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The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is a beautiful church in Genoa, located in the small square with the same name. The cathedral is dedicated to San Lawrence, one of the patron saints of Genoa, together with Saint George, Saint John the Baptist and Saint Sebastian.   SHORT HISTORY A first church was built on this place around the 5th or 6th century AD, and dedicated to the bishop of Genoa, San Siro (Saint Sirus). The first documents that attest the existence of a church dedicated to San Lorenzo date back to 878. In 1007, the ancient church of San Siro was given to the Benedictine monks and the episcopal seat was transferred to the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Starting with 1098, the reconstruction of the church began and the project was entrusted to the Magistri Antelami, master architects, sculptors and carpenters of Romanesque tradition. The building was consecrated in 1118 by Pope Gelasio II. In the 13th century, the church was renovated in Gothic style. The first order of the facade, with its three Gothic portals, dates back to that period. After the fire of 1296, the building, very damaged, was rebuilt again. Between 1307 and 1312, the facade was Read more [...]

Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato is a beautiful church in Genoa, located in Piazza della Nunziata, in the Prè district. The building is one of the most representative churches of the Genoese art of the late Mannerism and early Baroque of the 17th century.   SHORT HISTORY In 1228, a community of Humiliati friars from Lombardy built on this place a convent and a small church dedicated to Santa Maria del Prato. In 1508, the convent and the church were assigned to the Conventual Franciscan friars from the Convent of San Francesco di Castelletto. The Franciscans started a new construction, better suited for their liturgical needs. Work began on July 20, 1520, when the first stone was laid. The church was built in late Gothic style to respect the artistic style of the mother church of the Franciscan Order, the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi. In 1537, the Conventuals left the church to return to the Convent of San Francesco di Castelletto, and the church passed to the Observant Franciscan friars, forced to leave the Convent of the Santissima Annunziata di Portoria. Following the dictates of the Council of Trent, the basilica was radically transformed beginning with 1591. The Read more [...]

The Church of Jesus and the Saints Ambrogio and Andrea is a Baroque church in Genoa, located in Piazza Matteotti, near the Palazzo Ducale and the Piazza De Ferrari. The church, belonging to the Jesuits from the 16th century, hosts works by the Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens, the Italian artist Guido Reni and by the greatest authors of the Genoese Baroque.   SHORT HISTORY The primitive church of Sant’Ambrogio dates back to the 6th century, when the Milanese clergy fled to Genoa, following the Lombard persecutions. The Genoese captivity of the Milanese bishops lasted until the middle of the 7th century, when the bishop Giovanni Bono (John the Good) returned to Milan. Around 1522, the old church passed into the hands of the Jesuits. In 1589, the Jesuits rebuilt the church to its current form, on a project by the architect Giuseppe Valeriano. The facade of the church was completely rebuilt in the second half of the 19th century. Completed in 1894, the facade included two statues of Sant’Ambrogio and Sant’Andrea, by Michele Ramognino.   ART In the central nave and in the dome, we can find frescoes by the painter Giovanni Carlone and by his younger brother, Giovanni Read more [...]

Old Port Genova is a bed and breakfast in Genoa, located about 150 meters away from the Aquarium of Genoa. The B&B is dedicated to people who want to experience the luxury and all the comforts of a 4-Star hotel, but in a cozy and friendly atmosphere. The B&B features free WiFi and an Italian breakfast is available each morning at the property.   HOW TO GET THERE Old Port Genova is located about 950 meters away from the Genova Piazza Principe railway station. The closest Metro stop is Darsena, located about 280 meters away.

Grand Hotel Savoia is a 5-Star hotel in Genoa, located opposite to Genova Piazza Principe train station and about 1 kilometer from the Aquarium of Genoa. Built in 1897, the Grand Hotel Savoia is among the oldest hotels in Italy. Over time, the hotel welcomed some of the most illustrious international politicians, actors and musicians. At the Grand Hotel Savoia, each room is unique, evoking a journey across the open seas. All the rooms are embellished with marble and glass mosaics combined with the warm elegance of the parquet flooring. The hotel features a fitness area and a small wellness center, which includes a sauna, a large hot tub and aromatherapy showers.   HOW TO GET THERE The hotel is located about 120 meters away from the Genova Piazza Principe railway station. The closest Metro stop is Principe, located about 350 meters away.

Hotel Palazzo Grillo is a 4-Star hotel in Genoa, located in a historical building, about 450 meters away from the Aquarium of Genoa. Built in 1545 by the will of Domenico Grillo, Palazzo Grillo was abandoned over the last few decades. Starting with 2011, the palace was renovated and transformed into a beautiful hotel. Hotel Palazzo Grillo offers 25 rooms. Each room is distinguished by a modern, comfortable style with an interesting design. The rooms feature free WiFi, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom fitted with a shower and a bidet.   HOW TO GET THERE Hotel Palazzo Grillo is located about 1.2 kilometers away from the Genova Piazza Principe railway station. The closest Metro stop is San Giorgio, located about 270 meters away.

