Aquileia´s archaeological area and the basilica

Apr 12 2018

Category: Travel Tips Author: Alexander Wagner

Aquileia’s archaeological area

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The Roman Empire left its mark on many parts of Europe, most of all, certainly, in Italy. One of the major trade and transport towns of the former empire is now hidden away in the northeast, close to the Slovenian border. Being home to approx. 3,300 people, Aquileia in Friuli-Venezia Giulia is a rather picturesque place housing undreamt-of art treasures. Its archaeological area, which still hasn’t been fully screened and sighted, and the medieval basilica were declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. If you’re interested in Roman history, you absolutely have to visit Aquileia!

Roman outpost and transport nodal point

Compared to its later glory, Aquileia’s origins seem fairly modest. Having prevented an advance in Celtic settlement, 3,000 Roman veterans founded a military colony on today’s town grounds. They established a connection between the swampy land and the Adriatic coast via the river Natissa, further developing it via Canale Anfora. Aquileia quickly became an important land and water transport nodal point connecting the Adriatic Sea with the inland lagoons. Various Roman roads made the environs accessible even running as far as Dalmatia and Greece. This unique location turned Aquileia into a trade metropolis with a population explosion of approx. 30,00 inhabitants during the Roman Iron Age.

At the same time, the town served as a stronghold and outpost to prevent barbaric attacks seeing multiple sieges over the course of centuries. Attila’s Huns destroyed Aquileia in 452. The sanding-up of the port during the Migration period and the rise of Venice caused decreasing importance. The only thing keeping the town somewhat relevant was the Patriarchate of Aquileia, which brought a religious boom with it starting as early as the 4th century. Up to its dissolution around 1751, several bishops and cardinals brought Christian beliefs from here to the entire Alps. Later incorporated into the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Aquileia became part of Italy after World War I.

The archaeological area

The Hun invasion resulted in the loss of many a magnificent building, which was thought to be permanent for many, many years. Extensive excavations over the last decades, however, unearthed a plethora of ruins and mosaics. The secured archaeological area is so vast that it hasn’t been fully screened and sighted to this day. Some highlights of ancient Roman power are now open to the public, other became part of the town museum. Here are some of the documents of Aquileia’s former glory you mustn’t miss out on:

  • Roman Forum: The main square of Roman Aquileia dates back to the 2nd century AD. Numerous stores, assembly rooms and the administrative centre used to be in the arcades.
  • Inner harbour: Originally, this BC harbour connected the Adriatic Sea with the lagoons. You’ll come across the ruins of former mountings of the halls and the river bed.
  • Cemetery: In Roman times, all graves had to be outside the city walls. Five large family gravesites are among the already screened sites – to this day the only documented Roman cemetery of Aquileia.
  • Other constructions: You will come across many other Roman highlights while checking out the archaeological area, which is why we recommend a guided tour. Your guide leads you to various mausoleums and protective barriers, living facilities and the amphitheatre.
  • National Archaeological Museum: Opened in 1882, it houses one of the most important and largest archaeological collections in Northern Italy. Most of the exhibits came from Aquileia’s archaeological area dating back to somewhere between the 2nd century BC and the 5th century AD. Artefacts from Roman everyday life and the lapidarium with its artistic mosaic are absolute must-sees.

Basilica of Aquileia

Aquileia’s archaeological area and the basilica

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Aside from these archaeological sites, the medieval town basilica was also declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. Found on the outskirts, it initially seems to be a rather unusual choice considering the other Roman sites. You probably won’t be surprised to hear that the basilica, which was finished in 1031, is actually a full restauration and partial re-construction of an ancient religious building destroyed by the Huns. Patriarch Poppo, son of a German count, was inspired by St. Michael’s Church in Hildesheim and attempt to capture its unique look, only substituting the western choir for a campanile to meet Italian aesthetics.

The basilica gained international fame through its ostentatious mosaic floor. Its many layers were only laid open over the course of many years with the oldest one dating back to the 4th century AD exhibiting late-Roman and early-Christian influences. Over 1,000 m² of mosaics depict animals and religious scenes. We recommend looking into the pre-Christian halls and the Byzantine-style vested crypts forming a fascinating contrast to the Roman-Gothic basilica.

Aquileia’s archaeological area and the basilica with its impressive mosaics might be insiders’ tips among Italy’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but they are among the most beautiful without doubt. If you’re interested in history, we recommend checking out this former trade centre of the Roman Empire. We wish you lots of fun and safe travels!

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Historic centre of Rome and properties of the Holy See

Mar 22 2018

Category: Travel Tips Author: Alexander Wagner

UNESCO World Heritage historic centre of Rome

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Let’s be honest, what else can we tell you about Rome you don’t already know? Italy’s capital, metropolis, breeding ground of the Roman Empire, home of some of the world’s most glorious sights, rich in amazing history, cultural monuments and some of the most important pieces of art in existence today. Naturally, the historic centre and all extraterritorial properties of the Holy See are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Why? It’s not like we really have to explain why, is it? Instead, let us tell what there is to see, and which highlights are an absolute must for your next visit.

The growing World Heritage Site

Let’s not go over the history of Romulus and Remus again (if you really want to, read on here) and instead get this thing on the road. Did you know that the original UNESCO World Heritage Site Rome was much smaller? Declared in 1980, Rome was only the second Italian site to receive this honour (one year after the rock drawings in Valcamonica and at the same time as Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan). The extraterritorial properties of the Holy See were only gradually declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and 1990. Nowadays, the protected historic centre of Rome encompasses a total area of 1,446.2 ha plus another 38.9 ha of Holy See properties.

Over 25,000 scenic, historic and archaeological sites, contained within the Aurealian Walls and the Gianicolesi Walls, await you. Here are some of Rome’s major highlights for you at a glance.

