The Unique Porticos of Bologna

Piazza Maggiore porticos

The Bologna Portico - A World Heritage Site: It was raining when we arrived in Bologna and to say that I was disappointed was an understatement. I was so looking forward to seeing this historical city in all its summer glory, but instead what we have was grey skies and wet grounds. Not that I was begrudging the citizens of Bologna their summer showers, but balancing umbrella and camera is tricky for one who tends to take crooked pictures at the best of times. Yes, a bane of Tony's life is … [Read more...]

Bologna Anatomical Theatre at the Archiginnasio

Archiginnasio of Bologna

Archiginnasio of Bologna - Anatomical Theatre of Bologna: Unless you're a medical type, an anatomical theatre is not quite the kind of place that you would normally plan to visit during the holidays. However, a visit to the Bologna Anatomical Theatre is one that should not be be missed. This historical Bologna theatre in the Archiginnasio of Bologna is a pretty amazing site. Archiginnasio of Bologna Our surprise visit to the Bologna anatomical theatre was part of our walking tour of … [Read more...]

A Visit to Rungis Market – by Ken Osei

Rungis Market

For Any Serious "Foodie" a Trip to Rungis is Worthwhile: An article that I had read on this website about the Marché Rungis inspired me to include a Rungis market visit as part of our Paris trip itinerary in early January 2013.  Rungis offers group guided tours of the market on the second Friday of every month, but unfortunately we were not going to be in Paris on the tour date. I made contact with the people at Visite Rungis and was quoted a private tour rate of Euros 350.  This was … [Read more...]

San Gimignano’s Towers of Wealth and Power

San Gimignano Towers

The San Gimignano Towers are Famous All Over the World: San Gimignano is famous for the medieval towers that dominate its skyline. Known as the Town of Fine Towers, there were once an amazing 72 lofty houses towering above this small Tuscan hill-town. These days only 13 of the San Gimignano towers remain. They are a source of attraction for visitors and the main reason for our visit today. A Symbol of Wealth and Power Many of the San Gimignano towers were constructed between the 12th … [Read more...]

Romeo and Juliet – The lovers die but their romance lives on!

Casa di Giulietta

Casa di Giulietta - Romeo and Juliet - An Immortal Love Story: Centuries after Shakespeare wrote his famous tragic romance Romeo and Juliet, more than half a million people still pack into the courtyard of Casa di Giulietta each year to see the famous Juliet balcony.  It was from this balcony that Juliet was supposed to have spoken her famous lines in Shakespeare's play and Juliet's balcony is easily the most popular tourist attraction in Verona. Casa di Giulietta A short passageway, … [Read more...]

Campo de’ Fiori – Colourful, Lively and Typically Roman

Campo dei Fiori Rome

Even During Medieval Times, Campo de' Fiori Was a Colourful and Lively Area: Situated just south of Piazza Navona is Campo de' Fiori, a typically Roman piazza and one of our favourite haunts in Rome. Campo de' Fiori has many of the attractions that visitors come to Rome to enjoy, ancient sites, shops, restaurants, pubs and more. Campo de' Fiori Each morning a picturesque market takes place in the piazza and local shoppers, cafe and restaurant owners and tourists come here to shop for … [Read more...]

Ponte dei Pugni – A Venice Bridge Known for its Fistfights

Ponte dei Pugni, Venice Bridge

Ponte dei Pugni - Where The Ancient Tradition of Fistfights Took Place: There are hundreds of bridges criss-crossing the back canals of Venice, but one that is quite well-known is the Ponte dei Pugni. Located near Campo St Barnaba in Dorsoduro, Ponte dei Pugni is a famous Venice bridge that tells of an ancient tradition of fistfights on Venice bridges. Ponte dei Pugni (Bridge of Fists) takes its name from the vicious fistfights that used to take place between the Castellani and the … [Read more...]

A Visit to Oltrarno, Beyond the Arno

Piazza Santo Spirito

Oltrarno is Located on the South Side of the River Arno: The historic centre of Florence has plenty to keep visitors occupied. Just in the main squares such as Piazza del Duomo, the Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza della Signoria and Piazza di Santa Croce there are art galleries, palaces, churches, museums and shops that would require more than a couple of visits to see them all. It's little wonder then that not many people venture to the area south of the River Arno.  Oltrarno, which … [Read more...]

Christmas in London: Things to See and Do at Christmas

Christmas Lights in London

Christmas in London: London Lights, Winter Wonderland, Christmas Markets and Events: There's plenty to see and do in London on any given day of the year, but at Christmas time when the temperature takes a dive, visitors to London are in for a treat. Christmas lights, carols, beautifully decorated Christmas stores bursting with temptations, Christmas street parades, Christmas markets and ice skating rinks all add to the attractions of Christmas in London. Christmas Lights It's fairy … [Read more...]

Grand Theâtre and the Opéra de Dijon

Opera de Dijon

Grand Theâtre - The Grand Opera Venue of the Opéra de Dijon: As the name implies, the Grand Theâtre de Dijon on Place Theâtre is a grand opera house in the historic centre of Dijon. Each season, the Opéra de Dijon and a variety of different companies perform an eclectic mixture of operas, from the classic Italian composers to some more modern and slightly more controversial composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Grand Theatre Brief History Prior to the first opera … [Read more...]