The Church of Santa Chiara (Chiesa di Santa Chiara) is an important religious and historical building located in Via Giuseppe Mazzini in Bogliasco. Dedicated to Saint Clare of Assisi, the church represents a centuries-old center of devotion closely connected to Franciscan spirituality and to the confraternal traditions that have shaped religious life in Bogliasco since the late Middle Ages. Although modest in size, the Church of Santa Chiara preserves a remarkable artistic and spiritual heritage. Its history is deeply intertwined with that of the local confraternity dedicated to Saint Clare, whose activities are documented over several centuries. The church also houses significant artworks, including sculptures, paintings, and liturgical furnishings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, making it a valuable testimony to the religious art of Liguria. Saint Clare of Assisi was one of the earliest and most devoted followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. Inspired by Francis’s ideals of poverty, humility, and devotion, she founded the Order of Poor Clares, originally known as the Order of Poor Ladies. This religious order, rooted in the Franciscan tradition, was dedicated to a life of strict poverty, prayer, and contemplation. The dedication of the Bogliasco church to Saint Clare reflects the diffusion Read more [...]

Casa Mare is an apartment in Bogliasco, located in Via Emanuele Pontiroli, about 700 meters away from the main beach of the town. Casa Mare can accommodate up to 4 people. The apartment features a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, free WiFi, a well-equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a bath and bidet. Private parking is available at Casa Mare.   HOW TO GET THERE Casa Mare is located about 300 meters away from the Bogliasco train station. To find the apartment on foot, use the map below.

My Sweet Home is a two-room apartment in Bogliasco, located in Via Guglielmo Marconi, about 350 meters away from the main beach of the town. My Sweet Home, completely renovated in July 2017, can accommodate up to 4 people. The apartment features a bedroom with a double bed and a large wardrobe, a living room eqquipped with a double sofa bed, a kitchenette with a fridge, oven and microwave, and a bathroom with shower. The building has also a lovely private garden, where you can enjoy splendid evenings in absolute relaxation.   HOW TO GET THERE My Sweet Home is located about 600 meters away from the Bogliasco railway station. To find the apartment on foot, use the map below.

La Mansarda Sul Mare is an apartment in Bogliasco, located in Via Giuseppe Mazzini, about 30 meters away from the main beach of the town. The apartment was completely renovated in 2016, and comes with a kitchen, a seating area and a bathroom. The apartment offers air conditioning, free WiFi and a flat-screen TV. From its terrace, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Bogliasco.   HOW TO GET THERE La Mansarda Sul Mare is located about 500 meters away from the Bogliasco train station. To find the apartment on foot, use the map below.

The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Italian: Chiesa della Natività di Maria Santissima) is one of the most significant religious and historical landmarks in Bogliasco, a seaside town located along the eastern Riviera of Liguria, not far from Genoa. The church stands in Via Ammiraglio Giovanni Bettolo, in the lower part of the town (Bogliasco Basso), and represents the spiritual, artistic, and architectural heart of the local community. Dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the church reflects centuries of devotion, transformation, and artistic enrichment. Its current Baroque structure is the result of a long historical process that began in the Middle Ages and culminated in the monumental church visible today. Through documented restorations, commissions by renowned artists, and liturgical updates, the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary has remained a living testimony to the religious and cultural history of Bogliasco.   Short History of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary The origins of the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary date back to the 12th century, when a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary already existed in the upper part of the town, Read more [...]

The Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie (Santuario di Nostra Signora delle Grazie) is a small yet deeply significant Marian place of worship located in Via Giuseppe Mazzini in Bogliasco. Dedicated to Our Lady of Grace, the sanctuary represents an enduring expression of popular devotion, gratitude, and faith rooted in the historical experiences of the local community. Although modest in architectural scale, the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie holds substantial historical, religious, and cultural value. Its origins are closely linked to one of the most traumatic events in Ligurian history – the devastating plague of the 17th century – and its subsequent transformations reflect both changes in urban development and the persistent Marian devotion of the faithful. The sanctuary also preserves a noteworthy collection of votive offerings, making it an important testimony to centuries of lived religious experience in Bogliasco.   Powered by GetYourGuide   Short History of the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie The origins of the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora delle Grazie are traditionally associated with the aftermath of the plague of 1657, one of the most catastrophic epidemics to strike the region of Liguria. This outbreak caused widespread mortality and profoundly affected coastal and inland Read more [...]

