Tuscany, Quiet Jewel of Italy

When people think about a trip to Italy, they often have certain famous cities of the world spring to mind...Venice, Florence, Rome, Pisa, to name a few. However, many are not aware that there is a region of Italy known for many things, including being the heart of the Italian Renaissance. Some of its famous personages include Leonardo DaVinci, Michaelangelo, and the Medici.

Tuscany is also known for (real) landscapes that look like they should have been painted by an artist and many excellent Toscana (wine) vintages.

As you may imagine, however, being located where it is, within one of the most historical lands in the world, and in position feel and affect the ebb and flow of history in the rest of Europe, there are many historically important and interesting sites to visit in Tuscany, as the author points out in the following article.


Tuscany's World Heritage Sites
By Giovanni Balboni

There are many great reasons to visit Tuscany: villas in prime locations, fine wine, stunning landscape and breath-taking architecture, all of which contribute to creating one of the most beloved and iconic regions not just in Italy, but in the whole of Europe. The natural beauty of the region has no doubt played a role in nurturing artists and writers who have single-handedly changed the course of European culture from the middle ages onwards. This natural and creative atmosphere provides a romance that many potential visitors find incredibly seductive - it's no surprise that many people return again and again to Tuscany. Villas are available across the region, giving you easy access to all parts of it. Here is a brief rundown of the UNESCO recognised World Heritage Sites in the area:

The Historic Centre of Florence

Known for administrative purposes as quartiere 1 in the centre of Florence, the historic centre is home to many world-famous landmarks, including the Bascilica di Santa Maria del Fiore and the associates Piazza del Duomo, the Piazzale degli Uffizi, and Giotto's Bell Tower. If you've never been before, this should be one of the first sights on your itinerary for Tuscany. Villas occupy many of the hills around the city, and with a hire car or public transport, Florence is easy to access.

The Historic Centre of Siena

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, the centre of Siena is one of Italy's most popular tourist attractions. The imposing Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Italian Romanesque-Gothic architecture and was built on an unusual axis, running from north to south.

Piazza del Duomo, Pisa

Another of the most romantic sights in Tuscany, villas in the northwest of the region will give you the perfect opportunity to visit the historic central square in Pisa. Although it's one of the first things you'll see, Pisa is more than just a leaning tower: the Camposanto Monumentale and the Santa Maria della Spina are also popular tourist attractions.

The Historic Centre of San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a small walled hill town famous for its impressive medieval towers that can be seen from several kilometres away. The 14 towers of varying heights have managed to survive the centuries of war and destruction that eradicated them from other cities such as Bologna and Florence.

The Historic Centre of the City of Pienza and Val d'Orcia

Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites for the price of one: the delightful historic town of Pienza and the bucolic beauty of the rolling hills in the Val d'Orcia. The main sights include the Palazzo Piccolomini and the Duomo in the centre of Pienza.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Giovanni Balboni works for "To Tuscany", who specialise in finding the perfect Tuscany villas as well as selected villas in Umbria and Puglia. "To Tuscany" is proud of their villas and their reputation. Each property is personally selected and visited by our representatives to ensure we offer only the best in the region.

Article Source: Tuscany's World Heritage Sites
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CITIES OF THE WORLD

Cities of the World - The Circus Maximus of Rome

There are so many cities, so many sights to see, things to do, and so little time. The instant I recommend one, I think of another. However, I'll just keep passing on information about wondrous sights to see in the Cities of the World.

In the following article, author Simon Prendergast tells us about one of the most interesting sights to see in Rome.
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Rome's Ancient Circus Maximus
By Simon Prendergast

History students interested in ancient Rome often find a visit to the Circus Maximus to be particularly rewarding on their study tours. Initially a stadium for chariot races, it was the first and largest stadium of its kind in the Roman Empire, and provided the template for many other imitations and stadium constructions. With a capacity of over 150,000 spectators it was the city's largest venue for 'ludi' - days or half-days of sporting events connected to the Roman religious dates, sponsored by leading political figures or the state itself for the benefit of the population. Today, the site of the Circus Maximus is a public park, open for students and history buffs to enjoy delving into the history of the ancient Roman Empire.

