Pics!

here are some pics!

Map!

I found out you can make personalized maps with google. So I entered all of our hotels -in order- down the left side of this link. the best part is watching the page open and seeing a bunch of Italy from Space! I love space.

click me:

map of our vacation!

Also, if you have google earth installed, which is a 3D map of the world, you can fly through our vacation!

Viewing Your Maps in Google Earth

If you have Google Earth installed on your computer, you can view your maps in Google Earth. To do this:

1. Create or open a custom map.
2. Click the KML link or icon in the orange title bar. Google Maps uploads a KML file to your computer that you can open in Google Earth.

This is a really cool way to look at what is near us, as everything is marked and phtots are attached.

Buon Giorno!

Hello and welcome to the Italy info site for our trip! If you look to the left, you should see some links indicating where we will be staying, including hotel contact info and a bunch of info I pulled from wikipedia and wiki travel. I tried to keep the entries short and geared towards our stay there, but there is a lot of info on some of the bigger places. Rome in particular has a tremendous amount of history and sites, as might be expected from the center of western civilization for thousands of years.

Most importantly, one of the links is "Itinerary". This is sort of the master control page for the whole trip. If anything changes, I will make sure to update that entry at all times.

Each place entry should lead with a description of our hotel. The best is Montepulciano. The history of our hotel alone is pretty exciting. There should be sections on food and things to do. It would be nice to hike the Cinque Terre vineyard trail when we stay in Monterosso al Mare...The Cinque Terre boasts some of the best coastline hiking trails in the world! Pesto also comes from there. Perhaps a Gondola ride in Venice? It is supposed to be a bit expensive, but hey, when are we going to get back there? There are so many obvious choices of things to see...St marks in Venice, St Peters in Rome, Uffizzi in Florence. Perhaps we should explore some of the lesser traveled paths...The Boboli Gardens in Florence for instance or the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome. In any case, we are going to have time to see a lot!

One nice tidbit I copied from wiki travel are their suggestions on what to do in each city. Those are usually listed under a bold "DO". Things like Gondola rides and historic strolls and what not are under those headings. Furthermore, I have attempted to compile the most comprehensive listing of things and places to eat. Some of the info is rather surprising...i.e. the rules for eating standing up vs a table. I kept the history to a minimum and the lists of museums are easy to scroll through. Take a look!

I am going to be making a travel schedule page and a hotel summary contact info page soon.

If anyone needs any info at all, please feel free to direct them to this blog so they can wallow in pitiful jealousy! Mwa-HA!

-Ben

Rome

Tolentino B&B is located in the historic centre of Rome, just a short walk from
the Spanish Steps and around the corner from Via Veneto and the "Dolce Vita" atmosphere. From our B&B you are within walking distance of all the major monuments of Rome such as “Fontana
di Trevi” and “Piazza Navona”.



In a ‘800 building in coeval area
with,the Barberini Bilding’s vast
complex on the 2° floor, in an appartament of 240 square metre faithfully recovered to its nineteenth-century destination, with ceilings wood
and reference of ancient frescos,
nailed parquet and finishing touch in Roman stone in the general heat of precious architectual reception.

Where we are:
In via San Nicola da Tolentino 50
among via Veneto and piazza
Barberini, a stones throw away
from piazza di Spagna, Trinità dei Monti, Fontana di Trevi.

Rome (Italian: Roma) is the capital city of Italy and of the Lazio region, as well as the country's largest and most populous comune, with about 2.5 million residents. Its metropolitan area is Italy's third, after Milan and Naples. It is located in the central-western portion of the Italian peninsula, where the river Aniene joins the Tiber. The current Mayor of Rome is Walter Veltroni.

According to legend, the city of Rome was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus on April 21, 753 BC. Archaeological evidence supports claims that Rome was inhabited since the 8th century BC and earlier.^[2] The city was the cradle of Roman civilization that produced the largest and longest-lasting empire of classical antiquity.^{[citation needed]} The city was pivotal and responsible for the spread of Greco-Roman culture that endures to this day. Rome is also identified with the Catholic Church and the holders of its episcopal seat are the popes. An enclave of Rome is the State of the Vatican City, the sovereign territory of the Holy See and smallest nation in the world.

Rome, Caput mundi ("capital of the world"), la Città Eterna ("the Eternal City"), Limen Apostolorum ("threshold of the Apostles"), la città dei sette colli ("the city of the seven hills") or simply l'Urbe ("the City"),^[3] is thoroughly modern and cosmopolitan. As one of the few major European cities that escaped World War II relatively unscathed, central Rome remains essentially Renaissance and Baroque in character. The Historic Centre of Rome is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site^[4].

Do

Walk and feel the energy of the place, sights are everywhere waiting to be discovered. Explore the Trastevere neighbourhood for some great cafes and trattorie, and a glimpse at a hip Roman neighbourhood.

Partying in Rome is a pretty easy thing to do. Given a heart for exploration, Testaccio is the place to wander. Head down there around 11pm and listen for music. The outsides of the clubs will give you NO idea what the insides are like. There are usually loads of people simply walking through the street or looking for parking. Be brave, walk in, meet some wonderful Romans, but never buy them drinks unless you are looking for sex (in this case, better to be sure you are inviting the right person). This area is best in the summer when the dancing moves outside. In the winter, most clubs close.

Eat

The Trastevere neighborhood and the old Jewish quarter have some of the best trattorie and ristoranti in Rome.

In Rome you can ask for:

• Carciofi alla romana (artichokes, Roman style)
• Carciofi alla giudia (artichokes, Jewish style)
• Puntarelle (Chicory Salad)
• Bucatini alla Amatriciana (a pasta dish)
• Spaghetti (or Rigatoni) alla "Carbonara", a sauce made with egg and pancetta (bacon)
• Abbacchio alla "scottadito" (lamb chops)
• Rigatoni con la "Pajata" (not always available)
• Scaloppine alla romana (Veal Sautéed with Fresh Baby Artichokes)
• Coda alla "vaccinara" (beef stew)

• Pizza. Lots of the better places only serve pizza in the evening as it takes most of the day to get the wood oven up to the right temperature. Try some of the fried things like baccala (battered salt cod) for a starter, followed by a pizza for a really roman meal. For one of the most famous places for pizza try 'Da Baffetto' (Via del Governo Vecchio). Roman pizzas tend to be very thin crusted.

Avoid the tourist areas where you'll often pay double the going rate just to get a badly reheated frozen pizza. Instead, head for a pizzeria like 'Pizzeria Maratoneta' in via dei Volsci / via del Sardi, San Lorenzo area, where you'll find a fine atmosphere of families and groups of students, and you'll get a good meal with a bottle of local plonk at a very reasonable price. You'll get an English menu, too.

• Pizza al Taglio. Pizza by the slice. A good cheap way to get something to fill you up and makes a good lunch. Point to the one you want, indicate if you want more or less than your server is indicating with the knife. Its sold by weight (the listed price is usually per 100 gm) and a good quick lunch or snack.

• Panini. If you don't speak Italian the question you won't understand and will always be asked once you've pointed out the sandwich you want is 'do you want it toasted'. If not, you can simply state 'caldo, per favore' (make it hot, please). Please note: singular is panino, and plural is panini. Never say "2 paninis" or "1 panini".

