Archaeological Area of Agrigento

Nov 15 2018

Category: Travel Tips Author: Alexander Wagner

Archaeological Area of Agrigento, UNESCO

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Numerous peoples and nations left their traces in Italy over the course of centuries and millennia. Both the mainland and the island evoke the memories of former world powers and great regents. In pre-Christian times Sicily mainly served as a Greek colony. The Hellenes built numerous cities, enormous temples and monuments, some of which even survived Punic and Roman conquests. What is likely the island’s most important archaeological area was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. It is situated in Agrigento, south of today’s town centre, and illustrates the erstwhile Greek glory particularly impressively. If you’re interested in history, you absolutely must visit the Valley of the Temples!

Akragas and the Valley of the Temples through the ages

Agrigento’s archaeological world heritage site mostly covers the old Greek city Akragas. It was founded during the second wave of Greek colonisation around 582 BC and quickly became the second most important polis on Sicily behind Syracuse. Located on an elevated plateau, Akragas provided excellent defensive options thanks to the steeply sloping terrain and several rivers. Massive city walls would prove to be an unbreachable obstacle for centuries. Being well-protected against enemy troops allowed its rulers to gradually strengthen and expand the polis. Several temples and an acropolis were built, the walls were extended.

Several conflicts later the Romans had destroyed Akragas around 261 BC, just before Carthaginian conquests began. Having finally been taken over completely by the Roman Empire and re-named Agrigentum, the city once again prospered before being largely abandoned and left to deteriorate after Vandal raids. German authors Goethe and Seume would rediscover the area documenting their experiences in their travel diaries. This inspired extensive archaeological excavations in the 19th century. Nowadays, the Valley of the Temples mostly struggles with the slow decay of the ancient building material limestone as well as some areas having been declared building land that even saw some illegal construction work throughout the valley.

Characteristics of the temples

Archaeological Area of Agrigento

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But what is it that makes the temples in the Archaeological Area of Agrigento different than comparable monuments of ancient Greek architecture? On the one hand, there’s the building material. While you mostly find marble architectures in and around Athens itself, Agrigento relied on limestone that was found in the nearby Akragas river valley. A layer of stucco gives it that marble look. In addition, the temples followed front-accentuating layouts, as the wide perron and the sacrificial altar, where ceremonies with animal sacrifices took place, show you. The Olympeion, however, is a bit different, as it displays Carthaginian elements, such as pillars (instead of columns). It was built after a victory of the Greek over the Carthaginians.

A walk through the Valley of the Temples

The Archaeological and Landscape Park of the Valley of the Temples unites the most important remains of Greek settlements along the southern city walls as well as some sanctuaries dating back to even earlier times. Don’t let the name confuse you – this isn’t really a valley, but more of an elevated plateau. Enough talk, let us introduce you to some of the park highlights you absolutely must see during your guided tour:

  • Olympeion: Having defeated the Carthaginians in the Battle of Himera around 480 BC, the tyrant Theron ordered construction of the Temple of the Olympian Zeus. Carthaginian architectural elements were employed to symbolise Greek superiority. The Olympeion was the third-largest temple in all of ancient Greece ever. Only a few ruins of the walls and pillars were left after the colony had been conquered by the Carthaginians. Oh, the irony.
  • City walls: The walls at the south side were carved from the rock. You can see Byzantine-era sepulchres at the inner face.
  • Temple of Heracles: Likely built in the 5th century BC, this temple rests on a three-step fundament. Its ruins are spread across the entire archaeological area, the columns were re-erected in 1924.
  • Temple of Hera Lacinia: Actually, this temple wasn’t dedicated to Hera – it’s a mix-up, the real divine dedication is unknown today. 25 of what were once 34 pillars now rise into the sky. Some of them stilly carry their capitals and an architrave.
  • Gardens of Kolymbéthra: This valley basin was originally used for water drainage and supply. Silted in later days, it became home to fertile fruit and vegetable gardens. Some of the trees and plants are hundreds of years old. The ancient aqueducts are now used for garden irrigation.
  • Temple of the Dioscuri: Reconstructions of this temple caused tremendous controversy among experts. Its quaint look was rejected to the greatest extent possible as it mashed parts of various stylistic periods together. Still, the temple facilities are certainly worth seeing.
  • Temple of Concordia: Being the polar opposite to the Temple of the Dioscuri, the Temple of Concordia is probably the one truest to its original form in the entire park. It rests on a pedestal that levels out ground unevenness and was used as a Christian basilica until the 17th
  • Early Christian necropolis: Grave sites were installed between the Temple of Concordia and the Temple of Heracles between the 3rd and 9th century AD. Unfortunately, the catacombs below are closed for the public.
  • Sanctuary of the Chthonic Gods: The Greeks worshiped their gods even before Akragas was colonised. The oldest parts of this sanctuary date back to the first half of the 6th century BC.

 

Other structures and sites

Agrigento’s archaeological sites know many other, additional highlights stretching around the Archaeological and Landscape Park. We picked a few of our favourites for you:

  • Poggetto San Nicola: A small hill, Poggetto San Nicola, rises in the heart of the ancient city. You’ll find a small Cistercian church with a Romanesque façade on this lift. The marble reliefs in the side chapel, however, are of Greek origin, The Archaeological Museum unites major findings from Agrigento and its surroundings, such as a Roman child sarcophagus and a telamon from the Olympeion.
  • Temple of Hephaestus: Located just inside the ancient city walls, yet outside the park, this is the youngest of the classic Akragas temples. Sadly, only two pillar ruins survived.
  • Temple of Asclepius: More recent excavations uncovered a complex of buildings around this temple outside the city. According to Cicero, a statue of Apollo was once kept here.
  • Acropolis: Originally, there were two temples – dedicated to Zeus and Athena – on the acropolis, which stretched across two hills. Their ruins remain hidden. Experts believe that the church Santa Maria dei Greci was built on the former site of the Athena temple.

 

Unbowed fascination follows the Archaeological Area of Agrigento to this very day. The mix of old ruins and attempted reconstructions still manages to enchant in a manner that is hard to put into words. In other words, you absolutely have to travel to the Valley of the Temples. Once you’ve set a foot inside this park, you can virtually feel the eventful history of this place. Don’t miss out on this and many other ZAINOO top destination!

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Rock drawings in Valcamonica

Oct 18 2018

Category: Travel Tips Author: Alexander Wagner

Rock drawings in Valcamonica, UNESCO

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The UNESCO established its list of World Heritage Sites by naming the first twelve places in Africa, Europa, North & South America in 1978. Italy got its first World Heritage Site the following year and it is one that takes you on a journey back to days long gone. The first rock drawings in Valcamonica in Lombardy were likely created as early as 8000 BC. Estimates range from 140,000 to over 300,000 of such Mesolithic to Iron Age depictions. Have you already packed your bags for your primeval tour? Great, let’s go!