Ancient Rome

Being the breeding ground of the Roman Empire – nomen est omen, if you like – Rome managed to retain its ancient charm to this day. Monuments of the erstwhile world empire still dominate the cityscape, some of which are in pretty great shape. Where to start, you wonder? Let’s try the following:

  • Roman Forum: Dating back to the 7th century BC, the Etruscan king Lucius Tarquinius Priscus added a swampy valley to his city plans. The Roman Empire set up the centre of city life here. Today’s archaeological site encompasses various religious and secular buildings, such as remains of ancient temples and basilicas. Enhanced by the Imperial Fora, you can fully immerse yourself into Roman cultural history.
  • Mausoleums: Two of the numerous mausoleums of the old Roman city stick out. Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built as a last resting place for Hadrian and his successors. Converted into a fortified castle by the popes, it has been housing a museum since the early 20th The Mausoleum of Augustus, where the namesake Emperor Augustus and many other famous Romans are buried, is currently being renovated and should be open again for the public in 2019.
  • Pantheon: One of the best-conserved buildings of ancient Rome is actually based on a small temple dating back to pre-Christian times. The Pantheon has long since surpassed these modest beginnings and even held the record for the largest cupola in the world for 1,700 years. Used as a church nowadays, it saw famous artist being buried inside it in the Renaissance. Among them are Peruzzi and Raphael, who was laid to rest in an ancient Roman sarcophagus.
  • Victory columns: Construction of monumental victory columns began in the 2nd century BC. Many of them still rise high into the sky. Among the most famous of their kind are Trajan’s Column, on which all following monuments were based, and the nearly 30-m-high Column of Marcus Aurelius with its impressive picture relief.
  • Colosseum: What would Rome be without its Colosseum? The world’s biggest amphitheatre used to set the stage for the “bread and circuses” philosophy of Roman emperors. To this day, its ruins emanate the peak of ancient architecture. According to calculations, up to 50,000 spectators flocked through the 80 entrances to witness bloodthirsty spectacles and daredevil chariot races. Nowadays, the Colosseum acts as a venue of concerts and events in historic ambiance.

 

The city squares

Forum aside, many other city squares are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Rome. They are home to rather legendary sights and monuments steeped in history. Why not head to:

  • Piazza Navona: A whopping three spectacular fountains including Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, likely Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s most famous work, await you here.
  • Largo di Torre Argentina: Systematic excavations in the Pigna district during the 1920s unearthed the ruins of countless temples.
  • Piazza Venezia: Named after Palazzo Venezia, this square is located on the foot of the Capitoline Hill. This main transport nodal point is known for, among other things, the imposing Monumento Vittorio Emanuele II.
  • Piazza di Trevi: As the name suggests, this square is home to the Trevi Fountain, likely the most important and best-known fountain of the city. The artful transition from late baroque to Classicism continues to impress to this very day.
  • Piazza del Popolo: This square already used to serve as the entrance to Rome in ancient days. It now sees the twin churches Santa Maria del Popolo and Santa Maria dei Miracoli rise high into the sky.
  • Campo de’Fiori: Located around a statue of the philosopher Giordano Bruno, you come across one of the city’s most beautiful markets with its eponymous floridity.
  • Piazza di Spagna:.. Spanish… Spanish Steps! The popular meeting place for tourists originally lead to the Spanish embassy to Vatican City. Back in the day, it was possible to make foreigners without a stay permit serve in the military. No need to worry, though, as this is no longer the case.

 

Vatican City

Historic centre of Rome

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Technically, Vatican City has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right since 1984. It is the only state in the world to be featured on this list in its entirety. There’s not much left to say you don’t already know about St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica. Something that’s frequently forgotten, however, are the Vatican Museums, home to the papal art collections. The pope’s Apostolic Palace with the Sistine Chapel wows with a highly different selection of masterpieces ranging from ancient Egypt to contemporary art.

Properties of the Holy See

They are frequently overlooked when listing the magnificent Vatican buildings and were only given the status of World Heritage Site in 1990 after the second territorial extension. Among the extraterritorial properties are:

  • Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the walls: San Paolo fuori le Mura got its name due to being located outside the Aurelian Walls. Heavily damaged by a fire in the 19th century and reconstructed by Luigi Poletti, the grave of Paul the Apostle was rediscovered here in 2006.
  • Santa Maria Maggiore: Santa Maria Maggiore saw several reconstructions and additions on ancient foundations during its changeful history. Let this architectural masterpiece with the cupolas and the imposing bell tower put you under its spell.
  • San Giovanni in Laterano: The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran was Rome’s first cathedral. Its comparatively simple look hides monumental size, opulently vested by baroque restoration works.
  • Palazzo di Propaganda Fide: Spanish Steps aside, this palace is the second highlight of Piazza di Spagna. This epitome of Roman baroque art houses a Jesuit order and , thus, is not open to the public.
  • Palazzo della Cancelleria: Rome’s first Renaissance palace used to serve as a seat of government to the Papal States. The ostentatious Sala dei Cento Giorni hides behind the main façade made of travertine stones.

 

Rome is simply amazing, and we could go on like this forever. Find countless additional sights and tour suggestions for your next stay in Rome on ZAINOO. You absolutely should set aside several days for your next visit to the Eternal City to at least get an approximate idea of the city’s glory and splendour. We wish you lots of fun and safe travels!

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Historic centre of Naples

Mar 08 2018

Category: Travel Tips Author: Alexander Wagner

historic centre of Naples

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Total area of 1,700 ha, 27 centuries’ worth of architectural and cultural history, breathtaking religious and secular sights as far as the eye can see – the historic centre of Naples is both the largest historic centre in all of Europe and one of the most beautiful places in the entire world. Palpable history ranging from Greek settlements to modern influences, countless churches and palaces, and a hint of year-round Christmas make Campania’s capital one of Italy’s main tourist attractions and, additionally, a genuine highlight for your next holiday. You’re probably wondering what there is to discover and explore in the Centro Storico of Naples, which was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. We’ll gladly share our best travel suggestions with you! First, however, let’s dive into the long and illustrious history of this metropolis.

