Italy
In and around Palermo – The Great Byzantine Mosaics of Sicily
Commissioned during the 12th century by Sicily’s Norman rulers and largely the work of Greek mosaicists brought to Sicily from Constantinople, some of the most breathtaking examples of Byzantine mosaics in the world decorate the churches and cathedrals in and around Palermo.
Archeological Journey in Western Sicily — Agrigento
Once known to the Greeks as Akragas, Agrigento was founded around 580 BC by settlers from Rhodes and Crete, and soon became one of the preeminent cities of the Hellenic world. The memories of its grandeur can still be found today in The Valley of the Temples.
Archeological Journey in Western Sicily — Into the Hellenic World
On the south-western coast of Sicily, the ancient city of Selinunte was once one of the richest and most influential cities in the Hellenic World. Today, its awe-inspiring ruins make it one of the largest archaeological sites in Europe.
Archeological Journey in Western Sicily — Marsala to Mazara del Vallo
From early Phoenician settlements to modern coastal towns, the ports of Marsala and Mazara del Vallo narrate three millennia of rich Sicilian history.
Archeological Journey in Western Sicily — From Segesta to Motya
Sicily, the largest of the Mediterranean islands, has been a crossroads of history since ancient times. From the Greek and Phoenicians to the Carthaginians and the Romans, all have left their indelible mark on the land.
A Time Capsule of Ancient Roman Life – Herculaneum
For two days in 79 AD, death rained down on the Roman towns surrounding Mount Vesuvius. Buried for 1700 years under 50 feet of lava, Herculaneum became a unique time capsule of daily life in Ancient Rome.
From National Disgrace to International Hidden Treasure – Matera
Matera, one of the oldest living cities in the world, is also one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.
Giotto’s Padua Masterpiece – The Scrovegni Chapel
Created by Giotto in the early 14th century, the Scrovegni Chapel cycle of 37 frescoes it is widely recognized as one of the milestones in the evolution of European art.
The Islands of the Venetian Lagoon
A short boat ride away from its legendary center lay a Venice few tourists ever see: small islands scattered throughout the lagoon, each with its own history and personality.
Living Venice – The Great Museums of the Dorsoduro
Separated by the Grand Canal from the shuffling crowds of San Marco, the Dorsoduro District is home to the most inviting House Museums in the city: the Peggy Guggenheim Foundation and the Ca’ Rezzonico Museum of 18th century Venice.
Living Venice – The Castello District
Beyond the grand tourist clichés of the central St. Mark district, in the labyrinth of ancient side canals and back alleys of the Castello, Venice lives on as it has for centuries.
The Magic of Venice in Winter
Venice requires no introduction. The fabled destination is on everyone’s European wishlist, a distinction that from Easter through October can turn it into a chaotic citywide museum. But come winter the tourists fade away, the Venetians reclaim their city and the Serenissima becomes once again serene.
The Ultimate Amalfi Coast Getaway – Hotel Santa Caterina
Recognized as one of the crown jewels of Italy’s famed Amalfi Coast, the family-run luxury Hotel Santa Caterina is a cliff-side Art Nouveau mansion that has been delighting guests for over a century with flawless service and breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The back roads of Tuscany – Casentino
Hard to imagine that any corner of Tuscany could ever escape attention of tourists. But the Casentino Valley, a rural area wedged into the foothills of the Appenine Mountains a mere 50 kilometers east of Florence has managed to remain mainly ignored by visitors.
The back roads of Tuscany – Val d’Orcia
Today I take to the back roads of Tuscany toward the Val d’Orcia. The region abounds with medieval hill towns with their own important cultural heritage. Among them Siena and her Piazza del Campo, one of the greatest medieval squares in Europe.
The Oltrarno – where ancient Florence lives on
No visit to Florence feels complete without a foray into the narrow alleys of the Oltrarno. Located outside the city’s walls, on the oltr’Arno the other side of the Arno), was from the start home to the traditional Florentine craftspeople carried on their trade. Today’s picture framers, gilders, engravers, enamelers and restorers of fine antiques still do.
Everyday life amid Renaissance wonders
To wander around Florence is to walk back in time to the birthplace of modern western culture. The Renaissance began here, in the maze of narrow streets lined with the palazzos and monasteries of the old town. Their façades look like stark fortresses. But step through their foreboding, metal studded gates and a world of serene gardens, elegant cloisters and inexhaustible treasures await.
Florence – Cradle of the Renaissance
Florence, the widely acknowledged cradle of the Renaissance, owes its splendor and unique influence on the development of the western world in great part to the dominant ruling family of the period, the Medici.
Top Posts
Josette King
I was barely in my teens when travel became a driving force in my life. Now as a travel writer and photographer, I have visited over 45 countries in some of the most photogenic corners of the planet, taking tens of thousands of pictures along the way. With my work, I thrive to capture the natural and cultural uniqueness of each area I visit. Get to know me better…
