Places of Attraction in Verona

Located in Northern Italy, Verona is a major tourist’s attraction. It is popular because of its artistic heritage, shows and annual fairs. Verona has also been named as UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the historical buildings located in it. Verona is a fascinating city and offers tourists with some of the best attractions in the world including Roman Arena. Some of these remarkable attractions are described below:

Cathedral of Verona

Cathedral of Verona is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta. It is one of the worth-seeing attractions of the city and consists of a number of buildings like a library, bishop’s house and cloister. The entrance of the church is quite appealing as it is double arched. Interiors are also fascinating and attract thousands of visitors. Current appearance of the church is actually the restoration which dates back to 15^th century. The interiors consist of a nave and two aisles which are divided by tall pillars made with red Verona marble. These pillars also support Gothic arcades. Having same style, first three chapels show the beautiful artwork done by skilled Veronese artists.

Casa di Giulietta

Casa di Giulietta is also known as Juliet’s house which is visited by a large number of tourists because of the fame of Juliet which was a character of love story written by Shakespeare. It is the most loved attraction in spite of the fact that Juliet is purely a fictional character. The main attraction of this building is the balcony on which Juliet is said to have spent many hours. Owned by Dal Cappello Family, this is a 12^th century building having Gothic doors and attractive paintings. If you ever get a chance to visit this building, don’t miss to see the bronze statue of Juliet standing in courtyard.

Arena di Verona

Having a capacity of 25000 people, Arena di Verona is the largest Roman amphitheatre in Northern Italy. It is famous world wide because of concerts and opera performances given here. It was constructed early in the first century AD. The round frontage of the building was actually made of pink and white limestone but after the earthquake of 1117, its stone was dug up to use again in other buildings.

Castelvecchio

Castelvecchio which is also known as “Old Castle” was built in 1354-56 and served to protect Verona from invading armies. This castle belonged to Verona’s medieval family named della Scala family. In 1925, this castle converted from a military fortress and now it houses a museum. The museum boasts of the work of Pisanello, Tintoretto and Veronese along with jewelry, weapons and sculptures. The castle is also visited by people to see the signatures of Italian architect Carlo Scarpa. He made these signatures when he was in charge of renovating the museum between 1959 and 1973.

Basilica San Zeno Maggiore

It is the one of the most attractive churches of Verona and a fine example of Romanesque structural design. This beautiful church is devoted to the benefactor saint of Verona, Saint Zeno. It is believed that his ashes are conserved within basilica. Basilica is featured with a large rose window which is also known as “Wheel of Fortune”. The attractive frontage of this church dominates the large square in front of building. Interior of this church is also splendid and remarkable having fresco-clad walls. Church’s fine bronze doors are also worth-seeing.

These were some of the most prominent places to see in Verona but the list of Verona’s attractions is not limited to these sites only as there is a lot more to see in this wonderful place.

Must Visit Places in Rome

If you are planning a trip to enjoy your holidays, this time choose Rome-the capital city of Italy. Rome is favorite city of tourists because of rich artistic treasure which it possesses.  It also mesmerizes tourists with its traditional values and elegance of its panoramic view so a visit to Rome would provide you an immense pleasure and happiness. For your guidance, I am mentioning here names of some of the most visited and must see places in Rome.

Trevi Fountain

It is one of the most loved and visited place of Rome as it is visited by a thousands of people daily. It has been said that when a person throw a coin in its water, his wishes come true therefore many of the tourists throw coins in it due to which the fountain grosses a large amount of money which is then donated to some charity. Pulled by two sea-horses, marble centerpiece of the fountain is a shell that is driven by two tritons from which a statue emerges which represents ocean. Beauty of this fountain is surely worth-seeing and the best time to see this fountain is in the evening because its water is turned off early in the morning for cleaning purposes.

Mouth of Truth

It is a bleak marble mask that is known as Mouth of Truth or Bocca della Verita’. It is situated in the entrance hall of St. Mary’s in Cosmedin church. It is actually an ancient drain cover that was found half-buried in middle ages. It has been said by a legend that if a person puts his hand in the mouth and does not speaks the truth after it, then the mouth is shut. It is the most popular attraction in Rome as admission charges in the church are free.

Spanish Steps

It is the most beautiful and striking masterpiece of baroque period. This splendid stair-case was built in 1723 and got its name from the Spanish embassy building that is located near to it. It was built by Francesco De Sanctis on the request of Pope Innocent XIII. If you ever make a plan to visit this place, try to visit it in spring season as these steps are decorated with beautiful flowers in this season.

Capitoline Hill

Capitoline Hill’s main attraction is Piazza del Campidoglio. It was designed in 1538 by the legend artist Michelangelo. Initially it was featured with Marcus Aurelius’s bronze statue. Now this square have Palazzo dei Senatori along with the two museums named Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo. These two museums have a large collection of famous statues and tourists specially visit this place to see these statues.