• Ice cream. Look for a gelateria with a big plastic sign with a big 'G' on it outside. This means it has a kind of guild association and will be good quality. Remember it costs extra to sit inside. You pay for your ice cream first...take your receipt and go fight your way through the throng to choose your flavors. You will be asked Panna? when it's almost made - this is the offer of whipped cream on top. If you've already paid, this is free.

• Trippa - is tripe. Offal is a roman tradition, e.g. osso buco, bone marrow.

• Vegetarians - should have an easy time. Buffets usually have a good range of delicious vegetarian stuff too - eg gratinated roast peppers/aubergines, etc. Vegans should do OK, too. Pizzas don't always have cheese - a Marinara for example, is just tomato, garlic and oregano. Remember, though, that Parmesan cheese is not permitted to vegetarians.

There are a few vegetarian restaurants in Rome. 'Arancia Blu' on Via Dei Latini (Via Tiburtina) is posh, overpriced and not that good, but the wine list looks impressive.

• Coffee. Starbucks has a lot to answer for. A latte in Italian is just a glass of milk. If you're expecting coffee in that glass, you should ask for a caffe latte. A latte macchiato (meaning "stained") is steamed milk stained with a smaller shot of espresso. "Espresso" or "normale" is just that, but more commonly just referred to as caffe. Espresso doppio means a double shot of espresso, while espresso macchiato is espresso 'marked' with a dab of steamed milk. Americano — the one to order if you like filter coffee — is espresso diluted with hot water and not drunk much by Italians. Cappuccino is well known outside of Italy, but be warned: it is considered very un-classy, and somewhat childish, to order one after 11am (and certainly after a meal). Decaffeinato is self explanatory, but often referred to by the common brand-name Caffe Hag. It is usually instant coffee, and not nearly as good as the real thing.

Restaurants, Pizzerie and Trattorie

• Il Bacaro You’d never know that you are three minutes walk from Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Via degli Spagnioli is tiny, leafy and quite. Il Bacaro seats about 24 inside and even fewer outside under the shade of an ancient vine. Maybe that’s why the cooking gives the impression it’s for you alone. Great selection of wine. In general a great stop for a romantic meal in the Eternal city VIA degli Spagnoli 27 - Tel. +39.06.6872554 - [17]

• Mama Che Pizza Worth stopping by if you're close the EUR. - VIA Poggio Ameno, 34/38 - 00147

• La Pergola. Hotel Cavalieri Hilton, Via A. Cadlolo 101, 00136 Rome. This restaurant is awarded three stars in the Guide Rouge. The chef, Heinz Beck, is german of origin, and has set a style which combines italian fresh produce with exceptional creativity and presentation. The restaurant overlooks Rome, so be sure to get a table by the window. The wine cellar is exceptional. Expect to have to book months in advance, but the trip is well worth it.

• Taverna Cestia, Via Piramide Cestia, 65 (at METRO Piramide), Tel: +39 065743754. Excellent traditional roman restaurant. Menu only in italian and the waiters do not speak much English. They have a good selection of seafood and the seafood spaghetti is great.

• Osteria dell'Aquila, Via Natale del Grande, 52/53, (take the H bus to Trastevere), Tel/Fax: 06.5810924, Great mediterranean style restauraunt. Menu is in Italian and English, and the waiters speak both languages. Open for lunch and dinner, (closed only on Tuesday). The meals here were excellent, and at very good prices. Make sure to try the seafood appetizers. All of the first and second plates that I tried were quite tasty.

• Sapore&Arte Really good and fresh food, this place run by young people make a large use of biological and fair trade food. The have very good dressed potatoes and salads, but also brushcetta and sweet cakes. Mid-range at lunch and cheap at dinner, don't miss it if you visit the very near Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura Via efeso 24/26 - 00146 Roma - Tel. 06 59 60 03 40 - Metro B San Paolo Basilica

• Tapa Loca Spanish food near Piazza Navona 'Via di Tor Millina, 5 - 00186 Roma - 06 68 32 266'

• Taverna Pio Bove Good steak house in the suburbs, but not so far from Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura. Maybe you'll never reach this place if your stay is one week or shorter, but in the case you'll stay will be longer, this place could be a nice choice the day you want to go out for a steak with friends. Open at 19:00 everyday. 'Via Alessandro Cruto 9 - Tel. 06 553 011 35 - Bus 128, 775'

• Trattoria de "Gli Amici" Very interesting place in the heart of Trastevere discrict, this place is fully run by very kind handicapped people and has a nice cousine. Closed on sunday. Open every day from 19.30 to 23.30. 'Piazza Sant'Egidio, 8 - 00153 Roma - Tel. 06 580 60 33'

• Le Bistrot Creative, french and vegetarian cousine in the same place toghether with a very kind staff and a homely enviroment. Better to reserve. 'Garbatella - Via delle sette chiese, 160 - 06 512 89 91'

• Al peperoncino Very close to the Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura and the Metro B San Paolo Basilica station, this piezzeria has a good roman style pizza (the thin one) and also a good choise of fried vegetables and appetizers. Price is low to mid-range, food quality and service are medium. Via Ostiense, 369 - Tel. 06 54 10 192 - 00146 Roma (San Paolo)

• Planet Kebab Good turkish food, from Kebab to Falafel. This place is very clean and the guys working there are very friendly. They claim to be open every day of the year, so remember this place when you are hungry and you can't find any open shop. Via Natale del grande, 17 - 00153 Roma (Trastevere) - Tel. 06 581 98 63

• Casetta di Campagna Into the natural park Valle dei Casali they have very good meat. They also offer a fixed price menu for pizza (only for more than 4 peopole) which is good for a large gathering dinner. You need a car to reach the place. Closed on monday. Sunday, Saturday and holidays also open at noon. Via Affogalasino, 40 - 00148 Roma (Casetta Mattei-Trullo) - Tel. 06 6574 32 30 - [18]

• Est! Est!! Est !!! Established in 1900 this pizzeria is something you cannot miss in Rome. Situated in the area of Piazza della Republica is very easy to reach by the Metro B line. They make a relatively small but amaizingly good pizza, on top of a learnedly cooked base you'll find extremely high quality food. Every pizza here is outstanting and calzone, one of their specialities, too. Staff speak english (is one of the few places plenty of tourits but with very good food). Reservation is advisable. Closed on monday. Via Genova, 32 - 00184 Roma (Via Nazionale/Piazza della Repubblica) - Tel. 06 48 81 107 [19] - Metro B Republica In the same neabourhood there's another EST,EST,EST pizzeria, watch out at the difference!

• Il conte tacchia Roman cousine at dinner. Vicolo del Bologna 87 - 00153 Roma (Trastevere) - Tel. 06 58 13 189

• Supperclub Don't come to supperclub if you're in search of a traditional restaurant, have lazy taste buds or are scared of new experiences. However, if you're looking for an unusual dinner experience in an unexpected place and are not afraid to discover the creative corners of your personality, then knock on supperclub's door. Have fun, eat, listen, dance and enjoy your evening. Nothing is obligatory. Everything's possible. Be yourself and anything can happen to you, at supperclub. Via de'Nari, 14 (Pantheon) - 00186 Roma - Tel. 06 6880 7207

• Cul de Sac Piazza Pasquino 73. One of the best enoteca in Rome, serving a wide range of small dishes. The pate selection is a must-try.

Tea rooms and ice cream

• It should say: Produzione Propria (homemade - our own production), Nostra Produzione (our production), Produzione Artigianale (production by craftsmen). These are just a few signs to keep in mind. If the colors seem dull and almost ugly it is probably natural, the bright colors being just a mix. Keep in mind, Italians usually won't queue, but if they are in line for gelato, get in line yourself, you may have hit the jackpot. Most of all, be a little adventurous!