How Naples became Naples

Sure, we could write entire books on Naples’ fascinating history. You’ll find an abundance of such written works in shops and libraries. Thus, we only give you a brief overview of how Naples actually became Naples. We start our journey in 700 BC, when the Greeks established the settlement Parthenope, named after a siren, on today’s city grounds. Another settlement was established northeast of Parthenope approx. 200 years later. It quickly grew even bigger and was named Neapolis (“new city”). Encompassing the area of today’s Centro Storico, it was eventually conquered by the Roman Empire. You still can see remnants of Naples’ early settlements, such as ruins of the city walls, the acropolis, of antique houses and thermae.

UNESCO World Heritage historic centre of Naples

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The Migration Period eventually resulted in the Duchy of Naples, after which the Normans, the Hohenstaufen, the Anjou, the Aragonese and the Habsburg ruled over the course of the following centuries. The Spanish viceroys took care of the city’s expansion and reconstructed the historic centre. Uprisings established the short-lived Republic of Naples. The city flourished again during the reign of the Bourbons before, one more time, seeing many different rulers. The Republic of Italy initially brought some much-needed stability in the late 19th century, yet also caused severe social and structural issues leading to mass emigration to the north, which still causes problems for Naples’ ailing economy. However, the stunning beauty of the historic centre remains unblemished.

The centre

What is it that makes the historic centre of Naples an important UNESCO World Heritage Site? There are many reasons for this status, one of which must be the sheer size of the city centre. Its art and architecture reflect the influence of countless cultures and rulers, all of them having left their unique mark on the city. You can even still marvel at documents of pre-Christian settlement in the palaces, churches and museums. Knowing this, you probably won’t be surprised that there is a high density of sights in the historic centre with one highlight after the other. Delimitated by Via Alessandro Poerio, Piazza Cavour and Via Carbonara in the north, Corso Umberto I. in the southeast, and Via Monteoliveto and Via Toledo in the west, the city centre features yet another scenic highlight in the bay of the Gulf of Naples. If you have a bit more time at hand, you absolutely should add a walk through the port or a brief trip to the one of the gulf islands to your travel plans.

You’d like to know which of the countless highlights are must-see? Funny you should ask, we might just have a few suggestions in store for you.

Naples Cathedral

It certainly deserves its own paragraph: San Gennaro, dedicated to Januarius, the city’s patron saint, is among the most beautiful and significant religious buildings in all of Italy. Having been commissioned in the 13th century by King Charles I of Anjou and eventually finished under King Robert of Anjou in the early 14th century, it was constructed on the remnants of two basilicas, which themselves had been built on Roman and Greek foundations. Glorious paintings and mosaics, chapels and frescoes hide behind the monumental façade. Believers from all over the world visit the cathedral due to a vial containing the blood of Januarius, which is shown every first Saturday in May and on September 19th. If the dried blood liquefies – this phenomenon is also known as the “Miracle of the Blood of Januarius” –, it is seen as a good omen for the weeks and months to follow.

Churches and chapels

Hundreds of churches, numerous monasteries and chapels line the streets of Naples, a lot of which can be found in its historic centre. Beyond the cathedral, the monastery and church complex of Santa Chiara is regarded as the city’s most important centre of religion. The Gothic masterpiece, which was completely destroyed during World War II and re-built thanks to public donations, houses a museum, the picturesque cloister Chiostro delle Maioliche and the tombs of numerous kings and aristocrats. The rather inconspicuous Jesuit church Gesù Nuovo, located next to the charming Santa Lucia, impresses with grand baroque art behind its façade. You might also want to stop by Cappella Sansevero. The small baroque church is particularly known for its many impressive marble statues.

Palaces and fortresses

The palaces and villas of Naples also impress due to their sheer strength in number, even surpassing that of the city’s religious buildings. Palazzo Reale, constructed in the first half of the 16th century during the reign of the Spanish viceroy Pedro Álvarez de Toledo, used to house the (royal) residence of Bourbon-Sicily and the House of Savoy. Castel Nuovo and Castel dell’Ovo, together with Castel Sant’Elmo located on the city hill outside the historic centre, form the fortress trifecta of Naples. The accessible castles are now home to museums, restaurants and event locations.

The street of nativity scenes

Did you know that it’s Christmas all year in Naples? Via San Gregorio Armeno is also known as the “street of nativity scenes”, as it is lined with workshops mostly dedicated to building the world-famous Neapolitan nativity scenes. Traditional biblical characters aside, you also come across classic city life scenes from earlier centuries – something that is best experienced during a guided tour through the workshops or in Advent time while roaming through the festively decorated street with its Christmas market.

So many sights, palpable history and festive tradition at once – only in Naples! Accompanied by small souvenir shops, friendly cafés and amazing cuisine beyond compare, your stay in the capital of Campania will certainly turn out to be a delightful experience. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a full city holiday including trips to the surrounding villages and onto picturesque islands – see for yourself what makes Naples so special and let the many other enticing travel suggestions by ZAINOO inspire you to visit Italy!

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Venice and its lagoon

Feb 22 2018

Category: Travel Tips Author: Alexander Wagner

Venice and its lagoon

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Hardly any other Italian cultural landscape is as exposed to the conflict of urban development, scenic beauty, architectural intrigue and constant structural uncertainty as Venice. The legendary city with its 118 islands is situated in one of the world’s largest and most important lagoon areas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site on 50,000 km² is as attractive and endangered as few others with its 1,500 years of highly eventful history, some of the most important buildings in the world and, obviously, the conflict between multifaceted living environment and touristic influx.

A brief history of Venice

Despite assumptions that Etruscan tribes had already inhabited Venetian lagoons in pre-Christian times, the actual settlement history only started in the 5th century AD, when the Venetians were looking for refuge from barbarian invasions, which they, among other places, found on the sandy islands Jesolo, Malamocco and Torcello. Originally intended as temporary solutions, fixed settlements soon developed allowing the local population to eventually become a maritime superpower over the course of centuries; a position they had to defend against many, including Arabs, Genoese and Ottoman Turks.

