Italy Holidays Travel

Italian fashion designers are always at the forefront in the world of fashion. Luckily, a designer named Emanuel Ungaro is here to continue this Italian legacy of chic couture and highly wearable fashion trend.

This fashion designer was born in Aix-en-Provence. At a very young age, he started sewing following the footsteps of his father who was a tailor in Brindisi. He headed to the city of Paris when he was 22 and started as an apprentice for Cristobal Balenciaga, one of the famous Italian fashion houses at that time. In 1965, he started his mark in the fashion industry by establishing his very own brand in Paris. After 30 years, his business expanded to the rest of the world. he even had a fashion tie-up with another famous designer Salvatore Ferragamo in 1996. The year after, he created his perfume line with Gucci and Ferragamo.

Ungaro's fashion line from couture to ready to wear ladies dresses, to hand bags, shoes and other accessories continue to acclaim worldwide recognition from A-class clients and even Hollywood celebrities. His philosophy of making every woman beautiful is showcased in his each and every design.

Yes, I think you know what I mean by saying Italy is famous for its mafioso lifestyle, which is far from being a healthy lifestyle! Italy has its share of the biggest mobsters in history, and I think organized crime originated in this country! In the name of family, now that's what I think it's probably all about.

Mafia families have respect for each other, but this usually has its limitations, 'cause once you cross each family's borders, you just bought yourself a one-way ticket to hell! You just need to see that popular Xbox game to see what I mean. Not what I mean by this, but what mafia lifestyle is all about, I guess.

So you thought Al Capone was an all-American mobster now, did you? He grew up in Italy, my friend, and that's why he got those mobster looks and mob outfits, not to mention those radical ghetto cars. But I guess he's got more of the better things in life: money, lots of it, and power! When you got money, next thing you'll be needing is power, and living a mafioso lifestyle doesn't necessarily mean you already have those two in the bag, you know, so I suggest you just try to keep a decent living, and just also try to only have the power you can handle!

Piazza SS. Annunziata is considered as one of the most beautiful squares in Florence. As you sit and rest in one of its corners, the piazza gives you a certain feeling of harmony. Of course, this is due to the three elegantly simple porticoes that form it.

On one side stands the church of the Annunziata from which the name of the square was derived. On another side lies the Confraternita dei Servi di Maria. Finally, the third building that forms the piazza is the Ospedale degli Innocenti, which was designed and built under the supervision of the famous artist Brunelleschi between 1419-21.

The facade of said hospital features a portico adorned with nine arches. All of these arches are supported by long and fine columns of gray stone. Then, the curve of every arch crowns a square whose sides are are made up of the columns themselves. Another attraction in the famous piazza is the group of medallions featuring the terracota figures of wrapped infants. This decorative element was executed by Italian artist Andrea della Robbia. As such, when you are tired strolling along the beautiful streets of Florence, sitting for a while at the Piazza SS. Annunziata might just be what you need.

The marble cathedral is the most imposing monument in Florence. Yet only a few steps away from its main door stands another important building in the city. The Baptistry may be dwarfed and often overlooked due to the bigger and towering structure of the church, yet it is one of the most valuable attractions in the city.

The Baptistry, which is dedicated to St. John, is the oldest building in Florence. Many historians agree that the original Roman structure of the building dates back to the 5th century. The marble design though that has adorned it until today represents the Romanesque style of the 11th and 12th centuries. Then in the 13th century, the old apse of the Baptistry was replaced by the "scarsella."

The "beautiful baptistry" as Dante Alighieri once described is mostly made up of materials from the ruins of other buildings. (By the way, Dante was baptized here.) One of the most interesting parts of the building is the gallery that runs around its interior walls. The section which is also called "matroneo" derived from the Latin word "matrona" was reserved exclusively for the women. What is most remarkable is the mosaic art that adorns the interior of the baptistry from its dome down to its walls.