• Gelateria Giolitti Originally opened in 1800, very popular amongst locals, tourists and the late Pope John Paul II was known to be a regular customer. Via degli Uffici del Vicario 40

• Gelateria Salus Very good icecream (only at the table) in a particuraly nice enviroment, prices are mid-range but icecream and service does worth the price. Lungomare Paolo Toscanelli, 117 - 00121 Roma (Ostia) - Tel. 06 976 13 117

• Il gelato Nice place to have some wired flavour of icecream. You'll choose among maybe 50 different and sometime unusual flavour (such as Gorgonzola or Mortadella). Great variety of chocholates and fruits. Closes around at 23:00. Via dell'Aeronautica, 105 - Bus 764 - Metro B Laurentina

• Bibelot Arthè Cosy tea room in Via Appia nuova. The also offer free table games and they serve excellent milk and friut shakes and tea and coffee blends as well. Prices are mid-range to expensive but the place is very nice and well furnished. It's possibile you'll find a queue, perfect for couples. 'Piazza dell'Alberone 13/bis - 347 33 18 178'

around at 23:00. Via dell'Aeronautica, 105 - Bus 764 - Metro B Laurentina

• Cafè Cafè Cosy and quite cheap this tea room is very very close to the Colosseo and it's ideal to have nice meeting with friends or a more intimate date. Very good sweets and tea, good also the choise. Open all days also after dinner. Via dei Santi Quattro,44 - 00184 - Tel. 06 7008743 - cafecaferoma@libero.it

• Caffè Novecento

Located in the very center of the city this place offer a very good variety of cakes, sweets, coffee and tea. Furnishing is also nice, there are also couches as seats on some table. Prices are mid-high range but it worths every single cent. Closes at 20:00 Via del governo vecchio,12 - Tel. 066865242

Drink

Regional wines are cheaper and very good. House wines are almost always drinkable and inexpensive (unlike, say in the UK). Most trattorie wouldn't be caught dead serving poor wine. You may often find a bottle of wine on the table for you. Believe it or not, this bottle will be less expensive than a glass would be in the US or UK, possibly only €4 or €5. This doesn't always apply to those places that look really tourist-trap-like! (And why would you want to eat there?)

Water is free at most designated water fountains. Some of these date to ancient times, and the water is still very good. It's fresh spring water and safe to drink. If you carry an empty bottle, fill it up for the rest of the day. Look for the drinking fountain with constant running water, plug the bottom hole, and cool water will shoot up from a smaller hole on top of the tap.

See

Roman Empire structures

The Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill are all in very close proximity to each other.

• The Colosseum - Entry €11 (€9 if you're under 25). Expect a long queue and an even longer wait. You can skip the queue if you decide to take a tour, but if you don't want a tour, you can STILL skip the queue. If you walk across the street to the Roman Forum, you can buy a day-long pass for €10,or a standard Colosseum + Palatine ticket at €11, better still, a 7-day pass for €22. This pass gets you in to the Colosseum (Colosseo), Palatine Hill (Palatino Hill), the Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla), and the catacombs as well as the Terme di Diocleziano, Palazza Massimo alle Terme, Crypta Balbi, Palazzo Altemps, Villa dei Quintili, Tomba di Cecilia Metella. If you don't want to cram it all into one day, get the pass. Plus, it is nice to buy a slice of pizza and eat in the gardens of Palatine Hill. There are lots of people offering tours in English just outside the entrance to the Colosseum. Inside you can take a tour (English, Spanish, or German) every 30 minutes or so for an additional fee of €3.5 per person. The tours are given by knowledgeable archeologists, but they don't take you to any areas you couldn't visit on your own.

• The Pantheon - A marvel of ancient architecture, this ancient temple to all the gods is celebrated for its large dome, copied during Greek and Roman revival periods by such designers as Thomas Jefferson, who modeled his Monticello and the Rotunda at the University of Virginia on it. Built during the reign of the emperor Hadrian (AD 125-128), the Pantheon carries a dedication to Marcus Agrippa, who built the original structure on this spot in 27 BC. As it is still a functioning church, silence is requested during your visit. From inside the Pantheon, you'll see traces of the former bronze ceiling, melted down during the reign of Pope Urban VIII to make bombards to for the fortification of the Castel Sant' Angelo. The hole in the center of the ceiling, though, is an original feature designed to admit light. Guides will tell you the spectacular doors are original, but a glance shows that extensive alterations were made to the original doorway in order to accommodate them.

The site surrounding the Pantheon offers a lesson in archaeologial stratigraphy. The building now appears to be built in a recess at the edge of a hill, but this is not the original appearance. The street level at the sides and rear has risen about 10 meters since the original construction due to the accumulation of debris from 2,000 years of settlement. This has necessitated the maintenance of the deep trench that keeps the building from being buried.

Roman Forum

• Roman Forum - If stones could talk: these hallowed ruins were the most powerful seat of government in the world. The Forum is much less crowded than the Colosseum and, from a historical perspective, much more interesting. Free admission, except for an audio guide, which is highly recommended. To stand in the political, legal and religious centre of the whole Roman Empire brings shivers down one's spine. It is the best way of imagining the splendour and glory of ancient Rome.

• Tabularium The remains of the ancient Roman archives, where Cicero and Seneca did research. Visible from the Forum and accessible through the Capitoline Museum.

• Circus Maximus The contours of the ancient stadium are still visible in a city park across the Palatine from the Forum. It was in one of the tunnels here that Caligula met his end.

• Palatine Hill - right next to the Roman Forum, contains the ruins of several large villas that belonged to wealthy Roman families. You can buy a combined ticket for the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum here, avoiding the long lines at the Colosseum.

• Fori Imperiali - Entry €7 (cheaper for EU nationals, free for EU history students). The inside of the fort is very similar to a museum, with a lot of rooms containing items in glass cases. It is a bit of a maze and takes time to orient yourself, but it is worth climbing to very top for a view of the city and the Vatican.

Museums

• The Capitoline Museums, Piazza del Campidoglio 1 - 00186 Roma, ☎ 06 82059127 (every day 9.00-19.30) (info.museicapitolini@comune.roma.it, fax: 06 6785488), [9]. Tu-Su 9.00am-8.00pm; Dec 24th, 31st 9.00am-2.00pm (the ticket office closes an hour in advance) Closed on Mondays, 25th Dec, 1st Jan, 1st May. Also contain a good collection of classical art, as well as ancient sculpture, including the famous bronze wolf. The Capitoline piazza, between the two museum buildings - designed by Michelangelo, is beautiful. Explore these museums, then head out the back of the square to the Forum, where you'll find the remains of the Temple of the Vestal Virgins, among many other buildings on the way to the Colosseum. Book tickets online Ordinary €6,50 (+ €1,50 for exhibitions), Concessions €4,50 (+ €1,50 for exhibitions)..

• Palazzo Massimo, ☎ 06 39967700. Mo - Sa 9.00-13.30, 14.30 - 17.00. A magnificent collection of ancient Roman sculptures, mosaics and wall paintings, including the famous paintings from the Imperial-era villa discovered under the Villa Farnesina, as well as the bedroom from the Empress Livia's villa at Prima Porta. Located across the piazza from Termini, opposite the Baths of Diocetian. € 7,00.