Unfazed by outside influence, the lagoon settlements developed to a metropolis spread across many islands in the Middle Ages. Canals were built to further develop the urban system and to create proper water routes. Venice reached its highest number of inhabitants around 1550 with approx. 180,000 before the significance of the lagoon city started to decline. Two severe plague epidemics and a trade shift to the Atlantic caused the fall of the former metropolis. These days, Venice is mostly concerned with restoring historic buildings, flood protection and sustainable environmental policy to maintain both this unique living environment and the status of World Heritage Site.

Art and architecture

UNESCO World Heritage Venice and its lagoon

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Starting in the Middle Ages, Venice gave important artistic and architectural impulses to all of Europe. Initially mainly influenced by the Byzantine culture, eastern influences followed in later times. Eventually, Venice and Florence laid the foundation for the Renaissance together, brought to the city by refugees from Constantinople. The lagoon city become home to important artists and established itself as an “antithesis” of sorts to the Florentine Renaissance with its architectural Gothic peculiarities and artistic highlights reaching far into the baroque.

Pretty much every building, no matter how small, is vested with glorious art; a rather massive undertaking considering the sheer mass of churches (124 to be precise), palaces and monumental buildings. You’re certainly wondering how you can see all of that in just one go. To be fair, you will probably have to stop by Venice a few more times, but that shouldn’t really be a problem now, should it? The things you can discover here are pretty awesome. Here are a few sights we particularly recommend:

  • Doge’s Palace: Palazzo Ducale is one of the city’s most important Gothic buildings. Experience concentrated grandeur from the façade with its three imposing wings and the two-coloured marble to the fascinating halls and private chambers to the prison with the Bridge of Sighs.
  • St Mark’s Basilica: Even more important, even more famous – the mosaics depicting the life of Jesus Christ, re-done by Titian and Tintoretto in later times, inside the over 1,000-year-old Basilica di San Marco will leave you in awe. The adjoining gallery with museum and the golden altar plate are other must-sees.
  • Biblioteca Nazionale: Invaluable written works await of behind one of the city’s most magnificent façades inside the National Library of St Mark’s. 900,000 volumes and 13,000 manuscripts with a focus on Venetian history need to be viewed.
  • Gallerie dell’Accademia: The Accademia, comparatively non-descript from the outside, might not necessarily be part of your travel plans. We believe that should change immediately! Find what is likely the most important collection of Venetian art spread across three buildings featuring the works of Titian, Carpaccio, Veronese, Tintoretto, the Bellinis and many other icons of the city’s illustrious history.

The lagoon as a living environment and Venice today

However, to many visitors, Venice is synonymous with the Canal Grande, the main traffic route on the water, and the numerous gondolas. 15 churches and over 200 palazzi line the route leading from the train station to the Rialto Bridge and to Piazza San Marco. The entire lagoon area around the city stretches across approx. 40 km with a direct connection to the Adriatic Sea, which supplies fresh seawater twice a day. During its original construction, mud lithified the wood used to build the city providing perfect conditions for such works. Nowadays, however, the ground causes severe problems as Venice faces the threat of subsidence – the layers of mosaic and multiple floor levels don’t help anymore.

At the same time, the lagoon, the ground, the water level and plant growth have been controlled by a special water office, which assumes a protective and cleaning function, since 1501. Joined by numerous individual protection projects, the office is busier than ever these days, as Venice has to battle severe ecological and structural consequences, which also question the city’s future status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Industrial impact dissolved the lithified wood speeding up subsidence. Equally, climate warming causes a drastic rise of flooding, and that’s not even mentioning the endangered biodiversity in the lagoon, or the silting in the north and depression in the south, especially caused by industrial expansion towards Mestre and Marghera.

However, not all is lost: Venice frenetically works on solutions to protect this unique living environment, to regulate the massive touristic influx and to preserve the city’s stunning art treasures for as long as possible. This alone is more than just a reason to visit the endangered, yet everything but lost UNESCO World Heritage Site. We wish you lots of fun and safe travels!

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Historic centre of Florence

Feb 08 2018

Category: Travel Tips Author: Alexander Wagner

Historic centre of Florence by night, Tuscany

©Bigstock.com/Nattee Chalermitargool

Florence, city of art and culture. The former Etruscan settlement was Italy’s richest city during the Renaissance and became home to some of the country’s greatest painters and architects. They all left their unique mark on the historic centre, the Centro Storico. Rich in luxurious buildings and stunning pieces of art, the historic centre of Florence certainly deserves to be called UNESCO World Heritage Site. But how did it come to this architectural and artistic boom in Tuscany? And which of the numerous palazzi and buildings are absolute must-visits for your next trips?

Florence’s history

Contrary to many other cities, Florence’s history survived in great detail, thanks to Niccolò Machiavelli. He started to write everything down around 1520 and became one of the first historians ever. Thus, we know, for instance, that the first settlements in this area date back to Etruscan times, before the Romans eventually founded the settlement Florentia on a small hill, likely while constructing the Via Flaminia. Florence was under the influence of many other peoples over the course of the following centuries, such as the Ostrogoths and the Lombards.

The foundation of the Republic of Florence in the 12th century triggered the rise of the city with its heyday beginning 200 years later when numerous artists and scholars took up residence here. The reign of the Medici accelerated Florence’s rise to a trade and financial centre before the city gave birth to the Renaissance. Artists such as Donatello, Botticelli, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei and Leonardo da Vinci, under the watchful eye of their benefactors, were responsible for this cultural and architectural boom. They all left their distinctive mark on the then-republic and laid the foundation for one of the most important European art periods that was soon to conquer the entire continent.

