In Assisi, Italy shows its best face. It is one of Italy’s most beautiful towns, located in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions, Umbria.

Apart from boasting spectacular old buildings, Assisi, Perugia, Italy also inspires the visitor with its special atmosphere and with its rich spiritual, cultural and historical heritage.

Assisi is the home town of St. Francis, the 12th century friar and preacher who gave up all his possessions, dedicated his entire life to helping others and founded the Franciscan order that brought about a religious revolution.

Assisi, Italy has been for centuries and still is a major Catholic center for pilgrimage, but visitors who are more interested in art and architecture will also be fascinated by this superb town with winding medieval streets, sacred churches and Roman ruins.

What To See In Assisi, Italy

There are a lot of things to do in Assisi, Italy such as visiting the emblematic churches, the castle, the hermitage above the town and so much more. Here are a few tips and must-see attractions.

The Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the major places of Christian pilgrimage in Italy. It overlooks the city from the spectacular Mount Subasio and offers an unforgettable spiritual experience.

Together with the connected monastery, the Sacro Convento, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the year 2000.

On July of the year 1228 Pope Gregory IX set the foundation stone for the construction of the majestic basilica, two years after the death of Saint Francis. It was built into the side of a hill and combines both the Romanesque and Gothic styles.

The Basilica comprises a crypt containing the remains of the patron saint of Italy and two churches —the Upper Church and the Lower Church. Both are decorated with frescoes by late medieval painters from the Tuscan and Roman schools, and include important artworks by Giotto and his teacher Cimabue, among others.

The Impressive Sacro Convento

Next to the Basilica of St Francis stands the Sacro Convento, a Franciscan friary with formidable walls that dominates the valley below making it look like a fortress. The friars custody the relics of Saint Francis with great devotion.

It is said that St Francis wanted to be buried outside the city walls, the place called Collo d’Inferno, Hill of Hell in English, where criminals were hanged, because Jesus of Nazareth was also killed like a criminal outside Jerusalem.

The Sacro Convento houses an extensive library that contains very valuable ancient manuscripts and early printed books and a museum, the Museo del Tesoro, with sacred works of art of international origin.

Since the second half of the 20th century, it added the Perkins collection, donated by the American art historian and critic, who died in Assisi, Italy in 1955.

Don’t Miss The Grave of St. Francis

The tomb of Saint Francis is in the crypt of the Lower Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi. You can reach the crypt through a double stairway halfway down the nave.

The burial place of Saint Francis was hidden for almost six centuries after the saint’s death to prevent the theft and spread of his relics in medieval Europe. Saint Francis of Assisi’s remains were only rediscovered in 1818.

The architect Pasquale Belli built a neoclassic crypt under the Lower Basilica by order of Pope Pius IX. However, between 1925 and 1932 another Italian architect, Ugo Tarchi, redesigned it in neo-Romanesque style.

The Basilica of Santa Chiara

Located in the historic center, the Gothic Basilica di Santa Chiara is an important place of worship. It is dedicated to Saint Clare of Assisi, another saint who lived in the city.

She was one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi and founded a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition, the Order of Poor Ladies or Order of Saint Clare. The Basilica contains the remains of Saint Clare and Saint Agnes of Assisi, her younger sister.

The Cattedrale di San Rufino di Assisi

Expecially, the façade of the Duomo is one of the most significant works in Umbrian Romanesque style.

The Assisi Cathedral in Italy is dedicated to St. Rufino, martyred in the 3rd century, and it is the major place of worship in the town of Assisi. It stands in the square with the same name, originally the site of a Roman temple.

Walk to the Medieval Fortress of Rocca Maggiore

The castle of Rocca Maggiore as we know it today dates back to the 14th century, but the first documented mention of the fortress was in 1173. It was destroyed by a popular uprising around 1198 and rebuilt in 1356 respecting the original forms to a great extent. It was Assisi’s best defense for many centuries.

Located on the top of the hill overlooking the valley, the fortress gives the visitor an excellent view not only of the town of Assisi but of the entire Perugia region as well.