• Galleria Borghese, Piazzale Museo Borghese (Parco di Villa Borghese) 00197 - Roma, ☎ +39 06 8555952, booking: +39 06 32810 (info.servizimusei@libero.it, fax: +39 06 32651329.), [10]. Tu - Su 9.00 - 19.00 (note: Mandatory exit at the end of allotted 2 hour slot). A small museum that concentrates on the quality rather than the size of its collection. There are some very notable works by Antonio Canova and Gian Lorenzo Bernini here. The number of people admitted is limited to 200 every 2 hours, so make a reservation on-line well in advance for the time slot you want.No cameras are allowed Full €8.50, Concessions €2.00.

• Villa Giulia Museum, Piazzale di Villa Giulia, 9, Villa Borghese 00196 - Roma, ☎ +39 06 3201951, [11]. Everyday 8.30 - 19.30. Closed Jan 1st, Dec 25th. The most extensive collection of Etruscan art and artifacts anywhere, well worth the admission charge. They do, however, make you lock up your camera. A difficult museum to find, but a lovely display in a beautiful villa setting. Full: €4.00 Concessions: €2.00.

• Vatican Museums, [12].

Churches

If you aren't familiar with Roman Catholic churches, take a look inside of any one of these. You'll find the richness and range of decor astonishing, from fine classical art to tacky electric candles. Please note that some churches in Rome deny admission to people who are dressed inappropriately. You will find "fashion police" at Rome's most visited churches - near the front doors of St Peter's, St Paul Outside the Walls, and often Sta Maria Maggiore and San Giovanni in Laterano. Bare shoulders, short skirts, and shorts are officially not allowed. However, long shorts and skirts reaching just above the knee should be no problem. The stricter churches usually have vendors just outside selling inexpensive scarves. Few other churches in Rome enforce dress codes. You can wander into lesser known churches like Sant'Ivo and Sta Maria in Trastevere wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or pretty much anything without problems. It is, however, good to keep one's dress tasteful, as these are still churches and houses of prayer for many people.

• St. Pietro - St Peter's - where the Pope resides. Long queues for entry, said to be the finest church on the planet.
• San Carlo alla Quattro Fontane - a very small and beautiful church, the first design commission of Francesco Borromini.
• Sant' Ivo della Sapienza - This little church is hard to find but well worth the extra effort. It is located only a block from Piazza Navona, but not usually visible from the street, as one must enter the courtyard of an old palazzo to reach the church. Sant'Ivo is a small church shaped like the Star of David, with an amazing star-shaped dome and whimsical steeple.
• Santa Maria del Popolo - with a couple of paintings by Caravaggio: "The Crucifixion of Saint Peter" and "The Conversion of Saint Paul"
• San Luigi dei Francesi - This church is roughly halfway between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. It is most notable for a side chapel which contains three Caravaggio masterworks: "The Calling of St. Matthew", "St. Matthew and the Angel" and "Martyrdom of St. Matthew"
• Sant'Agnese in Agone in Piazza Navona - This lovely basilica church is small with an almost circular interior. It is undergoing rehabilitation and the facade and dome are hidden in scaffolding. It seems to be open only until noon.
• San Giovanni in Laterano - this is the cathedral church of Rome and first of the major basilicas. It's also the Pope's (as Bishop of Rome) Church. Be sure to check out the fourth century baptistry (still in use) and the medieval cloister.
• Santa Maria Maggiore - This ancient basilica crowns the top of the Esquiline Hill. Tons of gold decorate the interior.
• San Paolo fuori le Mura - also known as St Paul's Outside the Walls. This is on the outskirts of Rome in an otherwise drab modern neighborhood. The church is a faithful reconstruction of the ancient basilica which burned down in the early 1800s. Don't miss the medieval cloister, which survived the fire.
• S. Passera Even though it isn't worth a trip, this church can be a interesting deviation if you live or pass through its neighbourhood. This church is believed to be the grave of the Saints Ciro and Giovanni, killed during the time of the Emperor Diocletian. The church is now know as Saint Passera because of the several changes its name has undergone. The oringal name was Abba Cyrus and through Appaciro and then Appacero finally it got Pacera, that's very close to today's Passera. The building on top is a 3rd century building still visible in the lower floor and in the underground. The main part of the building dates back to the IX century as the frescoes on the higher floor. Some of th frescoes are too spoiled to be enjoyed, but some of them have recently been restored and depict the Saints Paolo, Pietro, Giovanni Battista and Giovanni Evangelista in the vault and Our Lady together with Jesus, Saints Giacomo and Antonio and the Archangel Michele in the apse. Downstairs there is a small quadrangular room and the underground, where the rest of the two Saints should be. Frescoes in these floor date back to XIV century but are almost completely ruined, but in the underground there are still visible III century traces of Roman age frescoes; in front of the stair you can enjoy a small bird, the Justice, and an athlete while in the vault some eight apex stars. Bus 128,780,781,775 (first stop in Via della Magliana)
• San Clemente - a great little cathedral to visit, with an excavated older church below and a pagan temple below that. The only place in Rome to hear the underground river that flows beneath the city. Very close to the Colosseum.
• Santa Maria in Trastevere - one of the oldest churches in the city. The nave is lined with a mismatched collection of columns taken from ancient Roman buildings. The apse is covered in gold mosaics from the 13th century, arguably the finest mosaics in the city.
• Santa Maria degli Angeli - this church was built inside the former baths of Diocletian. Very light and airy inside. Note the unusual art on the outside doors.
• San Pietro in Vincoli - The chains that held St. Peter are displayed in a case before the altar. Also contains a statue of Moses created by Michelangelo. It's close to the Colosseum, but a little hard to find
• Santissima Trinità dei Monti - up above the Spanish Steps
• Santa Maria in Aracoeli - Ballroom-like church which crowns part of the Capitoline Hill. Don't be fooled by the plain stone exterior
• Santa Maria alla Minerva - This church is literally right behind the Pantheon. It is Rome's only gothic church, and well worth seeing, although its plain square façade makes it look inconspicuous.
• Il Gesù - not far from Piazza Venezia. The interior is Baroque art on steroids. Simply astounding.
• Sant'Ignazio - Not far from the Pantheon. A stunning example of Baroque art. The ceiling frescoes are especially fine, including a trompe l'oeuil dome.
• Capuchin Monastery - On Via Veneto, right by Piazza Barberini. The crypt of the church contains a macabre display - a series of chapels decorated with the bones of thousands of dead monks. The bones are glued to the walls and ceilings in bizarre and striking decorations.