The historic centre

Surrounded by the ruins of the old 14th century city walls, the historic centre of Florence, named UNESCO World Heritage Site, today comprises a total area of approx. 505 ha. The decision to include it in this illustrious list was made as early as 1982, being only the fourth Italian site to receive such honour, for the reason that it is home to the largest accumulation of universally known pieces of art. The actual territory of the historic city centre includes countless buildings and palazzi you can tour during a city walk of at least two days. If you only have little time available, here are four highlights to focus on.

Santa Maria del Fiore

Historic centre of Florence, Tuscany

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For years, the Florentine had several smaller churches for all religious purposes and were perfectly satisfied. All of that changed in 1296 when Arnolfo di Cambio’s plans for a cathedral were put into effect. Construction of this monumental building would take 140 years and was eventually assumed by Filippo Brunelleschi, who certainly delivered his masterpiece with the world-famous cupola, its construction alone taking 16 years. Giotto also left his mark with the imposing Campanile. The Gothic look of the monumental building was only completed in later centuries, the front redesigned several times and eventually finished in 1887 using three-coloured marble. Some of the cathedral’s works of art have since been transferred to museums, such as Donatello’s marble statue of John the Baptist. Tremendous frescos and the monumentally yet quaintly painted cupola intrigue to this very day.

Santa Croce

According to legend, Francis of Assisi himself founded this Franciscan church, which was also built by di Cambio. Santa Croce is also known as the “Pantheon of Florence” – not for architectural reasons, but rather because tombs and memorials of some of the most important Renaissance protagonists rest inside it. Michelangelo, Gioachino Rossini, Machiavelli and Galileo Galilei found their last resting place here. Constructions of the church dragged on for centuries, commenced and stopped several times. For instance, the planned addition of a tower was cancelled approx. 300 years after the first stone laying with the remains having since been torn down. However, Santa Croce is everything but incomplete. Find fascinating frescoes and paintings by Giotto and both Gaddis – father and son – inside the church. Sadly, Cimabue’s Crucifixion was badly damaged after severe flooding in 1966, the face of the Redeemer most likely being permanently blurred. Let’s hope there won’t be an old lady trying to re-paint it…

Uffizi

Only built in the second half of the 16th century, the Uffizi are among the younger parts of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This, however, doesn’t derogate its outstanding position in the slightest, as the complex of buildings, which originally housed administrative offices and ministries, is now home to one of the most important art collections in the entire world. The Galleria degli Uffizi moved in as early as 1580 and has ever since been housing a publicly available collection of sculpting and painting ranging from antiquity to the late baroque period. You will certainly be captivated by some of the world’s most famous pieces of art, such as Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus”, Raphael’s self-portrait or Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Annunciation”. Likely the most famous piece, however, is the Medici Venus, made in the 1st century BC and inspired by Greek sculptors. Its exact origin remains a mystery to this day.

Palazzo Pitti

This final highlight of Florence’s historic centre is unusual and, at the same time, everything but. As the name suggests, Palazzo Pitti was originally built for the merchant Luca Pitti. It is believed that Brunelleschi himself is responsible for the base of the palace. Contrary to similar fortress-like buildings, the palazzo passed on luxurious decoration and was instead built completely out of ashlars, also known as rustication. Cosimo I de’ Medici had an above-ground walkway built above the Ponte Vecchio connecting the Palazzo Pitti with the Palazzo Vecchio, thereby turning it into an essential part of Florence’s historic centre. Nowadays, the palace mainly acts of home to numerous museums and galleries, such as the Medici art collection and the Royal Apartments. The Boboli Gardens behind the palace features an almost legendary collection of sculptures and the gorgeous Mannerism grotto.

Florence’s historic centre has so many other highlights to offer, such as the Palazzo Vecchio with a replica of Michelangelo’s David on its forecourt or the grand Ponte Vecchio connecting the Uffizi with the Medici palaces. We could write entire books about this collection of architectural and artistic masterpiece, they would never be even remotely complete. We wish you lots of fun with your journey to Tuscany’s Renaissance pearl!

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The Carnival of Venice

Jan 26 2018

Category: Travel Tips Author: Alexander Wagner

Carnival of Venice, Veneto

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Snow, ice, freezing cold – there’s nothing you long for more than getting away from the daily grind, at least for a little while. We recommend taking a trip to Venice, the city of lagoons, where you immerse yourself in a truly extraordinary event and become part of the whole ado. The Carnival of Venice is among the most beautiful and fascinating festivities in all of Italy. Hidden behind elaborate mask, you celebrate carnival season with its many parties and parades. This year’s Carnival of Venice from 27 January to 13 February 2018 once again promises a plethora of awesome highlights. Read on to find out what awaits you and how the carnival actually became the carnival.

Boom, decline and revival

It has become impossible to retrace the exact origins of the Venetian carnival. First documented mentions of carnival festivities can be found in the chronicle of the Doge Vitale Falier mentioning the year 1094, while masks apparently became part of guild parades during the 13th century. Other sources connect the carnival with a feast on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday honouring Vitale II Michiel, who defeated Ulrich II of Treven, the Patriarch of Aquileia, in 1162. Fireworks, dance performances and human pyramids were part of the celebrations also heralding the start of carnival season.

Over the course of the next decades and centuries, morals loosened up making the carnival even grander. The baroque carnival tried to maintain Venice’s prestige during a time when the city lost its role as a main global market place. While it is unknown who exactly was responsible for the restrictions and bans in the years 1797 and 1815, the festivities came to a complete halt with only very few notable exceptions, until Federico Fellini’s movie Casanova lead to an eventual revival in 1979. Nowadays, the Carnival of Venice is one of the most glorious festivities in all of Europe attracting tourists from all over the world.

The carnival now and then

Today’s carnival ado has only little to do with the origins of the festivities. Wild celebrations were originally a thing of common people, whose performances and wild dances, accompanied by colourful fireworks, turned night into day. Puppetry on Piazza San Marco was one of the most popular of the countless performances. It transported traditional mask into adventurous settings, frequently accompanied by exotic animals. Acrobats and funambulists, astrologists and charlatans were also part of the proceedings. The acrobatic Flight of the Angel first took place in 1548 and now marks the official start of the carnival.

