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Rome at night: Visiting Imperial Fora

imperial fora rome — Foro Romano CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Have you ever thought of visiting an important city, rich of history and culture, at night?

A millenary Rome coloured by the moonlight that shows itself vulnerable to the tourists. The romantic tourists who love seeing every aspect of the city, of the art and architecture. Why do not discover the Imperial Fora at night? Rome has thought about lighting up in order to let tourists from all over the world see it shining.

Think about the majestic Colosseum, an amphitheatre rich of history, an arena who has seen every type of spectator and could hold about 50,000 of them; colossal undertaking gladiators, animal fights and many more representations. The public – who didn’t pay the ticket – was of all sorts: doctors and magistrates could follow the show from the highest and best positioned places, while for the humble families there were the lower ones. But everyone was present at the shows in the Colosseum. The symbol of the city and of Italy at night takes not only an architectural importance, but also emotional.

The Fora are dedicated to the greatest Emperors, such as Trajan, Augustus, Nerva and Vespasian. The Trajan’s Column commemorates his great military exploits: Trajan fought in Dacia in the II century A.D. In this way Rome celebrates the importance of the Emperor. The same happens with the Forum of Augustus and Nerva, the latter razed to visit the ruins of the Forum of Vespasian.

It will be possible to visit the Roman Forum at night. Its development is dated to the VII century B.C.

A unique lighting has been studied for the present ruins and it allows you to live an exceptional emotion, an historical experience. You can assist at the show of the Roman Temples, such as the Temple of Saturn or the Temple of Castor and Pollux, and of the Arch of Septimius Severus.

The piazza of the Capitoline Hill is a symbol of the city, rich of art and culture. It has been carried out by the Master Michelangelo, it is a technical demonstration and expression of the Italian Renaissance. The piazza is situated on the Capitoline Hill, and it has been the seat of the civil administration of Rome since medieval age.

You cannot miss any of these works and if you visit them at night everything will be magic and unimaginable. You can visit Rome in every season of the year, either in the hot summer months or in the cold winter ones. Public or private transports are always available for tourists. Transfers from and to Rome at www.transferromeairport.com

Sardinia, an Italian jewel in the Mediterranean Sea

“In Sardinia insula multae et amoenae orae sunt” the Latins would say: the island of Sardinia there are many pleasant beaches. The beauty of Sardinia was recognized even then, when there were no bathing nor ferry. There were no discos or pubs, there was not even tourism.

Photo CC BY Twice25

Sardinia remained a jewel that glitters, the spearhead of the Italian enchantment. The sea is fabulous, the charm of this island is beyond description, something you can perceive, perhaps landing on the attractive Sardinian coast, lying on the banks.

The holidays in Sardinia are something unique and unrepeatable, and even more so is the peculiarity of this land, which hosts tourists from all over. Sardinia has nothing to envy to exotic , “noble” and definitely more expensive places, such as the Caribbean, it Fiji or the Maldives which are all well known. But to experience the excitement of a holiday on the Costa Smeralda or the famous Strait of Bonifacio is priceless!

Natural Beauties of Sardinia
Places like Porto Cervo, Cannigione, Colostrai, Baia Sardinia are necessarily to visit at least once in their life, to understand the extraordinary vastness of the natural landscape Italian. Nature also is a branch of art, and in Sardinia really gave their best!
Not only sea: the Sardinian flora is unique, with the spectacle of the cork oak and the Mediterranean evergreen. But the campaign is the pride of the region.
Even the wildlife and farm animals contribute to give a stunning look to Sardinia: the white donkeys, wild sheep and Plecotus Sardinian (for lovers of bats night) there found only here, on this island attractive.
You can imagine what products might sensational savor during your stay. We anticipate that the pecorino cheese, with its shiny plastic shapes and is an invitation to take a bite … with all the wax!

Photo CC BY Cristiano Cani

The Sardinian language, the consonant music, almost melodic, might suggest something dark, like the Sardinian people were “on their own”, wary and little open … woe to think !!! This is the wrong clichés. The Sardinian would be very angry, do not try! Come rather to Sardinia and you will forget this rumor: you will understand the acceptance and loyalty of a wonderful people!

Sardinia is often described as a small paradise in the heart of the Mediterranean. Its coasts and its white beaches are the emblem, but there are many places and many facets that are worth discovering.

Here a list of 10 locations to visit in Sardinia. Use it as a useful reminder about the best places to visit while vacationing on the island.

Photo CC BY-SA Roburq

1) Barumini Nuraghe
It is undoubtedly the most important and best preserved among the approximately 7,000 nuraghi which are the classic dry construction, precise play of overlapping stones on one another scattered around the island. Also called “Su Nuraxi” Nuraghe, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 and is one of the must-visit places in Sardinia.

2) The Maddalena Archipelago
Composed of seven main islands the archipelago of La Maddalena is another World Heritage Site (declared in 1994) of Sardinia. Its waters are clear and clean; you can make excursions from half day or full day, exploring small beaches and coves accessible only by sea among the untouched nature and breathtaking beauty. Beach lovers will find a pure and uncontaminated environment on the southwest coast of the island.

3) The beach of Chia
Dominated by the tower (Parco Torre Chia), visible from all its beaches, Chia owes its popularity to the clarity of its waters, which bathe the coast of Chia for about 6 km. In the area of Chia you can visit the area Nora archaeological, coming from Punic origins, considered the oldest town in Sardinia. The area of Chia extending to Capo Teulada, the second strip of land to the south of the island, where the breathtaking Lighthouse of Cape Spartivento, a lighthouse still working as a combined luxury guesthouse.

4) The gorge of Gorropu
The deepest canyon in the island and one of the deepest in Europe is located in the region of Ogliastra, in the south-east of Sardinia. Place to visit but, above all, to explore. You will admire the wild nature of the island and walk the lands of centenarians. It is said that, in Ogliastra, there is a portion of the magical land: those lucky enough to pass over it, will have a long life.

