To help you get the most out of an Italy trip to the city, here is our guide to the very best art galleries and museums to visit in Milan…
The city’s most famous museum, Brera Pinacoteca, contains one of the best collections of Renaissance art in Italy. The museum also boasts over 500 works of art, dating from the 14th to the 20th century including artwork from Piero della Francesca, Raphael, Mantegna, Bellini, and Veronese. The museum’s building is a work of art in its own right, dating back to the 17th century.
The third oldest aquarium in Europe, and located in a beautiful Art Nouvea building, the Acquario Civico di Milano sits on the edge of Parco Sempione, Milan’s largest public park. The aquarium is full of lovely friezes and hand-painted tiles, and there are plenty of sea creatures on display here, too.
On an Italian vacation to Milan, be sure to check out Armani Silos. This is Giorgio Armani’s personal museum, and it’s full of his fashion designs dating back over 40 years. Situated in a fashionable district of Milan, Tortona, in what was once a granary building owned by Nestle, Armani Silos spreads out over 4 floors. There are exhibition spaces to explore, a digital archive, a café, and a gift shop, too.
Gallerie d’Italia Piazza Scala contains a number of exhibitions that celebrate the history of the city of Milan. The museum is housed within three historic buildings: Anguissola, Beltrami, and Bretani. Designed by leading Italian architects between the 18th and 20th century, this museum is a wonderful example of Italian art and culture. The artwork on display is split between two eras, the 19th century exhibition, and the 20th century exhibition.
Located in an area of Milan once dominated by industrial factories, HangarBicocca is now a space for modern art. The main attraction for visitors to this museum is ‘The Seven Heavenly Palaces’, a piece created by German artist, Anselm Kieffer. This site-specific piece consists of seven concrete towers, each one of a different height, filling up the cavernous exhibition space. HangarBiocca, alongside its permanent exhibitions, regularly hosts temporary ones, too.
Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologia is Italy’s largest museum of science and technology, and one of the most important in the world. It contains a large collection of Leonardo da Vinci’s work, and there’s even a real submarine that you can explore. There are steam trains you can climb aboard, alongside a full-scale reconstruction of the bridge and ballroom of cruise ship. All of these exhibitions are hosted in a building that dates back to the early 16th century.
As you can see, Milan is rich in museums and galleries. And there’s plenty more to see, too. To get the most out of a visit to the city, why not book one of the many escorted tours on offer?
When booking an Italian vacation, there’s the obvious temptation to head to Rome, Florence, or Venice.
The country is full of options for relaxing and indulging in good food and good wine. But there are other ways to experience Italy, and as the home of European Christianity, there are plenty of pilgrimages to pick from.
At Ciao Italy, as we’re especially fond of the road less travelled, we’ve put together a guide exploring one of the lesser known Italian pilgrimages on offer. When booking your next Italian vacation, embrace the wanderlust, put on a good pair of walking boots and get out there and see a different side of Italy.
A pilgrim walking trail with plenty of food and wine options, the La Via Francigena is the main pilgrimage route through Italy. Starting in Canterbury, England, and traversing France, this route ends in the Italian capital, Rome. Named a European Council Cultural route in 1994, this centuries old pilgrimage encompasses 994 miles. It’s certainly not as popular as it once was, but the Italian government has committed resources to reviving this once busy pilgrimage route.
This is the first leg of the Italian section of La Via Francigena, and it’s certainly the most scenic. As you begin your journey from North to South, the Alpine scenery provides a spectacular introduction to Italy. You’ll pass through villages and towns that date all the way back to Roman times, and there are some famous castles too: Castle Verres and Castle Fenis.
The Academy of the Art of Design, founded in 1563, was the first school established in Europe specifically to teach techniques of drawing, painting, and sculpture. The art collection displayed here was formed in 1784 to provide material for students to study and copy. The most famous work is Michelangelo’s David (1504) a colossal (5.2-meter/17-foot) nude of the biblical hero who killed the giant Goliath.
While much of Florence was rebuilt during the Renaissance, the eastern part of the city retains a distinctly medieval feel. With its maze of tiny alleys, it is an area that would still be familiar to Dante (1261 to 1321), whose birthplace allegedly lay somewhere among these lanes.
