Pantheon, the Glorious Pagan Temple of Rome

Pantheon, Roma (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Author: Jacob

The Pantheon is an ancient temple in Rome. It is also known as the "temple of all gods". Astounding architectural design combined with its rich history makes it a famous tourist destination.
Very few architectural master pieces get the attention the Pantheon gets. A "temple of all gods", this work of genius has fascinated human imagination for centuries now. If you are visiting Rome don't miss visiting this pagan temple. A fine example of glorious Roman architecture, it's a reminder of the splendid days in Roman history.

Soaking Up the History of Sardinia

Castel del Monte, Andria. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)


By Helen Forbes


As the second largest in the Mediterranean Sea, this island off the western coast of Italy boasts many wonderful places to go and things to do - all of which are easily accessible when you stay in a centrally located villa. In Sardinia, you can spend weeks just lounging on the beautiful beaches that are in abundance around the coast, or, if you are more of a history buff, this is a great holiday location for you too. While you are staying on the island, you should take in a bit of culture and visit Oristano, Castelsardo, and Su Nuraxi di Barumini.

Exploring the Loire Valley

Image by cucumber! via Flickr

By Marcus Smith

The Loire Valley is one of the most popular regions with visitors to France. Easily accessible from the UK and much of Europe, it also features great scenery, lots of historical towns and villages, and - the main attraction - an exceptional number of impressive castles.
Although castles had existed along the Loire River between Orleans and the western coast of France for some centuries beforehand, it was between about 1500 and 1700 that the rich and powerful from Paris took to building their castles along the river. Frequently older medieval castles were demolished to make space, or parts of the original structure were incorporated in the new chateaux.

Holidays in Mayenne, Loire Valley, France

By Phil Hanlon
The rural department of Mayenne is located within the Loire Valley region in the west of France. With few large towns, most visitors will spend their time exploring the beautiful natural scenery and historic villages in the area. This is an ideal location for those who like their countryside unspoilt and without lots of crowds. That's not to say there isn't plenty for tourists to enjoy; prehistoric caves, Roman ruins and historic castles are all within easy reach.
Saint Suzanne
The medieval town of Saint Suzanne occupies a dominant position on a 70-metre cliff overlooking the Erve River. William the Conqueror once tried, and failed, to take the fortress with a siege after his more successful visit to England. You can still visit the remains of the original keep and some of the town walls are still standing too. Near to Saint Suzanne is the Erves Dolmen, a prehistoric burial chamber built using large stones which would then have been covered by earth. This example is now open to visitors and has been dated from 4,700 BC. You can only reach the dolmen on foot, though there is a small car park nearby and the site is well sign-posted from Saint Suzanne.

Holidays in Saone-Et-Loire, Burgundy, France

Image via WikipediaBy Phil Hanlon


The area of Saone-et-Loire in southern Burgundy is named after the two rivers that flow through it. Visitors can hike on the riverbanks of both the Saone and the Loire and even enjoy a swim to cool off. It is possible to hire canoes to get a different perspective on the scenery and there are other organised boat trips, if you want to learn more about the natural environment from a local expert. Hire bicycles or take a horse ride around the countryside to see as much as possible in one day or you could splash out on a hot air balloon ride to see the landscape of the two rivers spread out below.
Going Underground
Saone-et-Loire is home to a number of spectacular prehistoric caves. The caves of Aze, near the town of Riverolles, include many underground waterfalls, lakes, fossils, and even bear skeletons! Meanwhile, the caves of Blanot feature a huge collection of the underground features stalactites and stalagmites and the path descends to a depth of 80 metres. The caves, near the town of Le Bourg, also have a museum detailing local archaeological history and showing fossils and items that were found there.
Chateaux of the Region
There are many chateaux in the region, from small buildings that have now been converted into guesthouses and hotels to impressive medieval fortifications and beautiful country homes. The chateau of Berzes is famous for its 13 towers and the strong and well-preserved 13th century fortifications. Meanwhile, the chateau of Cormatin is much more luxurious, the country home of a marquis built in the 17th century. The main attraction is a spectacular 20 metre stone staircase and the impeccably laid-out gardens. If you like your historic buildings, the Saint Lazare cathedral is also worth a visit. Dating from around 1130, the cathedral is known for the impressive carvings both in the exterior and inside.
Ancient Macon
The main town in Saone-et-Loire is Macon, a settlement that dates from the 2nd century BC. To make sure you don't miss anything, you can download a trail written by the local tourist office, which guides you round the historic streets and provides information on the sights. There are a number of Romanesque churches in the city including the church if St Clement, which has recent been excavated. You can visit the archaeological site by prior arrangement with the town hall.
The Author writes for Holiday Home Rentals who have a selection of Villas in Saone-et-Loire and Villas in France which can be rented direct from their owners.