Casa Manzoni is a palace located in Via Gerolamo Morone, in Milan, famous for beeing the home of the writer Alessandro Manzoni from 1814 to his death. Alessandro Manzoni was an Italian writer, poet and playwright, who is considered one of the greatest Italian novelists of all time for his famous novel The Betrothed, the cornerstone of the Italian literature.   SHORT HISTORY In 1813, three years after Alessandro Manzoni returned to Milan, together with his wife Enrichetta Blondel and his mother Giulia Beccaria, after a five-year experience in Paris, he bought a new house in Via Morone. Manzoni moved to his new home a few months later, starting a series of modernization works, including the reconstruction of the facade oriented towards Piazza Belgioioso. The current appearance of the facade is owed to the architect Andrea Boni, who, in 1864, at the request of Manzoni, rebuilt the palace in Neo-Renaissance style. The facade, inspired by the Lombard Renaissance architecture, is composed of elaborate terracotta decorations. Above all, the portal and the balcony stand out. Until a few years ago, the Lombard Historical Society and the National Center of Manzoni Studies were housed in the building, on the ground floor. Thanks Read more [...]

Buy tickets & tours:GetYourGuide The Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari is one of the largest churches in Venice, and one of Italy’s most important Franciscan sites. The church, commonly known as the Frari, is located in the homonymous Campo dei Frari, in the sestiere of San Polo.   SHORT HISTORY The first church built on this site dates back to the first half of the 13th century, when the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor received a piece of land in the area. Soon, the church proved too small and, in 1250, the papal legate, the cardinal Ottaviano Ubaldini, laid the first stone of a new larger church. Around the year 1330, the architect Jacopo Celega began working on a third church, which was completed in 1396 by his son, Pier Paolo. The bell tower of the church was built in 1936, the Chapel of San Marco was added in 1420, the Chapel of San Pietro in 1434, and the facade was finished in 1440. The church was consecrated in 1492, and the portal, surmounted by three statues, work of Lorenzo Bregno, was built in 1516. In the 19th century, the Franciscans were banished from the church, and they Read more [...]

The Church of the Abbey of Misericordia (Chiesa dell’Abbazia della Misericordia) is a church located in Venice, in the sestiere of Cannaregio, overlooking the small square with the same name.   SHORT HISTORY A first church was built on this place in 936. In the 13th century, the church was completely rebuilt, abandoning the Byzantine structure and acquiring a Gothic style. Starting with that moment, the building was linked to the history of the Moro family, who became protectors of the church. At first, the church was named Santa Maria di Val Verde and its history was connected to the nearby Scuola Grande of Santa Maria della Misericordia, which was built at the beginning of the 14th century. In 1659, the facade of the church was rebuilt, as it appears on a plate on the right, at the expense of the patrician and philosopher Gasparo Moro. In 1806, after the suppression of the Scuola della Misericordia, the church was turned into a military warehouse. Rescued from the demolition, it was renovated by the abbot Pietro Pianton between 1825 and 1864. After his death, everything was sold and the church was closed. In 1891, the church was assigned by the patriarch Read more [...]

The Church of the Madonna dell’Orto is a beautiful Gothic church in Venice, located in the sestiere (district) of Cannaregio, in the homonymous campo (square).   SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE MADONNA DELL’ORTO The church was built by the religious congregation of Humiliati around the middle of the 14th century, and dedicated to God, to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. Because of its weak foundations, the church underwent important restoration works in 1399. In 1414, the Council of Ten, one of the highest governing bodies of the Republic of Venice, granted the church the name of Madonna dell’Orto, which was already popular among the locals. The name came from a miraculous statue of the Madonna, brought to the church from a nearby garden (orto meaning garden in Italian). In 1462, the Humiliati were expelled by a decree of the same council, and the church was assigned to the congregation of the Canons Regular of San Giorgio in Alga, which was suppressed in 1668. The convent of the Madonna dell’Orto passed in 1669 to the Congregation of the Cistercian Monks, and in 1787 came under public administration. In 1841, the Austrian Read more [...]

Palazzo Surian Bellotto is a palace with an imposing facade, located in Venice, in the district of Cannaregio, overlooking the Cannaregio Canal.   SHORT HISTORY The palace was built by the Surian family in the 17th century, on a project attributed to the architect Giuseppe Sardi, who was also the author of the nearby Palazzo Savorgnan. At the end of the same century, the palace was ceded to the Bellotto family, a noble family from Brescia. In the 18th century, it became the Venetian seat of the French embassy. During this period, the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau lived there. In the 19th century, after the fall of the Republic of Venice, the palace entered a long period of degradation, during which the sumptuous interiors and the beautiful decorations were irretrievably lost. Now, the palace is a private residence.   ARCHITECTURE The best preserved and most important feature of Palazzo Surian is the large Baroque facade, which, with its four floors, stands out above the neighboring buildings. The facade is asymmetrical, having the central axis shifted to the left. On the ground floor, there are two portals with curved masonry, inserted in an ashlar band. To the portals correspond, on the main Read more [...]

