| Tips and photos for Italy vacations and tourism, posted by real travelers and Italy locals. Map |
 | Italy General Tips | Tips 1 - 10 of 1108 |  |
 Tourist Information Office by hopang
The telephone and fax numbers of Piazza del Campo's Tourist Information Office are as follows:-
Tel: +39 0577 280551
Fax: +39 0577 270676
You may visit the following website for more information:
http://www.siena.turismo.toscana.it
Opening hours are between 8.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. daily. Closed on Sunday Leave a Comment
|
Visiting Italy?
Read reviews about Italy Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
The Tourist Information Office (Centro Servizi Turistici) of Chianciano Terme is located at Via G. Sabatini 7 at the New Town Square. This is the only tourist information office in Chianciano Terme which is a spa resort in Tuscany, Central Italy.
You may obtain free maps of the region especially Tuscany from the Tourist Information Office. You can obtain the latest bus time table from here to travel to Siena or Florence from Chianciano Terme. You can also purchase your bus tickets to Siena and/or Florence from the Centro Servizi Turisticici at Chianciano Terme. However bus tickets travelling within the areas of Chianciano Terme and Montepulciano can be purchased from Tabaccheria, the local tobacco dealers.
The telephone and fax numbers of ChiancianoTerme's Tourist Information Office are as follows:-
Tel: +39 0578 63538
Fax: +39 0578 64623 Leave a Comment
|
 Interior of Basilica of
Sant'Andrea by deecat
The Basilica of Sant'Andrea is the largest religious building in Mantua and one of the best known Renaissance churches in Italy.
It was built to house the relic of the blood of Christ (brought to Mantual by Longinus, the soldier who pierced Christ's side with a lance). A sanctuary was built so these holy relics could be worshipped. The Pope wanted this church to be "large enough to hold great crowds and, above all, modeled on a heretofore unused type, that of the Etruscan temple."
The Basilica was built a section at a time because of restraints set by neighboring buildings, lack of money, and the stability of the foundation. It was 300 years between the original design and the final realization!
I just loved the interior of this church. It's a monumental interior that is airy, sumptuous, and rich with polychrome decorations. The idea of a single hall with side chapels was a new concept then. What I really enjoyed was the light that streams in from the great eighteenth-century dome.
The chapel on the right is used as a baptistery, and it is very sober with little or no decoration.
The walls in the second chapel have a series of frescoes that depict Paradise, Purgatory, and Hell.
In the third chapel, there is an altarpiece with Madonna and Saints.
The fourth chapel has an altar that consists of a sixteenth-century decorative ensemble with sacred symbols referring to the Virgin Mary.
The sixth chapel is an altarpiece with the Nativity, and there are two sarcophagi on either side of the altar that contain the relics of Longinus, the saint who brought the blood of Christ to Mantua.
We also saw the crypt, a Greek cross plan with 3 aisles in Tuscan order. There's a small temple at the crypt. The relic of the Most Precious Blood is on the altar in an ark decorated with a bas-relief in bronze.
There much, much more to be mammoth Basilica, but you need to visit Mantua and seeBasilica of Sant' Andrea for yourself! Leave a Comment
|
 | |  |
 Mount Etna in Sicily by deecat
When I first fisited Italy, I was so caught up in the art & history that I probably thought of it as a huge museum for the world. After all, forty percent of the world's art treasures are located here.
After a few days, I realized that Italy is not a museum; instead, it is a vibrant nation with talented, charming, and enthusiastic people. Even though the country is divided into twenty unique political regions [each with its own art, food, and history], together these 20 regions come together to make a very special country.
The Alps mountain system curves across the top of Italy. These Alps rise at Genoa on the curving coast that is called the Italian Riviera. The mountains form an arc that stretches eastward through Austria. Mont Blanc is the highest peak in Italy, and the famous Mont Blanc Tunnel carries road traffice between France and Italy. The far eastern end of the Alps is callled the Dolomites.