The richly-decorated cathedral, known alternately as the ‘Duomo of Florence’ and the ‘The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore,’ along with its orange tiled dome, has become Florence’s most famous symbol. Typical of the Florentine determination to lead in all things, the Duomo is Europe’s fourth-largest church and the tallest building in Florence.
The Uffizi, Italy’s greatest art gallery, was built between 1560 to 1580 CE to house offices for Duke Cosimo I. The architect Vasari used iron as reinforcement, enabling his successor, Buontalenti, to create an almost continuous wall of glass on the upper floor. This was used as a gallery for Francesco I to display the Medici art treasures. The collection was divided up in the 19th century. Ancient objects went to the archeological museum and sculpture to the Bargello, leaving the Uffizi with a matchless collection of paintings.
Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio have been at the center of Florence’s political and social life for centuries. The great bell once used to summon citizens to ‘parlamento’ (public meetings) remains here, and the square has long been a popular promenade for both visitors and Florentines. The piazza’s statues (some are copies) commemorate the city’s major historical events. Its most famous episode is celebrated by a simple pavement plaque near the loggia: the execution of the religious leader Girolamo Savonarola who was burnt at the stake.
With beautiful beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal clear water, the coastal village of Monterosso Al Mare is a wonderful place to visit.
Even with a population of just 1,800 this tiny Italian village still has much to offer.
One of five villages that make up the Cinque Terre, there’s something special and timeless about this particular Italian village. From drinking wine overlooking the twinkling lights of the town below, to hiking the hills and terraces at sunrise; here’s why you have to see Monterosso Al Mare on your Italian vacation.
The Cinque Terre sit amongst some of the most stunning landscapes you’ll see on an Italy trip. The rugged coastal scenery provides an enchanting backdrop to these unique fishing villages. Since 1997, the entire area has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site, and with good reason. The five villages are surrounded by steep terraced hills, and accessible via a 19thcentury railway that snakes between the villages. Collectively, the villages have plenty to offer including castles and churches dating back to the late Middle Ages.
Getting there is easier than it used to be. Located in the Italian Riviera, and accessed via a series of narrow roads, it’s advisable to park your car in La Spezia, and take the train. Or you can arrive by sea, travelling from a nearby port such as Genoa, Portofino, or Porto Venere.
Monterosso Al Mare is the oldest of the five villages and when walking amongst its quaint streets you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d travelled back in time. Although Monterosso Al Mare may not be as secluded as it once was, there’s still the feeling of being cut off from the rest of the world.
Its colourful buildings cling to the impossibly steep cliffs and terraces, and they provide plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. Monterosso Al Mare is the only one of the five villages to have a beach, and it’s well known for its lemon trees and anchovies. This is the easiest of the five villages to reach, and you can get here by car.
After taking in the sun and relaxing on the beach, make sure you spend some time exploring Monterosso Al Mare too. Look out for the Aurora Tower; a 16th century tower built on the headland, jutting out to sea, to defend the village. If you get the opportunity, climb to the top of this tower and drink in the views of the beach and the town below.
The Monterosso Vecchio is the old town, an area of quaint narrow streets, colourful buildings, and a number of small shops and eateries. It’s worth exploring the Church of Saint John the Baptist; a Roman styled building with a large basilica. There are plenty of hiking trails too, and you can trek over the steep cliff tops and visit the other villages of the Cinque Terre. On your return to Monterosso Al Mare, rest up in the Piazza Garibaldi, the town’s central square.
This part of Italy is a time capsule, a snapshot of an era that’s long gone. Of course, there are modern touches, but for the most part, the Cinque Terre lets you see an Italy that has all but disappeared. From the top of the Aurora Tower, take a deep breath, and let the beauty of this wonderful part of Italy wash over you. Sometimes it’s the quietest moments that speak the loudest.
Make sure you see the most of this enchanting part of Italy. Book one of the many escorted tours of the Cinque Terre on offer.
With quaint streets, ancient Roman ruins, and a stunning view of Mount Etna, Taormina is a small town with a lot to offer. Situated on a hill of the Monte Tauro, looking out over sandy beaches and an expanse of blue ocean, this Italian town is certainly one you’ll write home about.