The Church of San Michele in Isola is a beautiful church dedicated to Saint Michael, located in Venice, on the island of San Michele, near the cemetery with the same name.   SHORT HISTORY A first church was built on this place in 1221, but was destroyed by a fire in 1453. The current church dates back to the second half of the 15th century. More precisely, the church was built between 1468 and 1479 by the great architect Mauro Codussi, the same architect of the Church of San Zaccaria, the Vendramin Calergi Palace and the Clock Tower from the San Marco Square. In 1530, the architect Guglielmo Bergamasco built a hexagonal chapel to the left of the church, known as Cappella Emiliani. In 1560, the famous sculptor and architect Jacopo Sansovino renovated the church and the chapel.   ARCHITECTURE The church has a tripartite facade divided by Ionic pilasters, with two superimposed levels. The lower one is characterized by a smooth ashlar, with a central portal with a triangular tympanum and two high arched windows in correspondence of the aisles. The upper level, included between the Ionic pilasters, has a large oculus, around which are arranged four polychrome marble Read more [...]

Palazzo Civran is a palace in Venice, located in the Cannaregio district (sestiere), overlooking the Grand Canal, not far from Fontego dei Tedeschi and the Rialto Bridge.   SHORT HISTORY The Civran family owned the palace since the 14th century, when it was built in Gothic style. At the beginning of the 18th century, the palace was rebuilt by the architect Giorgio Massari. In the 19th century, the palace was the property of Isacco Pesaro Maurogonato, the finance minister in the Italian government of Daniele Manin. Currently, Palazzo Civran is a state-owned building, and is the seat of Guardia di Finanza.   ARCHITECTURE The current appearance of the palace is the result of the last major restoration that took place in the first half of the 18th century, when the building was renovated in Late Renaissance style. The ground floor is built from ashlar blocks, having in the center a water portal with a round arch and a keystone with an anthropomorphic head. The mezzanine consists of four windows with small balconies, each one with a iron railing. The main floor has a central single-lancet window similar to the water portal below, and two pairs of lateral single-lancet windows, all Read more [...]

Founded in the 9th century, the Church of San Giacomo dall’Orio is one of the oldest churches in Venice. The church, located in the Santa Croce district, in the Campo San Giacomo dall’Orio, is part of the same parish with the Church of San Stae and the Church of San Zan Degolà.   SHORT HISTORY The church was erected in the 9th century and rebuilt in Byzantine style in 1225 by the noble families Badoer and Da Mula. Between the 15th and 16th centuries, the church was remodeled in Gothic style. From this church, the pilgrimages to Santiago di Compostela began, as evidenced by the image of a man carrying a shell placed on the bell tower. The tower dates back to 1225.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The interior is characterized by the coexistence of various architectural styles: the bell tower and the basilica plan with three naves belong to the Byzantine style, while the roof is Gothic and the decorations of the main altar and the central nave are Lombard. On the counter-facade, we can find the organ and, underneath, three 16th-century paintings attributable to Andrea Schiavone: Appeal of the Apostles, Dispute of Jesus with the doctors of the Read more [...]

Palazzo Soranzo Piovene is a beautiful palace in Venice, located in the Cannaregio district (sestiere), overlooking the Grand Canal, between Palazzo Molin Erizzo and Palazzo Emo alla Maddalena.   SHORT HISTORY OF PALAZZO SORANZO PIOVENE The palace dates back to the early decades of the 16th century. The building was acquired by the Soranzo family and, in 1760, it passed to the Piovene family through the marriage between Cecilia Soranzo and Girolamo Piovene. Today, the palace is the seat of Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police), which occupies the main floor and the mezzanine. The other part of the palazzo, built around a central courtyard, consists of private residences.   ARCHITECTURE OF PALAZZO SORANZO PIOVENE The project is traditionally attributed to the architect Sante Lombardo. The facade is characterized by two three-light windows, flanked on the right by two single windows and on the left by one. The windows are separated by four rectangular and two round decorations. Inside, the atrium and the staircase are remarkable. The palace is enriched by an internal courtyard with a well, on the back of which there is a second wing. The palace has also a garden.   HOW TO GET TO PALAZZO SORANZO PIOVENE Read more [...]