There's also the Apennine Mountains that run the length of Italy, and geologically, these mountains extend across the Strait of Messina into Sicily!The Apennine's are smaller than the Alps, and because they are so much younger, they are still settling; thus, earthquakes often occur, especially in the south.
There are four active volcanoes in the southern Apennines. And, these are the only active volcanoes in Europe outside of Greece.
Mount Vesuvius lies on the shore of the Bay of Naples. Over the centuries, Vesuvius continues to erupt and often without warning.
Mount Etna, on the island Sicily, is also an active volcano. These are the two that I have seen.
Italy also has beautiful, attractive beaches. In the north, there's the Riviera from France to LaSpezia. In southern Italy, the mountains tumble down to the beaches and leave little space except for a few boat docks and some sunbathing. The Amalfi Coast on the Sorrento Peninsula juts into the Tyrrhenian Sea south of Naples. Trust me, it is a spectacular example of mountain and beach meeting.
Then, there is the lake district in the foothills of the Alps. Lakes Como, Maggiore, and Garda are the most popular, and I've seen all three. I loved the beautiful old villas around Lake Como the best.
So, when you to to Italy, remember, it's much more than a museum. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
 Milan's Galleria Shopping
Center (1877) by deecat
Rome: Rome is Italy's capital & the largest city. It lies along the banks of the Tiber River near the western coastal plain. This modern city maintains hundreds of historical monuments, churches, and public buildings as well as many museums that showcase a wealth of art & artifacts. It is such a spread out city, that it seems even larger than it is.. The political & historical center of Italy as well as an important hub of business, education, arts & entertainment, Rome is a must see city.
Milan: Milan is the second largest city in Italy. It's located on the northern plains. Milan is also the nation's business capital & an important European center of banking, manufacturing, and service industries. Milan is home of Italy's main stock exchange as well as la Scala [a world-famous opera house]. Milan boasts of having Italy's tallest building, Pirelli Tower. But, I think the best thing about Milan is the Gothic Cathedral [it has over 3,000 statues and accommodates 40,000 worshipers!].
Naples: It is the manufacturing "hub" of Italy, and most of that lies on the north side of the Bay of Naples in southwestern Italy. Naples suffers from pollution, unemployment, and overcrowding, but I personally found it to be a spirited city worth a visit. It used to be the favorite summer resort for wealthy Roman families. If I were you, I would not miss its elaborate cathedrals, ornate palaces, and imposing castles. Don't miss the pizza either!!
Florence: It lies along the fertile banks of the Arno River and is the birthplace of the Renaissance. The artworks alone make it a must see city. Michelangelo's David attracts millions of viewers annually. Florence is still home to many artists who carry on the city's tradition of fine handicrafts. The communications industry thrives in Florence.
Venice: A city that's built in the center of a lagoon at the northern rim of the Adriatic Sea is certainly worth experiencing! Travel is achieved by traveling from place to place through a system of canals. There are many fine palaces, churches, and art galleries as well as a mystical, magical ambience to this unique city. By far, the city's most important economic activity is Tourism! See it now because scientists are concerned that it may sink another 8 inches in the next fifty years. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
Visiting Italy?
Read reviews about Italy Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
 Dee admiring Pinocchio
Toy by deecat
If they had contributed nothing other than Pizza, it would be a tremendous influence! The city of Naples is where the first pizzeria opened around 1830. Here the pizza is a flat disk of dough topped with olive oil, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. The popularity of the pizza migrated to the USA with the Italian community in New York City where the first pizzeria appeared about 1905. But, pizza really caught on in America after World War II.
I personally think that Italian food is one of the great cuisines of the world. Compared to many countries, I noticed that there are fewer foreign restaurants in Italy. The Italians even prefer their home-grown fast foods such as pizza or foccaccia!
Opera is another fine contribution from Italy. Opera was born in the city of Florence. Today, numerous Americans attend operas yearly. An Italian man named Bartolomeo Cristofori built the first piano, and the Italians created the first modern orchestra. American children all know the story of Pinocchio which was written in Italy more than a hundred years ago.