It was in Rocca Maggiore that Franco Zeffirelli shot some scenes of the film Brother Sun, Sister Moon about the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Goethe and the Temple of Minerva

In Assisi, Italy shows its ancient face as well. The partially revealed Roman amphitheater is right around the corner from the city’s main square.

In the Piazza del Comune you will see the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo from the mid-thirteenth century with the adjoining Torre del Popolo that means People’s Tower.

Finally the Temple of Minerva, an ancient Roman building with six well-preserved Corinthian columns, also faces the Piazza del Comune. In the sixteenth century it was transformed into a church, Santa Maria sopra Minerva.

During his trip to Italy in the 18th century, the great German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, visited the Temple of Minerva and described it in his book Italian Journey based on Goethe’s diaries. Many critics have marveled at the fact that while in Assisi Goethe didn’t choose to see the legendary Giotto frescoes in the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi!

Stroll Around the Town of Assisi

Take a walk around Assisi’s Piazza del Comune, the main square, and try one of the cozy, friendly and inviting little cafes or a family-owned restaurant where you can enjoy traditional dishes, such as Italy’s world-famous pizza and you can also try local wine.

Assisi is full of history and despite the many visitors it has a captivating and serene atmosphere. Nestled among the hills, the walled city is peaceful, with cobble-stoned streets that will make you want to walk on just to admire the beautifully rugged buildings.

The city is partially built on a hill, so be prepared to do a few climbs while you walk around, but the entire settlement is so charming, with so much to offer that you won’t even notice how steep the lanes are.

View the Endearing Images of Assisi, Italy

The city is spectacular in real life, but if you like browsing pictures before you set off on your journey to Assisi, Italy, click the button below to view the gallery of Assisi, Italy, Images.

If you’re one of those tourists that head to Milano, Italy, for shopping purposes, then know you are not alone. Each year, millions of people gather on the narrow streets of the city and spend thousands of dollars on some of the moment’s most chic accessories.

However, if you were lucky enough to get there, then you can as well invest your time in other activities, such as visiting some of the most popular museums in the entire world or admiring the architectural gems that wait for you at every step.

If you’re in Milano, and don’t know where to go first, we have prepared a list of the the five must-see attractions you’ll absolutely want to check out while you are there.

1. Milan Cathedral – Duomo di Milano in Italian

The magnificent Gothic Duomo that took nearly six centuries to complete is placed in the heart of Piazza del Duomo, the main city square of Milano, Italy.

Emerging from the ground at an impressive height of 108 m or 354 feet and stretching its walls across the square for a good 159 m or 500 feet, the Duomo is easily the most recognizable structure on the city’s territory, as well as one of the most renowned in the world.

One thing: dress appropriately, like you would in any other religious place. Keep your arms and legs covered throughout your visit – otherwise, you might find yourself politely invited outside. Make sure you don’t forget to take the elevator or stairs and get to the cathedral’s roof. The view from up there will take your breath away: Milan, in all its beauty, laying at your feet.

2. Sforza Castle – Castello Sforzesco

Not far from the Duomo rises the Castello Sforzesco that the fourth duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza, turned into his princely residence in 1450.

The impressive structure is now home to a number of museums where you can find famous sculptures, including Michelangelo’s last sculpture, the Rondanini Pietà.

3. Quadrilatero d’Oro, High-Class Fashion District

This elegant shopping district might be the Mecca for shopping lovers, especially considering the exclusive brands it hosts – get ready for high prices, though. If you have some money with you, then you can buy yourself the latest pieces signed by Dolce & Gabbana or Valentino.

However, if your pocket is not that generous, don’t worry: no one is going to stare at you in disdain for looking at a shirt for minutes in a row without buying it./p>

Another place to go to for shopping is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, located between Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala.

4. Chiesa di Santa Maria Delle Grazie

This church is an old Gothic-style cathedral in the Corso Magenta. Here is where you can take a closer look at Leonardo Da Vinci’s dramatic depiction of the Last Supper.

