Italy is known for many things, especially in the context of holidays. When people think of holidays in Italy, they think of glorious art museums. Or luxurious gondola rides. Many will think especially of the Leaning Tower of Pisa!

But in this article, we’re going to be looking at something else. Something the Italians do extremelywell. And that, my friend, is food. Of course, this could be said about many countries in Europe. The trick, of course, is to find out what it is they do better than any others.

Pexels

Sometimes, this means consuming some of the food and wine you may already be familiar with. Many people will try to go for really exotic dishes, things with names they can barely pronounce to the waiter. But a great test of a country’s prowess when it comes to cuisine is to test its ability to make things you’re familiar with.

Don’t assume you’ve tried the best of any of these until you’ve tried them in Italy!

Gelato

You may have seen some places in your hometown serving both gelato and ice cream. Many people don’t really know the difference. Nor do they take the time to appreciate the difference when they’re eating it! It’s not just the Italian word for “ice cream”.

Gelato has more of an “elastic” texture. It’s churned slower to keep it denser (a lot of ice cream is just air). It can also be a healthier choice as it has less fat content than ice cream.

Wikimedia

Chianti

Italy is certainly famous for its wines. Chianti wine is Italy’s most famous variation. The “Chianti region” is known to be Tuscany, as this is where the signature grapes are grown. If you’re looking for things to do in Florence, you could go on a luxurious Tuscan wine tour!

Coffee

Ever wonder why a lot of the coffee you can buy at home has the word “Italian” in their names or descriptions? It’s because coffee producers all over the world wish to emulate the rich taste of the Italian stuff. The most famous delivery method for this stuff is in a shot of espresso, known as caffee. It’s deep, dark, and gives you one heck of a buzz!

Pixabay

Pizza Margherita

No, I didn’t get the words the wrong way round. Outside of Italy, people usually call it a Margherita pizza. But in Italy, it’s a pizza Margherita. And if you think you know the Margherita, think again. Too many people think it’s the “plain” pizza option. Not so. In Italy, pretty much every food business has its own special sauce it uses on these pizzas. It’s one of the best ways to experience the unique sauce flavours of Italy.

Tuscany is one of the most beautiful areas of Italy with stunning landscapes that draw millions of visitors every year. It’s home to some fantastic wineries and has some good restaurants and interesting museums. Before considering whether or not you should vacate here, you should check out these fun facts which you might not know about the area of Tuscany.

There is a film based on it

You might not have heard of the move Under the Tuscan Sun which was released back in 2003, and is situated in the area of the Tuscany. Diane Lane plays Frances, a lady who buys a villa in Tuscany and moves to the area to restart her life. The film showcases some of Tuscany’s beautiful landscapes. In fact, it was one of five films which inspired me to travel around the world! You should take a look at this flick if you want to see more of Tuscany.

It has a ski resort

Another thing people don’t know about Tuscany is that it has a ski resort for adrenaline junkies to visit. As discussed here, a lot of individuals think of Tuscany as more of a summer resort with its beautiful rolling countryside. However, Mount Amiata in Tuscany is now a popular choice for skiers and snowboards to stay, who want to enjoy the winter weather. Therefore, if you are looking for a more active holiday, you should consider staying here in colder months.  

Image Credit

Celebrities own properties here

Tuscany is also a popular place with celebrities, with many owning properties in the area. Pretty Woman actor Richard Gere has a place here as well as famous musician Sting. A lot of celebrities also visit here every year. Therefore, if you stay in Tuscany to see the beautiful Tuscan landscapes, you may see a celebrity or two while you’re vacating in the area.

There is more than one leaning tower

A lot of people know that the leaning tower of Pisa is situated in the area of Tuscany and is a unique sight to behold. In fact, it draws lots of tourists every year who want a picture with the unusual tower. However, a lot of people don’t know that there is more than one leaning tower in Tuscany. As revealed here, there are several churches which are also leaning, including the church of St. Michele dei Scalzi. So don’t forget to check these out too when staying in Tuscany!