Only very little is left of such wild jugglery and artistry. The modern Carnival of Venice officially opens ten days before Ash Wednesday through the aforementioned Flight of the Angel. It sees an acrobat scaling the Campanile on Piazza San Marco, throwing roses into the crowd and subsequently balancing down to the grandstand in front of the Doge’s Palace. The actual festivities, however, usually kick off one week early. Various artistic performances line Piazza San Marco, which itself is frequented by people wearing extraordinary masks and costumes. Among the highlights are the beauty contest Festa delle Marie and the annual awards for the most beautiful costume and the best mask.

Legendary masks and costumes

The exact origins of the famous Venetian masks remain a mystery. Researchers believe that covering up the face might have been the general public’s answer to the rigid class hierarchy of the erstwhile Republic of Venice. An 18th century document sheds further light on carnival costumes listing several masks, some of which are still being worn. Among the best-known are the Colombia, which covers eyes, nose and upper cheeks, and the full-face-covering Bauta. Worn with a hooded cape, it provides full anonymity and can also be seen on select days outside carnival action. The masks continued to be an integral part of the growlingly extraordinary and outlandish costumes even after the carnival’s revival in the 1970s. Well-known designers refine traditional outfits with modern elements and noble embellishments. Classic or inventive, the costumed spectacle on Piazza San Marco continues to fascinate the masses.

Carnival of Venice 2018

The Carnival of Venice 2018 takes places from 27 January to 13 February. With its countless festivities and celebrations, a full list of which you can find at www.carnevale.venezia.it, this year’s edition again promises costumed superlatives. We particularly recommend the following highlights:

  • Water feast (27/28 January): The big opening ceremony takes place over two days. Travel through the city on gondolas accompanied by masked splendour and culinary delights during the water spectacle on the Rio di Cannareggio.
  • Festa delle Marie (3 February): Starting at 2.30 pm, this massive parade leads from Via Garibaldi to Gran Teatro di San Marco on Piazza San Marco, where the city’s twelve most beautiful women are elected.
  • Flight of the Angel (4 February): This traditional balancing act high above Piazza San Marco officially kicks of the Carnival of Venice.
  • Beheading of the Bull (8 February): A vast parade on Piazza San Marco celebrates the “Beheading of the Bull” – a re-interpretation of Vitale II Michiel’s victory over Patriarch Ulrich II of Treven.
  • Flight of the Lion (13 February): Shrove Tuesday sees the end of the lively celebrations, during which the winged lion of Saint Marcus is received by the twelve beautiful women before flying back onto the Campanile.

 

If you have a bit more time at hand, you might want to check out the numerous fascinating sights of the city. Reach the genuine highlights and hidden treasures of Venice in no time with the ZAINOO city tours. Don’t forget to bring your mask!

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Mount Etna: Europe´s tallest volcano

Jan 24 2018

Category: Allgemein Author: Alexander Wagner

Mount Etna, Sicily

©Bigstock.com/j-wildman

So stunning yet so terrifying: Hardly any other Italian tourist attraction lets extremes collide quite as spectacularly as Mount Etna. Europe’s tallest volcano is located on the island of Sicily and still spits fire quite regularly. Still – or maybe because of it –, the dangerous spectacle of nature attracts a lot of people from all over Italy and the rest of the world year after year. But what is it that makes the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site so lastingly popular? Learn more about Etna’s history, its environmental impact, and the various hiking and trekking options to the summit crater here.

Facts and figures

Presumably formed in a bay on the eastern Sicilian coast due to volcanic activities on the sea ground approx. 600,000 years ago, Mount Etna is regarded as both Europe’s tallest volcano and the island’s highest peak at approx. 3,323 m. Four summit craters and around 400 adventitious craters cover an area of about 1,250 km², surrounded by the national park Parco dell’Etna, which protects the unique nature around the volcano from planned touristic and economic development. The composite volcano itself is made up of basalt. The exact structure and composition of the individual craters change from eruption to eruption. Thus, height, circumference and the number of craters can never be determined exactly and should best be seen as an approximate snap-shot. A rather characteristic feature of Mount Etna is the comparatively still main crater: Most of the volcanic events occur through the other three large craters and the various smaller adventitious craters.

Devastating eruptions

Mount Etna

©Bigstock.com/ollirg

Mount Etna is active to this day emitting ash and lava in almost regular intervals. Geological research determined a massive eruption around 1500 BC. A later eruption supposedly drove away the Sicani inland leading to the settlement of the Sicels which contributed to a massive cultural rupture throughout Sicily. Mount Etna’s volcanic events destroyed Catania multiple times, the first documented one dating back to around 693 BC. A severe eruption in 44 BC even covered the sky over Rome in thick ash clouds resulting in devastating crop failures ranging as far as Egypt.

Mount Etna also played a rather devastating role in post-Christian times. Catania fell victim of several disastrous eruptions, such as the years 252 to 253. The volcanic event from 8 March to 11 July 1669 is the most devastating of its kinds. Beyond severe destructions in Catania and the surrounding villages, the lava flow destroyed the coastal town of Castello Ursino and moved the fort of the same name inland by several hundred metres. To this day, seismic activities regularly create disturbances and destructions. It is very unlikely that the Etna region will ever find peace.

Between tourist attraction and polluter

According to a Sicilian proverb, Mount Etna is both fertile and terrible. It is environmentally sound and pollutive at the same time. As fertile and the land around the craters and ripples might be, the massive eruptions annually emit around 25 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere making the volcano one of the planet’s worst polluters. Simultaneously, Mount Etna is probably Sicily’s most important tourist attractions, not just because of the countless crater tours leading into dangerous territory. There’s even a small ski region south of the summit crater at around 2,600 m operating non-stop from November to April. Accompanied by columns of smoke, skiers and boarders take mostly intermediate slopes back into the valley near Nicolosi.

