The city of Venice is made up of 118 islands, 400 bridges and 150 canals. With all that…
Standing inside the Piazza del Duomo, is the most famous structure in Florence; the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Although if you want to sound like a local, just call it the “Duomo.” The bright white marble exteriors, trimmed in green and pink stone, are so unique and iconically Florentine. If there were a beating heart to this city, it would live right here. Whether you’re drawn to the grandeur, the history or the spiritual power of these buildings, visiting these sites in Florence is almost a right of passage. But many people come here and gaze upon this building without really understanding the context behind it’s construction and artistry. Through this post, I hope to help illuminate some of those mysteries and perhaps help you appreciate these attractions for more than just their beauty.
Whether you’re drawn to the grandeur, the history or the spiritual power of these buildings, visiting these sites in Florence is almost a right of passage. But many people come here and gaze upon these buildings without really understanding the context behind their construction and artistry. Through this post, I hope to help illuminate some of those mysteries and perhaps help you appreciate these attractions for more than just their beauty.
Standing on either side of Piazza del Duomo, divided by Via dei Calzaiuoli, are two of the most famous structures in Florence; the Baptistery of St. John and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Although if you want to sound like a local just call the Cathedral, the Duomo. The bright white marble exteriors, trimmed in green and pink stone are so unique and iconically Florentine. If there were a beating heart to this city, it would live right here. Whether you’re drawn here for the grandeur, the history or the spiritual power of these buildings, visiting these sites in Florence is almost a right of passage. But many people come here and gaze upon these buildings without really understanding the context behind their construction and artistry. Through this post, I hope to help illuminate some of those mysteries and perhaps help you appreciate these attractions for more than just their beauty.
Venice is a city which seems to dazzle everyone who enters. It glows. It sparkles. It surprises. But behind all that shimmer and shine, there are all those same dark corners and less than perfect experiences to be had. Avoid all the following things to ensure you have the best vacation in this magical floating city.
The Grand Canal or Canalazzo is the heart of Venice. Ever since the founding days of the Venetian empire, this canal served as the major thoroughfare for the Venetian people. The most important historical palaces and famous Venetian buildings wrap around the edges of the canal. Once upon a time, the Grand Canal was the like the Rodeo Drive for Venetian aristocrats. The who’s who of Europe could be seen relaxing in gondolas, wearing the newest and most extravagant fashions, cruising up and down the river.
Night time is one of the best time to get out and walk the streets of Venice. Many of the hoards of cruisers are back on their ships by the time the sun goes down and many other tourists who stay in the cheaper hotels on the mainland have also departed, leaving the streets almost empty.