Searching for the Spirit of St. Francis
I have long wanted to visit Assisi, home of one of my heroes, St. Francis, renowned peacemaker and patron saint of animals and the environment. But I had to overcome some trepidation as well. Knowing that the town has been a popular pilgrimage destination... more - travel report by
whereisliz
From Ruskin to Casanova, to me!
The age of Carnival brought decadence to Venice and this was epitomized by Casanova – the most famous Venetian - and his love for women.
The spirit of carnival was born in the theatre, part pantomime part slapstick and it was considered that... more - travel report by
mistybleu
Three Tuscan cities; Lucca, Firenze and Pisa.
OK – it may shock or horrify but, if I had to pick just one of them to see again, it would be Lucca. I should be happy to use Pisa airport again but I don’t actually like the city all that much – and Firenze? Well, that’s more complex but I’ll try to expl... more - travel report by
davidx
Venice the Queen of the Adriatic
Many members of the GLOBOsapiens have already written about this unique city. I tried to look at it from another point of view. I collected some interesting facts. Founded more than a thousand years ago by refugees erecting houses on stilts on mudfl... more - travel report by
deriek-2
The city of Pontifex Maximus
First of all, let me explain my cryptic title. The Pontifex Maximus refers to the highest priest of the ancient Roman religion. The ceasars themselves used the title, and it was in this role, Julius Caesar in 45 BC introduced the julian calendar we use to... more - travel report by
terje
When in Rome
Rome is one of the most spectacular cities I've visited. Historic, romantic, beautiful, confronting and electric all at the same time. The Italian appetite for life is insatiable and the highlights are many.
Italians are traditional, proud an... more - travel report by
undedd
Looking for Etruscans in Lazio
Yes, I did realise the Etruscans had all died a long time ago, as their civilisation was pre-Roman, but I’m afraid that’s nearly all I knew of them. I am still somewhat confused about their origins but that’s not surprising because there’s no written reco... more - travel report by
davidx
Tivoli – retreat for the wealthy
In fact this report only deals with two of Tivoli’s villas, the villa Adriana and the Villa d’Este. I should very much like to have seen the Villa Gregoriana but ay the moment [December 2006] it is closed for restoration. This may well have been a blessin... more - travel report by
davidx
In and around Abruzzo National Park...
You will do better if you start with a map of this little known area. I suggest you use http://www.viamichel-in.co.uk/viami chelin/gbr/tpl/hme/M-aHomePage.htm and put Abruzzo Opi and Italy into the relevant search boxes for region, city and country. Then... more - travel report by
davidx
4 days in Florence
The city is totally walkable and appeared to be very safe. Stay near the Duomo, or perhaps the Oltrarno for the best 'ambiance' and to be in the middle of it all. Italy has more UNESCO sites than any other country and the city itself has more art, history... more - travel report by
neon9nine