About Valcamonica

Also known as Val Camonica, this area is a valley, as you might’ve already presumed correctly. To be more precise, it stretches across 70 km in the province of Brescia in Lombardy with the river Oglio running through it. Valcamonica (Latin “Vallis Camunnorium”, which translates to “Valley of the Camunni”) got its name from the Camunni, an Iron Age population and the ancestors of the Camuni, the valley’s current inhabitants.

Several nature and archaeology parks, all of which are closely connected to the rock drawings, aside, you’ll come across fascinating sights from Roman times and the Middle Ages. If you have a bit more time at hand, we recommend a trip to Brena and Cividate Camuno with their Roman ruins, the stunning medieval villages Bienno and Lovere, or the many picturesque churches and castles between mountains and the valley.

The Camunni

Despite only (presumably) populating the valley around the 1st century BC, the influence of the Camunni was significant for the heyday of the rock drawings in Valcamonica. It is likely that the cultural tradition of this people dates even further back to the early Neolithic. According to current evidence, it is believed that there were contacts with the Etruscans and the Celts. Both populations influenced the Camunni greatly. To this day, their name is closely connected to the rock drawings in Valcamonica, as they were responsible for a large number of such carvings.

Sadly, many things about the Camunni remain unknown. They only left very few written words below their drawings that experts cannot decipher properly – it is believed that their language was a mix of Etruscan and Celtic. The Romans conquered the Camunni region during founder-emperor Augustus’ campaign in Raetia and the Alpine arc. The empire granted the people a certain degree of self-government, Roman citizenship soon followed, and the primeval roots slowly began to fall into oblivion.

Characteristics and discovery of the rock drawings

Rock drawings in Valcamonica

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The rock drawings you discover during your tour – best with a guide for amazing insights into the various cultures populating the valley over thousands of years – were likely created over a long period of time. The first carvings were presumably made as early as the Mesolithic around 12000 BC. However, the most commonly found and best-known can be traced back to the Camunni around the 1st century BC.

To this day, the order and depiction of the individual figures poses a riddle. Some show clear hierarchies, other appear to have been carved into stone rather randomly. It is seen as proven, though, that most drawings are ideograms, i.e. depictions standing for an entire concept or idea. They frequently are of ritual and religious nature. Among the most famous rock drawings is the Camunian Rose – a flower-like carving that the region of Lombardy adopted as their official symbol.

First documented discoveries and documentations of these rock drawings date back to 1909, but it took scientists until the 1920s to start large-scale research projects. It wasn’t until after the Second World War that the first books on the civilisation of Valcamonica were published and symposia were held. Achieving UNESCO World Heritage Site status gave the research work another decisive push. More and more rock drawings were discovered and documented. While estimates around 1979 listed around 140,000 drawings, more recent research counts over 300,000.

The rock drawings in Valcamonica through the ages

Today you can see the rock drawings in Valcamonica in the following eight national and archaeological parks:

  • Parco nazionale delle incisioni rupestri di Naquane (Capo di Ponte)
  • Parco archeologico nazionale del Massi di Cemmo (Capo di Ponte)
  • Parco archeologico comunale di Seradina-Bedolina (Capo di Ponte)
  • Parco archeologico di Asinino-Anvòla (Ossimo)
  • Parco comunale delle incisioni rupestri di Luine (Darfo Boario Terme)
  • Parco comunale archeologico e minerario di Sellero
  • Parco archeologico comunale di Sonico
  • Riserva naturale incisioni rupestri di Ceto, Cimbergo e Paspardo

 

By now, six main epochs of rock carvings have been identified:

  • Epipaleolithic: The earliest rock drawings arose around 12,000 years ago and had a predominantly shadowy look. From this era, you’re most likely to see depictions of the Holocene elk, who became extinct around 9500 BC.
  • Neolithic: A new population ousted the hunters and gatherers. This period saw the first composition of two depictions into ideograms. Hunting, agriculture and technological achievements played a central role.
  • Chalcolithic: New symbols depicting a cultural shift appeared until the start of the Bronze Age. Symbolic, religious ornaments left their mark on this epoch.
  • Bronze Age: Metalworking and mining prevailed replacing depictions of daggers and axes with battle scenes. But there are also topographic maps and mythical scenes to be seen.
  • Iron Age: Influences of the Etruscans and the Villanova culture lead to various inscriptions, complemented by Celtic attributes in later years. We can draw conclusions about civic infrastructure from other depictions.
  • Roman Age & Medieval Age: Considerably less rock drawings were made after the Camunni territory had been incorporated into the Roman Empire. You’ll hardly be surprised that some carvings of this era carry Latin inscriptions. There was a brief revival in the Middle Ages as the mix of Christian and pagan symbols likely served the herdsmen as a pastime.

 

Countless rock drawings await you on your tours through the Valcamonica valley. No other place in the world provides insights as deep and as fascinating into old, otherwise likely long forgotten cultures. Take your time and go on a few trips to the surrounding towns and villages – ZAINOO wishes you an exciting stay!

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Su Nuraxi di Barumini

Sep 20 2018

Category: Allgemein Author: Alexander Wagner

Su Nuraxi di Barumini, UNESCO

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Sardinia’s prehistory left a great variety of marks on the entire island, all of which you absolutely need to explore. It goes back many thousands of years and can be experienced today quite wonderfully in time lapse. Numerous monuments and ruins await you on the coast and in the hinterland. They are supported by special exhibitions in the museum of the island taking you on a journey to days long gone. Among the most important and most spectacular relics of Sardinia’s prehistory are the nuraghes – tower-like constructions that most likely developed during the Bronze Age. The impressive complex Su Nuraxi di Barumini was even named UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and is the destination of our journey today.

Bonnanaro culture and Nuragic civilization

These ancient towers are closely connected to two cultures, both of which played an important role in the formation and development of Sardinia. First, the Bonnanaro culture (2,200 to 1,600 BC) dominated life on the island. It marked the transition from the Copper Age to the early Bronze Age and was predominantly known for its plain ceramics, distinctly influenced by the Polada culture. This era saw the construction of Tomba dei Giganti, precursors of the giants’ tombs, and prototypes of the nuraghes. Traces of the Bonnanaro culture were discovered rather late; excavations of the first necropolises only took place in the late 19th century

The Nuragic civilization tied in directly with the Bonnanaro culture and lasted, depending on the geographic location, even until after the conquest by the Roman Empire. There are no written documents allowing us to precisely retrace the history of the Nuragic civilization, only a few (embellished) notes in classic Greek and Roman literature. While, thus, some aspects of the culture will remain unknown forever, their soft spot for gigantic construction left rather helpful marks. The Nuragic civilization developed the giants’ tombs – such as Muraguada and Madau – even further and fine-tuned the Sardinian rock tombs. Their most important architectural accomplishment, however, gave the culture its name: the impressive nuraghes. They developed even further during the transition to the Iron Age, until Carthaginians and Romans attacked Sardinian cities. The island surrendered after a devastating defeat during the First Punic War around 238 BC and the Nuragic civilization disappeared soon after. It survived a bit longer in the inland until the era of the Roman Empire.