With quaint streets, ancient Roman ruins, and a stunning view of Mount Etna, Taormina is a small town with a lot to offer. Situated on a hill of the Monte Tauro, looking out over sandy beaches and an expanse of blue ocean, this Italian town is certainly one you’ll write home about.
For hundreds of years this small Sicilian town has attracted artists and tourists, both drawn to this magical patch of paradise. An Italy trip to Taormina involves lazy walks on the beach enjoying the wonderful Mediterranean climate, eating excellent Sicilian food and drinking fine wines, and exploring the many shops that this Italian town has to offer. From small independent boutiques, to high end fashion outlets, here’s the Ciao Italy guide to shopping in Taormina.
In amongst the narrow Sicilian streets, in corners tucked away and often out of sight, are a number of fantastic boutiques. When exploring Taormina, look out for Ralph Lauren, Valentino, and Musumeci. Each one of these iconic fashion brands has opened an outlet in the town.
Head to Parisi and purchase tailor made clothing in keeping with international and Italian style trends. Parisi also stocks a wide range of Dolce and Gabbana, Prada, and Gucci clothing. If it’s jewellery you’re after, then you need to visit Chien. This particular store offers a wonderful range of accessories and jewellery.
When visiting Taormina, make sure that the famous brands only get some of your time. There are a number of unique gifts to hunt down, objects that hail from Sicily. One of the most famous is sold in Bottega del Buongustaio. This historic shop is one that Sicilian food lovers shouldn’t miss. Make sure you purchase some of the delicious marzipan fruits on offer. If you don’t eat them all, these colourful sweets make for a wonderful gift for your friends and family who weren’t lucky enough to visit Taormina.
Then make a stop at Blu Royal, a Taormina store full of beautiful pieces of traditional Sicilian ceramics. These brightly painted, unique products are truly unique and you’ll struggle to pick from all of the stunning options available. From vases, to big round plates, each piece contains intricate patterns and bright colours that seem to capture the effect of the Sicilian sun. Some of the ceramic art on offer clearly borrows from Arabian geometry, and each one is handcrafted and painted by hand.
There’s another great place to visit, this one situated in an ancient Sicilian palace. Push past the ivy dominating the front of the building and enter Saro, an antique store full to the brim with wonderful objects. There are Sicilian puppets, straw weaved bags, and paintings. This antique shop provides a window into the history of Taormina, and of course, Sicily too.
Under the gaze of the hot Sicilian sun, with Mount Etna in the background, and the sea stretching out towards the horizon, Taormina has so much to offer. From wonderful scenery, to exceptional local art and produce, this Italian town should be top of your list of must see places on an Italian vacation.
But the most unique gift of all is time spent in sun kissed Taormina. Get in touch with Ciao Italy and we’ll help you put together an Italian holiday package to remember.
Not everyone embarks on an Italy trip to put their feet up and enjoy the country’s slow pace of life. Some folks head to Italy for excitement, and that’s exactly what climbing Mount Etna provides.
Not everyone embarks on an Italy trip to put their feet up and enjoy the country’s slow pace of life. Some folks head to Italy for excitement, and that’s exactly what climbing Mount Etna provides.
If you’re on the fence about visiting Mount Etna, here are 5 reasons why you should climb this famous Italian landmark. So, grab your walking boots and let Ciao Italy guide you!
The architecture in Italy, from Rome to Florence, is only a small part of what Italy has to offer. There are stunning vistas, beautiful mountains, and lovely beaches to visit. One of the most famous of Italy’s natural landmarks is Mount Etna, Southern Italy’s most sublime attraction. Located in Etna National Park, stretching over 224 miles and including around 20 towns, dominated by the mountain itself, this is a great big swathe of Sicily to explore!
How many times do you have the opportunity to climb up the side of an active volcano? Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe and its last eruption was in 2016! This does ensure that visiting Mount Etna is quite safe. The more frequently a volcano erupts, the less the lava and gas builds up resulting in some very picturesque lava flows instead of chaotic explosions.
