Things to do in Italy – what to see, best cities, attractions and activities.

Art and Culture Holidays in Basilicata

Basilicata is a region that is steeped in history, with its architecture reflecting the influences of the ages. An example of this rich architectural heritage is the Cathedral of Matera, dating back to the 13th century and still standing proud at the highest point of the city. A few kilometres along the Appian Way from Matera is the so-called Sistine Chapel of Rupestrian Art, the Crypt of Original Sin, which features a 9th century series of frescoes painted on the walls of hollows in the limestone cliffs. Also in Matera is the Museum of Contemporary Sculpture, where modern day pieces are presented in contrast with the rock-hewn surroundings of the 16th century Palazzo Pomarici. In the north west of Basilicata lies the historic town of Melfi, once the capital of the Normans. Its cathedral was originally built in 1155 but only the bell tower has survived the numerous earthquakes over the centuries. It is now home to several works of art including a Byzantine icon of the Madonna. Nearby lie several other churches worth a visit, with impressive frescoes and sculptures spread among them - you could spend a full day touring here. A trip to Basilicata would not be complete without a visit to the Ghost Town of Craco, a small hilltop village which was abandoned after repeated earthquakes and landslides. The deserted town makes for an eerie guided tour (independent exploration is not permitted), and the town has been used as a backdrop for several films including Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ.

Art and Culture Holidays in Basilicata

Basilicata is a region that is steeped in history, with its architecture reflecting the influences of the ages. An example of this rich architectural heritage is the Cathedral of Matera, dating back to the 13th century and still standing proud at the highest point of the city.

A few kilometres along the Appian Way from Matera is the so-called Sistine Chapel of Rupestrian Art, the Crypt of Original Sin, which features a 9th century series of frescoes painted on the walls of hollows in the limestone cliffs.
Also in Matera is the Museum of Contemporary Sculpture, where modern day pieces are presented in contrast with the rock-hewn surroundings of the 16th century Palazzo Pomarici.

In the north west of Basilicata lies the historic town of Melfi, once the capital of the Normans. Its cathedral was originally built in 1155 but only the bell tower has survived the numerous earthquakes over the centuries. It is now home to several works of art including a Byzantine icon of the Madonna. Nearby lie several other churches worth a visit, with impressive frescoes and sculptures spread among them - you could spend a full day touring here.

A trip to Basilicata would not be complete without a visit to the Ghost Town of Craco, a small hilltop village which was abandoned after repeated earthquakes and landslides. The deserted town makes for an eerie guided tour (independent exploration is not permitted), and the town has been used as a backdrop for several films including Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ.

scritto da Emilio Aronica - ultima modifica il 13/05/2020

Art and Culture Holidays in Trentino Alto Adige

Trentino Alto Adige is one of the northernmost regions of Italy, bordering Austria and Switzerland, and this mix of Germanic and Latin cultures is plain to see in everything from its architecture to its food and drink. Typical of this crossover of cultures is the city of Trento, whose Castello del Buonconsiglio combines beautiful Renaissance frescoes with a dramatic and imposing Gothic bell tower. The alpine town of Bolzano (Bozen) in Alto Agide (Südtirol) also shows this dichotomy, with its distinctly Tyrolean buildings and atmosphere contrasting strongly with the local dominance of the Italian language, one of the few areas in Alto Adige where German is not the most widely spoken tongue. Bolzano is also home to the Haydn Orchestra, one of Italy's most successful, and there are regular symphony performances in the Haydn Auditorium in the city. Further south, Rovereto is an important cultural centre. It houses the War History Museum with documents and relics from the First World War onwards, and a military memorial at Dante Castle, testament to the troubled history of this border area. On a brighter note, Rovereto also boasts the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, holding works from a diverse range of artists, and the Civic Museum offering seven large exhibits detailing the historical culture of the region.

Art and Culture Holidays in Trentino Alto Adige

Trentino Alto Adige is one of the northernmost regions of Italy, bordering Austria and Switzerland, and this mix of Germanic and Latin cultures is plain to see in everything from its architecture to its food and drink.

Typical of this crossover of cultures is the city of Trento, whose Castello del Buonconsiglio combines beautiful Renaissance frescoes with a dramatic and imposing Gothic bell tower. The alpine town of Bolzano (Bozen) in Alto Agide (Südtirol) also shows this dichotomy, with its distinctly Tyrolean buildings and atmosphere contrasting strongly with the local dominance of the Italian language, one of the few areas in Alto Adige where German is not the most widely spoken tongue. Bolzano is also home to the Haydn Orchestra, one of Italy's most successful, and there are regular symphony performances in the Haydn Auditorium in the city.

