Vatican City State: a Unique Country

Vatican (Photo credit: tejvanphotos)

The Vatican is a truly unique state within a city, a city-museum which is inextricably linked to the history of the Roman Empire. Here, unique works of the best artists of all ages can be seen literally everywhere. Temples, palaces, museum collections of ancient art, masterpieces of Italian painting and sculpture are noteworthy and attract the guests' attention. Despite the small area of the Vatican, it is widely known throughout the world. The sights of this city make it very attractive for tourists. One of the most beautiful architectural monuments of the Vatican City is the St. Peter's Cathedral. It is located on St. Peter's Square, designed by the famous Bernini. It has an oval shape and is surrounded by a row of pillars, which includes four rows of Doric pillars crowned by a balustrade with the statues of saints. In the center of the square, there is the Egyptian Obelisk, which was brought to the Vatican by Caligula, and two fountains built in the 17th century.

Great Day Trips From Nice

Sunset in Monte Carlo. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Christine Brookes
Monaco and Eze are great day trip destinations from Nice. Some of the highlights here are the changing of the guard at the Monte Carlo palace, a look at the famous Formula One Grand Prix race course, and a tour of an Eze perfumery. The drive to Eze from Nice is very pretty, as it follows the Mediterranean coast. En route, a pit stop to admire the panoramic views of Nice from Mount Boron is recommended. Eze is quite high above sea level, lending it brilliant views over the surrounding landscapes. There are some very interesting craft shops here too. Once you continue on, you are leaving French territory and entering Monaco. While wandering around the fascinating Old Town of Monte Carlo, you must visit the palace, cathedral and Cousteau Oceanographic Museum. Casino Square is the place for designer boutiques. Admire the amazing gardens and incredibly luxurious yachts moored in the harbour. On the return journey back to Nice, follow the breathtaking Lower Corniche coast road that links it to Monaco.

Tuscany's Delightful Seaside Towns

Torre Matilde and the Marina of Lucca. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)


By Giovanni Balboni


As the birthplace of the Renaissance, and a place that is associated with the Florentine masters, such as Leonardo and Michelangelo, you might not think that beaches and seaside towns are the things that help make it one of the best regions in Italy. But in Tuscany, villas dot the landscape both in the interior and along the coastal areas and this type of accommodation makes it much easier to be able to stay in peaceful luxury, while not being limited to staying in one city for your entire visit. While you are in the area, you should take a tour of the beachside towns and enjoy the different atmosphere each offers. Be sure to visit Viareggio, Baratti, and Elba before returning to your villa.

The Colosseum - Rome's Greatest Stadium

Image via Wikipedia By Sarah Dudleymore


The Colosseum was commissioned by the Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD by his son Domitian. It was built on a marshy site of a lake near the site of Nero's enormous palace. There was a colossus (a very tall statue) of Nero nearby, from which legend says the Colosseum's name was originated from, later destroyed in the great fire of Rome.
The Colosseum was cleverly designed. It has been said that most today's stadiums, and structures alike have been inspired by the concepts introduced in the Colosseum's building structure, even in modern times. It could be evacuated inearly in five minutes. The most inventive part of the Colosseum was its cooling system. It was roofed using a canvas covered net-like structure made of ropes, with a hole in the center to provide a breeze for the audience.

Milan - A New Choice on How to Spend Christmas Holidays

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By Silem Oidualc


In these last years Milan is becoming one of the best and more popular destinations where to spend Christmas holidays. Thanks to the dozens of events it hosts everyday, such as fairs, typical markets, free concerts, cultural initiatives, Milan is today one of the most attractive cities in Europe for old and young people.
Especially at Christmas time the city changes its face; all begins on 7th December with a wonderful celebration for the feast of Saint'Ambrose, the city's patron Saint. Every year Milan in those days organizes an ancient and famous Christmas market full of sweet and typical products: the "Oh Bej! Oh Bej!" fair, that literally means "So Beautiful! So Beautiful!" Here you can find everything, from antique stalls and buskers to roast chestnuts and candy floss. The fair provides an excellent opportunity to do some Christmas shopping, and is particularly enjoyed by children.

Germany Travel Tip - Discover Cologne

Image by tamburix via FlickrBy Monika Petra


There are many ways to discover a city. One way is definitely through the taste of local foods and drinks. It's fun, delicious and tells a lot about the cultural heritage. Some dishes are only served or liked in a particular season, depending on the availability. Typical winter dishes will be a bit heavier while starting in early summer; people prefer fresh salads, fruits and vegetables. Tradition also still plays a role in the daily lives of Germans and thinking about the winter season in Cologne, one might picture Spekulatius, freshly roasted chestnuts and Reevkoche.

Paris Food Markets by Arrondissement

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Author: Suze

Many Parisians (especially among the older generations) abstain from buying fresh produce, cheese, meat and fish from their corner supermarket, and for good reason: traditional Paris food markets count in the dozens, with several open one or more days a week in every neighborhood. Market products are often fresher, more flavorful, and less expensive than supermarket counterparts. It can also be a lot more environmentally friendly since the fresh fruit and produce in particular tends to come from local farms.

