Italy

Not many countries are steeped in as much visible history as Italy; the whole country can feel like a museum at times. This is the land of the Romans, of the popes, and of mind-blowing architecture. Experience history overload.

The Ancient Roman Forum in Rome is definitely one of my favorite places in Italy.

The area now known as Italy was home to several ancient civilizations, but most important among them were the Romans. Coming from central Italy to govern much of Europe and North Africa, these people built an empire that lasted half a millennium.

After the Romans were overthrown by Germanic tribes from the North, Italy became the seat of power for the Holy Roman Empire and the massive Roman Catholic Church. Churches dominate skylines across the country.

The peninsula remained divided for some time, until 1871 when all areas on the peninsula came together as the Kingdom of Italy. After two World Wars and the dictatorship of Benito Mussolini, Italy became and remains a democracy. It opens its doors to the world’s tourists in spectacular fashion.

Where I Have Wandered

Check out the places in Italy I have been and other places I recommend to people traveling to Italy.

City Travel Guides

Rome

Florence

Naples

Venice

Verona

Travel Tips

Not so expensive as other countries in Europe but beware of pickpockets.

Enjoy the local fare. A decent meal does not have to cost a fortune. The further you go from the famous landmarks, the cheaper the food will get.

Southern Italy is cheaper than Northern Italy. For a cheap holiday, try Naples and Southern Italy. Even cheaper, try Sicily.

Hostels and inns are inexpensive and can be rather pleasant. Compare prices and staying at a guesthouse or inn can sometimes be only a few Euros more a night more than a hostel.

Travel by train. Train ticket prices are based on distance, but if you book a month or more ahead of time, even a nice Eurostar train can be affordable.

Take day trips to nearby cities. Trains go almost everywhere in Italy. You can visit scenic small towns away from those busy cities with relative ease. Even better, stop at smaller city on way to a different destination. Most train stations have inexpensive safe luggage storage, but make sure you have your passport, ID required.

These water fountains will become your best friend during your visit to Italy. If they are running, it’s free potable water. Some are always running, while some have a button on the spout (beware, of high water pressure in these). You can find them in many historic centers of cities across Italy.

 

 

Check out these posts on Italy!


Viaggio Italiano: Wandering Taormina

Explorations of an adorable city high above the Mediterranean Sea. Continue reading

Wandering Mantua

Piazza Sordello. Mantua, Italy

Explorations of a lovely Northern Italian city full of wonderful palaces and churches. Continue reading

The Catacombs of Naples

Catacombs of San Gennaro. Naples, Italy

They are grisly, dark and awesome! Check out the Catacombs of Naples! Continue reading

Wandering Ravenna

Ravenna, Italy

Explorations of a city full of the most wonderful mosaics ever. Seriously, they are awesome. Continue reading

Emperor Nero’s Villa

Villa Poppaea, Oplontis, Italy

Explore a villa once owned by one of Ancient Rome’s most infamous emperors. Continue reading

Wandering Rome: the Vatican

St. Peter's Basilica. Vatican

Explore the immense beauty of Vatican City. Continue reading

Wandering Rome: the Museums

Capitoline Museums, Rome, Italy

Explorations of my favorite city in the world’s museums.  Continue reading

Wandering Rome: the Churches

Santa Maria in Aracoeli. Rome, Italy

Rome is famous for its churches. These are only a few of many you need to visit.  Continue reading

Genoa’s Staglieno Cemetery

Tomb. Cimitero Monumentale di Staglieno. Genoa (Genova), Italy

Life-like statues and huge mausoleums, check out the amazing Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno.  Continue reading

Wandering Rome: the Streets

The Tiber River . Rome, Italy.

Wander the narrow, winding streets of Rome.  Continue reading

Wandering Rome: the Ancient City

Roman Forum. Rome, Italy.

Rome is full of ruins from its ancient past. Come explore them with me.  Continue reading

Wandering Pisa: More Than Just a Tower

Santa Maria Assunta, Leaning Tower. Pisa, Italy.

There is much more to this Tuscan city than its Leaning Tower.  Continue reading

Wandering Verona

River Adige and the Ponte Pietra. Verona, Italy.

Explorations of a delightful city in Northern Italy that has been around since Ancient Rome. Continue reading

Baths of Caracalla

The expansive frigidarium at the Baths of Caracalla.

Take a dip into the past at Rome’s ancient Baths of Caracalla, where Ancient Romans got naked, clean, and well-read. Continue reading

Wandering San Gimignano

Piazza della Cisterna, San Gimignano, Italy.

Explorations of a small medieval town in the foothills of Tuscany. Continue reading

Villa San Marco: A Roman Mega-Mansion

Villa of San Marco, atrium

In the suburbs of Naples, Italy, lies one of the largest preserved mansions of the ancient world and it’s absolutely huge. Continue reading

Why Cemeteries Rock

Welford Road Cemetery in Leicester, England.

Why does one history buff love cemeteries so much? Trust me, it’s not creepy. Continue reading