Mount Etna has been an important landmark and Italian feature for thousands of years. Once upon a time the Ancient Greeks, who then controlled Sicily, believed that Cyclops, the legendary one-eyed monster lived in the volcano. Homer’s historic work of fiction, The Odyssey, featured Mount Etna as the home of both the god of fire and metal-working, Vulcan, and Typhon, a 100 headed monster.
The best reason to climb Mount Etna is the view. Looking out over Sicily from its peak, Mount Etna lets you see medieval towns, rolling fields, and acres of vineyards. From volcanic ash, through craters and barren alien-like landscapes, to the verdant green of Sicilian hills in the distance, Etna provides you with a view of the country that truly has to be seen to be believed.
Locals use Mount Etna’s caves to store meat and wine. The volcanic ash is used to grow exceptional wines, and the extremely fertile mountain serves up apples, chestnuts, and hazelnuts from its abundance of orchards and terraces. But the Sicilian wine, grown from Mount Etna’s ash, is reason enough to make the journey to this part of Sicily.
When climbing Mount Etna, make sure to dress for the weather, and pack a pair of sunglasses. There’s always a lot of ash and dust, especially when it’s windy. Hiking Mount Etna isn’t always easy going, but the wonderful view from its summit makes the hard graft worthwhile!
When booking an Italian vacation, make sure to get in touch with Ciao Italy. We’ll help you to find the best Italian holiday package for you.
Italy is a country known for its rich history. From ancient buildings and artefacts, to epic stories of empire and conquest, this European country is a treasure trove for discerning tourists looking to travel back in time. Perhaps one of the best aspects of an Italian vacation are the glimpses of what it was like to live in Italy hundreds, or even thousands of years in the past. With that in mind, we’ve put together a blog post about what Rome’s Piazza Navona looked like over 2,000 years ago. So, travel back in time with Ciao Italy, and let’s see what a day in the 1st century looked like…
Italy is a country known for its rich history. From ancient buildings and artefacts, to epic stories of empire and conquest, this European country is a treasure trove for discerning tourists looking to travel back in time. Perhaps one of the best aspects of an Italian vacation are the glimpses of what it was like to live in Italy hundreds, or even thousands of years in the past. With that in mind, we’ve put together a blog post about what Rome’s Piazza Navona looked like over 2,000 years ago. So, travel back in time with Ciao Italy, and let’s see what a day in the 1st century looked like…
One of the most famous of Italy’s baroque piazzas is Piazza Navona. Built in the 17th century on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, this historic square is well loved by tourists on an Italy trip, and locals enjoying the hustle and bustle of this Roman piazza. Long before the addition of its famous fountains and opulent architecture, before the coffee shops and restaurants arrived, Piazza Navona was quite different. In the 1st century, when the piazza was a stadium, it was used mostly as an athletic arena.
Now, the Piazza Navona is well known for its street hawkers, its artists, and its definitive snapshot of life in Rome. But back in the 1st century it was Rome’s first permanent venue for competitive athletics. Built in 86 AD using Greek influenced architecture, the venue could hold between 15,000 and 20,000 spectators. For the most part, the venue was used for foot races, but it was also used (briefly) for gladiatorial contests. There are more lurid tales, too. There are stories of the stadium’s arcades being used as brothels, and in Christian martyr-legend, St. Agnes was put to death in the Stadium Domitian. Eventually, the stadium fell into disuse and the arcades became living quarters for the poor. The stadium space itself became a meeting place, which is fitting. Now, the area is built over, and Rome’s most famous piazza sits on the site that once hosted races, gladiatorial contests, and myths and legends.
Rome is a city that reinvents itself. The Piazza Navona truly is a quintessential snapshot of the Italian story. With nods to the imperial days of the ancient Roman Empire, and with its current makeup as a fine example of baroque architecture, this site shows that Rome is a place in constant transition. When visiting this ancient space, take a moment and pause. Look around at the grand buildings, the beautiful fountains, and the bustle of contemporary Italy. If you listen carefully enough, if you let your imagination run free, you might catch a glimpse of the Rome that existed over 2,000 years ago. You might hear the clash of gladiators’ swords, or the ragged roar of an Italian crowd cheering on its athletes. Piazza Navona, a wonderful baroque piazza is superimposed over an old Italy, a place and time that has long since been lost. But the romance and the grandiosity of ancient Rome still exists. You just have to know where to look.