5) Alghero and Bosa
Fascinating and unique, Alghero and Bosa in Sardinia are two places worth visiting, located on the northwest coast, separated by about 50 km. Alghero still bears the traces of its past Catalan; It has an attractive old town and beautiful beaches. Bosa is smaller, it has the romantic charm of the city of the river and a wealth of traditions still alive.

6) The caves of Neptune
The most important caves of Sardinia are located in Alghero and are dedicated to the god Neptune. You can be reached by ferry or by a staircase of 600 steps, which offers spectacular views of the sea and the coast.

7) The Murals of Orgosolo and the Museum of Mamoiada
Mamoiada and Orgosolo are two traditional places in Sardinia that are in the heart of the island, in Barbagia, the provincial Nuoro. Orgosolo is famous for its murals (about 150), while Mamoiada for its typical carnival masks: the there are insights, along with many others, in the Museum of Mediterranean masks the country.

Photo Public Domain

8) Carloforte
It has about 6,400 inhabitants and is the only town on the island of St. Peter, in the south-west coast of Sardinia. It ‘a quiet, very pleasant, with tiny little beaches and charming narrow streets, its own dialect which is a variation of the Ligure, testimony to its history, unique in Sardinia.

9) Bastion of Saint Remy, Cagliari
It ‘s a symbol of the city, situated in the district of Castello, in the heart of Cagliari. From its terrace Umberto I can admire the beautiful surroundings of the city and the charming seaport.

10) Castelsardo
The town of Castelsardo is a fascinating medieval town included in the list of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”. From the top of the Doria Castle, overlooking the city, you are the beautiful view of the Gulf of Asinara on which the castle overlooks.

Lanciano: the city of the Eucharistic Miracle in Abruzzo

Now that Christmas is approaching and what better than to go to discover the many Christmas traditions that Italy can give us? In the cities moving events are held, such as cribs and many other various events. One of these places gives us a sign of peace for Christmas every year while it renews an ancient tradition: on December 23 in Lanciano, Abruzzo there is a very special day going on for those who are born and live there.

Piazza Plebiscito Lanciano — Piazza Plebiscito, with the church of the miracle: San Francesco Sanctuary CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

At sunset, the streets of the town are filled with unusual animation, shops lowered their shutters, passers exchange greetings and head up to the Chiesa dell’Iconicella, about 3 km from the centre.

To kick off the composed parade are the first tolling of the bell, called rings, located on the city tower of Lanciano.

Arrived in the township Iconicella, it held a brief religious ceremony that gives the citizens the opportunity to meet and renew their bonds of friendship and solidarity, not forgetting to spare a thought for those from Lanciano had to leave and emigrated far away.

Everything takes place within 19 hours, when the church crowd returned to the tower, it will begin the concert with all the bells of the countryside, taking the note ‘a’ from the Lanciano rings. The invitation to the citizens is to return home, to kiss with love and respect their spouse, and the oldest person, exchange greetings and gifts in a ritual of peace and harmony that continues to retain all the characteristics of an ancient custom. The home ceremony takes place in an atmosphere of affectionate respect and often marks the overcoming of small misunderstandings or the pacification of contrasts.

Around the table it will start a dinner that, although not reaching the variety of courses that constitute the Christmas dinner, it still look festive and special. Where everything turns quiet, the fireplace will be on and the “tecchio“, a root olive centenary get from their lands, is put inside to burn. It will last until the day of the Epiphany.

Background of Lanciano ancient Christmas celebration

The rings could be defined as a family feast, which opens up the Christmas celebrations. According to tradition, the Rings remember the journey that an archbishop of Lanciano used to make every year from 1588 to 1607, barefoot from his palace to the Chiesa dell’Iconicella, as penance but also to remember the journey of the shepherds to the cave of Bethlehem; many faithful accompanied him to listen to his short sermon of peace.

During the pilgrimage the bell rang without stopping, until the return of the bishop in his palace. Some historians think that the rings represent the transfer to 23 December of the rite of reconciliation of Holy Thursday, common in many other countries and regions of Italy.

Here in Lanciano it assumed all the characteristics of a particular tradition and original, so much is still tied to the spiritual heritage of the population. Despite the changes compared to the past, and some interruptions, this tradition today is deeply felt and evening two days before Christmas the bell is still feeling its peals thus the beginning of the holiday season.

Those not participating in the parade can light a candle in your home. Given the character of the party it seems likely its origin institutional ecclesiastical note. The detail of the “holy bishop”, which follows the path barefoot reciting prayers to the Child Jesus, fits well in the climate of the Counter that, in time of religious folklore, has certainly favoured the medieval penitential reasons. The couple Child Jesus and ecclesiastical penitant is also present in many religious and folkloric events of the south of which Abruzzo was part culturally, historically and politically.

Location

Lying on the hills that slope towards the Sangro Valley, between the Maiella and the Adriatic Sea, Lanciano is the natural point of convergence, and the capital of the district Sangro-Aventino. Its origins are lost in prehistory: archaeological investigations testify to the presence of a Neolithic settlement and recent excavations in the Old Town have revealed the remains of the city of Anxanum, dating to the twelfth century. B.C. settlement of the oldest of Abruzzo.

Since 1154 the city took the name of “Lanzano“; between the twelfth and fifteenth century reaches its peak both for growth and for the development of architectural fairs that will grow long the economy.

Already known as the Roman “nundinae” , the fairs were held in the first nine months of the year in honour of Apollo on the Hill of the Selva where stood the temple dedicated to the pagan god. The third century saw the transferring to the state property outside of the plateau. So here the village developed increasingly, reaching its peak precisely in the fifteenth century.