Florence is one of the loveliest Italian cities worth visiting. For the entire place is adorned with monumental and splendid structures as well as artworks such as paintings and sculptures that represent the spirit of various artists from different epochs. When you visit Florence or Firenze, you shouldn't miss to visit any of its art galleries in order to see the famous Italian artworks such as the paintings of Botticelli and Raphael or the sculptures of Michelangelo particularly his "David."

Yet as you let yourself be enchanted by the city's art and marble buildings, you should not forget to visit the Ponte Vecchio across the Arno River. The location where the bridge is built is actually the place where the riverbed is narrowest. The bridge is the oldest of its kind in Florence and it is one of the oldest structures in the city to have survived the mines of the Nazis during the World War II.

The first and oldest structures of Ponte Vecchio were made of wood that were constantly replaced when the river overflowed and destroyed them. Finally, a stone bridge was constructed over the river in 1345 by Neri di Fioravante. Under the Medici clan, the bridge was reserved for the goldsmiths who opened their shops there.

Strolling around by foot is still the best way to explore the beauty and treasures of Rome. A casual walk most especially in the afternoon not only allows you to see many interesting tourist attractions, but also to experience the unique and pleasurable Roman lifestyle and culture. If you really want to see and learn about Rome, the first thing you must do is to try immersing yourself in the daily routines of the city even in the shortest time.

Going from one important place to another, nonetheless can be tiring. As such, availing the public transportations of the city is necessary. Here, you can choose form various options such as: subway, bus, riverboat, or the famous tramway. Oh no! Taxis are not a favorable option if you are budget conscious. The metro is the best if you want to cut time. However, there are only two subway lines since digging around the city is limited due to archaeological artifacts.

Of course, one of the best ways to really see Rome is through its tramways. But why the tramway? The seven tramway lines are exciting since they have once been the main form of transportation in the city after the WW II. These can be a little bit slow compared to the others, but riding on tramways around the Roman city is worth the experience.

A visit to Rome can mean many things to every person. To some, the city may simply be another typical holiday getaway for fun and leisure. To others, it may provide a partial satisfaction for their curiosity for history and art. Still, the great Roman city may offer a distinct and more profound experience that liberates travelers from the usual routines of life. If Rome ceased to be the center of the world, it does not as a heart of spirituality.

All roads lead to Rome and this is as true to any curious tourist as much as to any devout pilgrim who searches for his roots. A few years ago, I was one of the lucky ones to have visited the city. I loved and I still love Rome not only for its history, culture, and diverse art, but also because of its many sacred places.

Ascending the Scala Sacnta (Holy Stairs) was among my unforgettable experiences there. Well, in case you aren't aware of it, tradition claims that it was the same stairs walked up by Jesus at Pilate's house. Anyway, the Scala Santa consists of 28 marble steps and it can only be ascended literally with your knees. The entire marble stair now is covered with wood except for a few holes (also covered with glass) marking the spots where Jesus' Holy Blood supposedly dropped. Anyway, you might want to visit the place when you go to Rome. Of course, you know the price you'll have to pay should you want to ascend it. But believe me, you'd realize it was worth it as soon as you reach the top.

Rome is a perfect place for an afternoon "caminata." Yet while the city is enticing for its many historical monuments, museums, and restaurants, some of the more important attractions are found in the outskirts of Rome. Such is true with the long straight stretch of Via Appia.

The Appian way, which is also the oldest road built by the early Romans, dates back to 312 BC. The immense work was started by Appius Claudius Caecus. The Via Appia which once served as a route to Greece is more than 560 Km. long. The long road is quite notable for its strong foundations. Worthy of notice are the long stretch of hexagonal lave blocks that make up the road.

Aside from its historical value an ancient Roman route, the Via Appia is also known for the tombs especially the Christian catacombs that line the way as it approaches Rome. The catacombs have been significant to the Christians from the ancient times up to the present. These underground burial sites were then used as a place of worship by the early Christians. Now, they are even more valuable for serving as the resting place of many Christian martyrs and saints.

