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Ravenna – the capital city of the Western Roman Empire from 402 till 476, Italy

Claire — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 11:34:49 +0000

Back during the 5th century, the ancient city of Ravenna was made the capital of what has become known as the West Roman Empire. Today, the city is home to 8 major UNESCO heritage sites that date back to the 5th century. Long before it existed as a city, the area where Ravenna sits today was nothing more than a lagoon with canals spreading throughout the region. The lagoon and canals were filled in and city of Ravenna was soon realized.

Piazza del Popolo, Ravenna, Italy by freshcreator

The most popular attraction in the city is the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia which is the resting place of Emperor Theodosius I’s daughter, Aelia Galla Placidia. The mosaics found within the mausoleum date back to the 5th century and today are considered some of the most well-preserved in the world.

Back when the city was first being developed, by Bishop Ursus was built a mammoth basilica in Ravenna. Most of the basilica was destroyed back in 1734 and the only part that remains today is the Battistero degli Ortodossi. You will also find nearby, the Battistero degli Ariani which has an amazing mosaic of the baptism of Christ.

There are many other popular structures in Ravenna that have been built over the centuries. While not dating back to the 5th century, many of these sites have none the less been well preserved over the years. There is the ancient Palatine church of Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo which features mosaics that depicts both Christian and Arian beliefs. The Basilica di San Vitale was built back in the 6th century which is also another very popular attraction in Ravenna.

You will also find the Dante Museum in Ravenna which is dedicated to the world renowned author, Dante Alighieri. Known for having been banished from Florence because of authoring the Divine Comedy, Dante spent the remainder of his life in Ravenna where he died in 1789.

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Trento – traditions of Alpine countries, Italy

Claire — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 05:02:46 +0000

The city of Trento can be found along the bank of the Adige River. Known as the educational center in Northern Italy, the city of Trento is home to several top colleges and universities. The University of Trento is one of the top 30 in all of Europe.

Trento, Italy by Matteo Ianeselli

The glacial Adige River valley where the city is situated is in the foothills of the Alps. It is here that the Avisio and Fersina rivers merge with the Adige River. Fed by the glaciers of the Alps, the Adige River is considered to be the second longest in the country. Mountain tops dominate the skyline in all directions around Trento; some of which tower more than 2,100 meters above sea level.

While Trento was the historical home of the Council of Trent back in the 16th century, today it still plays an important role in Italian politics. The busting city of Trento is considered to be one of the wealthiest in the entire country.

While the tourism industry has not been an important part of the Trento economy, the city none the less offers many fine monuments and attractions that make visiting it worthwhile. The parts of the walls that once surrounded the medieval city are still standing today along with one of the towers that had once protected the city.

Today, the biggest attraction in Trento is the Castello del Buonconsiglio which is also home to the city’s main museum. Just outside of the castle you will find the Piazza Fiera. There are also several other plazas in the city. Many people make their way to the Duomo Cathedral which dates back to the 12th century and features an underground crypt which is currently open to the public. There are several other churches in Trento which were built back in the 12th and 13th centuries.

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Lago Maggiore – beauty on the shores of lake, Italy

Claire — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 04:24:26 +0000

While known only as the second largest Italian lake, Lake Maggiore is none the less the most infamous lakes in the country. Situated along the southern foothills of the Alps, Lake Maggiore almost completely covers the 70 kilometre distance between the cities of Arona and Locarno. The lake is 68 kilometres long and is three to five kilometres wide. However, at the natural bay between Stresa and Pallanza, Lake Maggiore is almost ten kilometres wide.

Lago Maggiore, Italy by Falk Lademann

While Lake Maggiore is situated more than 193 meters above sea level, the lake is very deep with some points of the lake bed exceeding 179 meters below sea level. The basin of the lake is said to have been formed by a mix of both glacial and tectonic means. There are many rivers that flow into Lake Maggiore and even more rivers that flow out of the lake.

The weather surrounding the giant lake is traditionally very mild all year long. Since Lake Maggiore is so large, it creates a micro-climate that is entirely unique to the region. During the summer months, the temperature of the lake generally helps to keep the region cooler than the surrounding areas. At the same time, during the winter months, the lake helps to warm the surrounding areas.

Isola dei Pescatori, Lago Maggiore, Italy by kkmarais

Every year, millions of people make their way to the shores of Lake Maggiore. There are countless hot spots located all around the shorelines of the lake. You will even find the Borromean Islands in the western portion of the lake. The Borromean Islands are a very popular tourist attraction which features some of the finest gardens in the region. Countless people make their way to these privately owned islands every summer. From rest and relaxation to some of the most popular of water sports, there is so much to see and do around Lake Maggiore.

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