American males especially enjoy and prize the quality of Italian sports cars such as the Lamborghini. American women certainly adore Italian shoes and handbags along with Italian designer wear. I personally love the Italian household designer items such as kitchen appliances.
Venetian Glass is valued here in the States. Its rich colors and tiny flowerlike designs have been around for thousands of years. Glass masters use the same glass-blowing pipes, furnaces, and instruments throughout the ages. We value the time and expertise it takes to create the delicate chandeliers, jewelry, sculptures, and vases.
I was amazed to discover that the window was invented in Italy. The ancient Romans came up with a method for making glass windowpanes about 2500 years ago! However, the idea didn't catch on until hundreds of years later.
One of the greatest inventions was concrete...just think of all we've done with concrete! The Romans also made the first paved roads.
These same ancient Romans came up with the idea for candles, daily newspapers. a mechanical clock, eyeglasses, and the radio [Guglielmo Marconi made first radio].
Besides pizza, we need to thank the Italians for pretzels, cheeses [ such as Parmesan, Gorgonzola, and mozzarella], and all kinds of pasta {which really came from China].
What inventors the Italians are. They also gave us forks, thermometers, metal locks, and batteries!
Hopscotch, Bocce Ball, and tarot cards...all began in Italy. In addition, false teeth, socks, and pants also began where?...you guessed it, Italy!
Finally, many words that we Americans use all the time come from Italy.
Bandit comes from the Italian word "bandito" which means crook. "Umbrella" is also an Italian word contribution. And, as we all know, "spaghetti" is a favorite Italian word.
We certainly owe the Italians for all they have given us. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
 Piazza Navona at Night by deecat
Even though the piazza is huge, it seems intimate.
There are three magnificent fountains, and the most famous is: The one in the center called FOUNTAIN OF THE FOUR RIVERS by Bernini. He made the fountain a base for an Egyptian obelisk brought here from the Circus of Maxentius. It contains four statues which represent four rivers...Danube, Ganges, Nile, and Rio de la Plata.
I loved all the street artist, the three fountains, the sidewalk cafes, and the constant motion.
We visited in the daytime and at night. I liked it equally well both times.
We purchased four watercolor paintings from a street artist of: The Pantheon, The Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and The Spanish Steps. They are wonderful framed and hanging in our Great Room. Ah, fond memories of Rome. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
 Lovely Positano by deecat
I think it's those long, leisurely dinners where we shared wine and talked and laughed as we savored the delicious Italian cuisine. Perhaps it was the afternoon siestas as the shops closed for a few hours? Perhaps it was the lack of telephones ringing, computer keys clicking, and TV blabbing?
Or maybe it was the long walks we took each day, discovering the natural and man-made beauties of this incredible country?
Whatever it was, I cherish it.
There are so many favorite memories of Italy...dancing with my husband in San Marco Square....eating homecooked meals in our apartment in Gaeta....being blessed by the Pope in Rome...walking the wall, hand in hand, in Lucca...marveling at the art at the National Museum in Naples...tasting the wines in Montepulciano...driving the Amalfi Coast and hanging on for dear life...walking arm in arm under one umbrella in Verona...eating gelato in every city and village we visited...and realizing that you don't have to be young to feel young. Because in Italy, what is ancient is revered. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
 Allan & Dee at Lake Como by deecat
It's an historic town that has promenades, great hotels, and lovely gardens that are open to the public.
Lake Como has been a popular resort area since the days of the Roman Empire. Today, the towns that dot the shores of the lake are still popular as resort areas.
Besides Bellagio, you should visit the town named after the lake, Como. It has an appealing historical center and a fantastic location at the southern end of the east brance of Lake Como.
Visit the impressive Duomo which has been added on so many times that it is part Gothic and part Renaissance. Another church to visit is San Fedele. You will probably wish to see the 900-year-old gateway called Porta Vittoria.
