Spanish Steps – Scalinata di Spagna

Spanish Steps, Rome..

These Landmark Rome Steps are a Favourite Destination for Many Visitors: Though the name may not be entirely accurate (they were built by the French), the Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Spagna) in Rome deliver true delight to visitors of any nationality. ‘Ah,’ some will say, ‘they are just stairs’. A way to get from the [...]

Sistine Chapel – Michelangelo’s Ceiling Masterpiece

Sistine Chapel Ceiling - Creation of Adam © Travel Signposts

Michelangelos’ Sistine Chapel Ceiling is a Masterpiece: Though named after Pope Sixtus IV, who commissioned the Chapel’s construction, the Sistine Chapel was given everlasting fame by Pope Julius II.  For, in 1508, it was he who commissioned Michelangelo to paint frescoes to cover the 10,000 square foot Sistine Chapel ceiling. But on the way to [...]

St. Peter's Basilica – A Most Sacred Shrine

St. Peter's Square, Rome

Rome’s Foremost Attraction for Pilgrims and Tourists: Formally known by the name Basilica di San Pietro, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of Rome’s foremost tourist attractions. This one site alone has enough to see to occupy an entire day or more. St. Peter’s is among the most well-known and frequently visited buildings inside Vatican City. [...]

Basilica di San Marco – St. Mark's Venice

Basilica di San Marco - Venice

St. Mark’s Basilica is an Amazing church with East and West Influences: Venice is an unusual city, a mixture of influences from East and West. Nowhere is the East-West blend of influence more evident than in the Basilica di San Marco (St. Mark’s Basilica), the most famous of the many churches in Venice and probably [...]

A Venice Gondola Ride

Venice Gondolas

A Fun way to experience the Magic of Venice’s Grand Canal: A gondola ride in Venicecan be a romantic voyage for two. Or it can be a fun group activity shared by half a dozen people.  But on my first gondola ride many many years ago, I actually took the trip on my own. As [...]

Palazzo Ducale or The Doge's Palace

Doge's Palace - Venice

One of the premier symbols of Venice: Although the office of the Doge of Venice was created in the seventh century, it was not until the 9th century that the first ducal palace was built. This old palace was destroyed by a series of fire. The existing Palazzo Ducale, located at one end of the [...]

A Secret Tour Inside the Doge's Palace

Arco Foscari - triumphal arch

Doge’s Palace – Home to the Doge as well as the Infamous Prisons: Since the early days of the Venetian Republic, the Doge’s Palace was the seat of the government, housed the Palace of Justice and was the residence of the Doge. It was also used to house the administrative offices of the government, along [...]

Enjoy Operas and Classical Music in Florence Churches

Chiesa Orsanmichele_Florence

Florence Opera and Classical Concerts in Historical Churches: Florence is a monument to the Renaissance period and its churches, palaces and art galleries are full of paintings and sculptures that many visitors come to see. In this compact city, there’s plenty to see and do during the daytime such as visits to the Duomo, art [...]