It’s the home of Pinocchio

Another thing you might not realize about Tuscany is that it’s the home of Disney character Pinocchio. Before it was a Disney film, the story was written by Carlo Collodi back in the 1800’s. And according to World Travel Net, Pinocchio actually means pine eyes in Italian. Therefore, if you are visiting Tuscany with children, you can tell them all about the character being born here.

Tuscany is one of the most popular areas of Italy, and worth considering visiting if you are traveling in Italy.

Image Source 

Note: Featured photo from Pixabay 

When I first made plans to come to Europe, I made a conscious decision to come to Rome, Italy.

A lot of my plans were still up in the air and I haven’t even figured out which other countries I will visit, or where will I stay, but I knew in my heart that I just had to go visit the Eternal City.

You see, I have had this long-time dream of traveling to Rome, explore its ancient, cobblestone streets, marvel at its landmarks dating back to Pax Romana, and even earlier. One of the places, I definitely wanted to see was the legendary Trevi Fountain, or Fontana di Trevi.

Call me a romantic, I don’t care, but I fell head over heels in love with the 1954 classic “Three Coins In The Fountain” starring Maggie McNamara and Louis Jordan among others. I saw myself in the hopeful characters who believe that love would come, no matter what. I have had so many heartaches and break-ups that sometimes I wonder, if there is really someone out there who will love me forever.

In that movie, it was shared that when you turn your back from the fountain and tosses a coin from your left shoulder, you will definitely come back to Rome. If you toss a second coin, the you will meet a Roman love. A third coin will ensure that you end up with him/her.

On my very first day in Rome, I ventured to seek out the legendary fountain to try my luck. I braved the very crowded Roman metro A and headed to Barberini, going northwest to Battistini. The fountain is located in one of the many small alleys in Trevi so there is no other way but to take a walk. From Barberini, you can navigate you way into the fountain going through Via del Tritone, Via in Arcione and then finally Via del Lavatore.

If you’re Italian sucks, and you can’t follow a map to save your life, just follow the throngs of tourists wearing big cameras on their neck and chances are they are seeking the fountain too.

Fontana di Trevi is the biggest Baroque fountain in the world and is the probably the most visited too. It was built in the 18th century at the end of the 21-kilometer aqueduct called Virgo, which supplied fresh water to the city. It was named after the Goddess Virgo who according to ancient legend, guided soldiers in search of clean water when they are thirsty.

Since the 1954 movie, the number of tourists visiting the fountain grew exponentially and on one cold spring morning, I became one of those admiring tourists.

Because of frequent visitors, the fountain is getting a much-needed restoration and a fiberglass gate is built around it, presently. You can still go near it, by joining the long queue, at the rightmost passageway, which is subject to control and inspection by the Roman Police, and you can walk through an elevated wooden platform.

After spending 10 minutes in the queue, I finally got my chance to come near the fountain and all I could say at that moment was “whoa”. it is an immense fountain with the most gorgeous sculpture of Neptune.

In the bright light, the white marble statues were luminous and are just a marvel to behold. The pool at the end of its fountain, glistens with the thousands of coins thrown by hopeful travelers and lovers hoping to come back to the city and find romance.

There are lots of activities at the very front, like crowds taking selfies, etc, so it is up to you to find your own inner peace and quiet, and continue on with your coin-throwing pursuits.

I had to ask a group of very, very tall Swedish guys, to give me some space, for fear of hitting their foreheads with my coins.

I made a silent wish to the fountain to let me come back to Rome, and threw a euro over my left shoulder and it made a small splash. I continued to gaze at the lovely fountain, and then a few moments later, I decided to really push my luck and throw a second euro into the pool. I wasn’t really looking for a tryst with a Roman lover, but you’ll never know.

In that exact moment, scenes of the movie flashed through my eyes and the lyrics of the theme song, sung by an uncredited Frank Sinatra, played in my mind.