Public squares

The Vittoriano Monument, Piazza Venezia

• Largo di Torre Argentina - an excavation of four roman temples and Pompeys theater. The largo is also home to a large amount of cats which are tended by the local animal rights organization.
• Piazza di Trevi - where you can find the famous Fontana di Trevi. It's not a very big piazza and gets very crowded very quickly.
• Piazza di Spagna - under the "Spanish Steps"
• Piazza Navona - Used to be an ancient stadium built by the emperor Domitian and still retains the shape. The fountains are by Bernini and are very notable. Piazza Pasquino is just round the corner.
• Campo de' Fiori - not far from Piazza Navona. Used as a marketplace. In nearby via dei Giubbonari the salumeria Roscioli is worth checking out.
• Piazza Pasquino - piazza about 20m from Piazza Navona. There is a statue here named "Pasquino", apparently named after a tailor working nearby who had a reputation for complaining. The statue is now used as a place to hang messages, complaints and other opinions which has to be shared with the world. The piazza is also home to Cul de Sac, one of the best enoteca in Rome.
• Piazza del Popolo - with the twin churches
• Piazza della Minerva- a small piazza just behind the Pantheon. The centerpiece is a statue of an elephant by Bernini with an ancient obelisk on its back
• Piazza delle Coppelle
• Piazza di Sant'Ignazio- small and attractive piazza tucked away in a neighborhood near Pantheon
• Piazza Montecitorio - where you can find the building of the House or Representatives
• Piazza Colonna - where there is the building of the Italian Government, Palazzo Chigi. Also there is a marvelous carved column (hence the name) dating back to Imperial Rome
• Piazza Barberini - with Bernini's famous Triton Fountain. Via Veneto starts here too.
• Piazza della Rotonda - where you can see the Pantheon
• Piazza Venezia- more of an enormous traffic circle than a piazza, but a good central location. The centerpiece is the enormous Vittorio Emmanuale Monument (aka the Wedding Cake) with the Capitoline hill next door. Piazza Venezia is also very close to the Forum
• Piazza del Campidoglio - On top of the Capitol hill. It was designed by Michelangelo. The Capitoline Museum is housed in the palaces flanking the piazza. You can walk behind the palaces and to a wonderful viewpoint which overlooks the entire Forum

Historical Buildings

• Palazzo Venezia In the very heart of the city center, the building was for centuries ago the seat of the Venice embassy. Today it houses a museum and galleries art.

• Palazzo della Cancelleria

• Palazzo Farnese

• Palazzo della Sapienza - 8, Corso Rinascimento tel 06 686 4987. Bus 70 81, 87, 492. Close to Navona square, this building housed the University of Rome since the middle of the 15th century until 1935. The splendid interior courtyard was created by Giacomo della Porta. The inside church of St Ivo is one of the masterpieces of Architect Borromini.

• Palazzo Altemps - 8, Sant' Apollinare street tel.06 6897091. Bus 70, 81, 87, 492. Simple and elegant lines make up this building, whose construction began in 1480 for Count Girolamo Riario, nephew of Papa Sisto IV and was taken up by architect Martino Longhi for the new owner, Cardinal Marco Sittico Altemps.

• Palazzo Taverna - Via di Monte Giordano. The building is located in one of the most set-apart corners of the city center among the Navona square and Castel Sant Angelo. It served as residence for the Orsini Family. Nowatdays it is a private property and one can only glance at the courtyard and the inside amazing fountain erected in 1618 by architect Antonio Casoni. However, the brief moment is worth it.

• Palazzo Crivelli - Via dei Banchi vecchi, 22 This building also know as the Doll House was built in the 16th century. It is unique for the quantity and quality of the decorations - lions heads, satyrs and disfigured heads that adorn the facade attributed to the sculptor Giulio Mazzoni.

• Palazzo Spada Piazza Capo di Ferro - This building was erected in the 16th century by Giulio Merisi Caravaggio for Cardinal Capodiferro. One century later it was acquired by another powerful Cardinal, Bernardino Spada and was restored by Borromini.

• Palazzo Barberini

• Villa Farnesina This Renaissance house is in Trastevere, very close to the river and not far from the Vatican. You can tour several beautiful rooms covered in frescoes, including some by Raphael.

Others

• Castel Sant'Angelo - Perhaps the most facinating building in Rome. The core of the structure began life as the mausoleum of the Emperor Hadrian, built between 135 and 139 AD. Subsequent strongholds built on top of the mausoleum were in turn incorporated into a residence and castle by medieval Popes. The building was used as a prison until 1870, but now houses a museum. Opera buffs will be exhilarated to visit the balcony from which Tosca leaps to her death.
• Trastevere
• Il Gianicolo
• Piramid, at the Piramid metro station.

The Pyramid

Monterosso al Mare

ACQUAMARINA

"CORRADO VALENTE"

via Molinelli, 27

19016 Monterosso al Mare (SP)

CINQUE TERRE - ITALIAN RIVIERA

Monterosso al Mare is a town and commune in the province of La Spezia, part of the region of Liguria (northern Italy). It is one of the five villages in Cinque Terre. The town is divided into two distinct parts: the old town and the new town. The two areas are divided by a single tunnel that caters to pedestrians and the very few cars in the town.

The beach of Monterosso.

The beach at Monterosso runs along most of the coast line and is well used by tourists and locals. The beach is the only extensive sand beach in the Cinque Terre. Monterosso is a small town that in the summer months is overrun by tourists.

Do

The Cinque Terre boasts some of the best coastline hiking trails in the world.

The path from Riomaggiore to Manarola is called the Via Dell'Amore (or roughly "Lovers Walk"). The beautiful trail along the shore is very easy to hike. The next hike from Manarola to Corniglia is also easy. The trail from Corniglia to Vernazza offers incredible views of shore and is only steep at certain places. The trail from Vernazza to Monterosso is the steepest (but not overly demanding), winding through Olive orchards and vineyards and offering dramatic ocean views.

The walk between all the villages takes the better part of a day. For those that would rather not walk (or not walk the entire trail), a pedestrian ferry service runs seasonally to all five villages, plus Lerici. The price is reasonable, and gives a nice view of the villages from the water. The milk train that connect all the villages is also a quick way to hop among towns.

Eat

When grapevines and olive trees cover the hillsides, wine and oil are a must on our tables. They prove excellent companions for the salted anchovies of Monterosso served in olive oil as well as the many specialty fish dishes, authentic gastronomic delights.

The cuisine of the Cinque Terre almost perfectly conserves the characteristics of yesteryear; the respect for the flavors and fragrances of the primary ingredients. Troffie is a kind of pasta made from chestnut or wheat flour and is one of the forefathers of modern and more sophisticated pasta. Its condiment is still pesto sauce; an original Ligurian sauce made from basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, grated cheese, pine nuts, and marjoram. Tagliatelle, a broad handmade pasta, is used with sauces that contain mushrooms, cabbage and potatoes, beans, chickpeas or sometimes with pesto.

Vegetable pies, 'torte di verdura' are prepared with a stuffing containing borage (borago officinalis), parsley, marjoram, other local herbs that grow wild, artichokes, swiss chard, zucchini, potatoes, and leeks are combined with egg and ricotta cheese or with stale bread soaked in milk or béchamel sauce (depending on each family's traditions), parmesan cheese. The pie crust is very thin, because flour was a very precious commodity.

Rice pie, or 'torta di riso' is a specialty of every grandma in the region. In Monterosso this rice pie was made even more delectable by adding a bit of dried mushrooms to the filling. In Manarola, the tradition is to make this dish for the feast of the patron saint Saint Lawrence on August 9th.

Egg 'fritatte', or flat omelettes, are popular today as the 'frittata' has been rediscovered as a tasty antipasto. Another important dish on the tables of the Cinque Terre population was the 'cotoletta di acciuga', anchovies stuffed with a breadcrumb based filling and then fried. The 'fritelle di bianchetti', fritters made from tiny newborn anchovies or sardines were also highly appreciated. Following the seamen's gastronomic traditions, other dishes included stewed cuttlefish, stuffed calamari and spiced octopus.

Mussels, another protected designation of origin product from the Gulf of La Spezia are prepared in a variety of ways: stuffed, stewed, baked.