Further south, Rovereto is an important cultural centre. It houses the War History Museum with documents and relics from the First World War onwards, and a military memorial at Dante Castle, testament to the troubled history of this border area. On a brighter note, Rovereto also boasts the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, holding works from a diverse range of artists, and the Civic Museum offering seven large exhibits detailing the historical culture of the region.

scritto da Emilio Aronica - ultima modifica il 17/10/2019

Art and Culture Holidays in Sicily

Owing to its location, Sicily has always enjoyed a role as a meeting place between the European west and the Arabic east, and this long history of diversity is reflected in its cultural and artistic heritage which features Doric temples, Roman mosaics, and numerous Baroque and Renaissance palaces and chapels. A fine example of the Roman history of the island is the Piazza Amerina close to Syracuse, where you can find a lavish Roman villa with perfectly restored mosaics across the floors. Architecturally and historically, Sicily is perhaps most famous for its Greek temples such as the one in Syracuse, a town which can trace its history right back to the Greek mathematician Archimedes whose tomb can be found in the Grotticelli Necropolis. Syracuse also hosts dozens of other Greek and Christian monuments, with surviving frescoes and paintings by the likes of Caravaggio and his acolyte Minniti. The special light and dramatic scenery found in Sicily made the island a magnet for artists throughout the ages, and it is nowadays home to many great galleries. The Galleria Regionale di Palazzo Bellomo, also in Syracuse, dates back to the 13th century and is home to a diverse collection of medieval and modern pieces of both painting and sculpture, while the Francesco Pantaleone Arte Contemporanea is a must-see gallery for fans of more contemporary work.

Art and Culture Holidays in Sicily

Owing to its location, Sicily has always enjoyed a role as a meeting place between the European west and the Arabic east, and this long history of diversity is reflected in its cultural and artistic heritage which features Doric temples, Roman mosaics, and numerous Baroque and Renaissance palaces and chapels.

A fine example of the Roman history of the island is the Piazza Amerina close to Syracuse, where you can find a lavish Roman villa with perfectly restored mosaics across the floors. Architecturally and historically, Sicily is perhaps most famous for its Greek temples such as the one in Syracuse, a town which can trace its history right back to the Greek mathematician Archimedes whose tomb can be found in the Grotticelli Necropolis. Syracuse also hosts dozens of other Greek and Christian monuments, with surviving frescoes and paintings by the likes of Caravaggio and his acolyte Minniti.

The special light and dramatic scenery found in Sicily made the island a magnet for artists throughout the ages, and it is nowadays home to many great galleries. The Galleria Regionale di Palazzo Bellomo, also in Syracuse, dates back to the 13th century and is home to a diverse collection of medieval and modern pieces of both painting and sculpture, while the Francesco Pantaleone Arte Contemporanea is a must-see gallery for fans of more contemporary work.

scritto da Emilio Aronica - ultima modifica il 20/09/2019

Art and Culture Holidays in Valle d'Aosta

A realm of castles and monuments, the spectacular and charming region of Valle d'Aosta offers an exciting break from your everyday lifestyle. This region is abundant with castles and intriguing historic structures, most of which date back hundreds of years. Intrinsic manors are a prevailing element and the scenery which surrounds them is absolutely spellbinding. If you are in search of something really mystical, the Valle d'Aosta region of Italy is definitely for you. This enchanting landscape can be explored by car and bus, however why not make it more worthwhile and experience it by foot or horseback. Wander the hillsides and view magnificent structures from miles away, before heading in for a closer look. The Savoy Castle established at the base of the Ranzola Hill adds plenty of character to the town of Belvedere and dominates the valley leading to the Lyskamm glacier. The surrounding botanical gardens are a wonderful place to take in some fresh country air, however be sure to take a glance at the Queen's quarters, which still feature many of the original tapestries and furnishings. The Gothic castles in the Valle d'Aosta area are a true symbol of the renaissance period which seems to have been lost in favour of more modern design structures. The town of Issogne is home to a magnificent castle which features many rare artistic treasures. Many large buildings in the local area are reminiscent of the Roman period, which includes castles, abandoned fortresses and old prisons.