Meaning of the nuraghes

So, the Nuragic civilization leaned towards enormous, colossal constructions. But why were the eponymous nuraghes so important for their society? For starters, it is sadly unknown where the term nuraghe actually comes from. The Romans already used it in the 3rd century BC, but we lost its etymologic meaning. It might have been a Punic word, or a completely new creation based on the words for “pile” or “cave”. Over 7,000 nuraghes have been found to this day. Scientists believe that there might have originally been even more than 10,000.

These constructions made of undressed stone dominate the Sardinian landscape to this very day, yet not much can be said about their exact meaning or purpose. The tower-like buildings could’ve served as some sort of defensive fortification, according to a popular theory, while others see them as palaces or temples. They also might’ve “only” been status symbols to demonstrate the power of the Nuragic civilization. Recent research uncovered a close geographic relationship to certain constellations, most likely Alpha Centauri, and an orientation toward sunrise at winter solstice. Whatever their exact purpose might have been, archaeologists agree that the Nuragic civilization was the most advanced of their time in the western Mediterranean area.

About the nuraghe complex Su Nuraxi

Su Nuraxi di Barumini

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Having read all this, you’ll hardly be surprised to hear that the exact meaning purpose of Su Nuraxi di Barumini is unknown as well – most scientists believe that it served either as a fortress or a ritual place. The best-preserved large nuraghe complex likely dates back to the 17th century BC and consists of four corner towers and one central nuraghe. A village developed around it and was likely inhabited by up to 1,000 people between the 13th and 6th century BC.

Guided tours through this nuraghe complex are only offered in small groups, which is why you should book as far in advance as possible. The first stop of the tour, as expected, is the central tower on the Marmilla hill. There are ruins of nine other towers located around the corner towers – thus, we can only guess about the exact dimensions of Su Nuraxi. Countless other advanced-work towers and tower ruins allow estimates of their time of origin, while the different wall rings were likely built later. The most modern parts of the village, extended under oriental influence, are rather exciting themselves. You can also see traces of battles – Su Nuraxi di Barumini was destroyed by the Carthaginians after 600 BC. If you look closely, you might even discover signs of later use during Roman times and the Middle Ages.

5 more remarkable nuraghes on Sardinia

Seeing that approx. 7,000 nuraghes “survived”, you’re likely interested to hear which other primeval building and tower complexes there are for you to visit. Sure, a complete list might be a tiny bit too long, but we’d like to recommend a few select highlights:

  • Santu Antine: The people of the region call this site “Sa Domo de su Re” (“House of the King”) – a reference to its enormous dimensions. This Bronze Age nuraghe was even populated in Roman times with the gigantic main tower still being well-preserved.
  • Arrubiu: Sardinia’s biggest nuraghe complex stretches across an astonishing 3,000 m². Five secondary towers around the central tower and twelve other towers in the outer wall await you here as well as ruins of additional corner towers that didn’t manage to survive the years quite as well.
  • La Prisgiona: Excavations of this large nuraghe complex still take place to this very day. Towers aside, the massive village with approx. 90 individual buildings knows to impress. It was likely even used during the Roman Iron Age.
  • Albucciu: Only excavated around 1960, this protonuraghe is a bit different. For one thing, it looks a Corsican Torre. Additionally, the arrangement of the individual rooms deviates from almost all other nuraghes.
  • Palmavera: Towers and the village aside, you’ll probably be enthralled by the excellently preserved circular hut or meeting hut. It was likely built around a holy stone of sort and displays traces of pottery and metal works.

 

Their exact meaning might be unknown, but still – maybe even because of that – the nuraghe complex Su Nuraxi di Barumini continues to fascinate tremendously. Changes and developments through the ages become palpable during your tour through this ancient settlement allowing you to immerse yourself deeply in the island’s early history. Combine your trip to Su Nuraxi with a holiday on Sardinia – additional nuraghes, numerous other sights and towns, and, needless to say, the amazing beaches already await you!

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Historic centre of Urbino

Aug 23 2018

Category: Travel Tips Author: Alexander Wagner

Historic centre of Urbino, UNESCO

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When it comes to Italy’s largest Renaissance centres, your first thought will probably be Florence, a world-famous city with equally world-famous buildings and pieces of art. However, this era of art and culture also blossomed rather fascinatingly outside of Tuscany. Urbino is a small, friendly town in the hills of the Marche. It saw a genuine building boom during the Montefeltro reign in the 15th century and adopted its Renaissance look which it still managed to retain to this very day. The historic centre was even declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.

Federico da Montefeltro’s influence

Having been sold to the pope after the Gothic Wars, the former Roman town Urbino repeatedly sought to become independent. Emperor Frederick I declared Antonio da Montefeltro imperial vicar of Urbino in 1155. His son Montefeltrano I became count, while Federico da Montefeltro even rose to the status of duke. Federico’s 38-year reign saw a genuine boom throughout the Duchy that left its mark on the town to this very day.

Being a very enterprising patron of the fine arts, Federico attracted some of the major Renaissance names of art and culture, such as Leon Battista Alberti, Piero della Francesca, Girolamo Genga, Luciano Laurana, Francesco di Giorgio Martini and Giovanni Santi, Raphael’s father. Bramante’s and Raphael’s artistic careers originally began in Urbino, too. The town’s architecture was moulded strongly after Renaissance ideals mostly keeping its classic look to this day due to economic stagnation after Federico’s death. His son Guidobaldo became the final duke of Urbino from the Montefeltro line. After his banishment around 1502, the della Rovere family assumed power until Urbino became part of the Papal States in 1631.

Palazzo Ducale

A brief walk through Urbino’s historic centre leads you to a great number of architectural highlights. To this very day, the former Ducal Palace of the Montefeltro line remains the town’s main attraction, and with good reason. Palazzo Ducale unites everything that makes the Renaissance town so unique in one phenomenal, magnificent building, its façade majestically looming high above Urbino virtually luring you to its historic centre.

Walls of a count’s palace, likely from the late 14th century, were used when constructions for this magnificent building began in 1463. Initial construction was slow until Federico da Montefeltro managed to win over the former Este master builder Luciano Laurana in 1466. He designed the pillar arcades in the atrium and the western tower façade. Francesco di Giorgio Martini took care of the interior fittings of the chambers. Fully stuccoed, high-ceilinged rooms and rich ornaments give the palazzo a distinctive Renaissance flair. The palace remained a government building deep into the 20th century before being opened to the public in the mid-1980s after extensive renovations.

Your tour through Palazzo Ducale will introduce you to the scholar Federico da Montefeltro. His interest in humanistic and classical studies is expressed in numerous rooms including the Studiolo, conceived by Laurana in 1472. Musical instruments, scientific devices and countless books grace this ideal of the educated Renaissance man. Additionally, we recommend stopping by Galleria Nazionale delle Marche. Various portraits of regents and the royal household aside, you’ll come across works by Raphael, Titian and Piero della Francesca.