“Three Coins in the fountain, each one seeking happiness. Thrown by three hopeful lovers, which one will the fountain bless?”, Sinatra mused,.I looked all around me, and wondered, out of all the people who made a wish to the fountain this day, how many would find their own happiness?I never got the chance to think of the answer as the loud police officer yelled at us to move forward since we’re taking too much time. I was near the end of the wooden platform, when my phone suddenly buzzed. Three new tinder matches, it showed, and I gave a hearty laugh.
I turned to face the fountain again, and gave it a silent thank you. I wasn’t sure if I was gonna respond to any of the matches. After all, I wasn’t really prepared for any romance at that moment, but I knew that the fountain was sending me amessage.Never give up hope. Love will come when you least expect it, and I think it was right on the mark.

POST SCRIPT:

The fountain receives an average of 3,000 euros a day and since 2006, the Roman charity group Caritas has been collecting the money. The charity group clean up the coins and use it to fund social services worldwide. In 2008, Caritas opened a low-cost supermarket for Rome’s needy.

As a history geek, I have long dreamed of traveling to Rome, the capital city of Italy and the former seat of the very powerful Roman empire, to explore its history and find out the stories, we don’t usually read in the history books.

I imagined myself in front of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, admiring the ruins of a civilization that controlled and changed the history of the Western world.

I had the pleasure of visiting Rome during my recent European journey and it was awesome. It was everything I have imagined it to be, and then some. I spent three days and two nights in the Eternal City, but even those were not enough to cover all of the important sights and travel destinations in the city.

Without any hesitation, I promised to come back and explore areas I wasn’t able to include in my jam packed itinerary.

Nevertheless, I decided to share with you the main highlights of any visit to Rome, regardless of your areas of interest. Even better, I am including directions to get to them using the Metro, to cut your travel time, and to stretch your travel budget (cabs are crazy expensive).

St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square

Without a doubt, the main travel destination in Rome is the Basilica and the expansive grounds within the St. Peter’s Square. Within the complex, you can also visit the Sistine Chapel, the site of the papal conclave, and the Vatican Museum. If you are planning a visit to these sites anytime soon, it is best that you visit very early (6am or so), because the lines get really long, as in really, really, really long. I was in the Vatican during Eastern Monday and the lines were unbelievable.

To cut you travel time, it is best to the Metro line A (Red Line) and get off at the Ottaviano station. You can also try the Cipro station if you want to come visit to the Vatican Museum first. If you are coming from Anagnina area, it is a long ride since you will travel 21 stations to get to Ottaviano. But it is still faster than taking a bus or a cab. Cheaper too. If you are coming from Battistini, the ride is shorter, since its only five station from there.

The Colosseo

After a half-day exploration of the Vatican grounds, a lot of people decide to come visit the Colosseum next.  After all, it is one of the most famous historical and architectural sites for which Rome is known for. This impressive elliptical amphitheater was built during the Flavian dynasty and three emperors saw to its constructions.

It is the largest amphitheater in the world. It hosted bloody gladiator games during its heyday, but now its portions are in varying stages of ruin.

As expected, hundreds of thousands come to visit the Colosseum located at the Piazza Colosseo. If you’re planning to come visit, it, you also need a lot of patience since the lines are also long no matter what time of the day you arrive.

To go to site, you have to transfer to Metro line B (the blue line) and get off at the Colosseo station. if you are locate dalong the red line, the best way is to go back to the Roma Termini station (the central station) and transfer. From termini, you will pass by Cavour and then Colosseo if you are going to the direction of Laurentina.

The Roman Forum

The ruins of the Roman forum is located very close to the Colosseo so it is advisable to just stretch you legs and walk the few hundred meters to the site. This rectangular plaza is located around the many important government buildings and is located in the very center of Roma Capitale. Even during the ancient times, the forum or Forum Magnum was an important part of daily Roman life, It is the center of commerce and discourse among Roman scholars. Along the way, way to the forum, you will pass by several porticoes, which are also in ruins.

To get to the Roman Forum, you have to take the Metro line B (the blue line and get off the Colosseo station.