Art and Culture Holidays in Valle d'Aosta

A realm of castles and monuments, the spectacular and charming region of Valle d'Aosta offers an exciting break from your everyday lifestyle.

This region is abundant with castles and intriguing historic structures, most of which date back hundreds of years. Intrinsic manors are a prevailing element and the scenery which surrounds them is absolutely spellbinding. If you are in search of something really mystical, the Valle d'Aosta region of Italy is definitely for you.

This enchanting landscape can be explored by car and bus, however why not make it more worthwhile and experience it by foot or horseback. Wander the hillsides and view magnificent structures from miles away, before heading in for a closer look. The Savoy Castle established at the base of the Ranzola Hill adds plenty of character to the town of Belvedere and dominates the valley leading to the Lyskamm glacier. The surrounding botanical gardens are a wonderful place to take in some fresh country air, however be sure to take a glance at the Queen's quarters, which still feature many of the original tapestries and furnishings.

The Gothic castles in the Valle d'Aosta area are a true symbol of the renaissance period which seems to have been lost in favour of more modern design structures. The town of Issogne is home to a magnificent castle which features many rare artistic treasures. Many large buildings in the local area are reminiscent of the Roman period, which includes castles, abandoned fortresses and old prisons.

scritto da Emilio Aronica - ultima modifica il 16/05/2020

Art and Culture Holidays in Liguria

With a dramatic backdrop of mountainous scenery which stretches from Tuscany to Ventimiglia, the coastal region of Liguria offers something really special for visitors. Although there are many places in this region which offer some of the most enjoyable coastal views in the country, Luguria can be largely noted for its contribution towards to arts and Italian culture. Surprisingly this region is one of the least visited in the country, however contrary to its popularity, Liguria offers a rustic charm which wont be matched anywhere else. The main city of Genoa encapsulates everything which is beautiful about this region and is an interesting gateway to many of the smaller surrounding towns. Once one of Europe's wealthiest cities, the legacy of Genoa still remains today. Enchanting palaces originally built to house the powerful elite are but a glimpse of the magical architecture present here and can now be observed by the public on a daily basis. The Five Villages are one of the highlights of many trips to this region and will give you a real insight into the culture that has paved its history. As you meander down the coast from Genoa, you will be introduced to another slice of Ligurian culture at every stop. Santa Margherita Ligure will place you within proximity of the Five Villages and the resplendent Palazzo Durazzo renaissance palace will give you plenty of chances to take a few snaps. You could also visit Museo del Tesoro too view timeless pieces of art returned from the crusades.

Art and Culture Holidays in Liguria

Ligurie, Gênes, Palais des Doges

With a dramatic backdrop of mountainous scenery which stretches from Tuscany to Ventimiglia, the coastal region of Liguria offers something really special for visitors.

Although there are many places in this region which offer some of the most enjoyable coastal views in the country, Luguria can be largely noted for its contribution towards to arts and Italian culture. Surprisingly this region is one of the least visited in the country, however contrary to its popularity, Liguria offers a rustic charm which wont be matched anywhere else.

The main city of Genoa encapsulates everything which is beautiful about this region and is an interesting gateway to many of the smaller surrounding towns. Once one of Europe's wealthiest cities, the legacy of Genoa still remains today. Enchanting palaces originally built to house the powerful elite are but a glimpse of the magical architecture present here and can now be observed by the public on a daily basis.

The Five Villages are one of the highlights of many trips to this region and will give you a real insight into the culture that has paved its history. As you meander down the coast from Genoa, you will be introduced to another slice of Ligurian culture at every stop. Santa Margherita Ligure will place you within proximity of the Five Villages and the resplendent Palazzo Durazzo renaissance palace will give you plenty of chances to take a few snaps. You could also visit Museo del Tesoro too view timeless pieces of art returned from the crusades.