Linked to the transfer of the Fairs from the hill to the Forest Camp Fair (the current district of nineteenth-century ) is the construction of the bridge dedicated to the Emperor Diocletian in the third century, whose history is intimately linked to the construction of the Basilica of Santa Maria del Ponte.

Photo CC BY-SA by Luca Aless

It is a monument unique for its fascinating civil and religious history a structure built with many twists and turns over some 15 centuries and that represents an architectural repertoire still to be discovered. Its uniqueness is enhanced by the excellent acoustics, making it a popular and impressive Auditorium concert Day Summer Frentana Music.

“Gold Medal” for the Resistance, during the Second World War between October 1943 and June 1944 Lanciano was taken in the line of fire.

The city underwent radical destruction while more than 500 people lost their lives. For nine months of hardships the population in Lanciano gave valiant fighters for the liberation struggle, supporting the Italian Resistance to Nazism, and it gave every noble example of patriotism and pride.

Lanciano is also the city of the Miracle: in fact the first Eucharistic miracle is kept in the Church of St. Francis. The story of the Catholic Church recorded the event which occurred in the seventh century. This makes it even more impressive a staying here.

Visiting Ravenna: what to do with kids

Photo CC BY-SA 4.0 by Petar Milošević

Ravenna can be defined with certainty a treasure unknown to the majority of Italians. Overshadowed by the most famous Italian art cities (Florence, Rome, Venice, Naples) it is actually an extraordinary town that attracts tourists and art lovers from all around the world.

Few know that Ravenna was three times the capital of three empires: the Roman Empire, of King Theodoric of the Goths and of the Byzantine Empire in Europe.

This past is witnessed by basilicas and baptisteries in Ravenna, where it is kept the richest heritage of mosaics dating from the fifth and sixth centuries. Few also know that Ravenna has eight monuments included in the World Heritage list of UNESCO and that the remains of Dante are kept here, and not in Florence.

In summer there are 35 kilometers of coastline. For nature lovers, a few kilometers away it is the Po Delta and the Valleys of Comacchio, in addition to the pine forests of Classe and San Vitale and the oasis of Punte Alberete. In short, if you were among those who did not know Ravenna, now you have no more excuses.

Visiting Ravenna, what to do if you have kids?

Bring the kids to Ravenna: as its multicolored mosaics, it can be a wonderful experience, not too away from the beaches, but also close to the imperial heart of this town, because the city is no shortage of things that can attract the curiosity of children.

While it is the mosaic the true protagonist of Ravenna, the treasure that enchants young and old alike, nowdays as it did thousands of years ago, the city holds a few surprises that will delight children.
Today we will try therefore to provide a few tips for anyone who wants to build a day dedicated to children.
Obviously this is not an exhaustive itinerary but only some little advice based on our experience, hoping they can be useful for when you bring your children to Ravenna.

Mosaics Children

Of course we start from the mosaic! But we chose the one suitable for children. Tamo (Whole Adventure of Mosaic) and in fact a large exhibition center in the heart of Ravenna, which among many great appointments, also offers workshops and initiatives for the fun and learning of most children.
The initiative is called Tamo for Kids and find more information at this link (www.tamoravenna.it)
The Little Museum of Dolls and Toys
The Little Museum of Dolls and Toys (www.museodellebambole.it) contains dolls and toys from various periods (1860 to 1950) made of different material, form and shape.
Inside there are also small children’s rooms, kitchens, shops, a sort of big “Doll House” that certainly will capture the interest of children.
The aquarium in a Church
In Ravenna, there is a church where, like an aquarium, you can see goldfishes swimming happy and alive.
Do you not believe us? Yet it’s true! St. Francis Church crypt lies below sea level and the water invades it regularly made the chamber become…a small pool. Therefore under the altar you can see a small “bathtub” with a goldfish swimming blessed around ancient floor.
The children will be surely enchanted!
Marinoette in House of Puppets
The House of Puppets is a small museum by appointment that allows children to discover the magical world of marionettes, puppets and fire eaters.

Sundays from October to March is held at the space Almagia the Exhibition “The Art of the Puppet“, with performances with puppets, puppets and actors as well juggling, puppetry and art varies.
The Tomb of Dante and Dante Museum
The great poet rests in Ravenna in a small white mausoleum where shines the light of a votive lamp whose oil offered by the city.
The sections of the museum collect representations inspired by the work of Dante Alighieri and the kids can tell the story of a poet in love with a girl named Beatrice …

MAR (Art Museum of the City of Ravenna)
MAR (Art Museum of the City of Ravenna), in addition to the permanent collections of the Museum, offers workshops for children, with routes designed for different age groups of participants. For information please refer to the website: www.museocitta.ra.it
In short, there are many things you can do in Ravenna with the children, beyond the classic beach, or perhaps on their own in a rainy day, transforming it into a special day!
If, while you’re in the area, do not miss the amusement park Mirabilandia

What and where to eat in Ravenna

We tell you right away: Ravenna is not a place for those who are trying to get in shape. It is almost impossible to resist the abundant, fat, succulent and delicious Romagnola cuisine.

It usually starts with cold cuts and squacquerone on piadina, continue with cappelletti and tagliatelle with meat sauce.

Then you can switch to meat, fish and seafood or guests of the abundant local channels, such as eels and frogs. You will end up with a sweet mascarpone and goes around with Albana, Sangiovese, Trebbiano.

Two good places to sample the local cuisine are Ca de Ven and Locanda del Melarancio in the city center. For a flat bread (piadina) on the fly there are the piadina of Melarancio always in the center and many other places to try with more or less pleasant results.

The coastal towers in Salento

Photo CC-BY-3.0 by Roberto sernicola

For those who had not yet figured out, the beautiful Salento is full of so many things that make it very special. We’re talking, of course, of the fantastic sea and beautiful beaches, the many churches and also the coastal towers that are located throughout the Salento. When you see a tower, it brings your mind to the past.