Rome Zoo, the Bioparco

This is among one of the oldest zoos of Europe which came into existence in 1911. It is a must visit place as your tour to Rome remains incomplete without paying a visit to this fascinating zoo. The biggest attraction of this zoo is the large variety of different animals like camels, lions, bears, giraffes, tigers and zebras. The zoo boasts of having 198 species of different animals including birds, reptiles, mammals etc. In this zoo, different signs are displayed showing the names of creatures in both English and Italian. This zoo provides a complete dose of entertainment through chilled drinking water, shady spots to take some rest, fountains and picnic benches. If you want to enjoy some good food, you will find a café by the zoo entrance as well as a restaurant that remains open during day times and also in evening.

These were some of the most popular attractions of Rome. Plan a tour to this great city and have a wonderful time.

Most Popular Attractions in Venice

Venice is a major city of Italy and is considered as one of the romantic cities in the world. It is well-known and popular among the tourists for its canals, Gothic architecture, religious buildings, bridges, government buildings and other structures. There are also a large number of markets, plazas and other shopping places. In short, it is a perfect place to visit for tourists. Some of its most popular attractions include the following.

Doge’s Palace

It is a major attraction in Venice and one of the oldest government buildings. It is an impressive building displaying a combination of gothic and neo-classical architecture. Here you can see a number of attractions including:

• Golden Staircase
• 16^th Century Prisons
• Salons
• Bridge of Sighs

Bridge of Sighs is a structure nearby this palace connecting Doge’s Palace with old prison that is located on the other side of canal. The Doge’s palace and this bridge are such attractions in Venice which should not be missed at any cost.

Lido

Lido is an island in Venice and one of the most popular and well-known tourist’s attractions. The most loved activity of the tourists in Lido is to ride a bike around the island. Here you can also explore sandy shores, hidden bays and a lot of places where you can experience fine dinning and shopping.

Jewish Ghetto of Venice

Most of the tourists don’t give any importance to Jewish Ghetto of Venice but it is a worth-seeing place. Actually it is a district having Jewish shops, bakeries and restaurants. It is an enthralling place where you can walk through twisting streets. If you have a wish to visit this place then don’t go there on Saturdays because many of the shops remain closed because of worship.

Gondola Ride

It is a unique experience to have gondola ride across the most famous and loved canals of Venice. It should be a part of your trip to Venice as it is quite enjoyable. Water buses are available to get a ride of canals. It is recommended to take a ride on the back canals which provide a quiet and peaceful ride. The ride in Grand Canal is cheap but it is always crowded which mars the fun and thrill of this ride. A gondola ride will provide you a new experience and you will enjoy seeing a different view of Venice.

The Rialto Bridge

It is one of the most ancient bridges in Venice. It must be visited because it has been beautifully made with white stones. It has a breath-taking doorway in the center making it a master-piece of craftsmanship. It is a landmark of Venice and to add more charm and beauty to this ancient bridge, there are rows of shops at both entry ramps.

St. Mark’s Basilica

It is a famous church of Venice and an example of beautiful Byzantine architecture. There are ceilings adorned with mosaics, statues made of bronze and columns made of gorgeous marbles. It is a must-see attraction in Venice.

These were some of the most popular attractions in Venice, Italy. I hope that you will definitely plan holidays in Venice after reading this article.

Worth-seeing Places in Italy

Italy is included in those countries of the world which attract millions of tourists every year which has made Italy the most popular travel destination in Europe. The reason is quite clear. Italy has a large number of tourists’ attractions including cultural attractions, ancient monuments, spectacular cathedrals and churches and wonderful sculptures. The country is also gifted with beautiful coasts, stunning mountains and lakes.  A tour to Italy can surely be full of thrill and fun. Here a description of some cities and places is given which are truly worth-seeing and you should never miss them while planning your tour to Italy.

Capital City- Rome

This city of Italy has a number of well-known places that magnetize the tourists. Some renowned attractions in Rome include:

The Colosseum: It was inaugurated for gladiator fights but now it is open for all where you can go and see its enormous structure.

Fontana De Trevi: It is another tourists’ favorite place. It is quite interesting as it is said that whoever will throw a stone in Fontana De Trevi, will come to Rome one more time.

Vatican City: It is an independent state of Rome having a large number of tourists attractions including St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museum and the famous Sistine Chapel.

Duomo of Milan: Rome has another very important tourist destination named Duomo of Milan which is the largest gothic structure in Italy. It is popular because it is the second last largest cathedral in world.

Tuscany

It is another popular city of Italy and one of the most beautiful tourist destinations. This city is well-known for the great work done by painters, sculptors and architects such as that of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. So it can be proved to be the greatest place for art loving people.

Uffizi Gallery: This gallery is in Florence that has magnificent paintings by Tiziano, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raffaello, Rubens and other famous and renowned painters.

Tower of Pisa: This is the most popular and worth-seeing tower. It began to lean on a side soon after its construction. That’s why it is also called leaning tower of Pisa. However it was repaired and opened for general public. More interestingly, it had honor of being one of the seven wonders of world.

Venice

Venice is the most popular and well-known city of Italy as it has beautiful canals and gondolas to attract a large number of tourists. The most beautiful thing which you should never miss in your tour to Venice is the Grand Canal Venice.