scritto da Emilio Aronica - ultima modifica il 01/09/2021

Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance man, Tuscan excellence

Even this genius, like Dante or Michelangelo (.. and we could list many others), was born in the heart of Tuscany. What does this Earth have that manages to give light to characters of this caliber? Leonardo da Vinci is perhaps the best known character in the entire Italian Renaissance. He was born in a farmhouse in the town of Anchiano which is located 3 km from Vinci in 1452 and died in Amboise in 1519. His career as an artist began at the age of 17 in Andrea del Verrocchio's Workshop in Florence with drawing and painting. But during his life he shot the courts of Italy also arriving in Provence, becoming an “handyman” artist: painter, sculptor, engineer, musician, scientist from the natural point of view and also technical, architect, literate, inventor. His native home in Vinci is today a Museum, to it also belongs to the Leonardian Museum that makes us know the Master as an engineer and inventor, through its drawings, machinery and models of the latter. He was a true thinker of the Renaissance, who wanted to understand the world, the nature of light, of movement, the functioning of the human body and was endowed with a fantasy and ability expressive out of the ordinary. Who does not know his drawing called 'Vitruvian Man'? Leonardo carried out the thought of the architect Vitruvius, according to which human proportions are equal to those of nature. By combining geometry, anatomy and optics, he laid the mathematical basis of an artistic representation. So coming to the conclusion that the measure of everything was man and that this model of proportion was the expression of divine harmony. In Vinci, arriving under the walls of the town we have in front of the three-dimensional model of this very famous design. As an environment worthy of this thought Vinci and its typically Tuscan landscape invite to aspire to its beauty and harmony. The clay color of the dry walls of the terraces and buildings of the historic center, the hills full of vineyards and centuries-old olives that could perhaps even tell the secrets of young Leonardo make us understand where the sharp sense of aesthetics of this unique and fascinating Master had its roots.

Vinci
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Leonardo da Vinci, the Renaissance man, Tuscan excellence

Even this genius, like Dante or Michelangelo (.. and we could list many others), was born in the heart of Tuscany. What does this Earth have that manages to give light to characters of this caliber? Leonardo da Vinci is perhaps the best known character in the entire Italian Renaissance. He was born in a farmhouse in the town of Anchiano which is located 3 km from Vinci in 1452 and died in Amboise in 1519.

His career as an artist began at the age of 17 in Andrea del Verrocchio's Workshop in Florence with drawing and painting. But during his life he shot the courts of Italy also arriving in Provence, becoming an “handyman” artist: painter, sculptor, engineer, musician, scientist from the natural point of view and also technical, architect, literate, inventor. His native home in Vinci is today a Museum, to it also belongs to the Leonardian Museum that makes us know the Master as an engineer and inventor, through its drawings, machinery and models of the latter.

He was a true thinker of the Renaissance, who wanted to understand the world, the nature of light, of movement, the functioning of the human body and was endowed with a fantasy and ability expressive out of the ordinary. Who does not know his drawing called 'Vitruvian Man'? Leonardo carried out the thought of the architect Vitruvius, according to which human proportions are equal to those of nature. By combining geometry, anatomy and optics, he laid the mathematical basis of an artistic representation. So coming to the conclusion that the measure of everything was man and that this model of proportion was the expression of divine harmony. In Vinci, arriving under the walls of the town we have in front of the three-dimensional model of this very famous design. As an environment worthy of this thought Vinci and its typically Tuscan landscape invite to aspire to its beauty and harmony.

The clay color of the dry walls of the terraces and buildings of the historic center, the hills full of vineyards and centuries-old olives that could perhaps even tell the secrets of young Leonardo make us understand where the sharp sense of aesthetics of this unique and fascinating Master had its roots.

scritto da Ralph Christie - ultima modifica il 29/09/2021

Art and Culture Holidays in Sardinia

Sardina's cultural heritage stretches back to pre-history, as can be seen in the mysterious ancient stone ruins of Santa Christina which are more than 3,800 years old, and feature a sacred well and underground shrine. Ever since then the island has been a meeting point between the cultures of northern Europe and the exotic East. Signs of this past remain in the ruins of the 730BC Phoenician port of Tharros, much of which is now excavated and restored. The Romans spent time in Sardinia too, and 28km from Oristano lies the old spa town of Forum Traiani built around hot sulphur springs. A modern spa complex lies beside the older Roman remains and 19th century buildings. For a more modern cultural experience, the village of San Sperate lies around 25km inland and is known as a living museum The walls and buildings are home to over 320 paintings which began to appear in the 1960s and continue to this day. The village is easily reachable by bus from Cagliari. In Cagliari itself you can find two art museums of note. The Siamese Art Museum exhibits an extensive collection of art works, crafts, silverware and more from South East Asia from the 11th century onwards. The National Picture Gallery of Cagliari has works by Sardinia's own Pietro Cavaro, alongside other fine examples of Sardinian art, pottery and weaponry.