Why the Salento region area is full of this kind of towers and what was their main function?

We start by saying that the Salento is full of these towers because they had a protective function. They served, in fact, to spot the dangers in the event of invasion attempts by foreign peoples like Moors. During the fifteenth and sixteenth century, the Mediterranean was in turmoil and this Southern region was much coveted by many people, who wanted to take advantage of the strategic location.

Puglia has always been considered the link between East Europe and West Europe as well as Europe and Northen Africa and, therefore, to conquer this region would have meant to buy an outpost of strategic importance. Precisely for this reason, in defense of the Salento and regional coasts, these watchtowers were build.

Some of them may even date back to Normans, as there are clear and irrefutable evidence. Some of these towers are currently in poor condition, but others have remained quite well and became the tangible evidence of the methodology of defense typical of those centuries.

Let’s see, then, what are the coastal towers present in Salento.

The coastal Towers

We start from the towers of the province of Lecce, and then broaden our vision even to those in the province of Brindisi and Taranto.

The towers in the province of Lecce are, surely, the most numerous and also the best preserved of the lot.

Many of these watchtowers are now residential home. Looking at their position, stepping back to scenes of those centuries with Puglia and Salento in danger and the resistance of the population.

We are sure that a tour to visit the various coastal towers of Salento is a good opportunity to discover all there is around. Being located throughout the territory, in fact, they can be a great starting point for exploring what’s around.

In this way, Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli, Nardò marinas, Porto Cesareo, Santa Cesarea Terme, Tricase, Santa Maria di Leuca, Manduria, Fasano, Ostuni, can be visited in their entirety.

Moreover, the Salento is the land to love in all its aspects, and not only for its sea, which is wonderful. The culture of this land, the traditions that have their roots in a past so remote but never forgotten, religious architecture and the civil one: this is Salento and this is what the tourist must love and discover. We are sure that, once you are in Salento, a piece of your heart remains at the wonderful beaches to enjoy the beautiful sunsets of Italy.

Many of these towers have been built during the Spanish period, the beginning of the sixteenth century by Charles V on both coasts, from San Cataldo (Adriatic Sea) in Porto Cesareo (we are on the Ionian Sea), to locate the distant enemy predator – Turks and pirates mainly – who was preparing the assault. In 1480 Otranto, during the Aragonese domination, was besieged and invaded by the Turks, gloomy protagonists of the bloody massacre of 800 people (the famous martyrs of Otranto) who refused to convert to the Islamic faith.

The defense strategy of the territory contemplated also the restructuring of existing old Swabian and Angevin towers and the fortification of the farms, strongholds of the economy in Salento. The only province of Lecce has 57 towers, many of which are however in very poor condition. Most of this is on the east side, the Adriatic shore (offshore linking to Greece and the Balkans).

Very important examples and known to everyone are Torre Rinalda, Torre Chianca Torre Veneri, Torre San Cataldo, belonging to the municipality of Lecce; Specchiolla tower, which is part of Casalabate Marina, close to Squinzano; Torre Roca Vecchia, Torre dell’Orso, belonging to the municipality of Melendugno; Torre dell’Orte Palascia Tower, Tower Badisco, Torre Santo Stefano, belonging to the municipality of Otranto.

As said, these are just some of the coastal towers in the province of Lecce – among the best known and best preserved – but there are lots of that, just like these, give the name to so many areas of our Salento.

The towers’s structure

Powerful military was however well integrated with the beautiful coastal scenery, especially in the memory of the proud and memorable resistance of the people of Salento . Most, however, they were used to the mere sighting of enemy boats and so they are very small, square or circular.

Only a few, especially north of Gallipoli, are larger because they are employed as home control and for bundling goods.

Downstairs, in general, there was a cistern to collect useful rainwater , above the living area and terrace on the slots where to place mortars and muskets. Considerable advantages enjoyed, as “captain of the tower,” the man who bought a tower or was assuming its rights and obligations. So it often happened that some captain could “overdoing it” with merchant ships that landed in the area and take advantage of it dramatically. Instead of making a verbose list of all the coastal towers scattered along the two seas, we limit ourselves to some curiosity.

Torre Mozza (Ugento marina) was so called because it collapsed several times and almost immediately after the end of the construction work. The cause? To save money, not infrequently, they used sea water to mix in the mortar. This, however, caused a rapid erosion of the walls.

Torre San Giovanni (Ugento), today became a lighthouse (crucial to avoid the boats to run aground on the famous and treacherous shallows) and home to the “Coast Guard”. The tower looks like a vertical chessboard white and black, which makes it easily spotted – even from a distance – from the sea. Some towers, finally, are decorated with lights in occasion of the festivals celebrated in the sea during the summer.

The illumination of the one located in Torre Pali is fascinating on the feast of August 17. Torre Pali represents, among other things, the only sighting tower with the foundation completely immersed in the sea.

The 10 most haunted places to visit in Italy

Photo CC-SA-BY by Pietro

Ghosts in Italy abound in its many haunted castles and old abandoned noble house, mingling gloomy stories of courtesans and old tyrants.