Currently, the painting is being restored, albeit partially, as it was starting to flake off. Most experts claim this is happening both because of Da Vinci’s painting method at the time and the fact that the colors were exposed to the environmental conditions without any sort of protection. Still, chances are you will thoroughly enjoy it, regardless of this aspect.

5. Teatro alla Scala

La Scala is a remarkable structure in pale shades of cream that enriches the crowded Piazza della Scala.

Regarded by many as possibly the most prestigious opera house in the entire world, it has welcomed throughout the years some of the most renowned names in the field. Unfortunately, tickets are rather hard to buy, due to high demands coming from important figures.

Milan, Italy Photo Gallery

Some other major attractions while in Milano, Italy, are the church of Sant’Ambrogio, the Bagatti Valsecchi museum, the Modern Art Gallery or Parco Sempione. If you want to get a glimpse of what you’ll be seeing during your vacation, click the button below to enter our extensive photo gallery.

If you are planning a vacation in Naples, Italy, attractions, opportunities for entertainment and relaxation as well as for sampling local culture are plentiful in and around the city.

The capital of Italy’s Campania region has a lot to offer on the surface and under it, in the city and around it —parks and villas, churches, subterranean tunnels, museums, eateries, restaurants and lots more awaits the visitor of Napoli.

There are lots of great things to do in Naples, Italy. The city’s long history, its ancient monuments, winding, medieval streets and spacious piazzas, the natural beauty that surrounds Naples, with the wide open, crystal clear sea, its dramatically rising coastline and the breathtaking view of the Vesuvius guarantee that every visitor finds plenty to do here —here are just a few of your possibilities:

Try the Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Margherita

Naples, Italy pizza is certainly one of the major attractions. You need proper nutrition to be able to explore the city and what better way you can imagine to get that nutrition than by tasting Pizza Napoletana, one of Italy’s most famous dishes? Want to eat the best pizza in Naples Italy?

Try the Antica Pizzeria da Michele Via Cesare Sersale 1/3 is making authentic Neapolitan pizza since 1870.

Just Wander Around the Historic Center of Naples

The best way to explore real Naples is by walking around the old historic center without having any particular destination. The old center is lively and exciting, ancient and modern at the same time, having something new and beautiful in store for you whenever you turn a corner.

Just walking around will also give you the opportunity to meet and talk to locals, though be prepared that the local Neapolitan language is different from the Italian language.

If you start at Spaccanapoli, you’ll have access to important landmarks and monuments such as the Basilica of Santa Chiara, San Domenico Maggiore or The Church of Gesù Nuovo.

Visit Ancient Towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum

Naples is a holiday destination that can keep you busy on its own, but you should not miss the opportunity to explore one of Italy’s most famous attraction, the ruins of Pompeii.

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius devastated the city of Pompeii and the adjacent Herculaneum in 79 AD and drove away the survivors of the eruption, leaving behind a strange site with the tokens of everyday life preserved in great condition, providing visitors an opportunity to explore a two unique archeological sites located side by side.

You can easily reach Ancient Pompeii on foot from the train stop Pompei Scavi. Circumvesuviana is the network that provides services to Pompeii and nearby Herculaneum. You can take this train at the main Naples railway station Napoli Centrale (Naples Central Station).

You could even venture to the Archaeological site of Paestum, at only 75 minutes from Naples by train. It boasts three of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world.

Take an Underground Tour of Naples

Naples is a city that stretches not only above the ground. The city of Naples rests atop a major geothermal area and the complex system of tunnels, reservoirs and underground paths is like an underground city on its own right, with ruins from ancient Greek and Roman times certainly worth your attention and time.

You can access Napoli Sotteranea, Naples underground in English, from Via dei Tribunali, in the old historic center of Naples.

Visit Interesting Museums and Castles

Naples gives home to some very interesting museums. The Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donna Regina, also known as MADRE, hosts some wonderful exhibitions of modern art, while those interested in items removed from the ruins of Pompeii will certainly enjoy a tour of the National Archeological Museum.

As for impressive castles, Castel Nuovo also known as Maschio Angioino and Castel dell’Ovo are two Naples, Italy attractions you won’t want to miss.