Art and Culture Holidays in Sardinia

Sardina's cultural heritage stretches back to pre-history, as can be seen in the mysterious ancient stone ruins of Santa Christina which are more than 3,800 years old, and feature a sacred well and underground shrine.

Ever since then the island has been a meeting point between the cultures of northern Europe and the exotic East. Signs of this past remain in the ruins of the 730BC Phoenician port of Tharros, much of which is now excavated and restored. The Romans spent time in Sardinia too, and 28km from Oristano lies the old spa town of Forum Traiani built around hot sulphur springs. A modern spa complex lies beside the older Roman remains and 19th century buildings.

For a more modern cultural experience, the village of San Sperate lies around 25km inland and is known as a living museum The walls and buildings are home to over 320 paintings which began to appear in the 1960s and continue to this day. The village is easily reachable by bus from Cagliari. In Cagliari itself you can find two art museums of note. The Siamese Art Museum exhibits an extensive collection of art works, crafts, silverware and more from South East Asia from the 11th century onwards. The National Picture Gallery of Cagliari has works by Sardinia's own Pietro Cavaro, alongside other fine examples of Sardinian art, pottery and weaponry.

scritto da Emilio Aronica - ultima modifica il 26/03/2020

Art and Culture Holidays in Umbria

An adorable marriage of culture and art, Umbria boasts an impeccable collection of assets that have paved the way for future generations belonging to this fascinating Italian region. A world of museums and art galleries, you will be able to see first hand exactly what defines the region of Umbria as one of the most unique and inspirational in Italy. Some of the greatest poets and writers in history have chosen to live out some of their lives here, due to its rich integrity and magical influence on their works. The capital of Umbria is called Perugia and is regarded by many as one of Italy's finest cities. The numerous towns in this region all have their own special tales to tell, many of which are situated on the top of rolling hillsides, creating incredible views over the landscape. If you plan to spend some time in the capital of Umbria, try and squeeze a visit to the traditional Brufani Palace into your itinerary. The Church of San Bernardino and the National Museum are also located in this historic city. Towns such as Todi boast dramatic examples of fine Renaissance churches and your trip to Umbria should include a visit to the town of Spoleto. As one of the great cultural hubs of the region, this town has been made famous by one of Italy's most stunning Cathedrals, known for the frescoed apse by Filippo Lippi. Other inspiring towns in this region include Gubbio, Assisi and Spello.

Art and Culture Holidays in Umbria

An adorable marriage of culture and art, Umbria boasts an impeccable collection of assets that have paved the way for future generations belonging to this fascinating Italian region.

A world of museums and art galleries, you will be able to see first hand exactly what defines the region of Umbria as one of the most unique and inspirational in Italy. Some of the greatest poets and writers in history have chosen to live out some of their lives here, due to its rich integrity and magical influence on their works.

The capital of Umbria is called Perugia and is regarded by many as one of Italy's finest cities. The numerous towns in this region all have their own special tales to tell, many of which are situated on the top of rolling hillsides, creating incredible views over the landscape. If you plan to spend some time in the capital of Umbria, try and squeeze a visit to the traditional Brufani Palace into your itinerary. The Church of San Bernardino and the National Museum are also located in this historic city.

Towns such as Todi boast dramatic examples of fine Renaissance churches and your trip to Umbria should include a visit to the town of Spoleto. As one of the great cultural hubs of the region, this town has been made famous by one of Italy's most stunning Cathedrals, known for the frescoed apse by Filippo Lippi. Other inspiring towns in this region include Gubbio, Assisi and Spello.

scritto da Emilio Aronica - ultima modifica il 14/01/2020

Carnival in Val d'Aosta

In January and February, we prefer to stay at home warm. And it takes a good reason to go out in the cold. Fortunately, there is a reason: the carnival. The choice is wide, the Venice carnival, that of Viareggio or a special carnival in Val d'Aosta in the Coumba Freida, the long valley cold that connects the city Aosta to the Great Saint Bernard. There are even nearly ten, on different dates during the months of January and February. This carousel of celebrations started on 6 January in Pont-Saint-Martin, then later Ollemont, Verrès, Valpelline, Doues, Gignod, Etroubles, Bionaz, Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, Roisan and Saint-Vincent. A long line of variation on one topic: the passage of Napoleon's fifty thousand soldiers in May 1800 that left a huge impression on the local population. The masks are called 'landzette' and their uniforms and colourful headgear are full of beads, sequins and mirrors that reflect the light. They carry cardboard or plastic masks and have bells on their belt and a ponytail in their hand to drive away evil spirits. In a long procession they pass in the various countries to drive away the winter and obtain a good harvest. Groups of colorful figures in fake divided by Napoleon's time: the blacks, symbols of winter, in the head then the white ones, symbols of the good weather and then all the other colors of plants and flowers of the mountains. Very nice to see while you're skiing!