The Trevi Fountain 

One of the most visited sites in all of Italy is the Fontana de Trevi or simply the Trevi Fountain. Lovers from the the world over, come to visit this Baroque fountain and throw a coin into its pool, thanks to a wildly popular superstition that if you make a wish to the fountain, it will come true. Everyday, around 3,000 Euros are thrown into the fountain, which is used to subsidize indigent Romans. The fountain was built in the 18th century. The reason for its construction can be traced to as far back as the the original Aqua Virgo in the 19th century BC, when Roman soldiers discovered the source of pure water that can be supplied to the city. It was a little girl m who supposedly aided the soldiers, hence the name Aqua Virgo. Now, the fountain is located in a rather cluttered area of Trevi so there’s no direct way to come to it. The easiest is to take the Metro line A (red line) and get off at Barberini station. From there, it is a 10 minute walk through Via del Tritone, Via in Arcione, and then finally Via del Lavatore.

The Spanish Steps

Another famous landmark in Rome is the Spanish Steps. It is simply a plaza with 135 steps up the Trinita dei Monti church. It was built in early 18th century.

For some reason, Romans started to hang out in this place and so did the tourists, Now, it is hard to come and visit without finding flocks of people sitting on its steps while casually chatting.

I visited the site on Eastern Monday and I could hardly find a seat anywhere (hahaha). I went back to the steps at night and find it more romantic as lovers sit on the steps and while away the time.

The fountain at the base of the steps called Fontana della Barcaccia or Fountain of the Ugly Boat is enchanting in the evening. The lower fountain was supposedly designed by Pietro Bernine, the father of the more famous Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a stalwart in the Roman Baroque sculpture movement.

To get to the steps, you can actually walk from the Fontana de Trevi. But to make it easier, just take the Metro Line A (red line) and get off at Spagna station. As soon as you get out, the Piazza Spagna will welcome you like an old friend.

Altare della Patria or “Il Vittoriano

Simply called Il Vittoriano, in honor of Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy, the Altare della Patria or the Altar of the Father is a grand monument between Piazza Venezzia and the Capitoline Hill. It is the largest monument in Rome, and there was some controversy during its construction until 1925, since a large part of the Capitoline Hill greens had to be destroyed. The main attraction of the monument is the equestrian sculpture of Victor Emmanuel. There also two statues of the Roman Goddess Victoria riding on quadrigas or emblems of triumph. At the base of the monument is the museum of Italy’s unification.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is also one of the most visited sites in Rome. Located in Roma Capitale, it was built in 29-19 BC, under the orders of roman general Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus. It is one of the best preserved buildings in Rome and has been used as a church since the 7th century. The most famous of the Pantheon is its columns and grand dome. There are eight granite columns in the first row. There are two groups of four columns after. It is located in front of the Piazza del Rotunda. It is the burial place of several important figures in Roman history including Raphael. It is located in a tight area similar to Fontana di Trevi so there’s no direct metro available. But most people just walk from the Spanish steps to the Piazza Navona and passing the Pantheon along the way.

Enamored by its sheer beauty and impressive architecture, the great French conqueror Napoleon once called Venice as the drawing room of Europe. 

Granted, he led the invasion and pillage of the old Venetian republic in the 18th century in order to solidify his hold on northern Italy and take advantage of the republic’s maritime prowess, but it would be safe to assume that he too was captivated by the charms and grandeur of this city, lovingly called as one of the jewels of the Adriatic.

After all, the clothes of its people may have drastically changed, and its streets may be littered with hundreds of restaurants and countless souvenir shops, and modern motorboats ply along its canals, but the city of Venice has, in large parts, successfully preserved its beauty and architecture and maintained its old world soul.

Even with engine-run vaporettos plying the lagoon, you can go still go around the city in classic gondolas while being driven/steered by boatmen humming some mellow, almost melancholy Italian tune, perhaps a Vivaldi. Go deeper into the city, past smaller canals, and you will still see buildings built during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, that perhaps caught the attention of Napoleon and millions of other travelers and tourists who have come to love the city.

At the very sight of the Grand Canal, you can’t help but hold your breath for a while as you witness sheer perfection that only a timeless city such as Venice, can possess.