What are the 10 best places in Italy, where you can have direct contact with spirits and ghosts?
1. Turin

In Turin you can go to the Manor Moncalieri, an old abandoned castle in appearance, but still animated by the old legend of a macabre figure who prowl in the big rooms icy castle, witnessed several times by curious visitors who ventured to these areas. It is the austere figure of a dead monk, killed during a battle in the holy war,
2. Venice

Venice is definitely one of the Italian cities with the highest number of sightings of ghosts. One above all is near the Grand Canal near the Rialto Bridge, where on some days of the year you can see the ghost of Fosco Loredan, brandishing in his hands the head of the decapitated wife in the throes of a fit of jealousy.
3. Mantova

The castle of Mantova is the main character of a sad story. Here the rich landowner Francesco Gonzaga beheaded his wife Agnese Visconti, after discovering his betrayal. It is said that from the day of his death the lady to appear on the night of Christmas Day, wandering the castle and screaming forgive her husband for his betrayal.
4. Naples

In the beautiful Naples you can visit the monastery of St. Martin, which in addition to being an architectural gem is also home to many ghosts. In fact, legend has it that many who tried to attack the monastery were killed by royal guards. The bodies were never buried and just thrown to rot in the basement, with many still dying, and you can still hear the moans coming from icy underground.
5. La Spezia

In Scogna Sottana in the province of La Spezia, it is the famous “House of the Violin“, so called by the people, because it was inhabited by a famous musician. After his death, due to a long and serious illness, the house was empty for a long time and open to all who wish to stay for even one night. Many told that some nights, violin musician locked in a glass case began to play alone, and at the same time the walls of the house could be heard loud lamentations probably from the ghost violinist.
6. Palermo

The castle of Caccamo in Palermo is among the castles in Italy with more ghost sightings. In fact it is said that for anyone who visits it is not difficult to meet the old gentleman who ruled the castle, dressed in leather garments and with empty eye sockets still seeking revenge, as thrown alive in the dungeons of the castle after a conspiracy in him.
7. Milan

In the second half of the fourteenth century Bernarda, natural daughter of Bernabo Visconti, was locked in Rocchetta di Porta Nuova for adultery.
Bernarda died a few months after his imprisonment and seems to have reappeared on several occasions in the cloister of Saint Radegund in Milan, where you can still say you can see it while inveighing against the father.
8. Rome

The Phantom of Olimpia Pamphili still wanders through the square on a carriage pulled by beautiful horses blacks.
Many claim to have heard his laughter directed towards the people of Rome: her life was reserved a role of prestige and power, but never managed to make inroads in the hearts of Romans.
Today his revenge is to scare to death the unfortunate who walk at night to Piazza Navona.
9. Aosta

Aosta is one of the most beautiful castles in Italy, the Fenis castle, which is also open to visitors. Here many tourists claimed that they had heard noises and footsteps coming from the upper floor of the castle, but the strangeness is just that this plan has been fully sealed for centuries and therefore off-limits both for visitors and for the experts of the castle. The novelty is that a group of scholars of the paranormal has asked permission to the cultural heritage of the Valle d’Aosta region to investigate the phenomenon. We await further developments!
10. Genoa

Nearby Voltri near Genoa, there is one of Italy’s most famous haunted houses. It is called the house of their own souls, and was an old inn, where the managers – a family with serious mental problems – killed all those who stopped to refuel and then threw them in a mass grave. This abandoned building until the postwar period was then inhabited by a family who testified several times of strange facts and mysterious visions.

Discovering Sardinia

Photo CC-BY-SA By Mattia.dipaolo

Sardinia continues to be a favourite destination of tourists: the island has an unparalleled offer, excellent sea, nature, festivals and events not to be missed, in short, everything you could want for the holidays on a different scale.

Great time to visit the island is surely when it is less warm and less crowded, meaning in the spring or fall. You can also have great prices on airlines and ferries, major reductions, discounts and convenience that allows you to choose an excellent hotel to spend the holidays in peace discovering a beautiful and interesting areas.

Santa Maria Navarrese Baunei sea is a location with excellent connections to the ports and airports of the island but is also the ideal destination for those who want to know and visit the most beautiful beaches of Sardinia.

From there you can choose to visit small places of enchantment often far from the official routes, beautiful areas of real natural interest and not only

Some examples?

Cala Luna: a scenario coming straight out from movies! A famous example is “Swept Away” by Lina Wertmuller. Cala Luna and the beaches of the Gulf of Orosei were the perfect set for this film, a desert island where the characters are swept away. Cala Luna is magnificent. This is in fact a beautiful cove overlooking the Gulf of Orosei is just a few kilometers from Santa Maria Navarrese. Here the beach is so beautiful that it was important location for international films, charming blue at times for a deep blue Tyrrhenian colour of the sea. Here is particularly famous the cold, white sands for those who like to take a tan golden colour, all coming with a backdrop of beautiful cliffs overlooking the sea. Getting to Cala Luna is easy indeed from Santa Maria Navarrese – you can do so by renting a boat or a dinghy but also taking advantage of the many ferry services and mini cruises, not only for those who enjoy a different vacation, you can get to the beach via a hiking .

And then always near Santa Maria Navarrese you can not be ruled crossings Goloritzè, Cala Mariolu.

Cala Goloritze

Cala Goloritzè open to visitors with its natural arch in an almost enchanted bay. Beyond the beach you should have a walk in nature: a spring of fresh water is tucked into a crevice in the rocks and it comes from underground river Argentinean to the sea. Goloritzè beach with his unique mix of small white pebbles and sand, has been recognized as a National Monument. From Santa Maria Navarrese trips by boat are provided for many day to this great location and while it can be reached, always starting from Santa Maria Navarrese, with a short drive by car of 36 kilometers via highway 125, eastern road.

Cala Mariolu

A true paradise is Cala Mariolu always taking as a starting point Santa Maria Navarese. It can be reached by private boats or by one of the shipping companies that offer a daily, consistent transport service. And this is a cove that is drawn from a small beach of white confetti and the emerald green sea.

