saint Helena in Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome Italy

Visible beneath the urn of St. Helen you can see the altar “Ara Coeli” that legend claims Emperor Augustus had constructed on this site.

Emperor Augustus Altar of Ara Coeli in Rome Italy

Years later, a church was built over the imperial altar which became known as Ara Coeli which means the altar of heaven. Visit the Chapel of St. Bernadine of Siena with Pinturicchio’s fabulous frescoes from 1485. The fresco on the back wall is “St. Bernadine in Glory” where he is standing in the center with St. Louis of Toulouse on the left and St. Anthony of Padua on the right. The savior is in a mandorla above surrounded by angels.

Chapel of St. Bernadine in Rome Italy

Mandorla above the Chapel of St. Bernadine in Glory in Rome Italy

One of the most famous things about Santa Maria in Aracoeli is the Santo Bambino, an olive-wood figure of the Christ Child dating from the 15th century. This statue was carved by a Franciscan monk out of a tree from the Garden of Gethsemane.

The figure’s miraculous powers are supposed to include resurrecting the dead and it is sometimes carried to the bedside of the gravely ill. If the statue can help the person, its lips turn purple; if not, then they turn pale. During the holidays, the statue is moved to the crèche (second chapel on the left), but is usually located in the Sacristy.

The wooden statue of the infant Jesus in the 19th century Santo Bambino Chapel by the sacristy is filled with letters. Many people write letters to the Bambino requesting blessings for loved ones. The statue is brought out on Christmas Eve on a throne in front of the high altar.

Chapel of Santa Bambino in Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome Italy

Santo Bambino in Santa Maria Aracoeli Church in Rome

The main altar has two statues flanking the image of the Virgin: Saint Bernadine of Siena on the left and Saint John Capistrano on the right. The outside arch has a sibyl in the left spandrel and Emperor Augustus whith the prophetic words “Haec est ara coeli”, (This is the altar of God).

The church is loaded with magnificent Italian art.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Italy Travel Guides. To learn more about Rome visit www.vino-con-vista.com

Saint Michael in Rome Italy

Saint Francis of Assisi in Rome Italy

Interior of Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome Italy

Santa Maria in Traspontina sits on the site of an Ancient Pyramid in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
Rome’s Spectacular Piazzas with Fountains (vinoconvistablog.me)
Francesco Borromini’s Church of Sant Ivo alla Sapienza in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
Rome’s Church of Santa Maria Maddelena near the Pantheon (vinoconvistablog.me)
Saint Agnese in Agone and Piazza Navona in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
Witness the Story of Easter in Rome: Buona Pasqua (vinoconvistablog.me)
San Marco is the Church of the Venetian Community in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
How to Decipher the Eternal City of Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
The Church of Santa Maria della Pace has Glorious Raphael Frescos (vinoconvistablog.me)

1 Comment

Filed under Ancient Rome, Italian Architecture, Italian art, Italy Travel Guides, Roman Architecture, Roman Emperors, Rome History, Rome Italy, Saint Francis of Assisi, Santa Maria in Aracoeli Church in Rome Italy, Travel and Tourism, UNESCO, vino con vista

Tagged as Ancient Rome, Aracoeli, Augustus, Capitoline Hill, Church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Colosseum, Cosmati, Emperor Augustus altar of Ara Coeli, History, Italy Travel Guides, Madonna (art), Middle Ages, Roman Emperor, Roman Empire, Roman History, Rome, Rome Travel Guide, Santa Maria, Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Tiburtine Sibyl, Travel and Tourism, World Heritage Site

November 22, 2010 · 11:15 pm

Mangia and Vino con Vista in Ferrara: A UNESCO Site in Emilia Romagna

: Image via Wikipedia

It’s Thanksgiving week in the United States–the ultimate mangia and “Vino con Vista” festival. In Italy, there are many opportunities for mangia and vino con vista festivals.

In 1995, the entire town of Ferrara was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an exceptional example of a Rennaisance town on the Po Delta www.ferrarainfo.com. Ferrara is located around a ford over Italy’s longest river, the Po. It is one of the region’s former fortified walled towns.

The D’Este family took control of the town in the 13^th century under Nicolo II and held power until 1598 when the family was forced to move to Modena. The city became an intellectual and artistic center that attracted the greatest minds of the Italian Renaissance in the 15th and 16^th centuries under the reign of the Este court. The city of the Renaissance and its Po Delta became an inscribed UNESCO site in 1995.

Ferrara is the birthplace of Girolamo Savonarola, the Domenican Friar who ruled Florence from1494 until his execution in 1498. He was the infamous perpetrator of the “Bonfire of the Vanities.” Ferrara is also famous for hot air balloons–are these events somehow related?? Ferrara is also the birthplace of Cosme Tura (1430-1495). He was the court painter and sculptor for his patrons Borso d’Este and his successor Ercole. Two of his masterpieces are housed in the National Art Gallery of Palazzo dei Diamanti. They depict scenes from the life of St. Maurelio.