Perhaps, the most interesting part of Italian cuisine is the cuisine of Sicily. It is unlike the typical Italian dishes, which is characterized by its use of tomato, olive oil, and numerous spices. The cuisine of Sicily has been influenced by the cultures of the countries that once conquered it. The Greeks, Romans, Normans, Arabs, French, and the Spanish conquerors who once occupied this region left an influence that has been incorporated in the culinary culture of Sicily.

The basic ingredients of Sicilian cooking is similar to the ones used in southern Italian cuisine which includes olive oil, tomato, pasta, seafood and vegetables. Just like the philosophy althroughout Italy, Sicilians cook whatever they can lay their hands on. Instead of starting with the recipe and shopping for the ingredients, Sicilian cooking starts of with what's available in the market or in the garden and then decides on what to make with the ingredients.

Perhaps the most popular dish in Sicilian cuisine is the Pasta con le Sarde, or Pasta with Sardines. It is considered as the national dish of the island. Since Sicily is an island, seafood is more popular rather than meat in this region. However, veal is a favorite in this island and beef is used to make meatballs in spaghetti.

Most people set out for holiday trips for leisure and fun. Yet I believe that traveling must also transcend the usual search for pleasure, thrill, and relaxation. At times, it is worth allowing yourself for more spiritual trip that would quench your inner thirst and angst. In the first place, isn't it that all trips are driven by a search for something?

While holiday travels can simply be perceived from a more common or conventional perspective, they can also be regarded as a symbolism for a more meaningful journey. They are certainly for fun and pleasure. Yet in a way, they also project the undying search and thirst of people towards something more profound.

For centuries, Rome has been the center of spiritual and religious pilgrimages particularly among Christians. This does not come as a surprise since aside from being the center of Christianity (considering the Vatican City), the great Roman city has stood as an age old witness to the humble beginnings and the phenomenal spread of Christianity throughout the centuries despite many persecutions. As such, Rome is the destination for those who are in search of their roots. It is the place where one can visit sacred places and where they can be one with so many saints.

I was just a child when I first traveled to Italy. I really do not remember much about most of the details because I was just five years old during that time. I do remember the food in the plane, but I cannot remember the more important details. I do remember seeing my brother prostrating in front of an altar. He was wearing a grey tunic. There were only few of them. The one presiding over the ritual was wearing a kingly robe and a big hat, which I later learned called a miter.

Only later during my childhood that I understood that my brother consecrated himself on that day to serve God. The ordination of my brother also coincided with one of the sacred religious feasts. I later learned that he was ordained in the Franciscan Order in the very place where Saint Francis of Assisi once preached.

The church was the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. I revisited this place to make a pilgrimage after my brother died. The little town of Assisi is approximately 90 miles from Rome. I only took a rented car to reach the place. This basilica is also the main tourist attraction of the town.

Italy has a Pantheon of patron saints. There is a saint for every profession and a saint for almost all occasion and problems. Do you even know that there is a patron saint against stiff neck? Yes, the name of this patron saint is Saint Ursanne, whose feast day is December 20.

There is also a patron saint against twitching. Saint Bartholomew, the Apostle, is the patron saint for this slight nuisance. There are many more patron saints for various purposes. There are more saints than there are number of days in the calendar.

Yes, these are considered more serious than Italian ski resorts, but are interesting nonetheless. Aside from a Pantheon of saints and their respective sacred religious feasts, Italy is also known for miraculous relics. One interesting miraculous relics in Italy is the blood relic of Saint Januarius. The blood of Saint Januarius is the main tourist attraction of the Cathedral of Naples. The interesting about this blood contained in an ampoule is that it turns liquid from solid form. This phenomenon has been going on since the 14th century. The transformation is publicly shown three times a year. However, recent scientific studies have duplicated the phenomenon using basic chemistry.

Like many other historic European capitals, the town of Macerata developed from medieval settlements. In fact, a large portion of this town is still enclosed within the original medieval walls. This town is the capital of the Italian province of Le Marche. This town is located on a hilltop between two rivers. The town location was originally intended for strategic military defense. Its elevated position provides vantage views for the defenders. The rivers, on the other hand, serve as natural barriers and escape routes.