Beautifully unspoiled it opens into the Gulf of Orosei. Cala Mariolu owes its name to the Monk Seal, called by local fishermen “mariolu” or thief. Legends tell us that in ancient times they were using the cave located in this cove to save all the mariouluesce (fish) caught before returning at the port. Very often, however, they came back to take the fruits of their labour, they did not find anything. Believing that a thief was hiding among them, soon they realized that the fruit of those who withdrew from their fishing nets were always seals acting undisturbed. Always starting from Santa Maria Navarrese you should go for a swim in these clear waters, where the sand is mixed with pebbles, which are round white and pink. Among the many remarkable caves we focus on the Grotta del Fico, reached by some boats. Here in shallow waters -almost Caribbean in their shape – lies a natural scenery and it makes a wonderful destination for those who love diving and photography.

Other interesting excursions in the area can be made in the vicinity of Tortoli to Baia Porto Frailis, very nice and comfortable beach, fit for all needs. It is worth to visit also the nearby cliffs of San Gemiliano with the Spanish tower, which altogether form a beautiful and charming seesighting. A must-to-see lies always near Tortolì and it is the very well known Lido di Orri: white sand, excellent services, a paradise for bather.

Photo CC BY-SA by Hpschaefer

And if the sea stove or, as it happens, is a fresh day of mistral good will from Santa Maria Navarrese to venture into the beautiful Supramonte of Baunei and do wonderful walks accompanied by local guides in those paths that once were the daily routes of the shepherds.

Without going too far anyway we can get to Pedra Longa which stands out in the wild territory Baunei and is accessible by car from the highway 125, by boat from the Marina of Santa Maria Navarrese. or walk again starting from the center of Santa Maria Navarrese for a day of hiking to everyone that takes us to immerse ourselves in a corner of untouched nature where goats and wild pigs are passed by in silence day in search of food, in a wild and unspoiled area.

Parma: the city of music

Photo CC-BY by Herbert Ortner

Parma, the beautiful city of Emilia Romagna, is a small wonder to discover and see in a day or on a weekend, to spend a different time together. A sign at the entrance to the city welcomes us in the “City of Music” a motto written at the entrance of Parma, but the city is more than that: just think that in it there are 330 cultural heritage sites!

The City of Music

This beautiful, rich and small town of Emilia, is packed with pretty famous monuments, historic buildings and interesting food combinations to taste into fantastic and traditional dishes. Strolling along the street of Parma you can not help but pay homage to the opera: the Teatro Regio is the musical symbol of the city and the monument dedicated to Verdi in marble and granite will be a must to see (and take a selfie with). Passing through have a peek at the Teatro Regio “cartellone”, which boasts an interesting concert season and numerous opera festivals. Head, then, towards the Camera di San Paolo, by Correggio (Mon-Sun 8.30-14) and the Pinacoteca Stuard to continue your art visit.

Churches and palaces

Continuing your visit you will be admiring the Ducal Palace, a building of the sixteenth century, surrounded by the Parco Ducale, a beautiful green space in which to have a break from your walk in total relaxation.
To start the tour, let’s go from the district of Nuova Parma. In this neighborhood you can visit many examples of sacred architecture.

Here you will find the Duomo, a beautiful Romanesque building, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta. You must see the dome frescoed by Correggio – you will be impressed by the beauty of his works! In the church you will be stunned also by the interesting relief Antelami, The Deposition of Christ. Among the most striking example of Romanesque buildings, the church of Santa Maria Steccata has been probably designed by Bramante or even by Leonardo da Vinci.

Worth to visit also the church of San Vitale – among the oldest in the city- which houses a chapel of the Virgin of Constantinople. Behind the cathedral is the Church of San Giovanni, the smallest and austere, but of great interest for its frescoes.

Photo Public Domain
Continue on to Piazza Duomo you will enter in the cathedral square: there it stands the pink marble Baptistery, adorned with numerous panels depicting animals. Also the Baptistery is another beautiful example of very special Romanesque architecture, as it was built in pink marble. Amazing also the Bishop’s Palace to visit.

Among the town’s highlights, to discover also the old hospital, now State Archives and the Church of the Annunciation. Have a rest for a moment, head north to the Parco Ducale, where you can enjoy a good coffee in the shade.

The park will take you with his great avenue to the Ponte dei Mille and then to Palazzo della Pilotta, the end point of your quick visit. In case you decide to take a few more days, you can get on with other parts of the city as the Citadel, the Paganini Auditorium and the many castles which spot the province.

The complex of the Pilotta includes the Palace, temporary exhibitions, the Palatine Library, the Farnese Theatre and the National Gallery (Tue-Sat 8.30-19, Sun and holidays 8.30-14). In three hours you can visit the entire complex, in case the weather is not in your favour, do not miss the Teatro Farnese, especially wooden structure designed by Argenta.

Leaving the Pilotta, take a moment to admire the great square in front of the Square of Peace, designed by architect Mario Botta. As the visit goes further, notice here how the large fountain was destroyed during the war and how its structure is remembered by the game of trees and water present.

Then walk along Via della Repubblica until you cross the bridge over the river Parma and reach the oltre torrente.

Where to eat in Parma:
For lunch or dinner we are spoiled for choice: good restaurants, taverns and tasting opportunities, in each case for a sandwich not miss Pepen, a stone’s throw from Piazza Garibaldi. For a wine tasting get down to the nearby and very typical Osteria del Gesso. For coffee, instead, sit in Piazza Garibaldi and be captivated by the quiet atmosphere around you, planning, perhaps, the next visit to Parma, also called “the Little Paris”!

How to get to Parma:

Arrive by train is an excellent solution, whereas the train station is a few minutes walk from the historic centre. For those who prefer getting to Parma by car, there are various paid parking lot around the centre, including one along the river (Parking Goito). The walk within the city can be done on foot, both for short distances, so you can make the most of your day and discover the other villages and views around Parma.