The Este Castle was commissioned by Nicolo II and built by Bartolino da Novara in 1385 to defend the d’Este family against popular revolts and is an outstanding example of Italian military architecture. The superb House of Este’s ducal residences were decorated by immortal masters like Piero della Francesca, Jacopo Bellini and Andrea Mantegna. The towers and moats of the medival Castello Estense were founded in 1385.

The Romanesque-Gothic Ferrara Cathedral was built around 1135 and was decorated with marble patterns in the late 13th century. It has impressive reliefs over the tympanum of the “Last Judgement” on the façade. The new cathedral museum is housed inside the church of San Romano and contains sacred relics, paintings and sculptures. Visit the church of San Georgio, the city’s patron saint. Built in the 10th century, it was the city’s cathedral until the 12th century. The Church of Sant’Antonio in Polesine has beautiful frescoes from the 13th and 14th centuries.

The d’Este summer retreat, Palazzo Schifanoia was commissioned by Alberto V d’Este in 1385. It is decorated with beautiful murals by Ferrara’s best 15^th century painter, Cosimo Tura. The “Hall of Months” is frescoed by Francesco del Cossa, Ercole de Roberti and Cosme Tura. It is the home of the Civic Museum of Ancient Art which displays bronze , ceramics and frescoes.

In the Piazza Ariostea, on the last Sunday of May you can attend the dramatic Palio de San Giorgio, a bareback horse- riding extravaganza between the 8 town districts that was made official in 1279 to win the precious drape of St. George, the patron saint of Ferrara www.paliodiferrara.it.

If you miss the big event, have a “Vino con Vista” and order a glass of Albana di Romagna, Sangiovese di Romagna, Trebbiano di Romagna or Lambrusco di Sorbara at a local cafe. Visit the Osteria Al Brindisi, the world’s oldest wine bar on via Adelardi. While you sip your wine, think about how Nicolo Este III had his wife and her lover brutally murdered. This may prevent you from running off with some Italian hottie!

The cuisine recalls the courts of d’Este and is famous for salama sauce and cappelletti stuffed with turkey or pumpkin. I love the cappellacci di zucca stuffed with butternut squash and Parmigiano Reggiano flavored with nutmeg and covered with a delightful buttery sage sauce. Dine at La Providenza or Il Don Giovanni, both restaurants are located on Ercole d’Este. Get your Buon Ricordo collector plate at Trattoria e Locanda La Chiocciola in Quartiere di Portomaggiore @ Via Runco, 94/F (www.locandalachiocciola.it). The collector plate depicts the signature “Snail Timbale” served with mashed potatoes, shallots and herbs served in this charming bed and breakfast.

Visit the Palazzo dei Diamanti before January 13th to see 50 works by French 18th century still-life master Jean-Baptiste Simeon Chardin on loan from major international museums. To learn more about Italy read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides. Italophiles can order a book and “Vino con Vista” Holiday basket at www.vino-con-vista.info

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides to Italy and Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites

Happy Thanksgiving from Vino con Vista!!

1 Comment

Filed under Cosme Tura, ebooks, Emilia Romagna, Este Family, Ferrara, Hall of Months in Ferrara, Italian Architecture, Italian art, Italian Food, Italian Food and Wine, Italian Wine, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Po Delta, Renaissance Art, Travel and Tourism, UNESCO, UNESCO WOrld Heritage Sites in SIcily, Villa d'Este, vino con vista, Wine, Wine Festivals in Italy, World Heritage Sites

Tagged as Arts, Bonfire of the Vanities in Florence, Castello Estense, Cosme Tura, Ferrara, Francesco del Cossa, Girolamo Savonarola, House of Este, Italian wine, Italy, italy travel, Italy Travel Guide, Italy Travel Guides, Palazzo Schifanoia, Travel and Tourism, vino con vista, World Heritage Site

May 23, 2010 · 11:52 am

The Magical Fountains of Villa D’Este in Italy: A 2001 UNESCO Site

: Image via Wikipedia

One of the most magical places in Italy is the Villa d’Este where fountains transport you to the opulence of the Renaissance. The Renaissance villa was designed by Pirro Ligoriot in 1550 for Ippolito d’Este, the son of Lucretia Borgia and Alfonso I, duke of Ferrara. Lucretia was the daughter of Pope Alessandro IV. At the age of 10, Ippolito was named Archbishop of Milan and at 30 he became Cardinal Ippolito d’Este of Ferrara although he never became a pope. He became the governor of the city of Tivoli in 1550. The Governor’s house in Tivoli was the north-east wing of the convent annexed to Santa Maria Maggiore. Ippolito decided to create a structure worthy of competing with the Imperial Villa of Hadrian. He definitely succeeded in attaining his vision!

