Have you ever heard of pinterest? If not, you’re missing out on some serious fun. I use pinterest for all sorts of fun things, and recently I have used it for rummaging through some travel sights and I decided to type in, “Italy,” in the search bar and all these gorgeous photos came up, so today I will be gracing you with beautiful photos and new travel spots to hit up if you are ever lucky enough to go to Italy. All these captions that go along with the photo’s come from pinterest and I have included a link if you are interested in seeing more. Happy pinning!!
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany, Italy. …. There are places in this beautiful world that call to us… They tell us to “Come Home”.. Where when we are there, we know deep in the oceans of our hearts and souls that we are in-fact “Home”. This place is magic to me.. i know One day Fate will see to bring me Home.. All in time
Capri, Italy
Faraglioni di Capri, Italy
Lake Como, Italy
Stairway Bellagio • Lake Como, Italy. Lake Como, is a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany Italy. Every picture I see is breath taking. I must go some day. So yes it’s on my bucket list.
My name is Megan Fowle. I am a junior at Gettysburg College, and I am a history major with a minor in education. Eventually, I hope to attend grad school to study library science. This semester, I am studying at the Syracuse University of Florence.
Firenze! — at Forte Belvedere. Photo Credit: Megan Fowle
1.Where have you been in Italy?
I am living in Florence, so I have been all around the city, but I have also traveled to Ravenna, Assisi, Sienna, San Gimignano, Pisa, Venice, Perugia, and Rome.
2.What’s it like?
Wow, I can barely begin to describe how awesome it is. At first, it was a little scary. I had taken Italian, but I would always be a little nervous when I had to use it in a real situation. I am living with a host mom, and that is one of the greatest experiences. It really gives me a chance to practice my Italian, and to get a better understanding of the culture, more so than if I was in an apartment. Now that I have been here for three months, the city is definitely beginning to feel like home. It was weird when I realized that, because I had been traveling over fall break for ten days, and I came back to Florence, and realized that I had really missed it, and that it felt like I was coming home.
3. Favorite place in Italy?
My favorite place in Italy is definitely Florence. That is the city that I have seen the most of, obviously, but I really love the feel of it.
Skyline! — at Venice Biennale, Giardini-Arsenale. Photo Credit: Megan Fowle
4. Least favorite?
My least favorite that I have seen was probably Venice. When we went, it was raining and the square was flooded (which was a little cool, but kind of a nuisance after a while.) Also, the only way to really get around is the vaporetto (watertaxi), and it is super crowded. Plus, a gondola ride is actually around 70 euro, so we did not get to do that. (Sorry that sounded like a rant, Venice is beautiful, just not everything I thought it was going to be. )
Colosseum at Night Photo Credit: Megan Fowle
5. What have you been doing over the semester in Italy?
I am taking classes at the Syracuse University of Florence. Aside from studying, I have been traveling a lot. Our school has free weekend trips to all of those towns that I mentioned earlier. If there is no weekend trip, I have been trying to see as much of Florence as possible. During the week, I have class, but the school offers a lot of other activities that I have been taking part in. There are cooking classes, and those are definitely my favorite extra activity that I have taken part in.
Gnocchi Photo Credit: Megan Fowle
6. Favorite thing that you’ve eaten?
My favorite thing that I have eaten is definitely gnocchi. It is potato pasta. I learned how to make it at one of the cooking classes, and it is relatively easy to make. I also have a great love for balsamic vinegar. Italians put that, and olive oil, on everything!
Sunset at the Roman Forum Photo Credit: Megan Fowle
7. Most amazing thing that you’ve seen?
Wow, there have been so many, it is going to be hard to choose one! I think that the most amazing thing I have seen was when I was in Rome, and I watched the sunset over the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. It was absolutely beautiful!
Ever wanted to go see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or how about the Piazza dei Miracoli? Would you like to go see The Fountain with Angels? Or maybe a trip to The Cathedral is more your style? All these can be discovered in this blog. Enjoy!
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Leaning Tower of Pisa: The construction of this imposing mass was started in the year 1174 by Bonanno Pisano.When the tower had reached its third storey the works ceased because it had started sinking into the ground. The tower remained thus for 90 years. It was completed by Giovanni di Simone, Tommano Simone (son of Andreo Pisano), crowned the tower with the belfry at half of 14th century. The top of the Leaning Tower can be reached by mounting the 294 steps which rise in the form of a spiral on the inner side of the tower walls.