Manarola

• Restaurant Il Porticciolo
• Da Billy
• Marina Piccola

Riomaggiore

• La Grotta

Drink

The fame of the Cinque Terre is largely due to its products, the dry white wine, simply called 'Cinque Terre' and the 'Sciacchetrà', a prized dessert wine made from prime grapes dried to the point of holding only a few drops of sweet juice. A colorful addition to the Cinque Terre products is 'limoncino'; a dessert wine made from steeping lemon peels in pure alcohol and then adding sugar and water to make a fragrant and fresh liquor. The lemons, another famous product of the Cinque Terre are prominently on display in the many 'limoneti' (lemon groves) and at the annual Lemon Festival held each year in Monterosso during the season of Pentacost.

The Sentieri dell'Uva (Grape Routes) are still as they once were with fig trees planted in strategic positions to give shade during breaks from work, agaves planted to mark boundaries, to line the footpaths along steep, stony steps and to indicate the rail terminals of the recently installed monorails which are the only vertical structures emerging from this seemingly completely, horizontal landscape. Many dry stone walls support this terraced landscape.

The large wicker baskets of grapes (corbe) are arranged along the "pose" (little walls, as wide as tables, built solely for this purpose). These include Albarola (Trebbiana), Biancorotto, Bruciapagliaio, Piccabon (Pizzamosca). To make white table wines the following are used: Fiore di Bosco, Rappolungo, Fogiaccia, Ruspara, and Sesagra. Baskets full of Magnagra (Albarola), from which the famous Black Sciacchetrà is made, are handled with extreme care and set to one side.

The Cinque Terre grape tracks reach down to the sea. In the past, people used to anchor small fishing boats called "gozzi" immediately below the terraced vineyards. Baskets laden with grapes were then lowered from above into these small boats which then sailed round to the otherwise inaccessible village.

Nowadays this method is nothing but a distant memory but by visiting the Cinque Terre you are still able to sample some of the most prized wines of the world that have been created by centuries of backbreaking experience.

Village life

Along the hiking Trail, Monterosso

Historically, many of the villages on the Mediterranean were walled to protect againstt attacks from the sea. This area of the coast was often attacked by Muslim pirates and Vikings. Viking influence can still be seen in the occasional fair-skinned, red-headed children of the native villagers in the region.

Originally, the village was only accessible by sea or by mule paths that connected the villages of the Cinque Terre as well as to Via Roma, the main road that connected all of Italy to Rome. These mule paths have been maintained and used over the centuries and now provide hikers with a more intimate view of the sea-swept Cinque Terre. The area was recently designated as part of the national park system and is considered a protected area, to the effect of limited development and resource usage. The Cinque Terre hiking trails have been taken over by the national park system and there is now a fee to hike on all portions of the trail.

Volterra

---Volterra---

Albergo Etruria

via Matteotti 32
Volterra (Pisa)
Tel.058887377
Fax.058892784

e-mail info@albergoetruria.it

http://www.albergoetruria.it/index.htm

Volterra is a town in the Tuscany region, Italy. The town has a history which dates back to the Etruscan Period. This town was a Neolithic settlement and an important Etruscan center with an original civilization; it became a municipium in the Roman Age. The city was a bishop's residence in the fifth century and its episcopal power was affirmed during the twelfth century. With the decline of the episcopate, Volterra was the subject of the interest of Florence, which defeated Volterra many times though rebellions sometimes took place. When the Florentian Republic fell in 1530, Volterra came under the control of the Medici family. Among the sights to see in Volterra are the Piazza dei Priori, one of Italy’s most beautiful squares, surrounded by impressive 14th-century buildings; the Palazzo dei Priori; the municipal Picture Gallery; the Romanesque Cathedral; the Baptistery; the arched Porta all’arco; the Etruscan acropolis; the Medicean fortress named "Maschio"; the alley called Viale dei Ponti; Via dei Matteotti; the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum, with thousands of funeral urns dating back to the Hellenistic and Archaic periods; the archaeological excavations of the city's Roman amphitheatre; and the tombs in Valle Bona.

Volterra stands on a rocky hill some 1770 feet above the sea level, located between the rivers Bra and Cecina, and is surrounded by strong walls. The district is rich in alabaster, the working of which was an important industry of the city, and in mineral waters, such as those of S. Felice and the Moie, or salt springs. Still more important are the Soffoni of Larderello, from which boric acid is extracted, the sulphur lake of Monterotondo, the copper springs of Caporciano, and the baths of Montecatini.

The cathedral, consecrated by Callistus II in 1120, was enlarged by Andrea Pisano in 1254, and again in 1576. The high altar is adorned with sculpture by Mino da Fiesole. Among the pictures is an "Annunciation" by Luca Signorelli, and there are pictures by Benvenuto di Giovanni, Leonardo da Pistoia, and others. In the baptistery (1283) are a font by Sansovino and a ciborium by Mino da Fiesole. Other churches are those of S. Lino (1480) and S. Francesco. The Palazzo Publico (1217) holds the extensive archives of the city. The Palazzo Tagani houses an important museum of Etruscan and Roman antiquities. In the Etruscan period, Volterra, called Felathri by the Etruscans and Volaterrae by the Romans, was one of the most important cities in the Etruscan Confederation. From the period of the kings, it was at war with Rome. In 298 B.C., when he became consul, Scipio gained a victory here over the Etruscan armies. In the Punic Wars, however, the city was allied with Rome. In 80 B.C. it was taken by Sulla, after a siege of two years. Remains of the ancient surrounding walls, including the Etruscan the Porta dell' Arco,
may still be seen, as well as of baths, an aqueduct, an amphitheatre (see picture below), and, above all, of several Etruscan burial places.



In the Carlovingian period, Volterra belonged to the Marquisate of Tuscany. With the approval of Henry, son of Barbarossa, the government of it afterwards passed into the hands of the bishop, until his temporal authority was suspended by the commune. In the wars or factions of the thirteenth century, Volterra, being Ghibelline, was continually embroiled with the Florentines, who captured it in 1254, but obtained definitive possession of it only in 1361. In the middle of the city rises the Rocca Vecchia, built in 1343 by the Duke of Athens and enlarged by the Florentines. In 1472, it attempted a rebellion against Florence but without success, and was then deprived of many of its rights.

The richness of the Etruscan finds made in and near Volterra make it a mecca for enthusiasts of all things Etruscan, with an unparalleled collection of Etruscan antiquities being displayed in the Guarnacci Museum.

Volterra is the native city of the poet Persius Flaccus, of the humanists Tommaso Inghirami and Raffaele Maffei, of the painters and sculptors Baldassare Perugini and Daniele Ricciarelli. According to the "Liber Pontificalis", Volterra was the birthplace of St. Linus, the immediate successor of St. Peter. Nothing is known as to its Christian origins. Eucharistus, the first bishop of Volterra of whom there is any record (495), was deposed by the pope, and Helpidius (496) was put in his place. Justus (560) was at first involved in the Schism of the Three Chapters. Other bishops were: Gunfridus (1014), whose metrical epitaph is to be seen in the cathedral; Herimannus (1066), a Camaldolese monk and reformer of the clergy; Galgano, killed by the people in 1172, for some unknown reason; St. Ugo dei Conti del Castel d'Agnato (1173 84), a defender of the rights of his church, and founder of a college for the education of clerics; Pagao dell'Ardenghesca (1213), who vainly endeavoured to retain the temporal government of the city. The conflict on this score was continued under Pagano's successors, particularly under Raineri Belforti (1301). Roberto degli Adimari was deposed for taking part in the Council of Basle. Joseph du Mesnil (1748) died a prisoner in Castel Sant' Angelo. Giuseppe Incontri (1806) distingished himself by his beneficence. Pius IX made his first studies in the Piarist College at Volterra.