Gallery of Pictures of Naples, Italy

As you see, when it comes to Naples, Italy, attractions and the possibility to spend your vacation actively are just as much there for you as the possibility to just wander around and relax.

Naples is so varied and so exciting that it is very difficult to capture its special atmosphere in pictures, even so, if you click the button below, the gallery you find will give you a glimpse of its beauty and a sample of its unique atmosphere.

Italy, Venice is an artistic masterpiece of past and present, old and new, antiquity and modernity. Here we discover the Grand Canal, Canal Grande in Italian, and the most popular Venice attractions of a truly astounding city.

Venice, Italy is an island-city or city of islands and her historic center is a tightly integrated set of 117 small islands connected by over four hundred bridges.

In Venezia, Italy, every time you cross a bridge you are entering another island!

Navigate The Grand Canal of Venice, Italy

The Canal Grande is the main water route that crosses Venice and divides the center of the town in two zones with three districts in each area while describing a reverse S-shape.

Probably this water corridor follows the course of a river that flowed into the Laguna in the past.

The banks of the Grand Canal are lined up with prestigious buildings, palaces and churches, most of which were built between the 13th and the 18th century.

The Venetian nobility proudly competed to own the most beautiful, the highest, the most modern palazzo and hence secured the services of the most famous architects of the time for their ambitious projects.

Don’t Miss the Rialto Bridge

Until the 19th century, the Ponte de Rialto was the only bridge crossing the Grand Canal.

The Rialto bridge is a witness to the glorious history of Italy, Venice and to this day it silently watches the Venetian popular festivities, in particular the Regata Storica, Historical Regatta in English, with its colorful processions of typical Venetian rowboats such as the richly embellished bissone and the ornamented gondolas.

The Rialto Bridge is the most popular of all Venetian bridges. The present stone arch bridge was designed by Antonio da Ponte and completed in the year 1591.

At the time The engineering was thought so bold that the famous architect Vincenzo Scamozzi predicted a disaster. Luckily, he wasn’t right and the Ponte di Rialto has become one of the main Venice, Italy attractions, the king of all Venetian bridges.

Visit the Basilica di San Marco and Piazza San Marco

Saint Mark’s Basilica is a magnificent cathedral that lies at the eastern end of the Piazza San Marco and is a symbol of the maritime power and commercial prosperity of the Republic of Venezia.

Viva San Marco! was the battle cry used until its dissolution in 1797.

Not many people know that the Basilica di San Marco only became cathedral in the year 1807. In its origins the Church of San Marco was quite primitive, but by the end of the 12th century the splendid golden mosaics of the interior of the basilica that we see today were already almost complete.

St Mark’s Square is known as La Piazza (the Square) and its size and trapezoidal shape is the result of successive expansions and modifications. Most important events of Venice are held here and some believe that it was Napoleon that called Piazza San Marco the Drawing Room of Europe.

When the tide is over 90 cm or 3 ft, Piazza San Marco begins to flood and you’ll be able to experience the typical Acqua Alta phenomenon.

Santa Maria della Salute is a Must-See Basilica

Santa Maria della Salute, which means Saint Mary of Health, is known as La Salute and it is the highest expression of Venetian Baroque.

This Venetian basilica stands in an impressive location in the Punta della Dogana in the Dorsoduro district of Italy, Venice, rising from a narrow finger of land between the Grand Canal and St Mark’s basin.

It is the most recent of the plague-churches, built to liberate Venice from the plague that decimated her population between 1630 and 1631.

On December 21 Venetians celebrate the Festa della Madonna della Salute, one of the most popular festivals in Venice, Italy that dates back to 1630. On this day Venetians cross a bridge made of boats that runs from San Marco to La Salute where they pray.

We have selected a stunning gallery of the best Venice attractions so that you can see the beauty that’s waiting for you when you travel to Italy, Venice. Click the button below to see the images.