The Macerata town originated from the union of Ottifredo’s castle Poggio S. Giuliano castle around the twelfth century. This town remained neutral during the chaotic political period caused by the rivalry between the Guelfi and Ghibellini factions in Italy during that time. The former supported the papacy as supreme authority in Europe, while the latter supported the Holy Roman Emperor.

This town later became part of the Papal State in 1500. It attained its highest advancement during this time and became a university town. It was later invaded by the French forces in the eighteenth century. Macerata was also integrated into Italy during the Italian Unification.

Italy is a land of Christian religious festivals and relics. There are more Catholic festivals than there are number of days in a year. These festivals are usually celebrated by the different regions independently from each other. Almost all major churches in Italy have some religious relics that they can boast. Religious relics range from the clothes of saints to bones and body parts of saints. Some non-Catholic may find it revolting to exhibit human body parts in churches, but these relics are considered sacred and miraculous by believers.

The churches in Italy that house relics are interesting places to visit not only for the religious, but also for the skeptics. Although most of these relics cannot be scientifically proven as belonging to certain saints, people simply want to believe. One interesting relic is the alleged body of Saint Mark, the gospel writer, buried beneath the altar of the Basilica di San Marco in Venice. Saint Mark was martyred in Alexandria.

The alleged body was later brought by Venetian merchants in A.D. 829. Only in Italy that you can find the sepulcher of the Three Magi or the actual blood of Christ. Indeed, Italy is the most interesting country to visit in the whole European continent.

Hiring a travel agency for your Italian travel adventure is helpful, but not necessary. It is more exciting to explore Italy if you do not have a rigid travel plan. Travel packages are sometimes expensive and limited only to certain places. You may do your own travel planning. Having a map and an Italian dictionary might be enough tools for your trip. Traveling is a learning experience. The best places to visit in Italy are the museums and churches. These structures house the cultural heritage of Italy.

Appreciating ancient artifacts on display can be a very rewarding experience. However, it is more exciting to be in the places where history was made. The Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the Coliseum are just some of the best preserved structures.

How about visiting an ancient city with all its original structures? The ancient city of Pompeii is like a city-size time capsule that preserved a single moment in time. When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D., the city was buried in volcanic materials. Even the outline of people and animals were preserved in the pyroclastic flows. This ancient city is located near Naples.

Italy is a harmonious combination of the religious and the secular. Italy has dominated the European continent in both political and spiritual aspects. Politically, Italy was the center of the ancient Roman Empire. Italy was also the center of many powerful city-states that dominated European trade and commerce. For instance, the city-state of Florence was the birthplace of modern banking and finance. Venice, on the other hand, was the center of mercantilism. Italy was also the leader of cultural revival in Europe, specifically, the Renaissance.

On the other hand, Italy is as spiritual as it is secular. You do not need to book a prime hotel accommodation in Italy if you are a pilgrim. You simply need a tourist guide book for your pilgrimage.

Italy is visited each year by millions of pilgrims to trace the paths of saints and miracles. One of the most famous religious artifacts found in Italy is the Turin shroud. This shroud has a man's image, a man who apparently suffered crucifixion. Although skeptics dismiss the shroud as a 14th century hoax, some Catholic faithful believe that the shroud is the actual burial shroud of Jesus Christ.

If France is well known for ushering the European intellectual revolution known as the Period of Enlightenment or Age of Reason, Italy is famous for the Renaissance. This period preceded the Age of Reason. The Renaissance paved the way for the European thinkers in developing their own revolutionary ideas about society, government, and religion.

The Renaissance is the reawakening of interest in the classical philosophy of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Renaissance rekindled the otherwise slumbering intellect of the Europeans. This period is characterized by the magnificent buildings, house structures, and works of arts of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello – and no, they are not the teenage mutant ninja turtles!

The Renaissance legacy is concretely demonstrated in the architectural designs of the Italian churches of the period. Although the art works of the Renaissance still have religious theme, the subjects themselves are more realistically human. For instance, anatomical details such as veins and muscles were accurately portrayed in Michelangelo’s La Pieta. Political philosophy of Renaissance, on the other hand, is best represented by Niccolo Machiavelli in his philosophical treatise, the Prince. Machiavelli’s political views are controversial and usually associated with authoritarianism.