Montepulciano

--Montepulciano--

Meublè Il Riccio
Via di Talosa, 21 - 53045 Montepulciano SIENA
Phone & Fax +39/0578/757713

http://www.ilriccio.net/english/index.html

"In Montepulciano, from 1080, there lived a noble and wealthy family known as de'Pucci, who in the years to come would provide their country with many men who became illustrious in the field of science, the army, the magistrature and in the church hierarchy. Their palazzo was in via Tolosa (or rather Talosa) in the parish of St.Maria, an old church later destroyed to make way for the late 16th Century cathedral.
Today both via Talosa and the Pucci palazzo survive".

All this can be read in a guide book of Montepulciano.

The palazzo, which after the Council of Trent (1545 - 1563) was destined to become an episcopal seminary, has had various owners including the famous Bellarmini family.

San Roberto Bellarmini (also called Bellarmino), was a Jesuit Cardinal and a bitter opponent of Galileo Galilei. Another of the famous owners was the Ricci family.

After years of decay and neglect by a series of owners, in 1949 the palazzo was bought by Professor Attilo Caroti, who, after partially restoring it made it into the base for the prestigious Italian School of Mosaics. In the 1980s, part of the palazzo, having been entirely restructured, became the hotel Meublè IL RICCIO , managed with love and attention by Giorgio and Ivana Caroti.

Every corner of the palazzo pays testimony to its history, especially the impressive courtyard at the entrance with its tiled floor and its pointed arches on two sides held up by travertine columns in Tuscan style and an independent-standing upper gallery in Ionic style.

The history of these walls has remained intact for those who would like to appreciate their fascination and their magic in a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

Montepulciano, a town and commune in the province of Sienain southern Tuscany, (Italy), is a medieval and renaissance hill town of exceptional beauty. Montepulciano, with an elevation of 605 m (around 2000 ft), sits on a high limestone ridge. By car it is 13 km (8 miles) E of Pienza; 67 km (40 miles) SE of Siena; 124 km (74 miles) SE of Florence; 186 km (115 miles) N of Rome.

Montepulciano is a major producer of food and drink. Wine connoisseurs consider its Vino Nobile) among Italy's best. Montepulciano is also known for its pork, cheese, "pici" pasta (a thick, rough, chewy variant on spaghetti), lentils, and honey.

Main sights

The main street of Montepulciano stretches for 11.5 kilometers from the Porta al Prato to the Piazza Grande at the top of the hill. The main landmarks include:

• The Communal Palace
• Palazzo Tarugi
• The church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (late 16th century). It has a simple Mannerist façade with a three-arcade portico. The interior has a single nave, and houses a precious terracotta altar by Andrea della Robbia.
• The Sanctuary of the Madonna of St. Blaise, on the road to Chianciano outside the city. It is a typical 16th century Tuscan edifice, designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger on a pre-existing Pieve, between 1518 and 1545. It has a circular (central) plan with a large dome over a terrace and a squared tambour. The exterior, with two bell towers, is built in white travertine.

Town view of Montepulciano.

The Sanctuary of St. Blaise.

The walls of the city were designed and built under the direction of Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici in 1511 by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder

The walking tour

Montepulciano is built along a narrow limestone ridge at 605 m above sea level. A long, winding street called the Corso climbs up to the main square, which crowns the summit of the hill. The town is encircled by walls and fortifications designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder in 1511 for Cosimo I. Inside the walls, the streets are crammed with Renaissance-style palazzi and churches, but the town is chiefly known for its "Vino Nobile" wines.

Arriving at Montepulciano after having passed round the top of the hill along the beautiful tree-lined street and past Poggiofanti Gardens, you come to the Church of St. Agnes, the patron saint of Montepulciano, who died in 1317. In its modern facade (1926) there is a Gothic portal. The interior of the church was renovated in the 18 C, the nave mostly in the XVII century. Many art works in the church date back to this period, among them the monument where St. Agnes's body rests.

Via Roma

Following the avenue, you reach Porta al Prato where the Via Roma starts. Following Via Roma, you reach a little square where the "Marzocco", the symbol of Florence's authority, stands on a column. This lion replaced the "She-wolf", the symbol of of Siena, in 1511 and is the work of the sculptor, Sarrocchi (1856). In front of the column is the Palazzo Avignonesi which is attributed to Vignola and dates back to the 16 C. Its style is pure late-Renaissance. Close to the Palazzo Avignonesi stands the Baroque Church of St. Bernard and in front of the Palazzo Avignonesi there is the late-Renaissance Palazzo Tarugi. Its lower level is characterized by ashlar-work. This building is also attributed to Vignola. Other Renaissance palaces bordering the Via Roma are: Palazzo Cocconi-Del Pecora, designed by Antonio da Sangallo, and Palazzo Buccelli with Etruscan cinerary urns and tablets with Etruscan and Latin inscriptions displayed at its base.

Church of St. Augustine

Be sure to visit the Church of St. Augustine, one of the most beautiful and interesting buildings in Montepulciano. Its facade was designed by Michelozzo Michelozzi (1396-1472) in the first decade of the 15 C. As Brunelleschi's disciple and collaborator, as an architect, and Donatello's disciple as a sculptor, the artist used simple and elegant Renaissance forms in the lower level. The portal has a lunette placed in the upper level and on its top an irregular tympanum stands between two thin and pointed towers like flames. They represent Gothic features which recur in the Gothic niches of the upper level. It is possible that the remaining part of the facade was completed by another architect who adopted Renaissance forms. The inside was rebuilt in the 18 C and the original design was transformed. Inside, you can admire works by Barocci, Allori, Lorenzo di Credi. On the high altar there is a wooden crucifix attributed to Donatello.

In front of the church you will find the characteristic Pulcinella (16 C) which strike hours on the bell.

Continue downwards

Going downwards, on the left, you reach Palazzo Cappelli with frescoes by F. Zuccari at the entrance.

Take the steep street and you arrive in front of a large threefold arcade of Loggia del Mercato, attributed to Scalza.

Going downwards, through Via Cavour, you reach to Palazzo Cervini, designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder; Palazzo Cagnoni attributed to Vignola; the Seminary Palace close to which there is the Church of Jesus Christ designed by Andrea Pozzo in the 17 C. The facade is unfinished but the inside is beautiful and elegant.

Next to Via del Poliziano, on the left at No. 1 you find Agnolo Poliziano's house. The artist was born in June 14th, 1454.

After a few metres, you come next to the Church of Our Lady of Servants, built in the 16 C. It presents a beautiful pointed portal and, on its roof, Gothic hanging arches. The Baroque interior was designed by Andrea Pozzo.

Piazza Grande of Montepulciano

On the right of the church, take the street which goes around the Fortress and comes out in Piazza Grande. This is the ideal and monumental centre of Montepulciano. It is one of the most beautiful squares of the minor towns of Tuscany, and preserves in silence recollections of past magnificence and high civilization. The square is bordered by important buildings: the Cathedral, with its unfinished facade; on the left, the unfinished Bell Tower dating back to the second half of the 15 C.