To learn more about Rome and Lazio read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides and

Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites

The Treasures of Taormina Sicily

: Image via Wikipedia

Explore the historical allure of Sicily’s sumptuous open air museum. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Longobards, Byzantines and Arabs have contributed to Sicily’s polyglot heritage and cultural splendor. These contributions are reflected in Sicily’s art, architecture and cuisine.

Taormina (www.comune.taormina.it) is Sicily’s favorite resort town with plenty of beaches with many Vino con Vista opportunities. It is located in the Messina province. The east coast of Sicily overlooks the Ionian Sea and is considered part of the Ionian Riviera.

Taormina has inspired many famous authors. D.H. Lawrence wrote the erotic and scandalous book, Lady Chatterly’s Lover in 1928. This story involved an aristocratic English woman’s affair in Taormina. She was married to a wheelchair-bound World War I hero. Goethe recorded his love of Sicily in his travel diary in 1787, Journey to Italy. He stated, “To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Siciy is the clue to everything.”

This beach town is a haven for sun worshippers. Take the funicular (motorized lift) to the beach or hop on a cable car to Mazzaro and enjoy the Isola Bella Beach and nature reserve. Travel to Giardini Naxos to view the excavations of Sicily’s first Greek colony http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmWVpfz0wgs&feature=related. This seaside resort has a great beach and is loaded with cafes and bars.

The Alcantara Gorge is outside Taormina. Go for a boat ride to see waterfalls and remnants of Mt. Etna’s lava flow from about 1000 years ago; fascinating cliffs were formed by incisions cut into the volcanic rock.

The Greco-Roman Theater is well preserved in Taormina; built by the Greeks in 300 B.C. and remodeled and enlarged by the Romans. It is the second-largest ancient theater on the island. Visit Siracusa to see the largest one. The Greco-Roman amphitheater is carved out of the hillside and has a panoramic view of Calabria and Mt. Etna. It is amazing to watch some of the summer performances that are still offered in this 3^rd century B.C. theater. In June, the theater is the venue for the Taormina Film Festival.

As you stroll along Corso Umberto you will find charming cafes and restaurants. Head over to Piazza IX Aprile, the main square of Taormina. Visit the 13^th century fortress-like Cathedral of San Nicolo embellished with an 16^th century rose window and massive bronze doors.

Visit the church of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria with a Baroque interior built over a Hellenistic temple. Inside the church, the ruins of the ancient temple can be seen under the floor. Try to catch one of the local weddings that seem to take place daily.

Taormina’s lovely municipal gardens were designed by Florence Trevelyan and other women from England in the early 1920s. They are meticulously landscaped with beautiful structures, statues and fountains.

To learn more about Sicily read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides and

Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites

Tag Archives: Italy Travel Guides

Mangia and Vino con Vista in Ravenna: A UNESCO Site in Emilia-Romagna

I Love Italian Renaissance Art

St. Peter’s Basilica in Italy’s Vatican City

I Love Caravaggio

Caravaggio (1572-1610) (Michelangelo Merisi)

Top Ten Reasons to Travel to Italy

Insights into the Vatican in Italy: UNESCO’s Holy City

The Church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome Italy

Mangia and Vino con Vista in Ferrara: A UNESCO Site in Emilia Romagna

The Magical Fountains of Villa D’Este in Italy: A 2001 UNESCO Site

The Treasures of Taormina Sicily

Search

Follow Me on Twitter

Become a Facebook Fan for Stories and Event Updates

Email Subscription

Vino con Vista Blog Archives

Florence

Sicily

Rome

Amalfi

Northern Italy

Italian Word of the Day

Follow Us on Twitter

Vino Con Vista | Traveler

Vino Con Vista | The Blog

Recent Posts

Retweet Me

Follow “Vino Con Vista Italy Travel Guides and Events”

Tag Archives: Italy Travel Guides

Related articles

Share this:

Like this:

Luca Signorelli is best known for his “Last Judgement” in the Cathedral of Orvieto.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Italy Travel Guides and Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites.

To learn more about Italian art read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides. Ipad version available .

Related articles

Share this:

Like this:

Related articles

Share this:

Like this:

Related articles

Share this:

Like this:

Related articles

Share this:

Like this:

Related articles

Share this:

Like this:

Related articles

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Search

Follow Me on Twitter

Email Subscription

Vino con Vista Blog Archives

Florence

Sicily

Rome

Amalfi

Northern Italy

Recent Posts

Retweet Me

Follow “Vino Con Vista Italy Travel Guides and Events”