Verres
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Carnival in Val d'Aosta

Carnival in Valle d'Aosta in Pont Saint Martin

In January and February, we prefer to stay at home warm. And it takes a good reason to go out in the cold. Fortunately, there is a reason: the carnival. The choice is wide, the Venice carnival, that of Viareggio or a special carnival in Val d'Aosta in the Coumba Freida, the long valley cold that connects the city Aosta to the Great Saint Bernard. There are even nearly ten, on different dates during the months of January and February. This carousel of celebrations started on 6 January in Pont-Saint-Martin, then later Ollemont, Verrès, Valpelline, Doues, Gignod, Etroubles, Bionaz, Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses, Roisan and Saint-Vincent. A long line of variation on one topic: the passage of Napoleon's fifty thousand soldiers in May 1800 that left a huge impression on the local population.

The masks are called 'landzette' and their uniforms and colourful headgear are full of beads, sequins and mirrors that reflect the light. They carry cardboard or plastic masks and have bells on their belt and a ponytail in their hand to drive away evil spirits.
In a long procession they pass in the various countries to drive away the winter and obtain a good harvest. Groups of colorful figures in fake divided by Napoleon's time: the blacks, symbols of winter, in the head then the white ones, symbols of the good weather and then all the other colors of plants and flowers of the mountains. Very nice to see while you're skiing!

scritto da Garth Hayhurst - ultima modifica il 05/10/2021

Art and Culture Holidays in Veneto

Veneto art and culture is of course dominated by the city of Venice, considered one of the most beautiful places on earth and full to the brim with museums, galleries and opera houses. Most Venice tourists will visit St Mark's square, but those who enter into basilica bearing the same name will be rewarded with awe-inspiring sculpture, architecture, mosaics and artworks from the Gothic, Byzantine and Romanesque periods. Veneto artistic culture doesn't begin and end with Venice though - ancient stone cuttings dating from as far back as 8000BC have been found near Verona on the western side of the region, and there is a rich cultural history that continues to this day throughout the region. Also in Verona, the Castelvecchio is a triumph of mediaeval architecture which now houses an art gallery featuring works by Pisanello, Bellini and many others, while the entire town is known as the Painted City on account of the friezes and artwork that began to spread across the buildings from the 16th century onwards. Padua is often thought of as Venice's lesser known sister, and alongside its canals and porticoed architecture there is much for the art lover to explore. The Scrovegni Chapel dates back to 1303AD and features breathtaking Giotto frescoes along with artworks by Romanini, Titian and many others. Back in Venice, this is the city known as the birthplace of Opera, and the Teatro La Fenice just off St Mark's square is famous throughout Italy and the world, with prestigious performances held all year round.

Art and Culture Holidays in Veneto

Veneto art and culture is of course dominated by the city of Venice, considered one of the most beautiful places on earth and full to the brim with museums, galleries and opera houses. Most Venice tourists will visit St Mark's square, but those who enter into basilica bearing the same name will be rewarded with awe-inspiring sculpture, architecture, mosaics and artworks from the Gothic, Byzantine and Romanesque periods.

Veneto artistic culture doesn't begin and end with Venice though - ancient stone cuttings dating from as far back as 8000BC have been found near Verona on the western side of the region, and there is a rich cultural history that continues to this day throughout the region. Also in Verona, the Castelvecchio is a triumph of mediaeval architecture which now houses an art gallery featuring works by Pisanello, Bellini and many others, while the entire town is known as the Painted City on account of the friezes and artwork that began to spread across the buildings from the 16th century onwards.

Padua is often thought of as Venice's lesser known sister, and alongside its canals and porticoed architecture there is much for the art lover to explore. The Scrovegni Chapel dates back to 1303AD and features breathtaking Giotto frescoes along with artworks by Romanini, Titian and many others. Back in Venice, this is the city known as the birthplace of Opera, and the Teatro La Fenice just off St Mark's square is famous throughout Italy and the world, with prestigious performances held all year round.

scritto da Emilio Aronica - ultima modifica il 15/08/2019