Category: History

Italian history, from the Etruscans to modern day Italy

Palio of Siena

Siena’s Palio: The 400-year-old Thrilling Horse Race

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The Palio occurs just twice each summer, on July 2nd and August 16th, and the pure excitement of this festival that has survived almost intact from the Middle Ages is unequaled in Italy.

For the citizens of Siena, the Palio is all about neighborhood pride and rivalry, and it is the continuation of a centuries-old tradition associated with religion and honor. There are marching bands decked out in medieval garb that parade through the city, bearing the flags and colors of their contrada. The men carrying the huge flags then demonstrate considerable skill by waving them in formation and throwing them to great heights – and then catching them.

Share in the excitement by booking a reserved seat in the beautiful, shell-shaped Campo and choose just how close to the action you wish to be. You’ll have a great view of the historical parade  and the sbandieratori (flag throwers) who launch their colorful banners into the air. Then, at the stroke of 7:00pm, the ten chosen horses line up at the starting line and the race begins — three laps around the piazza; don’t blink or you might miss it because this thrilling, bareback race lasts only 90 seconds!

CLICK TO ORDER TICKETS: Palio of Siena

Photo credit: Matt Oesterle @Flicker.com

Valley of the temples, Agrigento, Sicily

Valley of the Temples, Agrigento

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Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most spectacular examples of Magna Grecia art and architecture in the world. Sicily’s most popular attraction, this splendid archaeological park includes eight temples: the Temple of Hera, the Temple of Demeter, the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of the Olympian Zeus, the Temple of Heracles, the Temple of Hephaestos, the Temple of Castor and Pollux and the Temple of Asclepius.

The park is divided in two parts: the eastern zone contains the most intact and stunning temple ruins, while on the western side, you will discover the large temple of Olympian Zeus and the Temple of the Dioscuri, dating from 450-400 BC.

After taking your time to admire these splendid temples, another beautiful, ancient site that should not be missed is the Garden of Kolymbetra. Built between sandstone cliffs leading down to a river valley, this luscious botanical garden will charm you with its vibrant, Mediterranean colors.

Another notable ruin in the valley is the Tomb of Theron, a massive monument of pyramidal shape that commemorates the Romans killed in the Second Punic War (218-201 BC).

CLICK TO ORDER TICKETS: Valley of the Temples, Agrigento

Photo credit Matthew Marschner @Flickr.com

Roman Colosseum

Night at the Colosseum, Rome

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Take part in Rome’s most extraordinary experience. View the Colosseum under the moonlight while enjoying a prosecco aperitivo! These after-hours tours will make your visit to Rome unforgettable.

Gain special access to underground areas and the arena floor to get a close-up look at where the gladiators walked.

Experience the spooky side of the Colosseum, an arena in which many people died. You’ll enter the Colosseum through the Gate of Death, where a virtual reality re-enactment will take you back to the Roman era so you can see first-hand what the Colosseum looked like in its heyday.

CLICK TO ORDER TICKETS: Night at the Colosseum, Rome

Roman Colosseum

Colosseum and Roman Forum Pass, Rome

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Any visit to Rome must include a visit to the ancient heart of the city, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

Why spend your valuable time in Rome waiting in long lines when you can take an entertaining and informative tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum with skip-the-line access. Hear from expert English-speaking guides about what went on during antiquity’s greatest show on earth, as well as what daily life was like in ancient Rome. Walk in the footsteps of Julius Caesar and see the spot where his body was cremated. Learn about the history of ancient Rome and how it went from a republic to a dictatorship.

Enjoy the Flavian Amphitheatre, also known as the Roman Colosseum, one of the seven wonders of the world, a UNESCO site, the symbol of Rome and Italy, the most long lasting, cultural and social institution in Rome, attracting more than 15,000 visitors every day.

The visit to the Palatine Hill means going back to the origins of the eternal city – the southwest corner of the hill was the place where the first wooden huts of the first Romans were found, and according to legend, the spot where the twins Romulus and Remus were abandoned and then raised by a she-wolf. The hill still preserves the archaeological remains of four houses of emperors with fountains, dining and sleeping rooms, showing the luxury and political power they had with secret recesses and underground corridors where betrayals, conspiracies, adulteries and the typical intrigue of the royal families took place.

Then, walk on the most important ancient Roman street, the Via Sacra, to the Forum, the beating heart of the political, social and religious life of the Romans and the biggest archaeological area of Rome. A ramp connecting to the Forum from the street called Via dei Fori Imperiali built by Mussolini in 1932, works as a time machine – the further down you go, the more ancient the level, showing 2000 years of history in 10 meters (30 feet) of stratification. It was the main square with banks, shopping malls, religious buildings and the center of political power and administration of justice. Location of the most famous speeches of the most influential personalities including the one of Mark Antony regarding Julius Caesar, the Forum reflects the attitude of the Romans as very theatrical people.

Due to security changes, all visitors must first pass through security checks and a metal detector. There is no way to skip this line and the average wait time is approximately 1.5 hours (as of April 2016).