The nature reserve

The huge popularity of Mount Etna lead to extensive touristic development over the last decades. In order to prevent complete commercial construction development, the nature reserve Parco dell’Etna was established in 1987. The regional park around the volcanos stretches across an area of 58,905 hectares encompassing 20 municipalities. The Etna region is home to around 70 different bird species, wolves, red deer, porcupines, foxes, martens, dormice, rabbits and wild rabbits. Furthermore, Europe’s probably oldest and thickest tree stands on the east slope of the volcano. Experts estimate the age of the Hundred-Horse Chestnut at around 2,000 to 4,000 years!

Crater and volcano tours

You’d like to experience the spectacular crater areas at close range while feeling a healthy thrill? Numerous providers lead you to the deep ripples and smoking magma chambers on Mount Etna – certainly depending on both the weather and potential seismic and/or volcanic activities. The two tourism centres Etna-Nord and Etna-Sud are the best points of references for your tours. While you can hike the volcano yourself, supported by cable car or jeep ascents, you are only allowed to the summit crater in the company of a trained mountain guide. You need a certain level of endurance for longer hiking and trekking tours, as there are around six hours of tricky terrain waiting for you. We strongly advise asthmatics and heart cases against crater tours! Try hiking through lower volcanic areas or the regional park instead. Dense pine tree forests and tall chestnuts alternate with lava flow and crater cones.

The UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site Mount Etna combines adrenalin-pumping thrills with idyllic nature like no other place in Italy – a place that certainly should play an important role in your holiday plans. Find many other travel suggestions around the volcano on ZAINOO. When will you book your adventure trip?

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Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan with Leonardo’s The Last Supper

Dec 13 2017

Category: Travel Tips Author: Alexander Wagner

Milan, Italy’s second-largest city and regional capital of Lombardy. 1.3 million people live here, surrounded by palpable history, fashion hotspots and two of the most famous football clubs in the world. AC or Inter – for many Milanese, it’s a matter of conviction. Other topics, however, tend to, unite people, such as naming the Dominican church Santa Maria delle Grazie as one of the most beautiful buildings of the city, maybe even its most beautiful. It attracts tourists from across the globe who simply cannot resist the unique charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most certainly, this has to do with one of the most famous works of art in the world – “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci.

Construction history

Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan

©Bigstock.com/Georgios Tsichlis

A small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary was originally situated where the world-famous church now stands. Francesco I Sforza, Duke of Milan, desired a Dominican convent with church and ordered Guiniforte Solari, architect of the current main university building Ospedale Maggiore and construction supervisor of the Duomo, to construct those very buildings in Gothic style.

After the convent (1469) and the church (1490) had been finished, Ludovico Sforza decided to use the church as the family burial site, which required sufficient reconstruction works. The choir with its crossing was torn down and rebuilt as a monumental centrally-planned building in the then popular Renaissance style after plans by Donato Bramante. However, Sforza’s plans were never fully realised. After his fall, the original Gothic nave remained the same. Santa Maria delle Grazie only opened its gates in the 1520s with Ludovico’s wife Beatrice d’Este being the first person buried in the new choir.

Stylistic plurality between Gothic and Renaissance

Two different construction eras left very special, unusual marks on the Dominican church; marks you can clearly see to this very day. The Gothic and the Renaissance part can be told apart rather neatly, both outside and inside Santa Maria delle Grazie. The nave with rather wide supports shows distinct characteristics of the Lombard redbrick Gothic period. Other characteristics of this architectural era are the use of a staggered hall, the cambered nave and the gradation of the roof, which can only be slightly seen from the outside. The wall paintings dating back to 1482 to 1485 are mostly true-to-original, too, as they were only laid open in the 1930s.

The demolition and reconstruction of the choir in the then popular Renaissance style certainly left its marks as well. Its cube room in full width of all three longhouse naves replaced the standard Gothic crossing, flanked by the choir and two sideward conches. The cupola shows characteristic Renaissance traces. Resting on a 16-corner tambour, it takes Brunelleschi’s ideas to a new level. From the outside, this addition looks like a flat-cone-shaped rotunda, properly supported by arcade and window structures and by glazed red terracotta elements.

The Last Supper – Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece

Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan with Leonardo’s The Last Supper

©Bigstock.com/bennymarty

Many tourists don’t – or at least don’t exclusively – visit Santa Maria delle Grazie due to its breathtaking beauty encapsulating the fascinating collision of two architectural eras, but rather to see one of the world’s most famous wall paintings. You might feel the same way – we totally get that.

Having finished a clay model for a Sforza monument, Duke Ludovico instructed Leonardo to create a very special wall painting in 1495, as he wanted an extraordinary eyecatcher for his new burial church. Leonardo was inspired by the Late Antiquity motif “Adoration of the Magi”. Baby Jesus and the three Magi, however, became the adult Redeemer and his disciples during the last supper. If you want to see the world-famous paining with your own two eyes, you should try to plan ahead. Due to conservation procedures, only fixed appointments are set for small groups. The viewing is over after just 15 minutes.

Depiction and perspective

Only few other works of art history possess such a long and intense reception history as “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci. To this day, depiction and perspective inspire animated discussion. In contrast to earlier depictions of the last supper, Leonardo foregoes both the classic halo and the conscious isolation of Judas. Grouped with Peter and John, he clutches a small bag of money. It is believed that his slightly turned-away posture might suggest Judas’ alienation from the group. Leonardo used the central perspective for the depiction of Jesus perfectly utilising the incidence of light to put him at the centre of events. The characters were scenically arranged around him, as if “The Last Supper” was a stage performance. The vanishing point perspective lines automatically draw attention to the head of Redeemer. If added to the painting, they’d shape a cross around him.

While this is merely theory and interpretation, words fail to capture the unique experience of seeing “The Last Supper” in person. Combined with the similarly fascinating Santa Maria delle Grazie, the heart of Milan welcomes you with one of the most beautiful places in Italy, which has been rightfully named UNESCO World Heritage Site. We wish you lots of fun for your sightseeing tour – find many other travel suggestions for Italy on ZAINOO!