Palazzo Molin Querini, also known as Palazzo Molin alla Maddalena, is a palace located in the Cannaregio district, in Venice, overlooking the Grand Canal at the point where it merges with the Rio della Maddalena. The palace is next to Palazzo Emo alla Maddalena.   SHORT HISTORY Before passing to the Querini family, the palace belonged to the ancient Molin family, from which the Doge Francesco Molin was part. In the 18th century, in the palace lived another important member of the Molin family, the Bishop of Brescia Giovanni Molin. The last reconstruction of the palace dates back to the 18th century.   ARCHITECTURE The palace presents a facade divided in two. On the left, there is the water portal, surmounted by a Palladian window (a Palladian window, or serliana, is an architectural element composed of a round arched central window, symmetrically flanked by two rectangular windows), and three separate windows. On the right, we can find two rectangular windows, facing the Rio della Maddalena. In addition to the ground floor and the main floor (piano nobile), there is also a mezzanine, an upper floor and an attic. The palace has a very small interior courtyard.   HOW TO GET Read more [...]

Palazzo Emo alla Maddalena is a palace built in Baroque style in Venice, overlooking the Grand Canal, between Palazzo Molin Querini and Palazzo Soranzo Piovene.   SHORT HISTORY The palace was built at the beginning of the 17th century, and aquired around 1616 by the Emo family, for the marriage of Alvise Emo with Eleonora Rodriguez of the Diego family. The palace was bought with a part of her dowry. Around the middle of the 18th century, the owners were Francesco and Gerolamo Emo, who completed around the same time the adjacent Molin Querini Palace.   ARCHITECTURE The facade is divided into two parts, having a double orientation, both towards the Grand Canal and to the Rio della Maddalena. The facade is spread over four floors, presenting a ground floor, a mezzanine, a piano nobile and an attic. The expressive power of the facade is concentrated in the group consisting of the water portal and the overlying serliana (a serliana, or Palladian window, is an architectural element composed of a round arched central section, symmetrically flanked by two rectangular windows, surmounted by a lintel). On the main floor, there are also single windows, two on the right and three on Read more [...]

The Church of Sant’Alvise is a Gothic church in Venice, located in the Cannaregio district, overlooking the homonymous square. The church is dedicated to Saint Louis of Toulouse, a Neapolitan prince from the House of Anjou canonized in 1317, known in Venice as Sant’Alvise.   SHORT HISTORY The church of Sant’Alvise was built in 1383, together with the nearby convent, by the noblewoman Antonia Venier, after the saint appeared to her in a dream. Later, Antonia Venier retired in the monastery, following the Augustinian rule. At the beginning of the 16th century, other Augustinian nuns were welcomed here, after they escaped from the territories affected by the War of the League of Cambrai. The church underwent a major reconstruction in the 17th century, which largely changed the interior.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The church is built in Gothic style, having a basilica plan. The facade, very simple, is delimited by six protruding pilasters, connected by ogival arches. The portal in Istrian stone is enriched by a statue of Sant’Alvise in marble, attributed to Bartolomeo Bon. The bell tower retained its original Gothic appearance of the 14th century. It was built in terracotta, with a pinecone cusp and spiers at the Read more [...]

The Church of Santa Maria di Nazareth, known locally as Chiesa degli Scalzi, is a wonderful church in Venice, overlooking the Grand Canal, located near the Santa Lucia railway station and the beautiful Ponte degli Scalzi. The church is the seat of the religious Order of the Discalced Carmelites (or the Barefoot Carmelites, scalzi meaning barefoot in Italian).   SHORT HISTORY After the Discalced Carmelites settled in Venice in 1633, they asked the architect Baldassare Longhena to build a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The construction of the edifice began in 1656, funded by the Venetian diplomat Girolamo Cavazza, and was completed in 1689 by Giuseppe Pozzo, seven years after Longhena’s death. The church was consecrated in 1705 and the Order of the Discalced Carmelites used it together with the adjacent convent until the beginning of the 19th century. In 1810, they left the church, returning 30 years later, in 1840. The church of Santa Maria di Nazareth was restored between 1853 and 1862, while only a few years later, with the appearance of the Santa Lucia railway station, the convent was demolished.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The facade of the church was built in Baroque style between 1672 Read more [...]

The Church of San Rocco and San Francesco di Paola is a historic sanctuary in Pizzo, located near the northern edge of the town’s historical center. It stands close to the Church of Purgatory and preserves one of the most important religious traditions of the local community. The sanctuary is dedicated to San Rocco, traditionally invoked against plague and contagious diseases, and to San Francesco di Paola, the Calabrian saint who founded the Order of Minims. The double dedication reflects both the origins of the church and the history of the adjacent convent. Originally, the church was dedicated only to San Rocco. Over time, because the convent beside it belonged to the Minims, the people of Pizzo also associated the complex with San Francesco di Paola. This popular dedication was later recognized officially. Today, the Church of San Rocco and San Francesco di Paola is one of the most meaningful religious landmarks in Pizzo. Its history includes plague, monastic life, suppression of religious orders, earthquake damage, reconstruction, and modern recognition of its double dedication.   Powered by GetYourGuide   Short History of the Church of San Rocco and San Francesco di Paola The history of the church begins in 1578, Read more [...]

