Castle of San Angelo and the bridge, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

Sightseeing

There will never be a shortage of places to go or see when visiting the city. Rome is a living and breathing tourist attraction. An old fountain or historic church will always be there to welcome any first time visitor. Thousands of years of history have filled the city with some of the world’s most beautiful structures. A simple glimpse of these places is enough to transport anyone to another time in history. The Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Pantheon and Spanish Steps are just some of the must-see places to visit. Creating a travel plan with each of these places location in mind helps minimize travel time and lets you cover more places. Hiring a tourist guide for example helps you

Shopping

Italy is known for its designers, whether it’s the latest car design or the latest fashion trends from Milan, shoppers will find Rome to be a haven. Looking for a Bargain? Then visiting the Spanish steps or centro storico will give you a glimpse of some of the country’s biggest and upcoming names in fashion.

Weekday shopping hours are from 3:30 to 7:30 pm and 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM during weekends. Italians also take their coffee breaks seriously so be ready to wait for a few minutes in the afternoon. There are also avenues in the city lined with shops selling high-fashion brand names at discount prices. Talking to a local could help you get the best bargains and inside scoop for the city’s hidden treasures.

There are also a number of flea markets for buying souvenirs. Porta Portese in Trastevere is one of the most popular hunting grounds in the city. You could also give Testaccio’s food market or Campo de’ Fiori to get a better look into what the city has to offer.

Museums

The Vatican Museum is home to the world’s most beautiful art pieces. Located at the northwest corner of the city, it showcases works by some of the best Italian artists like Raphael, Caravaggio and Michelangelo. Other notable museums to visit include the Capitoline Museum, Musei Vaticani and Galleria Borghese. The Vatican requires a dress code for visitors entering the Sistine Chapel, Basilica di San Pietro and Musei Vaticani. Be ready to allocate some of your touring day’s for visiting these museums and arrange your travel plans accordingly.

St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican / Photo by admin

Entertainment

The city is not only home to art pieces from the past but also hosts some of the best performing artists in the world. Rome by day is a sight to behold and could only be rivaled by its nightlife. There is always something for everybody. Restaurants and cafes lining the city’s streets will be a perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway. Theatres are some of the best in Europe. The Auditorium-Parco della Musica is a large venue that regularly shows live performances. Trendy bars and night clubs give visitors some of Europe’s best nightlife scenes.

This is an article by Suzzane who works for Rome Apartments.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Iain and Sarah

The Romans called it Arx-Arcis (high fortress), the Arabs renamed it to Medina-Arkos. And it was just Arab civilization that created an unmistakable appearance of the village. At this time Arcos became very important and prosperous town. In the 19th century there were a number of policy changes. Arcos was also a home to José I Bonaparte for some time. Today the village is a very important breeding cattle and agricultural centre. It has a strong aroma of olive trees, orange trees and fruit orchards.

The historic center of Arcos is really rich in monuments. One of the most important ones is Basilica de Santa María de la Asunción which is the oldest in Arcos. It was built at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries on the ruins of Arab mosque. A visit will costs you €1.50.

Another interesting sight is Torre de Santa Maria. This tower offers a really wonderful view of the city and its surroundings. It is a place where you can find the ancient bells of the 15th century, which are valued as the most beautiful in Andalucia. The tower is opened every day from 10:30 to 18:30.

The village has also the castle Castillo de Arcos that served as the fortress during the Arab period, although its appearance looks more like it was from the 15th century.

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The Pantheon is the resting place of Italian kings – Vittorio Emanuele II. and Umberto I. The Pantheon is marked as ingenious construction. In the middle of the dome of the Pantheon there is a giant circular opening through – thanks to its unique architecture – never rains inside the building. This opening serves as a sundial, and every noon sun shines on the front door of Pantheon.

Pantheon has, from architectural point of view, really very interesting ceiling. Elements of this architecture appear in the Vatican museums, and also in the St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

On the building facade you can see the same inscription as had the original building from 27BC: “M•AGRIPPA•L•F•COS•TERTIVM•FECIT” which means “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, Consul for the third time, built this”. Pantheon has survived for centuries until today, and now it is the best preserved Roman building, plus permanent used.