Other Renaissance highlights in Urbino

Historic centre of Urbino

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While your main focus understandably lies on the imposing Ducal Palace, Urbino’s historic Renaissance centre has so much more to offer. You should set aside at least one full day to extensively enjoy all aspects of the town. But where to go on your town walk, you wonder? Well, we might just have a few ideas for you:

  • Duomo: Urbino’s history of building churches is long and illustrious, but also rather arduous and lined with setbacks. Federico da Montefeltro had the original Duomo, probably built in the early 11th century, replaced by an enormous new construction by di Giorgio Martini, which was only finished in 1602. Several earthquakes severely damaged the Duomo, particularly its cupola. The tomb of the humanist Polydor Vergil was lost irretrievably. Other parts of the building were restored in neoclassical style.
  • University: Urbino’s university was founded only a few years after the banishment of Guidobaldo da Montefeltro. It is now privately owned with the various faculties being spread across several historic Renaissance buildings throughout the town centre. A trip to the botanical gardens “Pierina Scaramella” leads you to rare flowers and trees with a medicinal emphasis.
  • Rampa Elicoidale: Federico da Montefeltro had an enormous staircase built to connect the market square with his palace. The old tower with its incredibly long, flat spiral stairs originally lead to a large theatre and is now mainly used for cultural events.
  • San Domenico: This stunning church is located opposite Palazzo Ducale. You don’t even have to step inside San Domenico to be put under its spell, as its façade alone is pretty impressive. A Madonna with child and saints graces the richly adorned Renaissance gate. If you want to view Luca della Robbia’s original, you need to visit the Galleria Nazionale.
  • Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista: Contrary to San Domenico, this small prayer chapel looks rather non-descript from the outside. However, you absolutely must sneak a peek inside these sacred halls to see the amazing late Gothic frescoes of the brothers Lorenzo and Jacopo Salimbeni depicting various scenes from the New Testament.
  • Raphael’s Birthplace: As you already know, Raphael’s father Giovanni Santi was employed at Federico da Montefeltro’s court. His famous son was born in Urbino with his birthplace now being used as a museum exhibiting both copies of important works and originals (such as Giovanni Santi’s “Annunciation”). A tomb slab of Raphael’s parents is located on the side entrance of the San Francesco church.

 

Urbino’s historic centre has many other great palaces, churches and museums to offer – way too many to list them all. Set at least one full day aside for your journey through this stunningly beautiful Renaissance centre and take a few detours here and there into lesser known buildings. You’ll definitely be impressive by the diversity, the architectural beauty and the successfully cultivated charm of an era long gone. The ZAINOO team wishes you lots of fun with your Urbino tour!

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Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and other Franciscan Sites

Jul 19 2018

Category: Travel Tips Author: Alexander Wagner

Basilica San of Francesco in Assisi

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Some World Heritage Sites are dedicated to a certain monument or area. Others deal with an entire epoch or dynasty. And then, there are those focusing on just one single person. The UNESCO united several places from the life of Francis of Assisi under the ominous headline “Assisi, the Basilica of San Francesco and other Franciscan Sites” in 2000. Churches and chapels and the medieval town itself invite you to embark on a foray to the formative years of the Franciscan Order – a brief tour through Umbria in the heart of Italy that is certainly worth your while.

The life of Saint Francis

You’re probably familiar with the name Francis of Assisi. He is one of the most important saints of the Roman Catholic Church, particularly in Central and Southern Europe, and inspired Pope Francis’ papal name in 2013. Francis was born the son of a wealthy clothier in Assisi on the foot of Monte Subasio in 1181 or 1182. He enjoyed excellent education for his class, held many feasts in his youth and originally wanted to become a knight.

While travelling to a battle in Apulia, God appeared to him in a dream making him turn his life around completely. After another epiphany at the cross of the ruinous San Damiano church, Francis decided to live his life in complete poverty for good and started rebuilding the church. He would later gather companions turning into an order after initial resistance: the Franciscans, officially recognised by the pope around 1215. Francis of Assisi died in the Porziuncola church, where his order initially started out, on 3 October 1226. He was canonised less than two years later.

Assisi

Being the saint’s birthplace and home, Assisi is the logical first step of our small tour of this rather extensive UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval townscape with its town walls and the ruins of the Rocca Maggiore fortification were named explicitly as points of interest. Indeed, there are several rings of walls running around the historic town centre. Experts believe that the first version of the town walls date back to Roman times around the second or first century BC but were only extended around 1260. The main wall ring was eventually finished in 1316, supported by eight town gates. According to experts, the only gate dating back to Roman times while still mostly maintaining its original look is Porta San Giacomo in the northern part of the wall.

Assisi’s townscape was refined over the course of centuries. Architects, masons and chisellers cultivated it step by step in order to preserve its original aura. Walking through the historic town centre, you’ll come across several monuments and ostentations facades, but you’ll also see numerous religious buildings of architectural complexity. Set at least one day aside to view everything. There’s a certain basilica that captured both our imagination and that of pretty much all other tourists.

Basilica of San Francesco

Assisi and the Basilica of San Francesco

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Even though Francis of Assisi died in the small Porziuncola church – he asked his companions to be carried there two days before his death – he wanted to be buried on the town’s erstwhile place of execution, on which the Basilica of San Francesco was built hastily. The lower basilica was already finished by 1230, but Francis’ burial took place in secret in an underground rock crypt due to fear of tomb raiders. The crypt was only discovered in 1818 and has since become a highly frequented place of pilgrimage.

Enter the lower basilica via an imposing Gothic-style side entrance to see several impressive frescoes depicting the life of saint. Other pictures hardly survived the last centuries with only pale traces being left. In contrast, the upper basilica is held in high regard as a real gem of Italian art history. Giotto’s cycle of frescoes, works on which began in 1296, is one of the earliest depictions of Franciscan legend. You will also see Franciscan scenes by Bonaventura, various depictions of saints, and artfully designed windows and floors in the upper church – in other words, a room that will most certainly capture your imagination.