Photo CC-BY by Davide Bolsi

Surroundings

Colorno

Just fifteen kilometres from Parma there is the ducal palace built by the Farnese family in the eighteenth century on the ruins of the ancient fortress. In the eighteenth century it was one of the most luxurious residences of court across Europe. It will amaze you with its gardens, partly Italian and partly in French, over four kilometres long, decorated with fountains and crossed by wide avenues. Equally charming and the four halls of the palace. A must- see will be the apartments of the Duke and Duchess and the astronomical observatory, too.
Open all year.

Full price: € 6.50

Rocca di Sala Baganza

Between Parma and the small town of Felino you will find the village of Sala Baganza. In its historical centre you can visit the fortress belonged to the Sanvitale family. Recent restoration work has affected the interior rooms of the castle, and it has been returned to its former glory.
Open all year.

Full price: € 4.00

Torrechiara Castle

Just before Langhirano, on your right if you come from Parma, you’ll notice a massive defensive construction on a small hill, with square towers and three circles of walls. welcome to Torrechiara Castle: inside, the extraordinary Golden Chamber.
Open all year.

Full price: € 3.00

Misano Adriatico for beach lovers and F1 aficionados

Misano Adriatico has its roots in the fertile Roman period. The name derived from that of various gens who moved to live in the countryside of Rimini. In the 3rd century. B.C. in the territory of Misano came in fact “Gens Mesia”, thanks to “Ariminensis ager”, the number of lands and possessions of Rimini that the Empire lavished to war veterans or to the nobles of Roman society for special merits.
The history of Misano is connected with Rimini, like many locations in Romagna. From 1295 to 1528, Misano lived moments of glory and power under the guidance of the future capital of the province in a prolific period of history and art. Thanks to Malatesta, who did even build a castle here (today there are unfortunately only ruins), Misano became a splendid town. The Romagna then with the decadence of the “signori” become prey of the Pope’s greed. As soon as the hegemony of Malatesta flakes and until the unification of Italy, Misano belonged steadily to the Stato Pontificio.

In 1938 the town was known, however, with another name:,”Villa Vittoria”: it had this name since 1862, but then during the fascism that agricultural area became “Misano Adriatico”. The name change does it profit, and in the boom years Misano becomes highly tourist, tracking and seeds thrown in this direction already in the thirties. Today we have many well-known structures, such as hotels and hotels, residences and camping.

Highlights

For fans of the beach and engines, Misano Adriatico is the tourist destination to visit if you have a F1 passion. To spend the holidays in the city of Misano Adriatico means definitely to get you inside history and culture, looking for inland castles and medieval fortresses.
The beach at Misano is among the best in Riviera: umbrellas, lifeguards, rescue services at sea. The accommodation facilities for families offer great spaces: games for children, and there are many sports facilities at the beach with the bowls, beach volleyball, beach basketball gyms.
In the evening you will end up on the piers of Misano and Portoverde: you might want to be really romantic and go with your partner for a ride on a boat along the coast in the sunset!

The Misano World Circuit, the heart of the booming Romagna

The Autodromo Santamonica in Misano Adriatico, now called the Misano World Circuit, is of great interest, too. The Superbike World Championship and the the European Championship Truck are hosted here, too. During the weekend you can also see the free practice in the circuit. Experience the thrill of renting the track all day: the Autodromo Santamonica is the only facility in Italy to be completely illuminated at night.

The Misano World Circuit, as it is called today, brings the charm of breathtaking races to all the F1 aficionados:. Athletes from around the world arrive in Misano Adriatico to see motorcycles and cars flying along the dangerous curves. It was designed and built by engineer Cavazzuti under the guidance of the great Enzo Ferrari. The track was then tested in 1972.
If you are passionate or just curious of the highly anticipated Moto GP, look at offers for stays and experience the racetrack in its splendid matches.
The Romagna, you know, is a land of great drivers: Loris Capirossi, Marco Melandri, Marco Simoncelli, Mattia Pasini, Valentino Rossi and Alex De Angelis of San Marino that you will see into challenges on the asphalt in the Santamonica.
Misano Adriatico and the surrounding hills

Misano Adriatico lives immersed in local tradition and the thousand-year history of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Pedestrian areas coloured by evening markets, a golden beach and quiet, a promenade of 2 km along the seafront, islands of green in the centre complete the picture of this town. Thanks to the organizational structures and the quality of bathing water and the beach in Misano Portoverde, starting in 1989 the town has been awarded several times with the blue flag of the European Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). This award crowns years of commitment to environmental protection. Come and discover the green town, then!
The east area of Misano Adriatico is starring the beach, and thanks to its proximity to Rimini and Riccione, the fun continues all along the Adriatic coast, while south-east there is to visit the River Basin and its natural oasis, located along the its slopes.

Also its surroundings are very intriguing.
To the south–west there are the hills with a view that looks hinterland to ancient medieval villages to discover. Misano Adriatico is in fact just a few kilometers from the Marche–Romagna, easily accessible for tourists who want a holiday with more cultural visits to historical and artistic heritage.
From Misano Adriatico you can head to San Marino and Urbino, but also to Verucchio, the cradle of the Malatesta, whose Rocca allows visitors to embrace with his eyes all the coastal part up to Rimini. Montegrimano with its spas facilities and Gemmano with the Caves of Hell, characterized by the presence of karst stone are masterpieces of nature.
Turning to the castles and fortresses, strongly recommend Montegridolfo with the best preserved castle of the Marche – Romagna and other destinations in the same way as precious as Montefiore, famous for its beautiful fortress, Torriana and Montebello again with imposing fortresses.
A visit is worth to Saludecio, known for its many events of cultural and gastronomic tone, and Mondaino with its Palio del Daino.
Finally, immerse yourself in the village of Montebello to discover of the ancient legend of Azzurrina.

Do not forget that Misano is not far from other important Italian locations; just 15 km from the fun of Rimini, 40 km from San Marino, 45 km from the marvellous Urbino, 10 km from Gradara an its romantic and tragic castle, 65 km from Ravenna and the Bysantine remains.