I traveled to Venice in the middle of winter, and a light shower was blanketing the city. But it did not mar the beauty of the place, nor dampen my desire to discover its secrets, that for so long, have piqued my curiosity and wanderlust.

Venice is actually a collection of about 117 islands connected by canals and bridges along the Venetian Lagoon. It is located at the head of the Adriatic Sea in the Veneto Region of Northern Italy. The main tourist area is the centro storico (historic center) and there are other large islands around it including Mestre and Marghera. Today, approximately around 350,000 to 400,000 people live in the communes of Venice.

The Republic of Venice dates back to the 5th century, but there were historical accounts of communes living in its islands way before that. Venice has been an important maritime power since the early 7th to 12 centuries, prompting several countries and empires to try to conquer its shores. These include the Visigoths, the Huns, the Lombards, the Byzantium empire, the French and then the Austrians.

As a result, the Venice we see today is a melting pot of different cultures, styles and traditions all woven perfectly into a thriving metropolis that is able to preserve its past while looking at the future.

Walking around the historic center, one cant help but notice remnants of the different cultures that have invaded Venice.

Basilica di San Marco

The awe-inspiring Basilica di San Marco, with its five-niched facade and portals is the most popular structure in the city. This 10th century cathedral is adorned in distinctly Byzantium architecture highlighted by its Greek cross. The mosaics at the church’s facade are simply a taste of the elaborate mosaics that decorate the interiors, some of which were made with dusts of gold. one of the highlights of this church is the quadriga of St. Mark, a bronze statue of four horses that was plundered from Constantinople and later carted off to France, and then ultimately shipped and displayed at the basilica. The church was named as such because it houses the bones of the apostle St. Mark, smuggled by two merchants from Alexandria, Egypt.

Doge’s Palace

Right beside the Basilica di San Marco is the Venetian Gothic-styled Palazzo Ducale or Doge’s Palace. Founded in the 9th century, this structure has been the seat of the Venetian government. This was the home of the Doge or the elected lifetime ruler of Venice. It also houses its civil administration, law courts and other government branch offices. As the most important structures in the city, it is no surprise that is it also one of the most impressive. The building is built of pink marble and white limestone and highlighted by porticos, and balconies. The collonnade of the building is adorned with beasts statues, flowers and other designs.

Torre dell’ Orologio

For a lengthy number of years, the Torre dell’ Orologio or the clocktower was obscured from sight by ugly scaffolding due to ongoing renovations but nowdays, its full beauty and ingenuity is on full display for everyone to see. originally built in the late 15th century, its surprising and impressive that is still one of the most accurate clocks in the world, so much so that in 1858, it became the official timekeeper of Venice, to which all other clocks in the city must be set. Aside from time, it also tells the dominant Zodiac and the lunar phases of the moon, quite handy and useful for a city with a long maritime history. it helped seafarers and travelers the best time to set out to sea.

San Marco Campanile

The campanile or bell tower we see today is the product of renovations in the early 16th century. Originally built in the 12th century, it suffered heavy damages on several lightning incidents and attempted arson. The campanile, located at the corner of the Piazetta almost in front of the basilica, is one of the most easily recognizable structures in the city. It guided ships and seafarers during the city’s maritime epoch. The tower is made up of bricks and adorned by a cube with the symbol of a lion (St. Mark’s symbol) and golden weathervane in the shape of an angel, at the very tip.

Santa Maria delle Salute

Often times, when we face an adversary so strong that there seemed to be no hope of winning, we turn to the divine for salvation. This is what exactly the people of Venice did in the 17th century when they faced the “Black Death” which killed about a third of the city’s population. The plague earlier hit Venice in the 14th century and killed thousands and on its second attack, the people simply lost hope and turned to the heavens for help. A year after promising to build a statue to the virgin, the plague was overcome and the people of the city rejoiced. They kept their promise and built a stunning, elaborate white church built in classic renaissance style.