Other Franciscan Sites

The UNESCO World Heritage Site in honour of Saint Francis includes six other memorial places in and around the town aside from the entombment church and Assisi itself. They all shine a light on various places from the life of the saint and should be part of your Francis tour. Best set aside a second day to visit the following sites:

  • Sacro Convento: The main friary and spiritual home of the Minorites is situated next to the Basilica and was built on the so-called Hill of Hell, the former place of execution. Once being used as a papal summer residence, it is now home to a theological institute training various Franciscan orders – sister’s orders as well – and Benedictine orders.
  • San Damiano: A twenty-minute walk across fields and through olive groves leads you to the San Damiano church situated below the town. Francis of Assisi received the divine order to rebuild the church at this very place. San Damiano mostly managed to retain its original charm, but a few of the frescoes and pieces of art decayed completely.
  • Porziuncola: The people’s name of this small chapel inside the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli is Latin for “small portion of land”. Likely built as early as the 4th century AD, it became the Franciscan centre of belief and, eventually, Saint Francis of Assisi’s place of death. Particularly impressive: Friedrich Overbeck’s giant fresco depicting the saint’s divine vision.
  • Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli: This enormous basilica was built from 1569 to enclose the Porziuncola chapel. Its clear, harmonic shapes give Santa Maria degli Angeli a calm appearance forming a stark contrast to its extensive dimensions while, at the same time, putting due focus on the chapel of Francis’ passing.
  • Santa Maria delle Carceri: During his time as a hermit, Francis of Assisi retreated to a steep forest gorge upon Monte Subasio above town. The small church Santa Maria delle Carceri was built here around 1400. The Franciscan Order living in the adjacent friary celebrates mass here.
  • Eremo delle Carceri: The Franciscan friary is located right next to the church. Narrow stairs and arches run high above the so-called “Hole of the Devil”, a grotto with dizzying view into the depth. It is believed that Francis used to preach here.

 

There certainly are several more places in and around Assisi that are closely connected with the history of Saint Francis. Stunning churches, glorious nature and a medieval townscape still rather true to its original look invite you to go on a very special spiritual journey back in time. We wish you lots of fun for your visit of this breath-taking UNESCO World Heritage Site!

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Sassi and Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera

Jun 21 2018

Category: Travel Tips Author: Alexander Wagner

UNESCO Sassi di Matera

©Bigstock.com/ermess

You’re interested in the Stone Age? Well, you can always visit a museum displaying a few tools and objects of everyday life from thousands, even tens of thousands of years ago. But how about an entire town that has been inhabited without interruption for over 9,000 years? According to this description, you’re probably expecting an open-air museum of sorts in Matera in the southern Italian region of Basilicata. Actually, there are still 60,000 people living in the town approx. 200 km west of Naples. Some of them even renovate the Sassi caves, which were declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, and live in them. Sounds odd? Oh, absolutely!

From Stone Age settlement to public outrage

We don’t know exactly when the first Sassi, as the cave settlements are called, were built. Archaeological discoveries suggest Neolithic origin, which would make Matera one of the oldest towns in the entire world. Apparently, there’s only one somewhat similar place in China with stone-age caves people are still living in. Later discoveries attest to the lasting inhabitation of these abodes carved into tuff. Some of the excavated ceramics, to take one of countless examples, are closely connected with the early Iron Age.

The Sassi were also inhabited in pre-Christian times until public outrage in the mid-20th century declared them a national crime against civilization. It was inconceivable for most Italians that some people still lived in rock caves without electricity or running water at catastrophic levels of hygiene. Malaria even struck Matera in 1948. The town reacted and relocated the inhabitants to more modern quarters. Initially, the caves were meant to be renovated extensively, but were left to decay instead. Having been rediscovered in the late 80s, restoration works eventually commenced and would catch the eye of the UNESCO, who declared the caves World Heritage Site in 1993. Nowadays, the town tries to attract renters to the Sassi with generous subsidizations and very favourable credits.

Composition and evolution of the Sassi

Matera itself is situated on a large, exposed rock. Being made of comparatively soft tuff, it lent itself to be used as a construction material in the early phase of human settlement being easily processable and transportable. Furthermore, it was comparatively simple to cast cave dwellings into the existing tuff. The first Sassi were made fully underground by constantly and gradually hollowing out the rock material. The cut rock was used to seal the cave.

Sassi and Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera, UNESCO

©Bigstock.com/ermess

What looked like very basic cave dwellings during the initial stone-age settlements saw constant expansions and refinement over the course of centuries and millennia. Residents built extensions leading into a complex network of diligently irrigated underground rooms. Parts of the well and irrigation system developed in the Bronze Age can still be viewed during tours. At the same time, new Sassi were built on existing caves. Roofs turned into floors, underground settlements gradually grew above ground and discontinued caves were used as stone quarries for the façades of new dwellings. You can view some of these caves, which now mostly belong to the town of Matera, during a guided tour.

The Park of Rupestrian Churches

Dwellings aside, all religious buildings were also cast into stone back in the day. A humongous archaeological and historical nature park, which stretches into the adjacent village Montescaglioso, houses countless such Rupestrian Churches on a total area of over 8,000 hectares. Viewing them all is impossible, obviously, but you’ll certainly come across many a tuff highlight during your town walk. San Nicola dei Greci hosts an important annual sculpting exhibition, while Santa Barbara is known for its amazing frescoes. If you’ve got some time at hand, you absolutely need to stop by the Rupestrian Churches Santa Maria Idris and San Pietro Barsiana and the rock site Madonna delle Virtù.

Matera’s lithic witnesses of human history still shine brightly today, no matter their abrasive rock look. Instead of turning the stone-age caves into some sort of kitschy Disneyland, the town administration chose to preserve and gently modernise the Sassi. That turned out to be the right way, as the tuff caves and the stunning Rupestrian Churches are way better off without the potentially destructive mass tourism treatment. The ZAINOO team wishes you lots of fun during your stroll through this primeval UNESCO World Heritage Site!

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Porto Venere and Cinque Terre

Jun 07 2018

Category: Travel Tips Author: Alexander Wagner

The World Heritage Sites of the UNESCO covers a wide variety of areas worth protecting. Their authenticity and uniqueness highlight what’s special about a region, a country or a people. Numerous historic and architectural sights aside, this list also features many essential natural and scenic beauties. The cultural landscape of Porto Venere and Cinque Terre with the islands Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto in Liguria carries a special role as it impressively shows how man can engage with nature without damaging or even destroying it.

Cinque Terre

Porto Venere and Cinque Terre, UNESCO

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One of the country’s grandest and most colourful nature parks stretches along a steeply shelving coastal strip of the Italian Riviera. Cinque Terre, which translates to “Five Lands”, is located northwest of La Spezia between Punta di Montenero and Punta Mesco. It carries its name with good reason, as you get to visit five stunning, picturesque villages from northwest to southeast: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. All of them are enclosed in small, sloping re-entrants opening up towards the sea, thereby interrupting the park’s gentle mountain range.

The Cinque Terre villages display their idyllic and peaceful side as there are only around 7,000 inhabitants throughout the entire region. More often than not you’ll meet more tourists than locals, particularly in spring and autumn. Since there are hardly any beaches – only Monterosso al Mare has a tiny strip of sand – you’ll mainly see hikers and day travellers. The train ride from village to village with its tunnels leading directly past the sea is probably the biggest attraction. Best leave the car at home – the steep, winding and poorly developed roads prove to be challenging even for locals.

