Hotel Splendido
Originally a monastery, abandoned by the monks in 16th century, in late 19th century has been rebuilt by Baron Baratta into his summer residence, to be later sold to Ruggiero Valentini, who in 1905 opened here Grand Hotel Splendid. Soon it became the place recognised by European aristocracy, and shortly after the Second World War, the frequent accommodation of Hollywood actors brought the Hotel an international fame.
La Bocca della Verita
The popular Italian saying 'in Bocca al Lupo' is used instead of wishing good luck. It means 'into the mouth of the wolf'. And yet, in the middle of Rome there is more powerful mouth - 'La Bocca della Verita' The Mouth of the Truth.
Cristo degli Abissi
Somewhere deep in the waters of Riviera di Levante near Portofino rests an extraordinary bronze sculpture 'Il Cristo degli Abissi'. The 2,5 m high sculpture of Christ with head and hands rising in the pose offering peace protects people of the sea: sailors, fishermen and divers. It has been placed near the spot where in August 1947 Dario Gonzatti lost his life while scuba diving in the gulf.
Santa Maria dei Miracoli Church in Venice
Santa Maria dei Miracoli is the favourite church of many Venetians and a popular place to get married in Venice. This jewel of early Renaissance art in Venice has been built between 1481-1489 by Pietro Lombardo and his sons to protect the miraculous painting of 'Madonna and Child' by Nicolo di Pietro. The painting still can be seen above the main altar in the church.
Rome
In 312 Emperor Constantine won the battle against his oponent Maxentius and soon declared Chistianity the official religion of the Empire.He gave the land previously taken from disgaced family Laterani to the pope and commissioned the building of the church to the Holy Redeemer.
At the moment of finishing in 3rd century Baths of Emperor Antonius Caracalla were the largest ones in Rome, capable of hosting about 1,600 bathers.[Diocletian's Bath were just to be built]. The huge building featured massive 30 m high walls, but rather simply exterior. The interior, on contrary, was extremely rich, white marbles,gilded stuccos, walls [...]
Appia Antica was the first from the Roman roads connecting the capital with strategic towns of the Empire.
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The picturesque campo outside of Chiesa di Zanipolo in Venice features the interesting sculpture of the Venetian condottiere Bartolomeo Colleoni. Condottieri were mercenary soldiers fighting for money, usually signing contract only for a period of time necessary to conduct a battle, and during his life Colleoni used to fight under different banners, mostly on the [...]
With over 50 commissioned works by Paolo Veronese, a little less frequented by tourists, Baroque Church in Dorsoduro district is a real artist’s showcase, a real ‘must-see’ for all fans of this great painter.
One of the most splendid Baroque residences in Venice, Ca’ Rezzonico displays the 18th century interiors with masterpieces of art commissioned by Tiepolo, Canaletto or Andrea Brustolon. In 1649 Filippo Bon commissioned to architect Baldassare Longhena the design of his new residence.
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The afternoon guided tour of Venice that unveils it’s real charm usually hidden from the curious eyes of passers-by. The gondola ride perfectly completes this unique experience, you will be inspired by the romance of boat’s movement and surprised by the new city details discovered from the water level sight.
A shore excursion from Livorno to the enchanted land of Cinque Terre, five unique villages, the site from UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Visit the most spectacular of Venetian Lagoon islands in this half-day trip from mainland Venice. Experience the hundreds years old mystery of glass making which built numerous fortunes of city merchants, see the lances in Burano and the oldest church in Torcello.
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