Piazza dei Miracoli
Piazza dei Miracoli: The monuments which transform a common name of square into the “Piazza dei Miracoli” are: the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Bell or Leaning Tower and the Monumental Churchyard. A combination of works of architecture and sculpture which rise stately and austere, but at the same time refined and full of charm, placed around a wide tender green lawn. It is in this natural simplicity that the white marbles, so highly worked and rendered precious by human genius, have found a perfect setting. In the evening the sight is perhaps even more beautiful because as the sun sets a dim and soft illumination substitutes its light, rendering the play of lights more suggestive and penetrating.
La Fontana dei putti
The Fountain With Angels: The origin of this beautiful piece of art from 17th century is simple – a source of water for Pisan citizens… In 18th century, during era of Operatio Quarantotti, was simple fountain rebuilt and equipped by marble Baroque sculpture of three angels sculpted by Flaminio Vacca.
The Cathedral in Pisa, Italy
The Cathedral: This grandiose masterpiece of Romanesque – Pisa Style was started in the year 1063 by the great architect Buschetto. It is therefore, the first work undertaken in the spot that became later the “Piazza dei Miracoli“. It was possible because of the enormous wealth amassed by the powerful Sea Republic which at that time Pisa was, particularly after a successful excursion on Palermo. The Cathedral, designed in Latin-Cruciform, basically has a romanesque architectural style, but at the same time interprets and absorbs elements of various styles, forming thus a unique style which has something of sublime. The Cathedral was adorned through the years with numerous works of art.Giovanni Pisano is certainly the artist who excels in these works, especially because he has given us the famous, extremely rich and ingenious Pergamo (Pulpit).
My favorite part when it comes to being Italian is that I get to say that I am Italian. It’s a pride thing I guess. Part of our homework assignment when it came to the blogs was to include quotes from people regarding our topic and how lucky am I to be able to use my family this time for my blog? I asked my mother, and my grandfather what their favorite part of their trip(s) to Italy were and this is what they had to say:
I’ll start off with myself:
When it came to my trip to Italy, I would have to say that my favorite part was Venice. I loved the water view and the people and I couldn’t get enough of how many pigeons there were in St. Marks Square. You could buy corn before it was cooked and feed it to them and they would all waddle up and eat right from your hands. It’s not sanitary in the least bit but it was fun. I also loved the Venician masks that we saw when we walked from shop to shop. My grandparents bought one and it hangs in their dining room with all the other photos from Italy. Oh! And did I mention the painters by the water? Their creations were perfect and depicted Italy beautifully. And let’s not forget the gorgeous accents of the people. Someday I will learn Italian.
Mom:
I am most certainly my mothers child because when I asked mom what her favorite part was, she said, “Venice, The Food, the people, and the scenery.” And she wont admit this but when we traveled to the lake regions, she cried at the beautiful landscapes and mountains. I guess Italy does that to people.
My Grandfather:
Venice, Italy
A frequent Italian traveler, and also a traveler of Sicily, when asked what his favorite part of all the trips that he had ever taken to Italy, he responded with, “Aside from the stunning views and landscapes, the local cuisine would have to be my favorite part.” I asked him what he meant by cuisine and he said, “I love the regional wines.” And let me just say this, not a let down when it comes to Wine. While I might have only been 13 (legal in Europe to drink at that age), I am pretty certain that it tasted delicious. (Red wine that is).
One of my most favorite spots in Italy was Venice. I felt strangely at home there and I loved the water view and the friendliness of all the people. You see painters set up next to the water creating masterpieces and everyone is walking while eating some of the yummiest food. Granted, I’m partial to the food because I’m Italian and it’s my favorite thing to eat. And if you’ve never had gelato before, you have to make that a priority.
I’d like to take a walk through Venice and some of the things it’s most famous for. So lets dive right into it!
St. Mark’s Square
St. Marks Square
-Called “the drawing room of Europe,” the Piazza was long the symbolic heart of Venice. These days it’s overcrowded with tourists and pigeons, but still magnificent, and it could take days to explore the sights: The Basilica San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, the bell tower, the clock tower, the Correr Museum, and more.