Each April Rome, Italy, commemorates its founding by Romulus, It’s over 2,760 years and counting… Along with some background, we present a collection of stunning night pictures of Rome, Italy that show once again the splendor of the most iconic of Rome tourist attractions.

No city blends the eternal and the impermanent, the old and the new as naturally as Rome, Italy. Wherever you go you are confronted to memories of the past right next to a frenetic modern pace. Rome is the capital of Italy, a country like no other, the city of the seven hundred churches.

The power of the Pope is still felt everywhere, but even if you would like it to be different, buildings can never go higher than 133 m or 436 ft, the height of Saint Peter’s Dome.

Here are some of the most popular Rome Sites you can visit on your next trip to Roma, Italy.

The Pantheon, Rome

The Pantheon has been described as the most perfect building of ancient Times. Built by Hadrian on the site of Marcus Aggripa’s temple, the Roman Pantheon dates from 126 AD and boasts the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome, which is no easy feat!

Romans call the Pantheon la Rotonna, Italian for rotunda, round, circular. The building is a perfect sphere as the height and the diameter are the same. The Piazza della Rotonda that lies before the Pantheon is also derived from it.

The Pantheon reminds us of an empire that terrified and enlightened the world and expanded Roman civilization to the Atlantic, the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea.

The Ancient Roman Forum

Julius Caesar made the Foro Romano the living center of the community. This place in Roma, Italy is now in ruins, but in the ancient world it was lined up with temples, law courts and bright marble.

It was Julius Caesar that started the transformation and embellishment of the place with the building of a temple in his honor, the Basilica Julia. After him the Fori Imperiali, as the Roman Forum is known in Italian, began to decline into a place of idle gossip.

The Colosseum, a Magnificent Symbol Of Imperial Rome

The Coliseum Rome is one of the greatest remaining monuments of the ancient Roman empire. The name Colosseo (Italian) derives from the colossal statue of Nero, once standing next to it.

It’s easy to go back in time and picture 50,000 passionate spectators watching a gladiatorial contest. In ancient times the spectators decided the fate of the gladiators after their bloody fights. Can you picture this?

From here you can also visit the triumphal Arch of Constantine from the 4th century, standing beside the Flavian Amphitheater as the Colosseum is also called.

Heavenly St. Peter’s Basilica

The whole name of this Italian Renaissance church is Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican. As soon as you enter St. Peter’s Square, you leave Italian territory and enter the Vatican City enclave within the city of Rome.

This new Papal Basilica was consecrated in 1626 and continues to attract hundreds of thousands of pilgrims that yearn to see the Pope preside over a liturgy. Since the time of Emperor Constantine the Great there has always been a church on this same site. Construction works on the present St. Peter’s Basilica that replaced the Old St Peter’s Basilica of the 4th century AD began on 1506 and completed on 1626.

Popular Piazza di Spagna and Spanish Steps

The Piazza di Spagna seems to be among the most alluring Rome tourist attractions, it is as popular among tourists as the Trevi fountain. It is at the bottom of the Spanish Steps where people sit for hours resting feet that hurt after hours of wandering Rome.

You can also visit the house of the great English poet John Keats rising at the right corner of the Spanish Steps. Keats lived in that house until his death in 1821. It has now been converted into a museum dedicated to the poet and his friend, the Romantic English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.

The Spanish Steps is a stairway of 135 steps in Rome, Italy, between the Piazza di Spagna and the Trinita dei Monti church at the top. In Italian the Spanish Steps are called Scalinata di Trinita dei Monti, referring to the church on top of the stairway. The set of steps were precisely built to link the Bourbon Spanish Embassy in Piazza di Spagna to that church.

Click the link below to check out our stunning gallery of pictures of Rome, Italy, and see the gems that are expecting you in the amazing city of Roma, Italy.

Rome is truly unique. No other city can match its architecture, art and history, and no other city can offer so many possibilities to discover breathtaking locations. If you want to experience all the Rome Italy tours and attractions, you will need more than the usual ten to fifteen day vacation.

In Rome, you will equally find the disadvantages of the modern era —noise, heavy traffic and pollution. At first glance, especially in the summer, the city may seem too hectic to feel good, but they are a part of the present, because Rome has a present too, not just a glorious past.