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Church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence

Image via WikipediaIf you have been to Rome and Venice, but not Florence, you have not really seen Italy. Florence is a city of stunning beauty, its name translates as the "blossoming". It is believed to be one of the oldest centers and cities in Europe. Florence has many wonderful attractions and monuments. One of them is the Church of Santa Maria Novella.
Church of Santa Maria Novella
Many historians argue that the city of Florence (Italy) was founded in 59 BC by Julius Caesar. However, science provides no firm confirmation of this fact. It is known that the city of Florence gave birth to the Renaissance, so today the city features many ancient churches, cathedrals, palaces and museums designed in the style of the Renaissance epoch.
The Church of Santa Maria Novella was conceived and built by Dominican monks Sisto da Firenze and Ristoro da Campi. The construction started in 1246, at the site where once sat the 10th century Dominican Chapel of Santa Maria delle Vinet. In 1279 aisles were completed, and in the second half of the fourteenth century Jacopo Talenti was able to finish the construction of Towers and the Sacristy. As a result of alterations made by Leon Battista Alberti in the mid-fifteenth century, the beautiful facade of the church emerged. A talented architect, he completed a wonderful portal and the upper part of the church with a clear rhythm of squares, which are inlaid with marble.


The interior of the church through the pylons is divided into three naves, and the pylons are provided with ligament columns supporting the huge arches covered with lancet arches. The interior was renovated in the sixteenth century. This church houses a great number of art works dating back to fourteenth to sixteenth centuries by famous masters (Vasari, Brunelleschi, Rossellini, Ghirlandaio, Giuliano da Sangallo, Ghiberti, etc.)



Through a gate in the form of a lattice you can enter the monastery courtyard designed in the Romanesque style of the fourteenth century, then to the large monastery, surrounded by arched walls that are painted by Florentine artists.



The Chapter Hall of the Monastery in the Spanish chapel is a work of the genius Jacopo Talenti (mid-fourteenth century). This chapel was intended for church services in the presence of Eleanor of Toledo, the wife of Cosimo I, accompanied by her entourage. The chapel is decorated with frescoes of the fourteenth century by Andrea di Buonayuto.



Hours:

Closed on Friday and Sunday

Open on other days from 09.00 to 17.00

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Planning a trip to Florence? Don't miss the list of Florence hotels with descriptions, rates, photos and offerings from most popular hotel booking systems.



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Barcelona, Spain - Catedral

By Harry Preston
One of Spain's finest cathedrals, this Gothic masterpiece towers over the heart of the Barri G6tic and remains a magnet for visitors, with its bell tower, high altar and arches. Officially named Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulalia, it's affectionately known as "La Seu" after the otece in which it sits, or simply "Catedral".
As a site of worship, the cathedral was predated by a basilica built during the Roman Empire, followed by a mosque and then a 11 th-century Romanesque cathedral. Construction on the present building began in 1298, during the reign of Jaume 11, when most of the existing structure was demolished. The main building was completed in 1460, with the Gothic facade added in the 19th century and the central spire in 1913. Highlights include the tomb of Santa Eulalia, Barcelona's martyred patron saint, which can be found in the crypt. The daughter of a wealthy Barcelona family, Eulalia was crucified by the Roman governor Decius for refusing to denounce her Christian beliefs. Her story, from torture and crucifixion to resurrection, is told in high relief sculptures visible from the front entrance to the cathedral.

