Monuments

Culture

Giotto’s Bell Tower in Florence Goes Silent (But Only Temporarily)

by Silvia Donati | Wed, 11/10/2021 - 03:18

In order to allow for the rotation of the main bell of Giotto's Campanile in Florence, known as the ‘campanone’ (big bell), all seven bells of the iconic…

Culture

Colosseum Fully Reopens Underground Section for an Even More Thrilling Visit

by Silvia Donati | Thu, 07/08/2021 - 03:41

Your visit to Rome’s world-famous Colosseum is about to get even more spectacular: the underground section, where gladiators waited and wild animals were kept…

Lifestyle

Rome’s Biggest Cemetery: A Tranquil and Engrossing Wander Through History

by Myra Robinson | Tue, 06/01/2021 - 12:33

Rome’s largest cemetery, the Cimitero Comunale Monumentale Campo Verano, is the most extensive in Rome with 2,253 memorials, as well as countless smaller…

Culture

Project to Reconstruct Colosseum’s Floor Unveiled and Approved

by Silvia Donati | Thu, 05/06/2021 - 03:27

In a couple of years, you may be able to stand in the center of the Colosseum’s announced new arena floor, experiencing the same view gladiators had when they…

Culture

The Mausoleum of Augustus Tomb built by Roman Emperor Augustus in 28 BC on The Campus Martius

Mausoleum of Augustus in Rome Reopens to the Public

by Silvia Donati | Wed, 03/10/2021 - 03:24

The burial place of Emperor Octavian Augustus, the first Roman emperor whose mausoleum is a symbol of the architectural magnificence of ancient Rome, has…

Travel

Shot of the Olympic track and field stadium

An Overlooked Gem of Roman Architecture: the Foro Italico

by Myra Robinson | Mon, 02/15/2021 - 09:50

Our return flight to England last month was cancelled, but were we upset? On the contrary, extra time in Rome in glorious sunny weather without the crowds was…

Culture

Mosaics covered roof of Baptistery in Florence

Mosaics Shine Again at Florence's Baptistery

by Silvia Donati | Tue, 01/26/2021 - 09:03

[Photo credit: Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore.] The prophets, bishops and cherubs depicted in the 14th-century mosaics on the interior walls of Florence’s…

Culture

What Museums and Monuments Are Open in Venice?

by Silvia Donati | Fri, 06/19/2020 - 00:00

What has reopened in Venice in terms of museums and monuments? The situation is so confusing that when I asked a local tour guide, even she wasn’t sure.…

Travel

Siena’s Magnificent Cathedral Reopens, and It’s Free

by Silvia Donati | Thu, 06/18/2020 - 00:00

After a three-month closure due to the nationwide lockdown, the Cathedral of Siena along with the Opera Museum have reopened to the public. Access will be free…

Travel

Barriers To Be Set Up Around Trevi Fountain in Rome

by Silvia Donati | Tue, 02/04/2020 - 05:54

Protective barriers are to be set up around the Trevi Fountain in Rome to prevent tourists from sitting on one of the Italian capital’s most iconic monuments.…