CLICK TO ORDER TICKETS: Colosseum and Roman Forum Pass, Rome

Cinecitta theme park

Cinecittà World (Theme Park), Rome

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Cinecittà World, known for producing movies such as Ben-Hur and La Dolce Vita, is the first Italian amusement Park dedicated to Cinema and Television. Located just a few kilometers from Rome, it offers you the opportunity to live the emotional experience of being part of a real cinema set. In 2017, Cinecittà World added 10 brand new attractions with 24 attractions in total for adults and kids.

In addition, enjoy shows performed in the streets or in theatres, and delicious Italian specialties in the many restaurants.

CLICK TO ORDER TICKETS: Cinecittà World Theme Park

Photo credit Diego Maia @Flickr.com

Maxxi Museum, Rome

MAXXI Museum Tickets, Rome

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With its cutting-edge design and 312,000 square-feet of space located on the grounds of a former military barracks in Rome’s Flaminio district, the MAXXI Museum is Italy’s first national contemporary museum.

The name comes from the blending of the words Modern Art (or MA) and XXI, the number 21 in Roman numerals; this is no coincidence since the building’s clean, unadorned lines featuring white concrete walls, stark black steel stairs and a glass roof that filters in natural light are a fitting representation of 21st century aesthetics.

Designed by the Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, the first woman to win, in 2004, the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, the building’s elegant curves and stunning interior spaces have been very much appreciated on an international level. MAXXI was awarded the prestigious Stirling Prize and was later declared World Building of the Year 2010 at the World Architecture Festival of Barcelona.

Officially called the National Museum of the XXI Century Arts, the building houses two separate museums — MAXXI Art and MAXXI Architecture – and the permanent collection of 300 works includes pieces by Balla, Morandi, De Chirico, and Andy Warhol, among others, providing a nice counterpoint to the classics that fill most of the city’s other museums.

But that’s not all – MAXXI is also a research workshop where, alongside exhibits on contemporary art and architecture, design, fashion, film and advertising are featured in a multidisciplinary cultural center.

CLICK TO ORDER TICKETS: MAXXI Museum Tickets, Rome

Pitti Palace, Florence

Pitti Palace and the Boboli Gardens Tickets, Florence

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Take a tour of the Pitti Palace, and discover the extravagance of the Medici family, the de facto rulers of Renaissance Florence. As you explore the Palatine Gallery and the Royal Apartments, you’ll learn about the family’s power and see the impressive collection of art they amassed. Get an up-close look at works from Titian, Raphael and Rubens.

Visit the famous Boboli Gardens, an oasis in the heart of Florence, on a 1-hour guided tour of the Pitti Palace’s royal gardens. Built for Cosimo I de’ Medici in the 16th century, the gardens feature exquisite landscaping with a variety of plant life, fountains, and statues by master artists including Michelangelo, and sculptures dating from ancient Rome through the 17th century, making it a veritable open-air museum.

The Boboli Gardens hold an important collection of Renaissance statues and fountains. Notable works include “Bathing Venus” and “Fountain of the Ocean” sculpted by Giambologna, a copy of “The Prisoners” by Michelangelo, and a number of pieces by Buontalenti.

Choose between private or group guided tours.

CLICK TO ORDER TICKETS: Pitti Palace Tickets, Florence

 

Vatican Museums

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tickets, Rome

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The Vatican is Italy’s most popular attraction with almost five million visitors annually. It is an enormous complex of galleries, but the crown jewel is the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s phenomenal ceiling, created along with other painters, and the Raphael Rooms, covered in 16th-century frescoes by the Italian Renaissance painter and architect.

Bypass the crowds by purchasing your tickets ahead of time. Listen to fascinating background on the lives of Renaissance artists and symbols from the Catholic church, with direct admission to the galleries and St. Peter’s Basilica.

CLICK TO ORDER TICKETS: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Tickets, Rome

Villa Borghese, Rome

Borghese Gallery Tickets, Rome

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Rome’s Borghese Gallery and Museum (Galleria Borghese) is a must-see for art lovers in Rome. Housed in a former villa of the eponymous family, it contains a large part of the family’s vast collection of antiquities, paintings, and sculptures. Its 22 rooms across two floors showcase many important pieces including paintings by Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio, and Rubens. The city of Rome acquired the Villa Borghese in 1903, opening its collection and gardens to the public. The 1911 World Exposition was held in the park and some of the various countries’ pavilions still exist.

Reservations are required in order to visit the museum. Travelers can book skip-the-line tickets, a private or small-group tour, or opt for a Segway tour of the greater Borghese Villa. Art historians often lead small-group tours, which add context to the artwork you’re seeing.

CLICK TO ORDER TICKETS: Borghese Gallery Tickets, Rome

Birth of Venus by Botticelli

Uffizi Gallery Tickets, Florence

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The Uffizi Gallery is the world’s oldest gallery and houses one of the world’s most significant collections of art, ranging from Greek and Roman sculptures to Renaissance and Baroque paintings. Set in the heart of Florence, it is the most visited museum in Italy and draws in more than a million annual visitors who wish to cast eyes upon its many masterpieces, including Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Michelangelo’s Doni Tondo.