A winter dream called Aosta and its valley

Aosta Valley is the smallest region in Italy; in its northwest, it is located between France and Switzerland.

The capital of the Valle d’Aosta region , has more than thirty-four thousand inhabitants. It is located in a large basin of Baltea tributary of the latter, the Buthier.The valley is surrounded by the mountains of Punta Chaligne , Becca Viou and Emilius.

At its heart are its peaks (the region is made of mostly mountains). Here we can find the highest peaks in the Alps: Cervino, Monte Rosa, Gran Paradiso and the king of them all, Mont Blanc, which at 15,781 feet is the highest mountain in Europe, the roof of the old Continent.
Those who are not happy with climbing can certainly use the comfortable, yet exciting, cable car; catch it just a few miles from Courmayeur, one of the most important ski resorts in the world.
In this setting of high mountains and diverse valleys sits the oldest National Park, the Gran Paradiso, where it is still possible to see wildlife and animals in their natural habitat. Prepare yourself for hrilling encounter with the ibex, chamois, eagles and marmots. They all live in vegetation that changes according to the surrounding environment and seasons.
Historically, the Aosta Valley is a land of contact between Italy and France; such element is also reflected in the region’s official bilingualism and its special status as autonomous region. Aosta has always been a strategic hub passage between the Alps today thanks to the Mont Blanc and the Great St. Bernard, once through the Alpine passes, was the passage way between the North and the South, and stage of the Via Francigena. This region also offers amazing natural attractions, as well as other cultural and traditional treasures lie in its cousine.

The only province of the region is Aosta (regional capital). When we think about the Aosta Valley, we immediately think of the ski resorts of Cervinia, Courmayeur and Pila, very famous all over Europe as the destinations for anyone who loves winter sports.
Along the valley that goes from Pont Saint Martin to Courmayeur, There are evidence of the region’s rich feudal history, and offer visitors the opportunity to follow an incredibly and interesting route. You can count 82 houses that stand on the valley, including primitive buildings and fortress, residences and watchtowers.

The most famous castle in the Aosta Valley is called the Castello di Fénis, which off a collection offers a collction of the best defence techniques of the feudal time; its refined interiors shows the wealth of its former occupants. Other beautiful castles are the Castle of Issogne, Sarriod de la Tour, Sarre, Saint-Pierre, and Ussel.
The road dotted by the aforementioned fotresses leads to Aosta, a mix of Roman and Medieval history, enriched by peculiar traditions.

Roman Aosta
Augusta Praetoria, Rome of the Alps, was founded in 25 BC Emperor Augustus, who defeated and subjugated the indigenous population of the Salassians.
The city still proudly displays the many testimonies of great value left by the Romans, such as the Theatre and the Amphitheatre. In the first structure survives a massive 20 meter high facade and a width of about 80, which stands picturesquely against a bunch of snowy peaks. The two buildings were connected by a corridor, then incorporated in 1200 from the convent of Santa Caterina. The Arch of Augustus was built instead to celebrate their victory over the Salassians. The majestic Porta Pretoria is one of the best preserved city gates of the imperial era.

The Collegiate Church of Saint Orso is one of the greatest artistic religious in the Alps. It was built on the remains of an early Christian church where he had taken refuge Orso, evangelist enemy of the Arian heresy of Irish descent, who took charge of a popular uprising against the heretical bishop Ploceano. The most important Romanesque building of the year one thousand, was enriched by a magnificent fifteenth-century priory built by George of Challant, fine humanist.
The church boasts extraordinary artistic as a cycle of frescoes in the year one thousand, a cloister decorated with classic fancy capitals of medieval flavor, the most significant era, mosaics and a chorus, the work of a French artist in flamboyant style, really sumptuous this style represents the evolution of the Gothic style in the late fifteenth-century France, interpreted by floral and stylistic virtuosity of great imaginative power.

Aosta: an esoteric location

In the collegiate church of Saint Orso is a mosaic with a strange version of the Magic Square, also known as Sator Square or laterculus Pompeii, as it was in the excavations of Pompeii that this symbol is found for the first time. But what is it? Of a square with the Latin words which give origin to a palindrome, or phrases that read in one way or another are read in the same way (for example, read from right to left or vice versa the word tenet). This esoteric symbol is found throughout Europe in various abbeys and palaces … but what does this mean? To date, no scholar seems to have a definite answer. The phrases can be anagrammate giving rise to the Christian meanings, but also Satanists, or simply Deists or Masonic. The Christian argument still seems the most likely, but the peculiarity of this mosaic Aosta is that it is the only version of Sator, not square, but in the circle! Of course, faith is a prerequisite of interpretation here, which requires a knowledge, rational, must be based on faith. Similarly the philosopher Aosta must be many thoughts on the subject of the so-called ontological proof of God’s existence, which will trigger debate on the subject until Leibniz and Kant.

Medieval Aosta

Of particular interest are the many city towers, all of them born as accretions of Roman ramparts. The tower Bramafam bears a name Franco-Provençal, meaning “cry for hunger,” because down there they gathered the poor during the famine to request the pieces of bread to the nobles.

Chanoux Square, the heart of Aosta, is named after the martyr of the resistance of Valle d’Aosta, Emile Chanoux, partisan and fine lawyer, advocate of the thesis regionalist who made the Valle d’Aosta – historically, culturally, and linguistically a land very close to France – a region Special Statute; and the only one in Italy where there is the establishment of provinces, whose functions are performed directly by the municipalities.
The seasonal winter fair that takes place every year in Aosta at the end of January is dedicated to St. Orso as well. Thousands of tourists flock into the decorated streets of the old town, which shows off the oldest crafts of Aosta Valley, from sculpture to wood, wrought iron to hot stone, leather, wool fabrics and lace, and games and masks.