Gondola Tour
-Touristy, overpriced, and the singers belt out songs from Naples for an extra fee, but you’ll see Venice as it was meant to be seen—from the water. Tip: Avoid the jam-packed gondola points by St. Mark’s in favor of less-crowded spots like San Tomà. Ask for a trip through back canals rather than the Grand Canal, which you can see by vaporetto
Academia Gallery
-Grand museum of Venetian masters from the 14th to 18th century, with works from Bellini, Tintoretto, and Titian; includes Veronese’s “Feast in the House of Levi” (intended to be a “Last Supper,” but when the Inquisition objected to its realistic details, Veronese changed the name). Tip: Entry to the Quadreria is by advance reservation only
Rialto Markets
-Cross the famous 16th-century bridge and walk to the centuries-old open-air fish and produce markets; nearby meat, cheese, and specialty-food shops attract gourmands. Fish market is closed on Sundays and Mondays; produce market closed on Sundays. Afterward, take a traghetto (gondola ferry) across the Grand Canal for 50 cents; locals stand, but sit if you feel unsteady. Tip: Don’t handle the produce or you’ll risk a scolding; vendors select and bag it for you.
San Giorgio Maggiore
-The island opposite St. Mark’s Square offers breathtaking views (bell tower vista is incredible, with no lines); Palladian church contains Tintoretto’s “Last Supper;”
Ever want to just go shopping for hours on the Ponte Vecchio? Have you ever dreamed of seeing the famous statue of David created by Michelangelo? Are you longing to see The Giotto’s Bell Tower? Or how about The Dome of Brunelleschi? If you answered YES to all these questions, then it’s time you go to Florence, Italy where all of your wishes and dreams can come true.
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio, the oldest of Florence’s six bridges, is one of the city’s best known images. Probably going back to Roman times with its stone pillars and wooden planks; it was built in stone but then newly destroyed by a flood in 1333. And in case you were wondering, Ponte Vecchio means “Old Bridge.” The five arches became three and the main part was widened. The shops, housed under the porticos, first belonged to the Commune which then they were rented out. But later, towards the 15th century, they were sold to private owners; raised parts and external terraces, extending towards the river and altering the original architecture in an anarchical, suggestive way.
Giotto’s Bell Tower
Giotto’s activity as an architect is documented not just in Lives by Vasari(where he is called a sculptor and architect) but especially for the assignment he was given in 1334 as magister and gubernator of the Florence Cathedral factory. This interest is also shown by the care and attention he always placed on defining architectural space in painting. Giotto is also attributed the construction of the Scrovegni Chapel, in Padua, where we can find many similarities in buildings painted by the artist. And still, perhaps, as magister, Giotto built the Bridge of the Carraia, opened in 1337 and which has now disappeared, appreciated for its structural simplicity and advanced technique.
Brunelleschi’s Dome
The figure of Brunelleschi was in tune with this new world. He perfectly incarnated the figure of the Renaissance man, free, intelligent and trusting in the strength of his ideas. He was the son of a wealthy Florentine Notary and had been educated in a liberal manner; from boyhood on wards he’d shown interest in sculpture, mechanics and mathematics. To him we owe the study of the linear prospective which up until him, had already been used, but without precise rules of reference. The building of the dome on Florence cathedral, by Filippo Brunelleschi, can be considered one of the Renaissance’s main building enterprises. The highest expression of a new attitude, placing man and his abilities at the centre of the world and finding in classic antiquity the premises for cultural rebirth after the dark Middle Ages.
Michelangelo’s David
In Autumn 1504 the people of Florence witnessed an exceptional event: after four days travelling round the city, transported with the care and attention normally reserved for great events, inside a wooden cage running on greased beams,Michelangelo’s David finally reached its destination, the Piazza della Signoria– and was immediately celebrated as one of the greatest masterpieces of the Renaissance. When he created his David, Michelangelo was not even thirty, but had already produced works of great value such as the Tondo Doni which can be found in the Uffizi today. His David was so successful that he was called back to Rome by the Pope himself, Giulio II, for whom he would then paint the famous Sistine Chapel.
I can’t quite grasp why my readers love the music posts so much, but I figured since they seem to be wanted all the time, that I would post a few more songs for you all. I hope you enjoy. I promise, next blog will be legitimate.
I wasn’t quite sure what to write about this time for my blog, but I decided that, since it’s November, that I might blog about what goes on in Italy during this time of the month. Plus, we are nearing the holidays and I think that my blogs might be in need of some holiday spirit.
November 1 – All Saints Day. On this public holiday, Italians remember their deceased loved ones by visiting graves and cemeteries. This solemn occasion sees many Romans visiting churches and even visiting Rome’s catacombs. You may find that churches not usually open are open on All Saints Day. All Souls Day, November 2, is not a public holiday but Italians bring flowers to the cemeteries on this day, too.