Get in touch with Ciao Italy when planning your next Italian vacation. We’ll be happy to help you find the very best Italian holiday package.
One of our favourite parts of Italy is the Cinque Terre, a wonderful collection of five virtually untouched fishing villages, connected by a 19th century railroad. Manarola is one of the five villages and it overlooks the deep blue waters of the Ligurian Sea. Reputed to be the most colourful village in the world, Manarola is famous for its vineyards, its medieval relics, and its hiking trails.
Another great option for an Italy trip is Levanzo, the smallest of the Egadi Islands with a population of just 200. The village’s quaint white buildings sit in contrast to the blue of the Egadi Sea and it’s an excellent option if you’re looking for a quiet retreat. There’s not much to do in Levanzo but once you relax into the slow pace of life on this tiny Sicilian island you’ll never want to leave.
In Sardinia there’s a small village called Stintino. With white sands and shallow warm waters, this is another strong contender for Italy’s top fishing village. The local fishing industry keeps Stintino’s restaurants well stocked with freshly sourced produce. When booking an Italian vacation to Stintino, make some time for whale and dolphin watching, alongside the plentiful nature and wildlife tours on offer.
Considered to be one of the prettiest villages on the Italian Riviera, Portofino is famous for its celebrity, artist, and film star guests. With its pastel-coloured buildings, its high end boutiques, and its collection of excellent seafood restaurants, it’s a great little fishing village to visit when looking for something a touch more opulent than the seclusion of places like Levanzo or Stintino. Enjoy the beautiful cobbled central Piazzetta, the super yachts in the harbour, and the view from Castello Brown, a 16th century fortress.
Atrani, near Amalfi, is perhaps the most romantic fishing village on this list. Its buildings are intertwined with gardens, vineyards, and beautiful lemon terraces. This small Italian commune has a distinctive fishing village atmosphere and it sits right on the beach. There’s something almost mystical about picturesque Atrani and it boasts some truly breath-taking panoramic views of the coastline. This unforgettable Italian fishing village is certainly one to visit on a vacation in Italy.
When visiting Italy, pick one of the beautiful fishing villages and take the road less travelled. From Manarola to Atrani, there’s a village to suit every type of Italian vacation! Get in touch with Ciao Italy and we’ll be happy to help you find the best Italian holiday package for you.
Italy is synonymous with good wine. From a hearty red, to a crisp white, Italians produce some of the finest wines in the world.
Italy is synonymous with good wine. From a hearty red, to a crisp white, Italians produce some of the finest wines in the world. Whether you’re a serious wine drinker, or you’re just looking to explore Italy, here’s the Ciao Italy guide to the famous vineyards of Italy!
This is the first consideration, and it’s not an easy one! With over 20 major growing regions, you’re truly spoiled for choice when picking a part of Italy to visit. But, no matter where you do end up on your Italy trip, you’re never far from a vineyard or two.
Of course, some Italian regions are more famous than others when it comes to wine production. The Chianti region in Tuscany, or the Piedmont area near Cuneo are perhaps the ‘best’ regions for wine enthusiasts.
In amongst rolling hills and verdant fields, underneath a wonderfully hot Italian sun, sit bountiful Tuscan vineyards and wine producers. With world-class reds, whites, and dessert wines on offer, Tuscany is a great Italian region to select for a wine tour. But there are a lot of options when visiting Tuscany, so here’s some advice to narrow down which part you prioritise on your Italian vacation.
Bolgheri, located on the coast, produces wonderful full-bodied wines including the Bolgheri Sassicaia, one of the most expensive and sought-after wines in the world. Then there’s San Gimigano, one of Tuscany’s most popular towns, and it has a rich selection of vineyards too. Famous for producing what’s thought to be Italy’s first white wine, this part of Tuscany develops delicious wines known for their golden hue and floral notes.
Why not book your place on our ‘Wine Enthusiasts Dinner in a Tuscan Noble Villa Cellar’?
Bordering France and Switzerland, located at the foot of the Alps, Piedmont is another great choice for sampling some delicious Italian wines. After Tuscany, Piedmont is likely the most famous Italian wine region and it provides visitors with an excellent introduction into the country’s wine production.