Due to its immense popularity, the Uffizi Gallery is prone to long lines and extensive wait times; therefore, whether you prefer a guided tour or wish to visit at your own pace, it is best to book a skip-the-line entrance ticket in advance of your visit.

  • Skip the Line: Florence Accademia and Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour
  • Description:Explore Florence’s two must-visit art museums – the Accademia and Uffizi galleries – on this Florence combo tour! Start with a morning skip-the-line access and guided tour of the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) to see Michelangelo’s
  • Semi Private Uffizi Gallery Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line
  • Description:Skip the line at Florence’s Uffizi Gallery to witness its key masterpieces on this 1.5-hour small-group tour. Avoid the long entrance lines and, with an art-expert guide, admire paintings by masters including Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelange
  • Skip the Line: Uffizi Gallery Visit with Audio-Guided Tour
  • Description:This is the perfect tour for all those customers who wish to visit the Uffizi Gallery in total freedom and at their own pace, guided by an audio commentary of expert art historians recorded in their own language. Please note that your entrance ticket to
  • Private Tour: Uffizi Gallery and Italian Happy Hour Aperitif
  • Description:This Private tour will show you the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most popular tourist attractions of Florence. Thanks to this tour you will be guided by a local and professional guide and you will admire paintings by masters including Botticelli, Leonardo
  • Guided Walking Tour of Florence with Uffizi Gallery
  • Description:Enjoy an excellent and complete introductory guided tour of the city of Florence and the Uffizi Gallery museum. Admire one of the most famous Museum in the world and marvel at its masterpiece like the Venus by Botticelli. Fall in love with Florence and it
  • Early Access: Guided Uffizi Gallery Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket
  • Description:Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the most famous museum in Florence! Let the guide tell you stories, anecdotes and everything you need to know about the most important masterpieces of artists like Botticelli, Caravaggio, Da Vinci and many others ..! Since
  • Skip the line: Uffizi Gallery tour
  • Description:Discover some of the great masterpieces of Western art at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence with a knowledgeable guide and skip the long line.
  • Florence Sightseeing Tour with Uffizi Gallery Skip-the-Line Ticket
  • Description:Spend an entire afternoon enjoying both the scenic outskirts and the most famous artworks of Florence with this 3-hour city tour, including a skip-the-line ticket to the Uffizi Gallery. Visit the heart of the cradle of Renaissance through its most beauti
  • Small-Group and Skip-the-Line Uffizi Gallery Renaissance Tour
  • Description:Art lovers, history buffs and travelers hungry for knowledge can enjoy this Uffizi Gallery Tour. Step inside a beautiful historical museum that used to serve as the offices of Florentine magistrates in the sixteenth century. The Uffizi Gallery is filled w
  • Skip the Line: Uffizi Gallery Ticket Including Special Exhibits
  • Description:Skip-the-line ticket, guarantee to skip the long lines and inclusive of temporary exhibitions fees. Reserve your tickets for the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and visit it without queueing up. Do not waste your precious vacation time. Buy now tickets online
  • Skip-the-Line Uffizi Gallery Private Tour with Local Guide
  • Description:Beat the lines at one the world's most famous art museums, Florence's Uffizi Gallery, with this 2-hours and a half guided tour led by a local expert. Make the most of this vast gallery and see the highlights that matter most to you with this intimate priv
  • Skip the Line: Florence Uffizi Gallery Small Group Tour
  • Description:See the best of Florence’s Uffizi Gallery on a 1.5-hour walking tour, led by an art-expert guide. Avoid the long main entrance lines with a skip-the-line ticket and experience the world-famous gallery’s Renaissance highlights and architecture. Marvel
  • Private Tour: Highlights of Florence Including the Uffizi Gallery
  • Description:During this amazing tour you will discover the secrets and beauty of Tuscany thanks to the visit of our most important city of art, Florence. We'll start with the walking tour of Florence, without doubt the city where the Italian genius has flourished
  • Afternoon Small-Group Uffizi Gallery Tour
  • Description:This visit to the Uffizi Gallery will be a tour of Italian art history. You will be carefully guided through the museum, and we will reveal the secrets of the most important Italian painters through their best-known works.
  • Individual Afternoon Uffizi Gallery Tour only for you
  • Description:This visit to the Uffizi Gallery will be a tour of Italian art history. You will be carefully guided through the museum, and we will reveal the secrets of the most important Italian painters through their best-known works.
  • Florence - Semi Private Tour Uffizi Gallery
  • Description:A 2 hours semi private up to 8 people walking tour to see the highlights of Florence with a local. Starting from the Uffizi Gallery with skip the line tickets, your tour will proceed to Palazzo Vecchio. Your guide is private just for your party.
  • Day trip to Florence: Uffizi Gallery and David entrance included
  • Description:Enjoy a beautiful day exploring one of the most famous museum of Florence and the best known statue made by Michelangelo, the David. Visit the Uffizi Gallery Museums and discover the masteripiece of arts made by Botticelli and other famous artist. You wil
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