If there's one place I would like to return to, that would certainly be Italy. When I was in Europe a few years ago, I had the chance to travel to some Italian cities. Yet, I was more than lucky since the places I was able to visit were among Italy's best. I must say though that my stay in Rome was the most memorable of all. The views within and outside the city were beautiful and its people are warm and hospitable. Italians have a way of looking at life and expressing their thoughts that surely makes them great companions.

One thing that I liked about Roman city was the fact that it was literally filled with interesting and often historical sites everywhere. In fact, if you go to Rome, you need not to worry about which place to go. Just go out for an afternoon "caminata" and you'd be quite surprised at what attraction you're going to bump at in the other side of the corner.

I remember that in one of my regular afternoon walks with my colleagues, I was surprised when I suddenly found myself walking past the Fontana di Trevi. Thinking of the famous legend, I took a few moments and tossed a coin over my shoulders in front of the gushing fountains.

For Italians, a hot cup of coffee is already a complete breakfast is not complete without coffee. Espresso, caffè latte, cappuccino -- there would seem to be as many coffee types as there are pastas. Like pasta, Italian coffees are considered an art together with hundreds of customs and traditions. Whether it's a corretto coffee, a cappuccino coffee, or an iced coffee, in Italy there is a coffee drink specific for every time and mood.

Not known to many, coffee was brought in Italy by Venetian traders. During those times, coffee is known to be drunk by the Muslim people. This prompted a group of Vatican priests to literally prohibit the drinking of coffee, and called it the Devil's drink. They threatened the Italians, who are baptized as Christians, that if they go on participating in business trading or drinking the brew from hell, they will be damned.

But, then Pope Clement VIII made some considerations, and decided to taste the coffee before completely adhering to the cardinals' plea. The aroma and bitter taste of coffee made the pope disagree with its banishment. Since then, coffee houses grew in all corners of Italy. Coffee brewers make the beverage from Robusta bean. Later, they created a long list of coffee flavors readily available these days.

If you will be visiting Italy this Lenten Season to attend Roman religious festivals, be sure to book a budget accommodation in advance. Rome is busy this Lenten Season. Pilgrims from all around the world converge in this city before or after heading off to the Holy Land. Catholics of all races come to the Eternal City, Rome, in the hope of gaining some blessings from the pontiff.

A glimpse of the pope from his balcony is enough for some faithful pilgrims to shed tears of joy. What can be more amazing than to see the Vicar of Christ smile at you? Some travel agencies offer package tours to visit some of the holy sites where saints once lived.

The tour typically begins with an overnight trans-Atlantic or intercontinental flight to Europe. The first stopover is the city of Venice. You may eat your meal while on board the plane. From Venice International Airport, you will be booked in a hotel in Padua. In Padua, you may visit the Basilica of Saint Anthony. You may take a bus ride the next day to visit the Gothic-inspired Basilica di San Marco. The tour package will eventually lead you to Rome.

It all began in 1861, when Italy was established as a nation. Six decades after, the fascist government was established by Mussolini. His dictatorship ended when Italy was defeated on the Second World War. What followed was a twenty-year monarch type government. The Italian republic was established in the 1940's. Its independence was the result of the annulment, by a referendum, of the monarchial rule. Its political history produced almost fifty different kinds of governments. Until these days, democracy rules over this great European nation.

Italy is currently a constituent of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Economic Community. Italy has been at the foremost place of European economic and political cooperation. However, the southern part of Italy has always faced problems related to illegal immigration, integrated crime, graft and corruption, high number of unemployed citizens, slow economic development, and low income.

One by one, together with the help of neighboring countries, Italy was able to uplift its economy, develop strong political policies, and establish mutual and healthy friendship with other nations. To this date, Italy is considered a potential business prospects, and hottest tourist destinations.