The villages of Cinque Terre

Your truly magical train journey, which we cannot recommend enough, carries you from village to village. Instead of travelling the entire route, you should step off at every stop for at least a brief walk. Look forward to the following highlights in the populated Cinque Terre areas:

  • Monterosso al Mare: The only village with a small strip of beach invites you to have a quick swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea on hot days. Narrow alleys lead you to the historic village centre with its picturesque buildings. If you have some time at hand, we recommend looking inside the churches San Giovanni Battista and San Francesco or enjoying a walk through the literature park Eugenio Montale.
  • Vernazza: This friendly village is situated around a small but nice port that was already used in Roman times. Among the impressive sights are the Gothic church Santa Margherita d’Antiochia stretching across two levels and the imposing fortress Castello Doria with its look-out tower.
  • Corniglia: 365 steps connect Corniglia to the beach approx. 100 m below. The village managed to retain its medieval charm. Agriculture is the predominant industry here – a genuine sea of vines welcomes you from afar.
  • Manarola: Built on a black rock, Manarola virtually shines with its multicoloured contrasts. The colourful houses make the rock look even darker. Don’t miss out on the excellent olive oil – if you’re looking for a souvenir, we recommend a bottle of Sciachetrà wine.
  • Riomaggiore: The last of the five Cinque Terre villages features a large nature park with many beautiful walkways. Riomaggiore itself is a small, picturesque fishing village with high and narrow houses creating a fascinating play of colours and shades along the narrow alleys.

 

Hiking trails in Cinque Terre

You can also explore the nature park and its villages on foot. The hiking trail from Monterosso al Mare to Riomaggiore takes about 4.5 hours. As it can be extremely crowded, particularly in spring and autumn, you now have to purchase a full-day hiking pass for € 7.50. The glorious scenery and the wide panoramic view, however, ensure that you get more than your money’s worth. Additionally, there are several multi-stage routes and longer tours around this trail, which are closed occasionally. Best enquire locally whether your favourite path is currently open. The hike through the macchia and pine tree forests between Monterosso and Levanto is particularly amazing. If you prefer a more athletic pace, we recommend the challenging tour from Riomaggiore to Porto Venere with sections of difficult rock terrain and drawn-out vineyards.

Porto Venere

Porto Venere and Cinque Terre

©Bigstock.com/Nik_Sorokin

This leads us to the second part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Porto Venere, situated southeast of Cinque Terre on a land tongue, saw several severe attacks and devastations during the first millennium AD. Its incorporation into the Republic of Genoa in the 12th century lead to the construction of fortifications. Castello Doria still overlooks the town. It is one of Porto Venere’s most important sights, together with the Gothic church San Pietro, which has pre-Christian roots, and the originally Roman church San Lorenzo.

The islands

Porto Venere also includes three islands off the coast. They, too, are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, yet not all of them are open to the public. Palmaria, the largest of the three islands, only has 50 inhabitants. It features a few houses, some restaurants and swimming facilities with historic buildings serving as a backdrop. The two grottos, however, are astonishing highlights. Grotta Azzurra impresses with its scenic beauty, while Grotta dei Colombi is famous for its discoveries of prehistoric animal skeletons and remnants of human graves. You can also visit Tinetto briefly as long as you abide by the strict rules of the regional park. Tino was declared military area and may only be entered on the Feast of Saint Venerius on September 13th.

The scenic beauty of this broadly stretching UNESCO World Heritage Site between the five Cinque Terre villages and the land tongue Porto Venere with its three islands invites you to go on highly diverse trips, delightful hikes through the glorious nature and unhurried walks through old villages. Find these and many other attractive destinations all over Italy on ZAINOO!

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Residences of the Royal House of Savoy

May 24 2018

Category: Travel Tips Author: Alexander Wagner

Residences of the Royal House of Savoy

©Bigstock.com/mary416

1997 was a great year for Italy from a World Heritage Site perspective. A whopping ten new entries managed to get onto the illustrious UNESCO list. One of them even consists of an unbelievable 14 sites, all in Piedmont with focus on Turin. The residences of the Royal House of Savoy evoke the memory of a time of great power, fairy-tale-like life on the royal court and ostentatious splendour. Mighty palaces and imposing residences serve as a symbol unfathomable wealth and political influence, the latter even leading to the unification of Italy in later years. If you’d like to learn more about these 14 palaces, residences and villas, you’ve certainly come to the right place!

About the Savoyards

Let’s take a look at the fascinating history of the Royal House of Savoy, which had ruled over parts of France and Italy for over 900 years, before diving into the residences themselves. Humbert I Biancamano founded this royal house, having received the territory of Savoy and other counties around today’s French-Italian border through mere diplomatic skill. Ruling over three important mountain passes in the Alps, successive rulers gradually extended their influence. Skilful matrimonial policy lead to the incorporation of most of today’s Piedmont and parts of Liguria into the Savoyard counties as early as 1046.

The royal house saw its first major heyday in the early 14th century during the long reign of Amadeus VIII, who managed to realign the boundaries of his realm through gradual expansion. The Royal House of Savoy eventually transferred its centre of political power to the Piedmont after the Italian Wars. Most of the residences, which are now UNESCO World Heritage Site, were constructed, rebuilt or reclaimed during the 17th and 18th century. The Savoyards survived hegemony conflicts with the French, turned into the Kingdom of Sardinia and furthered the unification of Italy. The royal house managed state affairs until the deposition of Umberto II on 18 June 1946. His successors were only allowed to return to Italy in 2002.

Turin’s residences

UNESCO Residences of the Royal House of Savoy

©Bigstock.com/mary416

Having relocated the capital to Turin in 1562, Duke Emanuel Philibert of Savoy started to reshape the city and the surrounding Piedmont. Turin’s look was altered step by step leading to the installation of new magnificent buildings that attract tourists from all over the world to this very day. Five of the 14 residences included on the UNESCO list can be found directly in Turin. Let’s take a closer look at them:

 

  • Palazzo Reale: We start our journey in the Royal Palace, built for Duchess Christine Marie of France, who assumed regency over Savoy after the death of her husband Victor Amadeus I. Palazzo Reale remained the palace of rulers and kings until 1865. The ostentatious building includes a direct entrance to the Chapel of the Holy Shroud.
  • Palazzo Madama: Built on the grounds of an ancient Roman town, its former town gate was incorporated into the palace. Extended and reconstructed several times to become a prestigious city palace, the fully restored Palazzo Madama, now a cornerstone of historism, is currently used as an art museum.
  • Palazzo Carignano: As the name suggests, this used to be the residence of the eponymous Princes of Carignano, a branch of the Royal House of Savoy. You will certainly notice the fascinating difference between the brick façade on the west side and the white, eclectic look on the east side. The former assembly building of the Subalpine Senate now houses a variety of institutions, such as the Risorgimento Museum.
  • Castello del Valentino: The residence in Parco del Valentino had been serving as a nobility residence for centuries before being purchased by the Savoyards. Extensive structural alterations evoked the contemporary style of French architecture giving today’s seat of the Architecture Faculty of the Polytechnic University of Turin its present look.
  • Villa della Regina: Victor Amadeus I had this city palace built for his brother, Prince-Cardinal Maurice of Savoy, in the early 17th The eventual “Villa of the Queen” showcases fairly unusual art. Numerous grotesques and uncommon frescoes can be found throughout this publicly accessible building, which was heavily damaged during the Second World War.