The best way to approach this city is indirectly. Take a little while to observe a city. Avoid jumping abruptly on the tourist attractions; buy a coffee, take a walk through the squares – Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori are two of the best – and some of the oldest neighborhoods. They will help feel the city.

When you are ready for tourist attractions, a good map and a minimal sense of direction will lead you where you want, because it is not so difficult to get directions in the old town.

Monumental Ancient Attractions

When in Rome, you absolutely have to visit at least some of these sites and sink in ancient culture and history:

• The Coliseum
• The Pantheon
• The Baths of Caracalla
• The Circus of Maxentius
• The Mausoleum of Caecilia Metella
• The surviving portions of the aqueduct
• The Baths of Diocletian
• Domus Aurea

Museums You Don’t Want To Miss

Do not miss the National Museum of Rome, with a huge collection of Roman sculptures, and other archeological ancient pieces such as the Museum Capitoline and the Museum Villa Giulia; the art museums: Borghese Gallery, National Gallery of Ancient Art of Barberini Palace, National Museum of Modern Art, Vatican Museums. They are all full of marvelous collections. Be it art, antiquities, ethnography or anything else you might be interested in, you can find it in Rome.

You’ll Want to Try Authentic Roman Cuisine

You will have the chance to taste dozens of goodies: dishes with artichokes, pasta alla carbonara or alla amatriciana, stuffed and fried pumpkin flowers, and many more. For dessert, you can try Italian ice cream and coffee, everything sprinkled with Italian wines … Crazy!

So Many Great Churches…

There are over nine hundred churches, many of them ancient, that deserve a visit. Among the most famous, visited by pilgrims from all over the world, are Basilica di San Pietro (St. Peter’s Cathedral), perhaps the most famous religious edifice of Christianity, Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura, Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni, Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, and San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura.

Even the small churches have their own charm and story to tell. For example, San Clemente, which is a catholic church built over an ancient Christian basilica, dating from the fourth century, incorporating, among other parts, a section dedicated to the god Mithra —in other words, a pagan place of worship, which makes you wonder what else may lie below.

Other things that should not be missed are the Vatican, the summer musical events, all the palaces, villas, gardens, the fountains and, last but not least, simply the view and the atmosphere: the narrow streets that end in little squares with baroque fountains in the middle; old houses with splendid architectural details; picturesque gardens on roofs, courtyards decorated with sculptures; tasty Italian food odors; small cafes and restaurants… and much, much more.

There are so many things to discover here, that you simply cannot cover everything during one trip. Click the button below to enter our photo gallery and have at least a glimpse of all the Rome Italy tours and attractions that are waiting for you.



]]> https://belleitaly.com/venice-italy-vacation Fri, 08 Apr 2016 17:10:12 +0000 https://belleitaly.com/?p=252 Secondary Waterway, Venice



It is almost impossible to not be fascinated by the uniqueness of Venice. This place surprises with its magic, romance, uniqueness and charm. No matter how much has been written about this town, nothing seems to be enough to outline its essence. To make the most of your Venice Italy vacation, you need to be open to exploration.

Because you will be able to understand the charm of this town only by waking up early in the morning and walking the streets, admiring the breathtaking views from the bridges bathed in sunbeams that barely arise from behind the old buildings.

To understand the romance of Venice, you must see gondolas floating peacefully on the enchanting green waters of the Grand Canal. To enjoy the magic of the city, you must explore it from one end to the other, little by little.

Visiting Venice is like traveling back in time, because the town looks almost the same as 600 years ago. It is surely one of the few places with a legacy —invaluable in terms of art and history. The best time to visit is in spring or fall (autumn), when the temperature is perfect for sightseeing and the streets are not so crowded.

Top Tourist Attractions In Venice

Wandering the streets along the canals and stroll by boat or gondola

This is the best way to discover the poetry of the town, as well as its surprising structure, built entirely on water, supported by a lot of posts. If you are looking to explore and want to avoid tourists, walk along the narrow streets or stroll by boat or gondola.