I personally feel that the art gallery called Pinacoteca is worth a visit.
(The photo was taken by Allan's sister, Jayne, in Como).
Another popular resort destination is Menaggio, a town located on the western shore of Lake Como with a decent beach. There are good bus and ferry connections out of Menaggio.
In addition, you might find the small resort town of Varenna to your liking. Although small, it is beautiful AND you are able to admire views from the Castello de Vezio.
Wherever you stay, I'm sure that you will be enthralled by the scenery, especially when you are able to see the Swiss Alps!
We certainly enjoyed our two-day stay in Bellagio with its steep cobblestone lanes, its view of the Swiss Alps, and its delicious fresh seafood available in the many fine restaurants. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
Just as we did the first time in Italy, we ate a gelato a day on our 4th trip.
While in Mondavio, Allan and I were ready for our daily gelato. I had read somewhere that there was an ice-cream place with fine views at a bar in the "little shaded park near the square". Well, we found it.
It is called Il Giardino, and it is, indeed, a lovely spot to stop and partake of delicious Italian gelato.
We were the only people in the establishment (It seemed we were the only people in the village)!
A man was on a ladder cleaning the chandelier. The woman who managed the bar was supervising his work.
Allan had three dips: some kind of chocolate, a chocolate with nuts, and an equivalent to vanilla.
I enjoyed mine gelato on a cone, and it was two dips of "Bachio".
Our total bill came to 3 Euro!
In Gaeta, we returned to an old favorite of ours from 1997 called Il Pinguino where we loved their deserts. They put a waffer atop the cone for dipping and for advertisement since the name of the establishment is stamped on the waffer. Piazza Traniello, 29, Gaeta. Telephone: 01286910599
We also tried the gelato one night at Il Molo; it never seemed to be open in the afternoon.
It had good gelato and lots of customers. [di Valerio Paolo, P. Del Pesce 1/2, Gaeta. Telephone 0771-464721
In the newer part of Gaeta, we tried Gelato at Il Sole, Piazza XIX Maggio, Gaeta. Phone: 01145160592.
We also ate Gelato at Bar Gelateria Platani at Lungomare Caboto, 612, GAETA. Telephone: 0771-460048
All the gelato was delicious. My favorite was from Il Pinguino. [tried and true]
Because we had eaten a large lunch in Tolentino, we were not hungry enough to eat a dinner. After walking around Camerino and window shopping, we were more than ready for a gelato. Bar Gelateria Diana looked mighty inviting so we walked in, and to our delight, it was a very charming place. Unlike most other Gelateria's, this one was quite "chic" and ultra modern. Also, unlike other bars in Italy, this one had comfy couches and stuffed benches for relaxing and enjoying a gelato, an expresso, or a drink.
As the photographs indicate, we did, indeed have gelato. They were quite delicious. Allan had a deep, dark chocolate, and I had a chocolate with nuts.
As Allan and I were walking around Cagli, we had a "Gelato Attack".
Fortunately, we came across the Gelateria Artigianale, which looked really inviting.
There are two rooms. The first one has lots of special gifts that have to do with food products and gifts for the home. The second room is for sitting down to eat. We ordered cups of Gelato (two scoops each), and as is often the case in Italy, the bottom of a cone is place on top of the dish of gelato. It comes in handy for scooping the ice cream (in addition to the spoon that is provided). Leave a Comment
|
| | |
|
Rome Accommodation
Hotel Photos, Info & Virtual Tours Find the Hotel You Want at Expedia! 5.000 Hotels in Italy
Book your hotel in Italy online. Good availability and great rates! Italy
Make Informed Decisions. Save Time And Money On Your Trip with Bing ™ Certified Vacation Villas
& Rental Apartments in Italy! Assured & Affordable Quality. Rome Hotel Deals
Save up to 50% on 85,000 Hotels Worldwide. Book Now! 1-866-925-0513 Sponsored Links
|