The Ludi

Despite the reputation of the Circus Maximus as an arena for chariot races, history and classics students on their study tours are often surprised to find that there was a bewildering array of entertainments on offer - athletic competitions, plays, poetry recitals, beast-hunts and even the type of gladiator contests that you might have expected to find at the Colosseum! Most of the entertainments began with a flamboyant parade, specially crafted to present a sense of wealth and abundance to the people; the complexity of staging the ludi became a way to demonstrate the generosity and fitness for office of the organisers. One notable event was recorded to have included 63 leopards and 43 bears and elephants - surely a sign of incredible competency to arrange!



The Phenomenon Expanding

As the Roman Empire grew in stature and political power, the Circus Maximum didn't lose any of its splendour or relevance - far from it! Ludi were held at the Circus Maximus on 57 days of the year, and the venue would have been a hubbub of activity even on days when no official event was scheduled, as charioteers practised on the track. Students on study tours will be amazed at the versatility of the entertainments on offer; even at the height of its popularity for chariot-races, the wide space of the Circus Maximus was also one of the most suitable in Rome for religious processions on a massive scale. The other shows it hosted were no less spectacular; in one, it is reported, the emperor Probus organised a spectacular event in which beasts were hunted through a forest of artificial trees, on a specially built stage. Now that's an interesting spectacle for imaginative students on their study tours to contemplate!

Simon Prendergast works for FHT, a company specialising in flexible and inspiring study tours across a wide range of subjects. FHT's student tours benefit from over 40 years of experience arranging accommodation, educational itineraries, and everything leaders need to plan a successful trip.

Article Source: Rome's Ancient Circus Maximus
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CITIES OF THE WORLD

Looking for Some Good Ice Cream in Rome?

At one time, all roads led to Rome.  It was the seat of government for a large swath of the "known" world. 

Rome still has the power to draw in massive amounts of visitors.  They come for the art, the history, the religious links, and...for the ice cream.....
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The Top Three Gelaterias in Rome
By Roberta Stuart

Since time immemorial, the Romans have led the world in an eclectic range of disciplines. Whether it's plumbing, irrigation, philosophy, slaughtering civilians, or just providing a luxury hotel, in Rome they always comes up with the goods. And if there's one thing they do know about, it's how to make fantastic ice cream - or, as they call it, gelato. The Romans certainly know how to enjoy themselves, and their succulent gelato is about as indulgent as it gets.

Spoilt for choice

Be careful, though, as there are many gelaterias to choose from. They are just as popular as pizzerias and you can bet there will be one just a stone's throw away from any luxury hotel in Rome. To experience the tastiest gelati the capital city has to offer, it's worth spending a bit of time to hunt down the best of the best.
Generally, an exceptional gelateria can be identified by window stickers or certificates displayed from Gambero Rosso, Italy's revered food guide, or other food-rating publications. But, without further ado, here are our top three places to get gelato:

1. San Crispino
This gelateria has two locations. One is at the Basilica of San Giovanni, and the other is located near the Trevi Fountain. What makes San Crispino so special is that it's all about the gelati. Don't be put off by their plain, muddy-like appearance, as the gelati are made from scratch with no preservatives or colourings used whatsoever. They don't use gimmicks or flashy, unnecessary add-ons. The quality speaks for itself. However, be warned: San Crispino is extremely popular with tourists, so expect queues to run out of the door.

2. Gelateria del Teatro
Because it's buried away in a winding back-street, this gelateria is not often frequented by tourists and is a favourite with the locals. Behind a romantic glass window, the gelato is lovingly made by hand. This venue is famous for its imaginative flavours such as chocolate and red wine, and for its young, welcoming atmosphere.

3. Giolitti

Situated near the Pantheon, Giolitti is the perfect pit-stop for many a romantic getaway. For a loved-up couple staying at a luxury hotel in Rome, it's the perfect choice. Not only is it one of the oldest Roman gelato manufacturers (it was established in 1900), Giolitti prides itself on its customer service. The decadent products range from Torta Giolitti, a rich ice cream cake, to Coppa Giolitti, a luxurious mix of ice cream, custard, and chilled zabaione.

So, next time you find yourself relaxing at a luxury hotel in Rome, ensure you don't miss a chance to sample the city's best gelato - Italy's finest export since the sandal. And remember how to order: 'Vorrei un gelato per favore'.

If you're looking for a luxury hotel in Rome Worldhotels has a wonderful selection. Roberta Stuart is the Travel Manager for Worldhotels, a company offering the best choice for a luxury hotel in Rome and a selection of unique and four and five star hotels around the world.

Article Source: The Top Three Gelaterias in Rome
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CITIES OF THE WORLD