Rialto Bridge

At the height of its maritime power, Venice was a popular commercial center. Here, merchants from around the world exchanged goods such as silk and textiles and metals with foreigners such as the Lombards and the French. this heavy trade prompted the need to connect both banks of the grand canal and the city called for the construction of a great bridge that would replace the original wooden bridge. Since its construction in the late 16th century, the Rialto bridge has played a vital role in strengthening commerce in the city. Now, Venice has several bridges but the the three most famous are the Rialto, Academia and the Scalzi.

Bridge of Sighs

If you visit Venice, you will see a lot of tourists, couples mostly, walk around the piazza San Marco, and then cross the piazzetta, pass by the two stone towers of the city, and then turn left. At one small section of the bayfront, you will see them huddled together, taking countless selfies. And no one can blame them. They are taking selfies at the famous Bridge of Sighs. Legend has it that if a couple takes a gondola ride and then kiss below the bridge, their love will last forever. This sound really romantic but ironically, this bridge has a rather grim and macabre purpose. The bridge connects the Doge’s Palace and the city prison where criminals are taken and executed. The bridge was named so, as a testament to the countless sighs criminals make upon seeing the city for the very last time before they are beheaded.

In a world where nothing ever stays the same, only change is constant.

And civilizations may rise to ultimately glory, but then they too, shall succumb to the basic laws of life, and come crumbling down in the end.

The Roman Empire, one of the most formidable military empires in history rose to prominence in the 8th century B.C. Historians point to early settlements in the Pallatine Hill in 773 BC. It wielded impressive military control over large swathes of lands across Europe extending to Egypt and to Constantinople or what is now known to be Turkey.

History books point to AD476 as the date of the Fall of the Roman Empire and Romulus Augustus became the last emperor of Rome.

Fast forward to 2015, the Roman Empire continues to awe people the world over and the city that bore witness to all its might is lovingly called “The Eternal City”largely because of its long-lasting contributions to modern architecture, science, military, religion and politics among others.

As I walk around the ruins of temples and buildings around Roma Capitale, I still wonder what ancient Rome would have looked like if it didn’t meet its doom. How marvelous would the city’s buildings would look like.

The collapse columns and large boulders remaining in many forums and complexes, will still give you an idea.

The Roman forum or The Forum is the ancient center of Rome. Here, grand speeches were delivered by emperors. The acknowledged center of Roman life, everyone gathered at the forum to discuss the issues of the day. It also served as the venue for criminal trials and gladiatorial matches.

The nearby Colloseo was considered to be the main event venue of the Roman Empire, and even as it suffered the wear and tear of time, its imposing figure still dominates the landscape of Roma Capitale.

Before its fall, the Roman empire reached its golden age or Pax Romana, and many buildings both religious and secular were built in between.

Among the surviving structures are the Temple of Castor and Pollux. Today, the three cCorinthian columns still remind locals and visitors of the grandness of the original structure built in 495 BC.

At the western end of the Roman forum, one can still see remaining structures of the ancient Temple of Vespasian and Titus built in 87 BC.

Another ancient edifice that survives is the Temple of Vesta also located near the Roman Forum.

Outside of the immediate vicinity of the Forum are different Fora dedicated to a host of Gods and Goddesses.

I was walking around and I stumbled upon the remains of the Foro di Nerva, dedicated to the Roman Goddess of Wisdom. It was constructed in 97 AD.

Another awesome structure I stumbled upon is the Foro di Augusto built in 27 BC. It is one of the most important imperial forum and it included the Tempe of Mars Ultor, the God of War. The forum was ordered built by Octavian in honor of the Roman God of War, following his victory at the Battle of Philippi. In that battle, Octavian with the help of Mark Anthony and Lepidus, avenged the assissination of Julius Caesar.

The Emperor Trajan ordered for the construction of his own forum in 112 AD. The famous Trajan’s column followed suit in 113 AD. Now, Trajan’s forum is made up of remnants of ages past.

I spent a whole day walking around the Colloseo and Roma Capitale and that was not even enough to give me an idea of the splendor and grandeur of ancient Rome.

Of course, I can imagine what the Eternal city looked like during its golden age. After all, countless movies, and tv programs have tried to recreate the city. But with what I have seen that day, I know that my imagination won’t be enough to describe the glory of its once ancient wonder.