Paestum: Magnificent Greek (and Roman) Ruins in Southern Italy

September 17, 2015 | Posted in ARCHEOLOGY, HISTORIC PLACES | By

One of the three major temples at the ruins in Paestum.

Usually when we talk of important archeological sites in Italy, we focus on Roman ruins: the Forum of Rome, the lost cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, or the aqueducts and catacombs along the Appian Way…

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Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” in Milan, Italy

August 29, 2015 | Posted in HISTORIC PLACES, TRADITIONAL ART AND PAINTING | By

"The Last Supper" by Leonardo Da Vinci.

Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” is one of the most recognizable works of religious art in the world. Da Vinci’s interpretation of the subject of Christ and the Apostles has enraptured viewers and art historians for centuries…

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The Churches of Rome, Italy: Santa Maria Degli Angeli E Dei Martiri

June 28, 2015 | Posted in HISTORIC PLACES, TRADITIONAL ART AND PAINTING | By

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

Although often only given minor note in most tourist guides and travel books, Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (Basillica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs) is a unique church well worth visiting when in Rome, Italy.

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The Churches of Rome, Italy: Sant’Ignazio

June 24, 2015 | Posted in HISTORIC PLACES, TRADITIONAL ART AND PAINTING | By

Inside Sant'Ignazio Church in Rome, Italy.

This Beautiful Baroque Church is Worth a Visit for Its Amazing Trompe L’oeil Frescoes Step inside any church in Rome, Italy and you are sure to be amazed by glorious architecture, artwork, and religious artifacts. The Church of Saint Ignatius

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Isola del Lazzaretto Nuovo: Quarantine Island of the Venetian Lagoon

June 23, 2015 | Posted in HISTORIC PLACES | By

View from atop the perimeter wall on Lazzaretto Nuovo.

Are you a traveler who likes to explore unusual and offtrack places while on vacation? Planning a trip to Venice in the future? Then one place I recommend visiting while staying in Venice is the island of Lazzaretto Nuovo…

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The Churches of Rome, Italy: San Pietro in Vincoli

June 19, 2015 | Posted in HISTORIC PLACES, TRADITIONAL ART AND PAINTING | By

Michelangelo's Moses

Rome is one of Italy’s greatest cities, and the wealth of history and art contained within its churches is one of many reasons to visit. San Pietro in Vincoli, known in English as “Saint Peter-in-Chains,” is one such church that should most certainly be seen while in Rome…

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Torcello – The First Venice

June 10, 2015 | Posted in HISTORIC PLACES | By

Torcello

One of my absolute favorite places to visit while in Venice, Italy is the quiet, rural island of Torcello. Many tourists bypass Torcello or perhaps only spend an hour or so there, instead focusing on nearby Murano and Burano in the northern Venetian lagoon…

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Ravello: One of Italy’s Most Scenic Towns

June 5, 2015 | Posted in HISTORIC PLACES | By

There may be more stunning places in the world that I have not yet visited, but I cannot think of any that have taken my breath away like Ravello, Italy. This quiet, ancient town on the Amalfi Coast of Italy is located high up on a cliff, offering incredible views of the coastline below…

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Herculaneum in Italy: A Visitor’s Guide

April 29, 2015 | Posted in ARCHEOLOGY, HISTORIC PLACES | By

A street you can walk along when you visit the ruins of Herculaneum.

Most of us are familiar with the story of Pompeii, the ancient Roman city which was destroyed in the 79 AD volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. However, Pompeii was not the only city lost to Vesuvius in that volcanic blast; the town of Herculaneum was also buried under ash and forgotten until excavations began in the 18th century…

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Beautiful, Historic Amalfi Town

April 17, 2015 | Posted in HISTORIC PLACES | By

The beautiful Duomo di Amalfi

The Amalfi Coast of Italy is blessed with incredible natural beauty and charming, historic towns — perhaps none so historically important as the town of Amalfi itself. While today it is largely a tourist destination filled with cafes, shops and hotels, it was once an important maritime republic known as the Duchy of Amalfi…

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