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Town hall and Place Jean Jaures, Tours, France by Tango7174

City of Tours was established during The Hundred Years’ War, between the years of 1337 and 1453. At that time, the three smaller cities were merged into one and such created the present Tours. Already in Gallic-Roman period Tours was an important city and in the Middle Ages it became rich. It gained fame mainly due to the famous tomb of the bishop of St. Martin, who is now buried in the crypt of the new basilica. The city flourished during the Renaissance as well, at that time, thanks to the silks, jewellery and weapons. But after that the city became to fall followed by several centuries of decline, which was completed by the devastation of the World War II, during which the city of Tours became a temporary capital of France (10–13 June 1940). At that time the city suffered great losses and only a few relics remained standing undamaged. However, those sights still show the original shine and glance, which had the city at the peak of its fame during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Best part of the city of Tours is its quarter of Saint-Julien spread along the river. It is full of trendy restaurants and antique shops. It is good to start your tour at the busy quarter of Place Plumereau, which is lined with cafes and restored half-timbered buildings. Nearby is the Hotel Gouin – a Renaissance building that now houses the Musée de l’Hôtel de Gouin, which exhibits art and archaeological collections.

Tours Cathedral, France by Dave Hamster

Through the Pont Wilson from 1978, which is a true copy of the original stone bridge of 18th century, you can get to the former Abbey of Saint-Julien. The facility now serves to the wine museum – Musee des Vins de Touraine. Also charming is Musée du Compagnonmage located next to it. This museum is dedicated to the history of craft guilds and trade.

Recently renovated Cathedral of St.-Gatien dominates the skyline of the city. The tower rises to a height of 87 meters, and overlooks the Old City. It was built in the period from 13th to 16th century and is an excellent example of the development of Gothic architecture. Its very complicated façade combines several architectural styles that were typical for the particular century at the time of its construction. The interior of the cathedral is built in the late Gothic style.

Tours is generally quiet and peaceful town but offers everything you can expect from your relaxing and truly French holidays.

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While Emperor Constantine had given the area to Pope Miltiades back in 313 A.D., the establishment of the city did not occur until 1929 with the signing of the Lateran Treaty. The area which today comprises of the Vatican City has been the home of the popes since 1377. Previously, the popes had lived in Avignon.

St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City / Photo by admin

The Mediterranean climate means that during the summer months, the weather is dry and hot around the Vatican City. In the winter months however, there is a regular presence of rain. Because of the size of the St Peter’s Basilica, a hazy mist regularly forms around the city throughout the year.

Situated along the western banks of the Tiber River, the first walls built around the Vatican City were done so by order of Leo IV between 847 and 855. However, these walls would later be expanded in 1534 by Paul III, again in 1559 by Pius IV. The current fortified walls surrounding the Vatican City were built between 1623 and 1644 by order of Urban VIII.

Today, a white line runs through the middle of St. Peter’s Square which is used to distinguish the Vatican City borders with Rome. There are also a number of other famous landmarks in Rome which are designated as part of the Holy See, but are not part of the Vatican City; the most notable of which is the Castel Gandolfo and several major basilicas which are scattered throughout the city of Rome.

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Palm trees in Elche, Costa Blanca, Spain / Photo by Claire (Europe Explored)

A lot of time and effort had been put into the development and maintenance of the city of Elche. Each and every single road that meanders its way through the city is lined with some of the most well Palm trees imaginable. As a result of the countless palm trees which can be found throughout the city, the city of Elche has been dubbed the Capital of Palm Trees.

Of course this title got also thanks to the Palmeral of Elche Orchard Grove which is home to more than 200,000 palm trees. It is interesting to point out that the Palm Grove of Elche is now a UNESCO world heritage site.

Basilica of Santa María de Elche, Spain / Photo by Claire (Europe Explored)

The city itself played an important part in the history of Spain. It was here, back in 1897 when the Dama de Elche was first discovered in the region. The statue itself can now be seen at the National Archaeological Museum which is found in Madrid. There are also a number of other important, and very significant monuments and attractions that can be found in and around the city.

Perhaps the biggest attraction to the city of Elche is that of the Altamira Castle which can be found right next to the Municipal Park. Both the Castle and the municipal Park are also part of the Palm Grove of Elche and was built back in the 12th and 13th centuries during the times of Almohad. It was also renovated back in the 15th century and also served as a fabric plant during the start of the 1900s. And while it had once been the town hall, as well as a prison, today the Castle serves as the Elche Archaeological and History Museum.

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