Siena

It is another city which is famous for its pizzas including Pizza del Campo.

Other tourists’ attractions include:

• St. Peter’s Square
• Pantheon
• Dolomite Mountains
• Costa Smeralda
• Sicily and Sardinia Islands

Florence- An Elegant City in Italy

Do you want to visit a city rich in architectural and artistic masterpieces? If yes then you should visit Florence. It is a city of wonderment where you can find a number of places of visitors’ interest. If you are planning a tour to Florence then make sure that you have included the following attractions in your list of attractions to see.

The Uffizi Gallery

It is one of the world’s great museums and a home to paintings made by renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael. This building was formerly used to house administrative offices but later it turned into a museum. This museum is actually divided into two wings named East Gallery and West Gallery. Both of galleries have 45 rooms altogether which are filled with art collections which are about 1600 in number. The paintings which are kept in Uffizi Museum are from 14^th and 15^th century. Besides paintings, the Uffizi also boasts of having 16^th century sculptures. True art lovers must see this museum at least twice as it has a lot more things to see.

Piazzale Michelangelo

It is the city’s best known attraction and it is recognized easily by the bronze replica of David.  It was designed in 1869 by Florentine architect named Giuseppe Poggi and provides magnificent views of the whole city so the best time to visit this place is in evening when it offers elegant views in bright lights.

Santa Croce

Located in Piazza Santa Croce, it is a church having a statue of Dante. This church is home of tombs of Italian innovators including Michelangelo and Galileo thus it is also known as Temple of the Italian Glories. The most notable features of this church are its 16 chapels which are decorated by Giotto and his pupils. Some of the other artists whose work has been displayed in church are:

• Antonio Canova
• Luca della Robbia
• Masso di Banco
• Giorgio Vasari
• Antonio Rossellino
• Taddeo Gaddi
• Henry Moore
• Andrea Orcagna
• Santi di Tito
• Donatello

Giotto’s Bell Tower

Giotto’s Bell Tower is 84.7 meters high and 15 meters wide tower which is one of the four principal components of Piazza del Duomo. It stands next to Santa Maria del Fiore and also known as Campanile. It is featured with different colored marble layers making it a worth-seeing place to see. This attraction is not only known for its architecture but also it is featured with work of arts which is incorporated to both outer walls and interior of the tower. If you want to see a grand view of city, you can climb the 414 steps after paying a nominal fee.

Ponte Vecchio

Ponte Vecchio which is also known as Old Bridge is located near Mercato Nuevo and offers an opportunity to see Florentine view. It is a medieval bridge dating back to 1345. It is an arch bridge which houses several shops including that of jewelry traders who have been working here since 17^th century. This stone-made bridge has been destroyed and rebuilt several times but now, it is among one of the great places for tourists.

These were some of the major attractions of Florence. Visit these and have a wonderful and enjoyable time.

Exploring Milan

Do you want to explore a city which is rich in fashion, style and history? Yes!!!! Let’s explore Milan today. Milan is a city of Italy having a number of gorgeous and attractive tourists’ attractions. You should give you a treat with a guided tour of Milan so you can see wonderful places and attractions of this beautiful city. Some of its most famous attractions include:

Teatro alla Scala

Built in 1776, it is an opera house which is located on the central site of Santa Maria della Scala which is an old church. Here the best tourists’ attractions include Museo del Teatro that was founded in 1913 and houses a collection of work of art, ceramic objects and sculptures.  Here you will also find La Scala’s Ballet School which was established in 1813 and it has produced many famous and talented students.

Meazza (San Siro) Stadium

This stadium has been named after a famous football player who played for Milan and Inter city teams as well. This stadium was built in 1926. It was renovated and rebuilt and now it boasts of having a capacity of around 85000. It is number one stadium of Italy and it is famous for a large sculpture of horse that was created in 1999 and it is placed between Meazza Stadium and San Siro racetrack. It was designed by renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci.

Palazzo Litta

It was built in 1648 by Francesco Maria Richhini. Its interior was updated 100 years after its construction. This palace is quite beautiful and it is regarded as the most beautiful and elegant architecture of 18^th century. Here attractions include many striking and spectacular rooms, a majestic stairway that has been decorated with marble, 17^th century courtyard and a room that still has an 18^th– century wallpaper. This palace has housed State Railway offices since 1905.

Cimitero Monumentale

The Cimitero Monumentale consists of tombs and shrines that were created by famous and renowned sculptors. It covers an area of more than 250000 square meters and created in 1866. Highlights of this attraction include House of Fame which is a beautiful building whose architecture resembles the pantheon, where many people were buried and entombed over a number of years. This beautiful attraction is located in north-east Milan and if you have a plan to visit this place, you can get a free map of this attraction at the entrance.

Other Major Attractions

• Palazzo della Ragione
• Palazzo Real
• Palazzo Marino
• Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
• Palazzo Borromeo
• Fiera di Milano (Trade Fair)
• Palazzo Sormani Andreani