Rome Jazz Festival – most of November. Concerts are held in the Auditorium Parco della Musica. Rome Jazz Fest web site
Roma Europa Festival – most of November. Program includes concerts and dance and theater performances. Romaeuropa web site
Early to Mid November – International Rome Film Festival. A young festival as far as international film festivals go, the International Rome Film Festivaltakes place at the Auditorium Parco della Musica. Past guests of the festival have included big name Hollywood players, such as Wes Anderson, Jonathan Demme, and Martin Scorcese, as well as many other Italian and foreign directors and actors.
November 22 – Feast of Saint Cecilia (Santa Cecilia). The saint’s feast day is celebrated at Santa Cecilia in Trastevere as well as at the Catacombs of San Callisto.
I want to apologize to my readers for falling a bit behind on the blogs recently…I took a trip to New Orleans for a few day to attend the CMA Media Conference and let me just say, that was the most fun I have ever had.
I decided that today’s topics of, “movies” was one that I should probably cover at some point. I know in my past blogs, I had given blurbs of both The Godfather and Gladiator, but I thought I would give you a bit more than just those two this time.
This movie not only takes place is New York City, but in Sicily as well. The story moves back and forth between the city and the country they are from. This thriller shows the story of a mafia family.
Popularly viewed as one of the best American films ever made, the multi-generational crime saga The Godfather is a touchstone of cinema: one of the most widely imitated, quoted, and lampooned movies of all time. Marlon Brando and Al Pacino star as Vito Corleone and his youngest son, Michael, respectively. It is the late 1940s in New York and Corleone is, in the parlance of organized crime, a “godfather” or “don,” the head of a Mafia family. (Taken from Rotten Tomatoes)
A writer impulsively buys a villa in Tuscany in order to change her life.
A woman starts her life over with a new home in a new land in this romantic comedy drama . Frances (Diane Lane) is a writer in her mid-’30s who feels emotionally derailed after her divorce. Unhappy and unable to write, she isn’t sure what to do with her life, and her best friend Patti (Sandra Oh) decides she needs some time away from her problems. With that in mind, Patti gives Frances a ticket for a two-week tour of the Tuscany region of Italy; while there, Frances finds a dilapidated old villa (Taken From Rotten Tomatoes)
When the now famous “star crossed lovers” of two enemy families meet, forbidden love ensues.
The essence of Shakespeare’s timeless love story, this is one of the signature works of The Royal Ballet. Memorable moments show the principals at their best in a production that extravagantly evokes the contrasts of its Renaissance setting, from crowded fight scenes in bustling public places to the intimate moments the lovers share. (Taken from Rotten Tomatoes)
Verona, Italy ~ Balcony Scene
**Just to point out, the balcony scene that takes place in Italy is one of the most renown places to visit. It takes place in Verona, Italy**
I got to thinking that today I was going to share with you another part of Italy that isn’t necessarily Italy itself. Italy is located off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and below Italy is a small island known as Sicily. With the population being
Sicily Map
over 5.04 million people, it’s one of the larger Italian islands.
Italy is home to nine provinces;
1.) Trapani 4.) Palermo 7.)Messina
2.)Agrigento 5.) Caltanissetta 8.) Catania
3.) Ragusa 6.) Enna 9.) Siracusa
Most people travel to Italy to see the magnificent Colosseum or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but if you travel to Sicily, you can expect to see Mount Etna, being the tallest active volcano in Europe, having last erupted in 2011. You can also expect to see some of the clearest blue water with the whitest of white sand.
The island is known for its rugged, volcanic topography, history, culture and architecture. Sicily has long been noted for its fertile soil, pleasant climate, and natural beauty. It has a long, hot growing season, but summer droughts are frequent. Agriculture is the chief economic activity but has long been hampered by absentee ownership, primitive methods of cultivation, and inadequate irrigation.
Sicily is also known for their exquisite cuisine and their excellent espresso. And yes, Sicily is known and remembered for a high corruption of Mafia takeovers. Ever seen the Godfather? It takes place in Sicily.
The idea behind today’s blog was to explore the world of Sicily in a quick and efficient way. And I guess if you all haven’t picked up on this, my family is from Italy and actually, my grandfather’s side of the family is from Sicily, and that’s what inspired today’s blog topic.
Of The Italian Life 