The Italian lifestyle when it comes to food can be described as gourmet leisure eating. The Italians take pride in their complex yet delectable cuisines. After all, the Italians are the inventors of pasta recipes and pizza. I cannot think of other recipes which are as varied and complicated as pizza.

I do not agree that the French cuisine is the most sophisticated under the gourmet category. I believe that the Italian cuisine surpass French cuisine in terms of complexity. Furthermore, Italian cuisine has more mass appeal and economic value than French cuisine. A proof of this economic value is the international presence and popularity of Italian-inspired franchise restaurants, particularly pizza restaurants.

The defining ingredients of almost all Italian recipes are tomato sauce and cheese. These two ingredients are present in pizza, lasagna, spaghetti, baked macaroni, and other pasta recipe. The Italians are also passionate about meat. Meat is almost omnipresent in Italian dishes. Ironically, in spite of this voracious taste for meat, the Italian people are relatively healthier than other Europeans. There is lesser incidence of cardiovascular diseases per capita in Italy compared to other European countries.

The Vatican City, which lies at the heart of Rome, is the official residence of the Pope. The Pope, the highest leader of the Roman Catholic Church, is also the head of state of Vatican. This is an independent state, which used to be a part of Italy, has diplomatic relations and ties with many countries around the world.

The Vatican's history as the Papal residence traces back from the 5th century when Constantine built the St. Peter's Basilica. The Pope at that time built the papal palace nearby. Throughout the course of history, there had been some changes with regards to papal residence until such time and up to this day and age, the Vatican has become the official papal residence.

This tiniest state in the world is a sure attraction to a memorable European tour. For millions of Catholics around the globe, a travel to Vatican seems like meeting Christ in person, because they believe that the Pope is Christ's instrument to continue His evangelical missions and to save humankind. When you visit this city, you will be mesmerized with its classic and astounding buildings, museums, palaces, and other structures. Finally, you will find solace and fulfillment when you enter the famous Basilica of St. Peter. These and a whole lot more are enough reasons to make your trip to the Vatican truly memorable.

A travel in Europe will not be complete if you miss to visit Italy. Italy is one of the famous tourist destinations in the world. It has 20 regions with distinct characteristics, fabulous and delicious foods, collection of museums, great architectural designs of the buildings, and lovely tourist spots to see and enjoy. Basilicata is one of these regions that a traveler or a tourist can visit.

Due to its geographical situation, the region is scarcely populated. The region is less developed compared to other regions of Italy. The region is mountainous and hilly. The economy is not well-developed, but it is the region with the lowest criminal rate. In Basilicata's area, people live longer than in other regions in Italy.

Although Basilicata is a less developed region, it is where you can find a variety of artifacts from the Greek era up to the modern times. The Palatine Tables can be found in Metaponto. The remains of the Roman Period can be seen in Venosa. Basilicata has a provincial museum that displays the collections of the pre-historic era. You can also visit Matera where you can find the typical houses and churches, and you can visit a museum that displays numerous Paleolithic relics and ceramics from the Neolithic, bronze, and iron ages. You can also enjoy in the resort of Tyrrhenian Sea and Inioan Sea.

European travel can be a very rewarding experience. You will not only enjoy the sceneries, but can also deeply appreciate the cultural variety and unity of European nations. You can learn and be fascinated by the history of Europe. Marveling the beauty and sophistication of European lifestyle does not necessarily require booking prime hotel accommodations.

An interesting city to visit in Lombardy in Italy is Mantova or Mantua. Its great architecture masterpieces are the hallmarks of Renaissance architecture. The Palazzo del Te is an excellent example of Renaissance architecture. This edifice was originally intended to be the residential villa of Frederick II of Gonzaga. The construction of the Palazzo del Te was completed in 1535 under the supervision and design of Giulio Romano.

On the other hand, Saint Andrea Basilica is an important church for any Catholic pilgrim. This Church supposedly houses a reliquary containing the blood of Christ. The blood sample was allegedly brought by Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus’ side with a spear. An annual procession is held every March 18 during the feast of Saint Anselm to carry the blood reliquary around the town.