There are a great many wines to sample when exploring Piedmont. Barbera is one that many locals drink, and it’s known for its opulent fruit flavours. The Dolcetto is a gentler wine with floral aromas. And there’s Nebbiolo, perhaps the best loved of the wines produced in Piedmont. This wine pours in a pale red colour, with floral cherry and rose aromas.
Once you’ve selected a region to visit, take some time to find the vineyard you want to explore. Booking a tour is a great way to experience one of the famous vineyards of Italy, and you can see the entire production process. From taking in the fields full of vines stretching towards the horizon, to sipping an elegant red as the sun sets over an Italian hill, a trip to a vineyard is certainly one of the more relaxing ways to experience Italy.
On your next Italian vacation, visit a vineyard, soak up the sun, and sample some of the world’s finest wines. You’ll fall head over heels for the country whilst sipping a heady red!
The Academy of the Art of Design, founded in 1563, was the first school established in Europe specifically to teach techniques of drawing, painting, and sculpture. The art collection displayed here was formed in 1784 to provide material for students to study and copy. The most famous work is Michelangelo’s David (1504) a colossal (5.2-meter/17-foot) nude of the biblical hero who killed the giant Goliath.
While much of Florence was rebuilt during the Renaissance, the eastern part of the city retains a distinctly medieval feel. With its maze of tiny alleys, it is an area that would still be familiar to Dante (1261 to 1321), whose birthplace allegedly lay somewhere among these lanes.
The richly-decorated cathedral, known alternately as the ‘Duomo of Florence’ and the ‘The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore,’ along with its orange tiled dome, has become Florence’s most famous symbol. Typical of the Florentine determination to lead in all things, the Duomo is Europe’s fourth-largest church and the tallest building in Florence.
The Uffizi, Italy’s greatest art gallery, was built between 1560 to 1580 CE to house offices for Duke Cosimo I. The architect Vasari used iron as reinforcement, enabling his successor, Buontalenti, to create an almost continuous wall of glass on the upper floor. This was used as a gallery for Francesco I to display the Medici art treasures. The collection was divided up in the 19th century. Ancient objects went to the archeological museum and sculpture to the Bargello, leaving the Uffizi with a matchless collection of paintings.
Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio have been at the center of Florence’s political and social life for centuries. The great bell once used to summon citizens to ‘parlamento’ (public meetings) remains here, and the square has long been a popular promenade for both visitors and Florentines. The piazza’s statues (some are copies) commemorate the city’s major historical events. Its most famous episode is celebrated by a simple pavement plaque near the loggia: the execution of the religious leader Girolamo Savonarola who was burnt at the stake.
Palermo is the capital of sun-kissed Sicily and it’s full of great food and drink options. From delicious street food, to high-end bars and restaurants, get the most out of your Italy trip with the Ciao Italy guide to eating in Palermo.
Pedestrian street and cafés in the historic centre of Palermo
Palermo is the capital of sun-kissed Sicily and it’s full of great food and drink options. From delicious street food, to high-end bars and restaurants, get the most out of your Italy trip with the Ciao Italy guide to eating in Palermo.
Spanish, French, Arabic, and Greek cultures have all shaped Sicily and in Palermo, Antica Focacceria San Franceso serves up food that pays homage to these influences. The building itself is beautiful, with decorative doors, high ceilings, and antique features. But it is the food that this traditional Sicilian restaurant is famous for. Expect food that the locals love, such as arancini and stuffed sardines. They’ve used the same focaccia recipe since 1851 and they serve lovely local wines and delicious pastries too.
Kursaal Kalhesa is both a bar and a restaurant located in the heart of Palermo. It sits near the sea, and visitors can relax in the bar’s soft furnishings, explore the in-house bookshop, and enjoy an art exhibition. The restaurant serves traditional Sicilian dishes including antipasti, pasta, meat, fish, and pizza. This restaurant/bar, located in an 18th century palazzo, oozes style, and with its secret garden, Kursaal Kalhesa provides the perfect location to while away a long Italian evening.