The shaded 14th-century cloister also draws visitors, with its central pond and fountain, palm-lined courtyard and its famous white geese. The 13 geese, now reduced to half a dozen, are variously described as each representing a year in the life of Eulalia,or one for each of the tortures she suffered. In legend, they are said to descend from the geese of Rome's Capitoline Hill, who protected the city from attack by the Gauls.

The fountain of St George is worth a visit on Corpus Christi day, for the "L'ou com balla" or "dancing egg", where an egg is placed in the fountain jet. Tradition has it that good fortune will follow in the coming months if the egg does not break.

There are two dozen chapels in all, including the Capilla de Lepanto, which has a 15th-century wooden sculpture of Christ, and the Santa Llucia Chapel - all that remains of the previous Roman structure from which the cathedral was built. Dating from 1268, it can be reached from the cloister and honours St Llucia who also suffered at the hands of Decius, plucking out her own eyes to repel the governor's advances. Such was her purity, new eyes miraculously appeared. She is represented over the altar, offering Decius her eyes on a salver.

An elevator takes visitors to the roof for great views of the Gothic quarter (€2.50 per person), and on Sundays at noon you can see Catalans dance the traditional folkloric Sardana in front of the cathedral. Evening organ concerts are also held inside throughout the year. Visitors are welcome to attend Mass, held in Spanish and Catalan, hourly on Sundays and throughout the day during the week. During renovations visitors were invited to "adopt a stone".

For more information about Barcelona, Spain visit GuidedTourBarcelona.com.

For more information about Reykjavik, Iceland visit GuidedTourIceland.com.

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5 Historic Places to See in Madrid

Image via WikipediaBy Sam Cassidy
Madrid, the beautiful capital city of Spain is and features numerous charming historical places to visit. Madrid is Spain's largest city and a large number of tourists visit the city each year. When visiting Madrid these 5 places are definitely worth a look:

1. The Royal Palace is the largest and one of the most impressive palaces in Europe. It has over 2000 luxuriously decorated rooms. After the fire that destroyed the old Alcázar of the Habsburgs during Christmas 1724, Philip V commissioned the Italian architect Filippo Juvara (1678-1736) to design a new palace. Visitors to the palace get to view 50 of its 2800 rooms. It is situated on the east of Madrid's historic centre. The palace is still used for head of state visits and other ceremonies.The palace is built entirely of stone consisting of granite from the Sierra de Guadarrama and white Colmenar stone. Colossal foundation walls support the building on the steep slope down to the Manzanares which is laid out in palace's gardens. It looks truly magnificent.2.The Plaza de España is one of Madrid's largest and most popular squares. On a sunny day it is filled with street vendors, tourists and sunbathing locals. The square is situated at the end of Gran Via, which is one of Madrid's popular main avenues. The square features a huge fountain and famous statue honoring the well known Spanish writer Cervantes.The square dates all the way back to the 18th century, when military barracks mainly occupied it. Today it is a popular spot for sunbathing and a vast number of street vendors on warm days.3.Gran Via is an absolutely beautiful street that showcases early 20th century architecture. The street is extremely lively and is one of the city's most popular shopping areas.Gran Via is composed of a vast number of hotels and movie theatres. The architectural design is rather elaborate particularly with the larger buildings. While in the square you can admire the beautifully decorated grand 'edificios' which is a street comprised of tall buildings including the landmark building Edificio Metrópolis.4.Theater Royal, Madrid is a beautifully built building. It is situated in the Plaza de Oriente facing the Palacio Real, was built in 1818 after the demolition of the Caños del Peral Theater. The young Queen Isabella II inaugurated the theatre in 1850 with a performance representing Donizetti's opera "La Favorita".
Located on the Plaza de Oriente, numerous European opera singers of the 19th and early 20th century appeared on stage at this grand theater and, for decades it was at the centre of Madrid's cultural scene. The theatre became extremely famous for performances of Verdi and Wagner operas, works by Stravinsky and Russian ballet.
5. Las Ventas is situated in the east of Madrid. It was constructed in 1929 and houses the most important bullring in the world. The first bullfight was in 1931. Each year thousands of people come to watch bullfighting, an event considered controversial to say he least around the world.Las Ventas has a very interesting style of architecture referred to as the Mozarabic style. This particular design is comprised of horseshoe-shaped arches and ribbed domes. This building also features pottery "incrustations" representing the shields of all the provinces of Spain.Madrid has a wonderful transport network and makes it easy to get around seeing all the attractions.NominalDesignHotels.com is a regularly updated global hand picked selection of design, boutique and eclectic hotels all around the world for a budget of around US$150 a night and under.Featuring hotels all around the world, including the Hotel El Coloso in Madrid, Spain.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Cassidy