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Festa di Santa Lucia in Syracuse on December 13th

Dec 13 2017

Category: Allgemein Author: Alexander Wagner

Festa di Santa Lucia in Syracuse

©Bigstock.com/boggy

Back in the day, the people longed for light on the shortest day of the year. They prayed to Saint Lucy, Lucia of Syracuse (Lucia roughly translates to “the lucent one”), dedicated processions and festivities to her. Nowadays, Lucia festivals take place all over Europe and the US throughout entire the year, the most famous one of its kind being celebrated in the saint’s Sicilian birthplace. December 13th is all about the tremendous, giant annual procession, the so-called Festa di Santa Lucia. You certainly shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to be there!

About Saint Lucy

Lucia of Syracuse is venerated as a saint in many different churches including Roman Catholic, Orthodox, German-Evangelical, and American and Scandinavian Lutheran. She lived from 283 to 304 AD in the ancient town of Syracuse and was originally supposed to be married off to a rich Roman man. However, Lucia had already consecrated her virginity to Christ and rejected her husband-to-be. Her mother Eutychia, who Lucia had cured from a bleeding disorder, supported her decision. Accused as a Christian and sentenced to death, she was eventually killed by sword after having suffered severe martyrdom. Lore has it that she worked many wonders and survived even the most gruesome torture. Lucia’s relics currently rest in the church San Geremia e Lucia in Venice.

Why December 13th?

Festa di Santa Lucia in Syracuse takes place on December 13th, which is also the saint’s feast date. Originally, it was also the date of winter solstice and, thus, the shortest day of the year, until it was changed to December 21st due to the Gregorian calendar reform. Lucia is mostly connected with light rites. She’s the patron saint of the blind, the poor, and the cities Venice and Syracuse. To this day, December 13th is a fixture of the pre-Christmas period, particularly in Nordic countries.

Procession of Saint Lucy

Festa di Santa Lucia is one of Sicily’s oldest religious traditions and lasts several days. The main festivities take place on December 13th with a grand procession you absolutely don’t want to miss. The silver statue of the saint, which usually rests inside Cathedral Santa Maria delle Colonne, is given to the brotherhood of the carriers, who carry it through Syracuse on their shoulders during a festive procession. A giant crowd awaits the arrival of the saint on Cathedral Square accompanied by impressive fireworks. The feretory is now carried through the historic town centre, past the Arteusa fountain, across the Umberto bridge and through the district Santa Lucia. The carriers repeatedly, euphorically cry out the traditional call “Sarausana jè!” (“She’s from Syracuse!“), answered by the choir with a resounding “Viva Santa Lucia!” In the meantime, the procession moves on to the Basilica Santa Lucia, built on the very spot where the saint suffered her martyrdom according to lore. The statue rests inside the basilica until December 20th, when she’s returned to the cathedral in another festive procession.

Many small festivities and market stalls accompany the procession. Here you find characteristic regional products, breathtakingly beautiful craftsmanship, delicious dolci, clothes and toys. Many locals use the market to do some Christmas shopping, and you will surely find the odd neat souvenir here or there yourself.

Festa di Santa Lucia in Syracuse certainly is a rather unusual religious Italian holiday, as things tend to get rather loud and lively. Feel the infectious atmosphere and enjoy some dapper Christmas shopping while you’re here!

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Try out this delicious Pandoro recipe!

Dec 11 2017

Category: Allgemein Author: Alexander Wagner

Pandoro

©Bigstock.com/cristianstorto

Panettone aside, the Italians enjoy another delicious cake that simply must be part of all Christmas festivities. The Pandoro originally comes from Verona and was supposedly first baked in the 18th century. While historians assume that it is based on the French brioche, Italian experts insist on its Renaissance origin. It was even plated with gold leaves in the rich city of Venice (Pan d’oro literally means “golden bread”). The cupola-shaped cake with its characteristic golden yellow colour comes without the raisins and candied fruit usually found in the Panettone, but still – or, you might think, thus – tastes absolutely delicious. Do you want to bake this Christmas dessert yourself? We have the perfect recipe for you!

Ingredients

  • 650 g flour
  • 250 g butter
  • 200 g sugar
  • 8 eggs
  • 30 g baker’s yeast
  • 1 glass of liquid cream
  • Grated lemon peel
  • 1 package of vanilla sugar
  • 50 g icing sugar


Here we go:

Christmas dessert Pandoro

©ZAINOO Travel Guide

First sieve the flour into the mixing bowl and cave a dent into the middle. Heat up 20 g of sugar with the cream to lukewarm temperature, crumble the yeast into it and let it dissolve. Now pour the mix of yeast, sugar and cream into the dent and stir it into a mush with some flour. Flour it a little, then cover it for 20 minutes putting it in a warm place. You can continue as soon as the mush forms some bubbles.

Now add vanilla sugar, the remaining regular sugar, lemon peel, 150 g of butter, and the eggs, and knead it into a smooth dough. Cover it and lest it rest in a warm place (ideally a pre-heated oven at 35°C) for 2 to 3 hours until it has doubled in volume. Now knead the dough into a ball. Thinly grease the mould (ideally a Pandoro form or a brioche form) with the remaining butter, then lightly flour it. Put the dough into the form with the smooth side down, cover it again and let it rest in a warm place until the dough has risen to the upper edge of the mould (approx. 2 hours).

Time for the final act: Bake for 20 minutes at 180°C in the pre-heated oven on the lowest rack, then for another 40 minutes at 160°C. If you think the surface is turning too dark, wrap it in tin foil. Take out the Pandoro and let it cool off. Turn it out of the mould, dust it with lots of icing sugar and serve.

Well, how does it taste? Pandoro is more than “just” an Italian Christmas alternative, it is a truly delicious, very juicy and fluffy cake that virtually melts on your tongue. Happy baking and enjoy your cake!

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