Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Spend a fabulous vacation in Emilia Romagna and be sure to visit its most enticing attraction, the artistic city of Ravenna! The coastal city of Ravenna offers tourists everything they could possibly want from an Italian vacation; art, culture, excellent cuisine and a splendid coastline to explore.

The artistic monuments of Ravenna are what earned it a worthy place on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list in 1996. Ravenna was once the capital of the Roman Empire from 402AD which transformed it into a glittering metropolis of expensive extravagant buildings and a haven of creativity in term of art, architecture and especially the art of mosaics.

Following our introductory article on the small state of San Marino situated between Emilia Romagna and Le Marche, here are some ideas on what to see and do when you arrive. Since the 13th century, the Republic of San Marino has been an independent country which has its own government, currency and cultural traditions.

Probably the most striking sight you’ll meet first are the three ancient towers that rise above the jutted rock of Mount Titano. Situated at the foot of this majestic mountain is the historic city centre of San Marino. These towers served the state well for soldiers to spot the oncoming attacks of the Malatesta of Rimini and prepare their strategies of defence and attack in good time.

If you want to visit one of the strangest places in Italy then head to the North-Eastern side of the Apennine Mountains where the tiny enclaved micro state of San Marino is located! Known officially as the Republic of San Marino, this tiny country is just over 61 square kilometres in size and has a population of approximately 32,000 people.

Its capital is called San Marino but its largest city is called Dogana. This fascinating state of San Marino claims to be the oldest surviving sovereign and constitutional republic in the world.

If you’re holidaying anywhere near to Padua city in the region of Veneto then be sure to visit the mesmerising sight of the Scrovegni chapel here.

It was commissioned to be built as a family chapel by a rich man called Enrico Scrovegni. He made his fortune through banking.

In the 14th century, Christianity condemned the act of charging interest on loans and so, many wealthy bankers felt obliged to obtain absolution for their trade by building lavish religious monuments.

What makes the Scrovegni chapel so famous is that it was entirely covered inside with richly detailed paintings depicting biblical scenes. It was painted by master artist, Giotto over a period of 855 days between 1302 and 1305.

La Spezia in Liguria is the second largest town of the region and is a common stop off for tourists on their way to see the famous UNESCO awarded Cinque Terre. Here are five attractions in La Spezia that are also worth a visit during your holiday experience here.

La Spezia is home to no less than eight wonderful museums but if you have time to visit just one then make it the ‘Ubaldo Formentini’ Civic Museum. Situated in the Castle of San Giorgio, this collection holds some fascinating archaeological pieces.