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Paris, France - Musee National De Cluny

Image by Pantchoa via Flickr

By Harry Preston
This is one of the treasures of Paris that every visitor should see. Dating from the 1500s and built to designs inspired by the Abbot Jacques d'Amboise, the museum is beautifully preserved and one of the finest examples of 16th-century domestic architecture in France. It has changed little over the centuries, and transports visitors back to a fascinating era.
Gothic turrets herald your approach to the mansion, surrounded by re-created medieval gardens giving off a heady scent of flowers. Inside, a collection of approximately 23,000 items, amassed largely by Alexandre du Sommerard, a 19th-century collector of medieval memorabilia, features tapestries, costumes, textiles and metals from several continents. Many of the textiles and tapestries are European or Byzantine. Some of the most mesmerising pieces include La Dame ala Licome, woven in the 1400s and one of the world's most famous tapestries from that period. Jewels and artifacts made of gold and other metals, including a magnificent glistening altar front, originate from Gallic, Barbarian, Merovingian and Visigothic eras.
Notice the Visigothic votive crown, and an Averbode altarpiece. There is also a seemingly endless collection of books, manuscripts, ceramics, wood carvings and religious items. And do not miss the collection of exquisite stained glass. The Musee National de Cluny is famed for being the site of the Roman Baths in the adjoining Hotel de Cluny. Dating from the 2nd century ad and in remarkably good condition, the baths comprise three chambers: the steam room, known as the Caldarium; the tepid bath or Tepidarium, and the Frigidarium, or cold bath. Roman architecture is still in evidence, such as the labyrinth of vaulted rooms, and the remains of a gymnasium.

For more information about Paris, France visit GuidedTourParis.com.
For more information about Phoenix, Arizona visit GuidedTourPhoenix.com.

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Orvieto, Umbria

Image by vic15 via Flickr

By Marcus Smith
You realize you are visiting somewhere a bit special even before you enter Orvieto. The town sits in a dramatic location on the cliffs above the surrounding plains of the Umbrian countryside - a position that lent itself well to meeting the defensive requirements of an early Italian town. On entering Orvieto you will head first to the main square, which includes the substantial cathedral, a couple of impressive palaces, and a sprinkling of interesting museums.

Orvieto cathedral is the highlight of your visit. The ornate exterior, with carved stone arches and various painted decorations provides, is impressive while the interior is covered on almost all available surfaces with paintings and frescoes dating from the 14th century. These continue into the chapels of the cathedral - note particularly the painting called 'The Damned' in the Chapel of San Brizio, for example. Of the museums, the 'Opera del Duomo' is perhaps the highlight and features many important works of art by local artists from the fourteenth to sixteenth centuries, many of them noteworthy for their use of colour and light.

