Learn how Jacopo Robusti made a name (or two) for himself in Venice in Joe Gartman’s feature. Images by Patricia Gartman A narrow alley, the Salizada San Rocco, squeezes between a gelateria and the apse of the Church of the Frari, and widens into a small campo, at the end of which the Church of […]
The birthplace of the Catholic friar St Francis remains a globally important site of Christian pilgrimage Assisi stands atop Mount Asio and is flanked by swathes of Umbria’s undulating green pasture and the forests of Monte Subasio. At times it seems perched heaven-like, on a carpet of clouds. It is Roman in origin, yet a […]
Ancient craft traditions are an integral part of Italy’s heritage, but today’s artisans face fierce competition from a world of mass-produced convenience and the preservation of these crafts is more important than ever, says Jenny Oldaker. From exquisite glass creations in Murano to handcrafted Florentine footwear, each part of Italy has its own unique heritage […]
The final resting place of an English eccentric who made Venice his home, writes Joe Gartman Images by Patricia Gartman The pale red brick walls and tall cypresses of San Michele Island rise from the lagoon waters less than a quarter mile from Cannaregio’s Fondamente Nove. They form a perpetual memento mori, a reminder of […]
Shakespeare may have put Verona on the map, but it’s the city’s rich history that makes it unforgettable ‘Fair Verona, where we lay our scene’ introduces William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, yet the world famous 16th-century play and its fabled locations are mere dots on the historic timeline of this impressive city nestled at the […]
Discover more about the Roman inspirations for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 19th-century Gothic novel with Joe Gartman. Long ago in Rome, wealthy families often embellished their palazzi with tall, fortified towers. This allowed them to impress rival clans or perhaps dump noxious liquids on their heads when the situation required it. The owners of one such tower […]
A glorious day of exploration among the flora of 3,500 species of plants awaits in this botanical oasis in Padua Established in 1545 as a medicinal plants teaching garden, and considered to be the origin of botanical gardens, the Orto Botanico Padua has evolved into a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a leading authority on […]
Discover Lake Como and you’ll see why Michelle Jackson, The Novel Traveller, felt like a celebrity when exploring one of the most popular destinations in Italy with Travel Department. Before we start… Now that Covid vaccinations are progressing well the world is slowly starting to open again for some well-deserved travel experiences. Italia! have partnered […]
Few countries in the world have such a variable, diverse and colourful history as Italy. Every time we visit, we learn new facts about Italy’s wonderful past. We’ve put together 10 Interesting Facts about Italian history for those History Buffs out there from all the destinations that our friends Travel Department offer. Before we start… […]
How does a Roman Emperor create the ultimate symbol of power? By building an ‘ideal city’ that still stands to this day. Unenthused by existing villas yet keen to follow in the tradition of Roman emperors’ having a rural retreat, Emperor Hadrian constructed his vast residential complex at the foot of the Tiburtine Hills in […]