 

Other Savoyard residences in the Piedmont

A group of hunting and summer residences, the so-called “Corone delle Delizie”, can be found around Turin. These retreats for the Royal House of Savoy saw many a lavish celebration, became headquarters of avid art collectors and gave the royal court several locations for summer getaways. The following nine Savoyard residences were also declared UNESCO World Heritage Site:

  • Palazzina di Stupinigi: Our first stop leads you to Nichelino, approx. 10 km southwest of Turin. The baroque hunting castle of Stupinigi was originally intended to be small but beautiful yet got expanded almost immediately upon completion per request of Duke Victor Amadeus II. You will certainly be amazed by the deceptively real-looking architectural painting.
  • Reggia di Veneria Reale: The compound of Italy’s second-largest castle includes a special village for all personnel, a castle park (approx. 60 ha) and the former royal hunting ground, which has since become a zoo / nature park (approx. 300 ha). Massive galleries with elaborate stucco ornaments and the impressive chapel of St. Hubertus, the patron saint of hunters, should be part of your itinerary.
  • Castello della Mandria: Situated in the heart of the second-largest enclosed park in Europe, Victor Amadeus II had an entire village converted into this very castle. You can find remnants of what used to be a huge forest in the park, while the castle itself impresses with a plurality of styles.
  • Castello di Rivoli: Originally built on ancient walls, this castle in Rivoli became property of the Royal House of Savoy as early as 1280. Having been severely damaged by French troops in the late 17th century, it would take until 1984 before the Castello was completely rebuilt. It now houses a large museum of contemporary art.
  • Castello di Agliè: Another Savoyard summer residence had been owned by various dukes since the 12th century before being almost destroyed during the invasion of French troops. Charles Emmanuel III had it completely renovated and turned into a summer residence for the Kings of Sardinia. More than 300 lavishly furnished rooms grace the castle surrounded by an enormous garden.
  • Castello di Moncalieri: Thomas I of Savoy had first military structures added to a hill in Moncalieri as early as 1100. Those structures were extended and turned into a pleasure castle, site of many a Savoyard wedding, around 300 years later. The two cylindrical towers managed to capture the essence of the original medieval building.
  • Castello di Racconigi: This royal castle only became UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Its heterogenous look gives the palace of a Savoyard a branch a fairly unorthodox appearance, yet it has a distinctive allure to it due to its mix of medieval remnants and neoclassical aspects.
  • Castello di Pollenzo: The 19th century saw this palace’s feudal and Renaissance roots converted into a rather wild clash of styles. Charles Albert, King of Sardinia-Piedmont, had the medieval structure extended for various festivities. Nowadays, the palace is privately owned and, sadly, cannot be visited.
  • Castello di Govone: The final UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Royal House of Savoy is located in the heart of a wide vineyard. Like many other castles in the surroundings of Turin, the one in Govone also originally served as a medieval fortification before being turned into a summer residence during the 19th Fascinating statues await you at all corners.

 

To this very day the residences of the Royal House of Savoy attest to Turin’s former central role in the European power game. The transport nodal point in Northern Italy impresses with architectural variety, imposing opulence and close-to-nature subtlety. Retrace the steps of the Savoyards and plan your next holiday in Italy with ZAINOO!

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Trulli of Alberobello

May 09 2018

Category: Travel Tips Author: Alexander Wagner

Trulli of Alberobello, Apulia

©Bigstock.com/DeyanDenchev

Crikey, what the frick are those weird pointy hats rising high into the sky? That might be your initial reaction when travelling to Alberobello. The small, tourist-heavy town in the heart of Apulia has been UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. The reason for receiving such a high distinction and this touristic influx are those very pointy heads resting atop the cone-shaped trulli. Read on to find out what they are all about and why Alberobello was the one place to become World Heritage Site.

What trulli are all about

Let’s be honest, they do look rather cute, don’t they? And yes, people genuinely still live inside them, even though it looks like they come from another era. Trulli don’t just look like primeval housing, discoveries prove that archetypes already existed in prehistoric times. You can find similarly primeval-looking buildings in the Provence in Southern France, which is home to the borie made from dry masonry, or in Sardinia. The latter is known for the nuraghe, tower buildings dating back to the Bonnaro culture around 2000 BC. The complex Su Nuraxi di Barumini was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

The construction method of the trulli hardly changed over the course of the centuries. The layout is usually round with a few rectangular exceptions. The buildings themselves are painted completely white and are made of natural stone. Meticulously arranged rectangular rooms surround the central main room. The thick walls made of limestone panels piled up without mortar isolate ideally creating warmth in winter and pleasant coolness in summer. The rock roof narrows into a corbelled vault also made of limestone panels. Capstones painted with esoteric and spiritual pictures rest on top each trullo giving it its unique look.

The legend of the trulli of Alberobello

Trulli of Alberobello

©Bigstock.com/DeyanDenchev

Excavations prove that first settlements in Alberobello date back to the Bronze Age. The oldest trulli still standing today, however, were only built in the 14th century. Instead of repairing them, they were usually torn down and simply constructed completely anew. There’s a nice little story to go along with this method mixing historic facts and myth. In the 17th century the Count of Conversano tried to find his way around having to pay taxes to the Kingdom of Naples for creating new inhabited areas, as more and more people settled down in and around Alberobello. The Count told the settlers to only build trulli, which could be torn down quickly when the control commission was set to visit. The mortar-free construction method became mandatory turning the trulli into a local tradition.

Traditional lore aside, historians found a decisively more practical explanation why Alberobello, in particular, is home to so many trulli. The geographical location lent itself to these kind of buildings as the limestone necessary was available in close proximity. Easy extraction, short transport and uncomplicated, fast construction methods explain the rapid growth of these settlements.