Elsewhere in Orvieto, head next to the northern part of the town to follow the narrow streets that wind through the old town passed medieval townhouses and palaces, revealing occasional glimpses of quiet courtyards and decorative features that will entice you to explore further.

Orvieto also has a couple of underground secrets - a large number of passages have been carved into the soft rock to create an underground 'city' while the deep and ornate well that was once used to store water for the town is also a remarkable achievement. Stepping further back in time you can see the remains of the original Etruscan defenses for the city, built more than 2000 years ago. The Albornoz fortress and the 14th century 'Palace of the Captain of the People' are other unmissable highlights of your visit.

Be sure to allow plenty of time for your visit and to explore the town, and then to sit quietly in a cafe people-watching, ideally early in the evening and with a glass of the highly regarded local Orvieto wine to enjoy - at the same time as watching the world go by and reflecting on the many inhabitants who have passed along the same streets over the last 2000 years.

Learn more about Umbria and the fascinating historical towns before you visit. Orvieto is just one of the fascinating places to explore here - one of the other popular historical towns can be seen at Todi a little way to the east.

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The Top 5 Must See Sites in Florence

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As one of the most popular cities to visit in Italy, Florence is filled with an array of fantastic tourist attractions. Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is home to some of Italy's best museums, cathedrals and churches; as well as many character-filled streets and squares which are home to exquisite buildings and both modern and traditional shops and cafes.

There is so much to see and experience in Florence that you can't fit it all in during one trip. If you are planning a vacation in Tuscany here are our suggestions for 5 'must see' site while you are in Florence.



Piazza Della Signoria is the most famous square in Florence, situated in the heart of the city. Here, tourists will find themselves standing in a place of history as the piazza has been the political centre of Florence since the middles ages. The Palazzo Vecchin town hall is situated within the middle of the piazza and is one of the many medieval buildings you can find within Florence. The Palazzo boasts many decorated public rooms and private apartments and there is an array of cafes and eateries which are dotted around this area.

When visiting Florence, it is doubtful you will not hear about Il Duomo, which is one of Florence's most popular sites. The cathedral is a great chance to experience some of the many pieces of gothic architecture which are found within Florence and is a true piece of beauty on both its interior and exterior. Consecrated in 1436 and with the ability to hold up to 20,000 people, the cathedral's exterior is made up of green, pink and white marble and includes many elaborate doors and statues. The dome of the cathedral is a piece of art in itself of which tourists can purchase a ticket to climb the 436 steps which lead to its top.

The Baptistery of John the Baptist is one of the oldest buildings in Florence having been originally built during the 11th century. Its exterior constitutes of green and white marble and also boasts three sets of astounding bronze doors. Inside the Baptistery, visitors will view many mosaics and marbles pavements which illustrate the zodiac- a truly stunning sight.

Art lovers will flock to visit the Galleria degli Uffizi which holds the world's most important collection of Renaissance art. As Italy's most popular art museum, this can often be extremely crowded, but tickets can be purchased in order to avoid queuing up for entry. The gallery holds many historical paintings from medieval artworks to modern art and an array of antique sculptures and tapestries. Some of the art works visitors can hope to see include Botticelli, Leonardo di Vinci and Raphael.

One of the largest Franciscan churches within Italy is the Santa Croce. This church is home to the tombs of many important Florentines such as Michelangelo and Dante and its stunning interiors include beautiful pieces of stained glass windows and frescoes. Those who love historical artworks will also enjoy the Cappella dei Pazzi by Brunelleschi which can also be found within the Santa Croce.

When it comes to visiting Florence in Tuscany, there is plenty to be seen and inspired by, no matter what types of historical sites you normally enjoy. Whether you love viewing historical art, architecture or places of worship; Florence is sure to provide all this and more and is sure to see you return again in the future in order to take all of its brilliance in once again.

Mark Scriven is an online marketing expert and has written many articles on business, travel and the internet. For a wide selection of luxury villas in Tuscany visit Cottages to Castles, specialists in luxury holiday accommodation in Tuscany.

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