Bellamana Beach is a small urban beach located in the heart of Pizzo, on Calabria’s Tyrrhenian coast. Situated just below the historic center, the beach lies at the foot of the rocky promontory crowned by Murat Castle, making it one of the most recognizable seaside locations in town. Often referred to as Pizzo Marina Beach (Marina di Pizzo), Bellamana Beach combines easy access, scenic views, and proximity to Pizzo’s historic attractions. Its location allows visitors to move effortlessly between the sea, the old town, and the waterfront promenade. The names Bellamana Beach and Pizzo Marina are frequently used to identify the same coastal area. The designation Pizzo Marina reflects the beach’s position along the town’s traditional waterfront district, historically connected to maritime activities and local fishing traditions.   Description of the Bellamana Beach Bellamana Beach occupies a small natural bay directly below the historic center of Pizzo. The beach extends along the shoreline beneath the rocky cliff on which Murat Castle stands. The contrast between the golden-colored cliff, the historic fortification, and the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea creates one of the most photographed coastal views in town. Because of its central position, Bellamana Beach is among the easiest Read more [...]

Fontana del Commercio is one of the most distinctive monuments in the historic center of Pizzo, Calabria. Located in Piazza della Repubblica, the town’s main square, the fountain has been an important part of the urban landscape since the nineteenth century. The fountain is closely connected to the historical development of Piazza della Repubblica, formerly known as Piazza Umberto I. Although smaller than some of Pizzo’s better-known landmarks, it represents an important chapter in the town’s civic history. Today, Fontana del Commercio remains one of the most recognizable monuments in central Pizzo. It is admired both for its historical significance and for the artistic details that characterize its granite structure.   Powered by GetYourGuide   Short History of Fontana del Commercio The origins of Fontana del Commercio date back to the middle of the nineteenth century, a period of significant political and social transformation throughout southern Italy. The official project received approval on 16 June 1857 during the administration of Mayor Emanuele Alcalà. Although the proposal was accepted, financial limitations prevented the municipality from beginning construction immediately. The lack of available funds forced the project to remain on hold for several years. Such delays were common during the nineteenth century, Read more [...]

The Church of the Immaculate Conception is one of the most important religious landmarks in Scilla. Known in Italian as Chiesa dell’Immacolata, the church stands near the famous Ruffo Castle, overlooking the Strait of Messina. The Church of the Immaculate Conception represents an important part of the religious and historical heritage of Scilla. Over the centuries, it was repeatedly damaged by earthquakes and rebuilt several times. Today, the building combines historical architectural elements with modern reconstruction works completed during the 20th century.   Short History of the Church of the Immaculate Conception Early Christian Origins Ancient Greek parchments confirm the presence of a religious building on this site since the first centuries of Christianity. The church was closely connected to the nearby defensive fortress constructed around the 5th century. The strategic position of the church near the castle highlights its importance for the local community. The area represented both a military and spiritual center overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria.   Norman Period and the Madonna dell’Itria During the Norman domination of southern Italy, the church was dedicated to the Madonna dell’Itria. This Marian devotion originated in the Greek religious tradition and later spread widely throughout southern Italy. The title Read more [...]

The Church of San Rocco is one of the most important religious landmarks in Scilla, a historic coastal town in southern Calabria. Dedicated to Saint Roch (San Rocco), the patron saint of Scilla, the church stands in Piazza San Rocco, overlooking part of the town. Although the current building is relatively recent, the history of the church and the devotion to its patron saint date back several centuries and are deeply connected to the identity of the local community.   Powered by GetYourGuide   San Rocco Saint Roch, known in Italian as San Rocco, is one of the most venerated saints in Europe and has long been associated with protection against plague and contagious diseases. Born in Montpellier, France, during the 14th century, he dedicated his life to helping the sick and the poor. According to tradition, he travelled through several Italian cities, caring for plague victims and performing miraculous healings. The iconography of San Rocco is easily recognizable. He is usually depicted as a pilgrim carrying a staff and showing a wound on his leg, a reference to the illness he contracted while assisting plague victims. A dog often appears beside him, recalling the legend according to which an Read more [...]