For decades, this Sicilian pastry shop has plied delicious traditional food to locals and tourists alike. Pasticceria Capello is a family run business with master pastry chef Salvatore baking wonderful and decadent pastries with the help of his son Giovanni. Between the two of them, they create some excellent deserts including the seven layer cake, sponge cake with almonds and pistachios, the chocolate mousse with pears flambé, and traditional Sicilian treats such as Cassate and Cannoli.
Front View of Palermo City Cathedral
When it comes to drinking in Palermo, you’re spoiled for choice. Kursaal Kalhesa provides one great option, another is Bar Duomo. With an excellent view of the Norman towers that grace the cathedral square, this bar has a great atmosphere and even better wines and beers. This is definitely an excellent option when it comes to sampling the hustle and bustle of Palermo at night.
Arancini; Sicilian Fried Rice Balls
Now, we mentioned street food in the introduction, so it’s only fair to let you know about some of the best food that Palermo has to offer. When exploring the city on an Italian vacation, look out for Arancina, the famous Sicilian rice ball. Another excellent option is pezzi di rosticceria, literally translated as ‘deli pieces’. This includes foods such as calzoni, pizzette, spitini, and ravazzate. Finally, keep an eye out for pane panelle e crocche. These little square fritters are made from chickpea flour and can be enjoyed on their own, or in a bread roll.
Italy is famous for its excellent food and drink options and the above list shows that Palermo is no exception. From traditional food like arancini, to sugar sweet Sicilian treats like Cassate and Cannoli; from street food, to exciting nightlife, Palermo certainly knows how to cater for everyone. Get in touch with Ciao Italy when putting together your Italian holiday package. We’ll help you see the Italy you want to see.
Located in Tuscany, Pisa is an Italian city famed for its leaning tower. Built in 1372, this white marble Romanesque bell tower provides an alluring reason to visit the city. But there’s so much more to Pisa than just its tower.When booking your next Italian vacation, consider a trip to Pisa. From exploring Miracles Square, to strolling along the banks of the River Arno, here’s the Ciao Italy guide to the city…
Miracles Square is rich in history, architecture, and art. UNESCO declared this Italian piazza to be a world heritage site, and with good reason. Miracles Square has religious significance, and the three main buildings symbolize the stages of a person’s life: birth is represented by the Baptistery, life by the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the graveyard references death.
This square also contains the historic leaning tower, but as it’s the bell tower of the cathedral, it’s just one of the many sights to see here. Each building in this square is worth visiting, but to have three such valuable historic sights in one location is truly rare.
Construction of this wonderful building began in 1152 but in the 13th century, Nicola Pisano and his son Giovanni, made some significant changes. They added Gothic architectural touches to the building, alongside a lodge and a cupola. When exploring this building look out for the Baptismal Font by Guido Bigarelli and The Pulpit by Nicola Pisano. Pisano’s contribution contains five panels depicting the life of Christ.
Well known the world over as a stunning piece of Pisan Romanesque architecture, the cathedral in Miracles Square is reason enough to travel to Pisa. Borrowing from diverse architectural styles including Byzantine, and cultural influences from North Africa and the Middle East, is a well preserved piece of history that reflects just how important Pisa once was as a centre of trade and commerce. There are a number of wonderful religious works of art to enjoy including the great mosaic of St. John the Baptist.
Located on the north side of the Square of Miracles, the Graveyard is a large cemetery dating back to 1277. Situated within an inner cloister, surrounded by Gothic arches, the Graveyard was built using dirt transported from the Holy Land. In this historic space you’ll find numerous sarcophaguses and Roman graves, alongside beautiful frescoes and artwork from famous painters and artists.
Much of what you see and do in Pisa revolves around the history of the place. But it’s still a thriving city and the banks of the River Arno provide you with plenty of opportunities to see what the city has to offer. When exploring the streets along the banks of the river, you’ll see buildings dating back to the Medieval era, Renaissance towers, bridges, and churches, and a number of wonderful piazzas full of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars.
Pisa is a city full of character, history, and romance. From visiting the storied Miracles Square and exploring the wonderful religious architecture, to experiencing the romance of this beautiful Tuscany city, Pisa has so much to offer.
Get in touch with Ciao Italy and we’ll help book the right Italian vacation for you.