A Car Tour In The Italian Middle Ages: Siena And The Via Francigena

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"Cor magis tibi Sena pandit" (Siena opens up a greater heart than this gate) is the sign that greets visitors at Camollia gate, one of the gateways to the historic centre of Siena. This cordial invitation is the business card of a city that needs no introduction.



Founded, according to a popular legend, by Remus, brother of the legendary founder of Rome, Romulus, Siena is an open-air museum. The severe palaces and steep alleys of the old town have remained the same since the middle ages when Siena was an independent republic. A large part of the cities ancient pride is still present in the temperament of its citizens, which is expressed fully on July the 2nd and August the 16th of each year during the famous Palio festival, perhaps the oldest and most authentic popular celebration in Italy. In the heart of the city is the magnificent shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, dominated by the high Torre del Mangia, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe for architectural harmony and balance. However Siena also offers beautiful churches and museums in addition to the ability to surprise even the most hurried visitor with unforgettable views. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Italian Sights: Siena

Image by Eco . via Flickr
Author: Tatyana Kogut.

Siena reminds of a garden. Its a wonderful city standing on three scenic hills, with unforgettable views over the city suburbs opened up from their tops. You will like its narrow roadways, parks and ancient architecture. Thanks to this little city Italy got highly reputed for its wonderful medieval architecture. The centre of Siena is like a scenery erected specially for some historic movie. Unlike the other Italian cities, Siena has little Renaissance buildings. Most of its constructions follow strict gothic rules - this adds a dark charm to Siena’s image.

The town of Messina - Sicily

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Author: Daniele Davide


Messina is a town in Sicily called "door of Sicily" and once Zancle and Messana. Located near the extreme northeast of Sicily (Capo Peloro) on the Strait that bears her name. The city has 243,030 inhabitants and is the third of the Sicilian cities, as well as the thirteenth Italian town by population. Its port is the first in Italy for number of passengers and sixth for cruise traffic. Ancient and illustrious city, Messina has had a destructive and tragic story like few others, which deleted the greatness achieved in the late Middle Ages

I Love Touring Florence Italy - Santa Croce District Hotels

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The Santa Croce neighborhood is located southeast of Florence's historic center. It dates from the Middle Ages and centers on the Gothic Santa Croce Basilica that houses the remains of many of the greats such as Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, and Niccolo Machiavelli. Just so you don't get disappointed the monument to Dante does not contain his remains which repose in Ravenna. Here are some neighbourhood hotels. For your convenience we have listed them in approximate order of cost, starting with the least expensive. We have personally verified that all hotels listed have an English-language website where you can obtain more information.
The Albergo Losanna is a bed and breakfast with prices to match. There are only 8 rooms of which 3 have a private bath but the price is right and the location is central. I'm told the street is noisy. Did I mention that there is no TV? The hotel address is Via V. Alfieri 9, Santa Croce.

The Hotel Morandi alla Crocetta is a former convent dating back to the early Sixteenth Century. It has a long history that can be found on the hotel website. This a three star hotel next to the Archaeological Museum and a few steps from the Academy of Fine Arts. There are only ten rooms and unlike many other hotels, breakfast is not included. The hotel address is Via Laura 50, Santissima Annunziata.

The J&J Hotel is also a converted Sixteenth Century Convent. Many rooms are on two levels but be warned, even their website talks about a steep flight of stairs to reach the hotel area. You'll find a breakfast room and a bar. The hotel includes 21 rooms and 6 suites. The hotel is quite close to the Sinagoga, the Florence Synagogue that dates back to 1874 and Ruth's an inexpensive kosher-vegetarian restaurant that is closed for Friday dinner and Saturday lunch. The hotel address is Via di Mezzo 20, Santa Croce.

Who wouldn't want to stay in a place called the Monna Lisa Hotel, who occupies a Fifteenth Century palace? This is a four-star hotel equipped with a garden, a gym, a solarium, and more. Just think, the bar was a confessional way back when. Each of the 45 rooms is individually decorated. The hotel address is Borgo Pinti 27, Santa Croce.

If money is no object you may want to stay in the Four Seasons Hotel, the top of the line for Florence. Their garden is eleven acres of sheer beauty; it's the largest private garden in the city. The hotel includes lounges and several restaurants. The Four Seasons claims to be Florence's only hotel with an on-site spa using products from Officina Profumo - Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the world's oldest pharmacies applying the traditional recipes of monks that date back to the Thirteenth Century. There are 117 rooms, many of which contain original frescoes. This hotel's address is Borgo Pinti 99e, Santa Croce.


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Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet but he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches various computer classes in an Ontario French-language community college. Check out his wine website http://www.theworldwidewine.com with a weekly column reviewing $10 wines and new sections writing about (theory) and tasting (practice) organic and kosher wines.