Other places where you can find trulli

Trulli aren’t exclusive to Alberobello. You can find them mostly in the Val d’Itria situated between the provinces of Bari, Taranto and Brindisi. Archaeologists discovered a river, now running underground, where such settlements developed as early as the turn of the millennium. It is believed that they eventually became the villages Monti and Aja Piccola, now part of the greater Alberobello area. You can also find trulli in numerous other villages and regions of Apulia, but nowhere even nearly as many as in our picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Must-see highlights in Alberobello

There are quite a few things to discover in and around Alberobello. We’ve already talked briefly about some of the trulli highlights, but now we have all sights for you at a glance:

  • Trullo Sovrano: Situated on Piazza Sacramento, it is the only two-storey trullo. It now houses a museum with interesting exhibits on the town’s history.
  • Monti: The trulli hotspot encompasses a whopping 1,030 such buildings. The “Siamese Trulli” with their window-less double façade are particularly impressive.
  • Aja Piccola: Alberobello’s second trulli suburb is situated around a narrow, winding road lending itself to discovery tours in historic ambiance.
  • Santuario dei Santi Medici: Churches and sanctuaries also are an integral part of the town. This one holds a feretory of the holy doctors and martyrs Cosma and Damiano.
  • Chiesa di Sant’Antonio: A trullo serving as a church? Sounds odd, works perfectly fine! A monumental entrance leads you into one of Italy’s most unusual religious buildings. The traditional interior will surprise you.
  • Casa d’Amore: Today’s tourism office is a genuine rarity. It was Alberobello’s first pure limestone house when built in 1797.
  • Rievocazione storica: Strictly speaking, this is more of a festival than a sight. In early July everyone in Alberobello wears costumes from the 16th century bringing the town’s fascinating history to life – what an experience!

 

While there might be a few other places where you can find those odd pointy roofs, there are nowhere near as many and as well-maintained as in Alberobello. Its palpable history and classic townscape makes the capital of trulli always worth a visit. We wish you lots of fun for your journey to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and recommend you check out our Italy section with many additional awesome ZAINOO travel suggestions!

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Ravenna´s early Christian monuments

Apr 26 2018

Category: Travel Tips Author: Alexander Wagner

Ravenna´s early Christian monuments, Emilia Romagna

©Bigstock.com/e.della

The Western Roman Empire experienced highly eventful final decades, characterised by a number of different rulers, invasions and an ever-moving capital. Ravenna served as the main imperial residence from 402 to 476 leading to an architectural boom. Eight world-renowned buildings, which were declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, date back to this era. Let us introduce you to them and show you why these masterpieces of early Christian architecture most definitely deserve this distinction!

Ravenna and the Migration Period

The city near the coast of the Adriatic Sea in the Emilia Romagna had its boom period in the 5th and 6th century as the Migration Period left its mark on Ravenna. Honorius, emperor of the Western Roman Empire, moved his imperial court here in 402 in order to utilise the city’s excellent defensive fortifications. Even though a few regents moved back to Rome for brief periods, Ravenna remained the preferred imperial seat until the ousting of the final Western Roman Emperor in 576. Once the Ostrogoth Theoderic the Great had assumed power in 493 after killing the German Foederatus Odoacer with his bare hands, the city experienced another economic boom. The marks this upswing left on Ravenna still attract visitors from all over the world to this very day.

Mosaics through the ages

One of the main reasons for the lasting glory of Ravenna’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites are the mosaics adorning seven of these eight buildings. They are widely regarded as a show-piece of Western Roman, Gothic and Byzantine art mainly displaying historic and contemporary scenes. Late rulers, however, weren’t too pleased with some of these depictions, which were seen as heretic, yet Ravenna survived the Byzantine Iconoclastic Controversy fairly well as compared to other places. Still, you’ll come across quite a few erased scenes during your tours through the churches, chapels and mausoleums. As an example, a mosaic depiction of Theoderic the Great and his entourage in the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo was replaced by Christian characters.

Eight buildings, one World Heritage Site

You’ve read quite a bit on Ravenna’s history and the world-famous mosaics. Now you’re probably wondering where you can see them. No worries, we’ve got you covered and give you a proper introduction to the early Christian monuments that were declared UNESCO World Heritage Site:

Basilica di San Vitale

This architectural showcase is the be all, end all of Ravenna for many visitors: The basilica is part of the impressive complex of the former Benedictine cloister San Vitale and was built in 526 during Theoderic’s reign. Originally, the entire octagonal church was covered with mosaics. Nowadays, only a few examples remain in the presbytery and the apse. Scenes from the Old Testament and the prominently featured imperial couple Justinian and Theodora show genuine grandeur.

Mausoleo di Galla Placidia

Looking behind this basilica, you come across a tomb built for Empress Galla Placidia from 425 onward. Herself, her husband Constantius II and her son Valentinian III were originally buried in Rome before being moved to the mausoleum between the 9th and the 14th century. What makes these late antique mosaics special is the intensely gleaming blue-green background with a night sky, flanked by depictions of disciples and wild animals.

Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

Theoderic had an imposing basilica built right opposite his front door in order to properly celebrate his triumph over Odoacer. Sant’Apollinare Nuovo only received its name during the 9th century when the relics of the city’s first bishop were moved inland from Classe. Among other things, the expedited Christianisation lead to several expansions over the following centuries as well as the deletion of supposedly pagan motifs. If you look closely, you can still see some of the original hands and arms behind newer religious displays.

Mausoleo di Teodorico

Ravenna´s early Christian monuments

©Bigstock.com/starmaro

Theoderic’s tomb is the big exception on this list. Why, you wonder? Well, there’s not a single mosaic in sight here. Furthermore, the body of the Ostrogoth ruler is missing with only his empty porphyry sarcophagus remaining. We do not know what happened to his remains. Still, the mighty building made from Istrian limestone is pretty impressive. The cupola alone weighs approx. 300 tons.

 

Battistero degli Ariani

Back to the mosaics: Those in the octagonal Arian Baptistery are among the city’s best-preserved. The building situated opposite the Arian cathedral Santo Spirito is mostly empty inside except for a baptistery. Your eyes will instead meet the artistic, yet strictly formally arranged mosaics. They feature the first ever depiction of a disciple with a nimbus.

Battistero Neoniano

As opposed to the Arian building, the Baptistery of Neon presents itself decisively more colourful and lively in terms of mosaic design. This is mainly due to the cobalt-blue background virtually shining down from the ceiling. Surrounded by stucco and marble, the cupola will most certainly impress you. A closer look reveals depictions of the twelve disciples and Jesus’ baptism.

Capella e Museo Arcivescovile

This museum with its glorious fabrics, sculptures and sarcophagi from the 5th and 6th century and the imposing Ivory Cathedra awaits you inside the baroque episcopal palace Sant’Orso. The absolute eyecatcher of this exhibition, however, is Theoderic’s private prayer room built during the time of Archbishop Peter II. Awe-inspiring mosaics present the fierce side of the triumphant Christianity.

Basilica di Sant’Apollinare in Classe

The basilica in the suburb Classe is located approx. 5 km outside of Ravenna and was dedicated to Apollinaris, the city’s patron saint. Pillaging and a severe earthquake heavily damaged the ostentatious interior. Still, some of the world-famous mosaics survived these eventful times including those on the apse and the triumphal arch. Sadly, the mosaic floors and the entire marble planking was lost.

Ravenna and its mosaics from early Christian times – an impressive collection of architectural and artistic marvel that even survived natural disasters, pillaging and censorship fairly well. If you’d like to see all of that and even more of the city’s highlights, we recommend the ZAINOO city tour. You’ll stumble across several other amazing constructions and hidden monuments that impressively emphasise why Ravenna is one of the most beautiful places in Italy.

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