The Duomo

Where the Cathedral stands today, there was an ancient parish church which came to be considered to be inadequate and bare when beautiful buildings were built in Piazza Grande and the nearby streets. In 1583 the ancient sacristy began being pulled down and, after much debate, Bartolomeo Ammannati was asked to provide a new design which was ready in 1588. However, some years passed before work began. Meanwhile, Ammannati died. In 1593 Ippolito Scalza, a sculptor and architect of Orvieto, was employed. He adjusted the design and most probably completely rearranged the plan. In 1594, construction began and in 1680 the church was consecrated. However, the facade was never finished.

The inside consists of three aisles divided by arches resting on pillars. On the sides there are chapels. On the high altar you can admire the monumental polyptych by Taddeo di Bartolo (1410), a painter of Siena who was born in 1362 and died in 1422. In Padua he was in touch with Altichiero, one of Giotto's disciples, and he was influenced also by other painters from the Northern Italy such as Giovanni of Milan and Barnaba of Modena. It is one of his richest and most famous works, and very beautiful. It represents at its centre Our Lady's Assumption among Saints piously gathered around Her; on the top and at the centre the Coronation; laterally the Annunciation and on the pillars many figures of Saints. At the sides of the high altar stand two statues that form part of the Aragazzi Monument, representing Fortitude and Justice or Science and Faith. On the right of the high altar, leaning on a pillar, there is a fine representation of St. Bartholomew blessing the congregation. According to the ideal reconstruction of the Aragazzi Monument, the Saint ought to have been on the tomb to turn to the dead. A design of the facade of the Cathedral and the reconstruction of the Aragazzi Monument, designed by Emanuele Marcucci, are kept in the Sacristy.

The Palazzo Comunale

The Town Hall with its beautiful central tower dates back to the 16 C and brings to mind the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. It is a simple building with Guelph merlons and solid corbels. In the lower part, the ashlar-work is irregular and rough, in contrast to the openings of the rectangular windows which are present in the upper level in a regular rhythm. From the tower you can admire a beautiful panorama during clear and bright days.

In front of the Town Hall is Palazzo Del Monte (today Palazzo Contucci). In 1519 Antonio da Sangallo the Elder began work ordered by the Cardinal of Santa Prossede, Antonio Ciocchi Del Monte, who was Pope under the name of Julius III. The Cardinal caused many buildings to be pulled down to make room for the palace defined by Vasari as "well refined and constructed with great elegance".

In front of the Cathedral you can admire the austere Palazzo Nobili (today Palazzo Tarugi) attributed to Antonio da Sangallo the Elder. The porch, which today is blind, followed the rhythm of columns in the lower level. Windows rest on small corbels and support a curved gable; the noble portal is decorated by round arches.

The Well supports two lions which support the Medici coat-of-arms. It is similar to the coat-of-arm in the Rectory of St. Blaise. As a result, it is attributed to Sangallo. Close to it, the inward Police Court Building presents its 14 C side in Via Ricci. It was inhabited by the captain of the population.

When you reach to Via Ricci, you will find on the left a building attributed to Baldassarre Peruzzi (16 C), the Palazzo Ricci. Its facade underlines the elegant rhythm of the surface by a cornice gathering windows and recurring on the upper level at the base of the mezzanine.

Going downwards, on the left, you will find the Chapel of St. Antony, "of the Knights of St. Stephen". Down the street, there is Palazzo Benincasa with the bust of Gian Gastone dei Medici in the portal. A large square opens out into a panorama of the country. The Church of St. Francis, in the past dedicated to St. Margaret, presents on its right facade the remains of a pulpit from where St. Bernardine is said to have preached. The portal is in Gothic style. Inside, the nave has lost its original plan. The paintings on the altars are not so very important.

The Church of the Madonna di San Biagio

After having visited the town, go next to the church of the Madonna di San Biagio designed by Antonio di Francesco Giamberti, known as Antonio da Sangallo the Elder, and consecrated by Pope Clement VII in 1529. It rises in open country below the city walls and was built on the remains of the ancient parish church of St. Blaise where, according to tradition, a painting of Our Lady was seen moving her eyes.

It presents a Greek-cross plan surmounted by a dome and with four equal wings. In the south wing there is a semicircular sacristy. On both sides of the northern wing, there are bell towers, one of which is unfinished. All the wings display a Doric lower level with metopes and triglyphs as a seal. The upper level has an architrave and is surmounted by a tympanum. Simple decorations adorn classical portals and windows. The dome stands on a tambour divided by Ionic pilaster strips alternating with niches. It ends with a narrow and elegant lantern. Inside, there few decorations other than the rhythm of large arches and classical ornamental elements, such as tympanums, metopes, triglyphs and niches with their altars in harmony ending with the narrow dome illuminated by the lantern. The big high altar is by Albertini (1584). Frescoes representing the Transition, the Assumption and the Coronation of Our Lady are attributed to Zuccari (16 C). In front of the church there is the Plebiscite or the Rectory of St. Blaise. The beautiful well with its curved line is similar to the well in Piazza Grande.

The legend of the foundation of Montepulciano

In keeping with its past civilization, Montepulciano has a founding legend. In fact, the town is said to originate with a noble who withdrew from Chiusi during the first barbaric invasions. He dwelt on this splendid hill which took the name "Mons Politus e Polictus" - the Mount of the Noble. The common people of Chiusi went to Città dell Pieve which, as a result, took the name "Civitas Plebis". The more important version of the founding legend is that Larte Porsena, the lucumon of Chiusi (Charmas) founded the village or that it was built after an hypothetical destruction of Chiusi in the times of Papiro Carbone and Silla.

History of Montepulciano

On the Hill of Poliziano, there was a temple dedicated to Mercury from which it took the name Mons Mercurius. The presence of many Etruscan remains indicates that Montepulciano's outskirts have been inhabited since that period. However, according to some scholars, the fact that the temple which was set up on the location of the present Fortress and which was dedicated to St. Donatus in 361 implies that this place was not inhabited during the Roman period. It was possibly not inhabited until the 6 C when the population of Chiusi arrived, having been put to flight by barbarian invasions. They first settled in the area known as Collazzi. Evidence for the existence of this town appeared for the first time in a document of 715 where it is clearly named as "Mons Politianus". Montepulciano was given the title of "imperial town" by Otto I. It was always the subject of contention among Florence, Siena, Perugia and Orvieto, even when the town enjoy independence and autonomy.

The inhabitants did not like Siena which was always perceived to be their enemy and in 1202 they swore fidelity to Florence. Nevertheless, it was under the domination of Siena the present Fortress named "Castrum Politianum" was built. In 1266, Montepulciano put itself under the protection of Carlo I d' Angiò to throw off the yoke of Siena. In 1287 Montepulciano was among the towns Florence wanted to be part of the Guelph "taglia", together with Lucca, Arezzo and Chiusi.

In 1358, ever the enemy of Siena, Montepulciano formed an alliance with Perugia and defeated the Siennese army. After many vicissitudes, in 1511 Montepulciano fell definitively to Florence. When Montalcino, Radicofani, Buonconvento and Pienza were on the point of defending Siena's freedom against the Medicis' domination, Montepulciano was named by Cosmo I Medici a "noble town". Montepulciano could not tolerate Siena's domination because it felt at the same level as Siena in terms of culture, power and civilization. Montepulciano was the birthplace of Angelo Ambrogini, known as Poliziano, a great poet of the Medici court during the Renaissance; St. Robert Bellarmino, who was one of Galileo's friends and was charged to bring him the news of his conviction; Pope Marcellus II and other Popes.