San Marco Square

This is a wonderful place where you can admire the architecture of the buildings, as well as the San Marco Basilica, dating from the ninth century. Its interior is a marvel of Byzantine architecture. There are lots of friendly pigeons in the square, expecting to receive something from the tourists; they are a part of the local charm. You should also consider taking a walk through the square at dusk or at night, when different orchestras perform for various outdoor restaurants, creating a very romantic atmosphere.

Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace or the Palazzo Ducale should not be missed during your visit in Venice, as it will help you better understand the culture and history of the city. It is located right next to the Basilica San Marco, being a great example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Book a tour and enjoy a ride on the Bridge of Sighs, visit the torture chambers and, last but not least, the secret passages.

The Academy Gallery

If the outside temperature is too high, you can escape into art, in the Academy Gallery. You will need several hours to admire all the masterpieces of Venetian painting from the 15th to the 18th century.

The Carnival

If you are in Venice during the Carnival, you have the chance to enjoy a unique festive atmosphere. A lot of tourists come to Venice especially to attend this event. If you want to join, get a mask and let yourself be seduced by the magical atmosphere of the 18th century.

To get a view of the sights described here and discover even more attractions for your Venice Italy vacation, click the button below and browse through our vast photo gallery. It will be a feast for your eyes and you’ll find great inspiration for your trip.



]]> https://belleitaly.com/cities-to-visit-in-italy Sun, 27 Mar 2016 17:37:35 +0000 https://belleitaly.com/?p=104 Incomparable Piazza San Marco, Venice



If you’re planning a trip to the exciting boot-shaped peninsula in southern Europe but don’t really have a clue which cities to visit in Italy, then you might want a few pointers, especially if your time or other resources are limited.

From eating authentic pizza in Naples to visiting the quiet villages of the Cinque Terre, there are lots of places to see and things to do in the country that has been at the forefront of many important movements in history.

See Naples and Delight your Taste Buds with Authentic Pizza

Naples is one of the busiest cities in Italy. The capital of the Campania region, Naples has a plethora of historical sites, art galleries and beautiful streets that are teeming with life. The atmosphere is vibrant, the people friendly, and you also get to experience the nightlife in one of the many night venues.

And while you’re in Naples, you certainly don’t want to miss eating the authentic pizza made here. This extremely popular food that has taken over the world actually originated in Naples, so if you want to taste what a true pizza really is like, you can’t find a better location

Try Venice

If you’ve seen all the movies with tourists in Italy, then you know what Venice is all about. The canals are running throughout the city, which isn’t actually just one piece of land that’s divided, but an archipelago of 118 islands which are connected through one another by countless bridges.

You can take a ride with one of the gondoliers and experience these scenic canals first hand and relax while immersing in the atmosphere. Just don’t count on each gondolier to be a natural born singer, and you’d best avoid busy hours.

Stroll through Cinque Terre

In case you want something less popular, then Cinque Terre, is the go-to destination. In Italian, this means five lands, which are actually five villages interconnected by quiet roads. There are 5 villages perched on the cliffs of the Italian Riviera.

Although they are not technically cities, from Riomaggiore and Manarola to Monterosso, Corniglia, and Vernazza, Cinque Terre will provide you with panoramic trails, quiet restaurants to eat delicious food and charming strolls through the narrow streets where you get to interact with friendly locals.

If you’re planning a trip with your other half, then you’d be delighted to know that you also get to walk the Via Dell’Amore or Love Walk from Riomaggiore to Manarola and enjoy a marvelous view.

Get a Better Picture of What You Are About to Visit

There are lots of other cities and monuments to see in Italy, from the ancient city of Pompeii and the laid-back Palermo to the mesmerizing views and sightseeing spots of Rome.

If you want to get a better view of the places you’re about to see so that you can plan accordingly, then click the button below and feast your eyes on the gallery of photos depicting all of these locations and more.

Immerse yourself in these beautiful pictures and pick the best cities to visit in Italy for a trip you will never forget!



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