The Church of Santa Maria di Porto Salvo stands in the heart of Chianalea, the historic fishermen’s quarter of Scilla. Located in a small square overlooking the narrow streets of the village, the Church of Santa Maria di Porto Salvo represents an important religious, artistic, and cultural landmark closely connected to the maritime identity of the community. For centuries, the people of Chianalea have relied on the sea for their livelihood. As a result, devotion to the Virgin Mary under the title of Porto Salvo (Safe Harbor) became deeply rooted among local fishermen and sailors who sought divine protection before embarking on dangerous voyages through the waters of the Strait of Messina. Today, the church remains one of the most recognizable monuments in Chianalea. Its elegant façade, historic artworks, surviving eighteenth-century furnishings, and strong connection to local traditions make it an essential stop for visitors exploring Scilla’s historic center.   Powered by GetYourGuide   Short History of the Church of Santa Maria di Porto Salvo The origins of the Church of Santa Maria di Porto Salvo date back to the early eighteenth century, when the Brotherhood of Santa Maria di Porto Salvo commissioned the construction of a new place of Read more [...]

Dimora Amalfitana is a guesthouse in Monopoli, located in the historical center of the city, about 200 meters away from the Old Port. The guesthouse offers rooms that guarantee maximum comfort, characterized by pleasant and modern lines, all located in the same building. All the rooms include a desk and are equipped with a private bathroom, while some rooms feature a balcony. An Italian breakfast is available each morning at the property.   HOW TO GET THERE Dimora Amalfitana is located about 1.2 kilometers away from the Monopoli train station. To find it easily, use the map below.

B&B Al Picchio is a bed and breakfast located in a modern area of Monopoli, about 450 meters away from the historical center of the city. B&B Al Picchio offers air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and free parking nearby. All the rooms come with an LCD TV and a desk. The bathroom includes a hairdryer and free toiletries.   HOW TO GET THERE The B&B Al Picchio is located about 1.4 kilometers away from the Monopoli railway station. To find it easily, use the map below.

Santa Maria 24 is a beautiful apartment in Monopoli, located a few meters from the Castle of Charles V and the Old Port of the city. The apartment features free WiFi and a terrace, and every room is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV. Some rooms feature a seating area, and a coffee machine is available in the apartment. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom fitted with a bidet, free toiletries and a hair dryer.   HOW TO GET THERE The apartment is located on the Lungomare Santa Maria, about 1.4 kilometers away from the Monopoli train station. To find it easily, use the map below.

Palazzo Martinelli-Meo Evoli is a historic aristocratic palace located in Monopoli, built along the line of the ancient city walls, overlooking Porto Vecchio. Its position places it in close proximity to two of Monopoli’s most important landmarks: the historic harbor and the Castle of Charles V, forming a continuous architectural and historical ensemble that defines the northeastern edge of the old town. Palazzo Martinelli-Meo Evoli represents one of the most significant examples of eighteenth and nineteenth-century noble architecture in Monopoli, combining elements from different stylistic phases while maintaining a strong relationship with the surrounding urban fabric. Today, the palace is recognized for its architectural complexity, its layered historical development, and its prominent visual presence along the waterfront. Its façade overlooking Porto Vecchio contributes significantly to the scenic character of the Old Port area, where civic, military, and residential architectures converge.   Short History of Palazzo Martinelli-Meo Evoli The origins of Palazzo Martinelli-Meo Evoli are closely linked to the succession of noble families who owned the property over several centuries. The earliest documented owners were the Bandino family, followed by the Carbonelli and Lentini families. Each phase of ownership corresponds to periods of architectural adaptation and functional use, reflecting broader social Read more [...]

Porto Vecchio (Old Port) is the historic harbor of Monopoli and one of the most distinctive maritime landmarks on the Adriatic coast of southern Italy. Moreover, Porto Vecchio is widely considered the most picturesque area of Monopoli. It is located at the northern edge of the historic center, where the ancient city meets the sea, and has played a central role in the urban, economic, and defensive development of Monopoli for more than two millennia. The port occupies a naturally sheltered inlet that opens eastward toward the Adriatic Sea. This natural configuration explains why the earliest settlement of Monopoli developed precisely around this harbor area. Today, Porto Vecchio remains an active port, though its function has shifted almost entirely toward traditional fishing and small-scale maritime activities. It is the authentic home of the city’s typical fishing boats, known as gozzi (or vozz in the local dialect). These wooden boats are generally around five meters long and are still used daily by local fishermen. Painted in bright red, blue, green, and white, the gozzi are both functional working vessels and a strong visual symbol of Monopoli’s maritime identity. The red lighthouse marking the port entrance, the imposing Castle of Charles V overlooking Read more [...]

