An Anthology of Italian History & Culture

Monte Nuovo is situated near the center of the area known as the Phlegrean Fields. The cone was formed in less than a week during a violent eruption that occurred in late September and early October 1538. Due to the composition of the cone, it is known as a cinder...

The Casamari Abbey: Architecture

Lazio

In the cloister at the center of the Casamari abbey an Arabesque style of architecture can be readily observed. The cloister is a square courtyard yard surrounded by a covered walkway. There is a well at the center of the cloister and the sound of running water can...

Capua and Santa Maria Capua Vettere

Naples

Capua is located on a bend of the Volturno river in the Campania region of Southern Italy.. It is a few kilometers north east of Naples. From the center of Capua you would not know that the river is there as the town is not situated to take advantage of the natural...

Archaeological Park of Baia {Badia?} 1of 2

Campania, Salerno

In case you were thinking about touring the Archeological Park of Baia yourself... it's open from 9:00 am to 1 hour before sunset. It is closed on Mondays. The cost of admission is a paltry 4 euro. Allow yourself about two or three hours to walk through the park. Baia...

The Arco Felice

Off The Beaten Track, Veneto

The Arco Felice is a landmark that dates back to ancient times. It was built by the Romans in the 1st century A.D. during the construction of the Domitiana. (the road that connected Naples and Rome). Because the Roman's always tried to make their roads straight...

Venice – St. Marks Square (Piazza S. Marco)

Veneto

St Marks Square, or Piazza San Marco in Italian, is filled with activity and hosts several attractions. The campanile (Bell Tower), St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's (duke's) palace, and the Bridge of Sighs to name a few. For the tourist in Venice, a visit to St. Marks...

Venice – The Historic City on the Sea

Veneto

A Brief History of Venice: Venice was founded on 25 March in the year 413 when the Venetians set the first stone on the Rialto. At the time it was a much different Venice as it was little more than a humble collection of refugee villages scattered across the muddy...

Vatican Museums

Rome

The Vatican Museums I seem to be starting a trend here. That is, I find myself wanting to say that we just didn't have enough time to see everything. But we expected that at the Vatican Museums. The collections of the Vatican are overwhelming. There is something...

Getting to Positano (via Sorrento)

Campania, Salerno

It has been said that getting there is half the fun. In the case of a drive from Naples to Positano, that could not be more true. In the upper right you can see the spectacular view that awaits as you make your way south west on via Sorrentina towards the lovely town...

Pompeii: The Forgotten City

Naples

A First Look at Pompeii Welcome to Pompeii. This page and the 6 that follow will give you an idea of what to expect when you visit the ancient city. Get the history and introduction on this page, then continue through the rest to get an idea of what life was like in...

My Visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Tuscany

For visitors to Italy the Leaning Tower of Pisa is practically a mandatory stop. This is a well known and generally accepted fact. This has a great affect the local economy of Pisa but, for the visitor this lends to a very touristy vibe. The day of our visit there was...

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