The birthplace of the Catholic friar St Francis remains a globally important site of Christian pilgrimage Assisi stands atop Mount Asio and is flanked by swathes of Umbria’s undulating green pasture and the forests of Monte Subasio. At times it seems perched heaven-like, on a carpet of clouds. It is Roman in origin, yet a […]
A glorious day of exploration among the flora of 3,500 species of plants awaits in this botanical oasis in Padua Established in 1545 as a medicinal plants teaching garden, and considered to be the origin of botanical gardens, the Orto Botanico Padua has evolved into a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a leading authority on […]
How does a Roman Emperor create the ultimate symbol of power? By building an ‘ideal city’ that still stands to this day. Unenthused by existing villas yet keen to follow in the tradition of Roman emperors’ having a rural retreat, Emperor Hadrian constructed his vast residential complex at the foot of the Tiburtine Hills in […]
Its setting, history and architecture make Venice unique among the cities of the world! Elegance, romance, drama and mystery are abundant in this historic floating city and its lagoon… Think of Italy and you think of Venice: it seems impossible to have one without the other. The globally-adored city, and a UNESCO World Heritage site […]
Once the capital of the Western Roman Empire, Italia! discovers one of the many reasons to visit Emilia-Romagna’s artistically rich city Ravenna, which boasts eight UNESCO world heritage sites. Of the many attractions that draw visitors to Emilia-Romagna’s Ravenna, the over-whelming Byzantine heritage is among the most alluring. Ravenna was the capital of the Western […]
Inspiring walks, stunning scenery and delicious food are just a few of the pleasures the Cinque Terre has to offer. Sarah Lane revisits one of her favourite locations in Italy The northwest coast is home to five idyllic villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. Collectively known as the Cinque Terre, the cluster of […]