Castello di Carlo V (Castle of Charles V), is a sixteenth-century coastal fortress located in Monopoli, in the Apulia region of southern Italy. It was built during the period of Spanish domination as part of a broader defensive strategy aimed at protecting the Adriatic coastline from maritime threats, particularly Ottoman incursions and pirate raids. The castle occupies a strategic position within the historic center of Monopoli, standing on a rocky promontory known as Punta Pinna. This elevated and naturally defensive site overlooks the Old Port (Porto Vecchio), and commands a wide view over the surrounding sea. Castello di Carlo V represents one of the most important examples of Spanish military architecture in Apulia. Over the centuries, the fortress underwent several functional transformations, evolving from a strictly defensive structure into a residential building, then a prison, and finally a restored cultural venue. Today, the castle remains one of the most recognizable landmarks of Monopoli and a key element of the city’s historical and architectural heritage.   Short History of Castello di Carlo V The construction of Castello di Carlo V dates back to the first half of the 16th century, during the reign of Emperor Charles V, who ruled over a Read more [...]

B&B Casa Dorsi is a bed and breakfast located in the northern area of the historical center of Polignano a Mare, close to the Lama Monachile Beach. The B&B is hosted by an ancient stone house recently renovated. The rooms feature original floors, wooden furniture and wrought-iron beds. All the rooms have an LCD TV and a fridge, and most are air conditioned. The suites and apartments also feature a fully equipped kitchenette.   How to Get to B&B Casa Dorsi The B&B is located about 800 meters away from the Polignano a Mare railway station. Use the map below to find it easily.  

Tra le Mura is a guesthouse located in the historical center of Polignano a Mare, about 350 meters away from the Lama Monachile Beach. Tra le Mura offers modern rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TV and a refrigerator. Some have a balcony and sea view. The guesthouse also features a terrace and free Wi-Fi is available on the property. An Italian breakfast is served every morning on the terrace and includes hot drinks, mineral water and croissants.   How to Get to Tra le Mura Tra le Mura is located about 550 meters away from the Polignano a Mare train station. Use the map below to find it easily.  

Sei Stelle Mama is a bed and breakfast located in Polignano a Mare, in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, near the Palazzo dell’Orologio. The B&B is hosted in a historic building which dates back to the 19th century, with vaulted ceilings and decorated with beautiful friezes. Sei Stelle Mama offers three rooms (Deluxe, Superior and French) united by the excellence of their furnishings. Each room is equiped with mini-bar and the WiFi is available everywhere. A breakfast is served every day from 7.30 am to 10.30 am on the ground floor, on the terrace or in your room.   How to Get to Sei Stelle Mama Sei Stelle Mama is located about 700 meters away from the Polignano a Mare train station. To find it easily, use the map below.  

B&B Dei Serafini is a bed and breakfast located in the historical center of Polignano a Mare, close to the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and Palazzo dell’Orologio. The B&B has a new and exclusive breakfast room, overlooking the sea, where you can enjoy a tasty continental breakfast. In the evening, the breakfast room turns into an exclusive lounge bar, where you can taste great cocktails and some special appetizers.   How to Get to B&B Dei Serafini The B&B is located about 600 meters away from the Polignano a Mare train station. To find it easily, use the map below.  

Palazzo dell’Orologio, or Clock Palace, is a small palace located in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, in the historical center of Polignano a Mare. The palace is located a few meters away from the Church of St. Mary’s Assumption (Chiesa Matrice Santa Maria Assunta), the former Cathedral of Polignano a Mare.   SHORT HISTORY OF PALAZZO DELL’OROLOGIO The palace has medieval origins, and was, originally, part of a convent for nuns. Palazzo dell’Orologio was repurposed over time, and eventually became the seat of the city’s Town Hall. The two ground floor rooms were used as a warehouse for a while and, later, the room in the back was converted into a prison, as attested by the grating which is still visible in Via Tanese Innocente. In the second half of the 18th century, a clock was added to the facade, replacing an old sundial. A small part of the sundial is still visible today, under the clock.   ARCHITECTURE OF PALAZZO DELL’OROLOGIO The palace is built on three floors, with a facade embelished by decorations in Rococo style, particularly visible around windows, which hide the medieval origins of the building. Between the two windows of the first floor, under the clock, Read more [...]

The Church of San Giovanni Battista Decollato (Saint John the Baptist Beheaded), abbreviated in the Venetian dialect as San Zan Degolà, is a church located in the sestiere (district) of Santa Croce, in Venice.   SHORT HISTORY The church was probably founded in the 8th century, but the first documented information about the structure dates back to the beginning of the 11th century, when the church was rebuilt by the Venier family, residing in a palace nearby. In 1213, the church was renovated at the expense of the Pesaro family, and again in 1703, when the current facade and the bell tower were built. In 1807, the Napoleonic decrees suppressed the parish and led to the deconsecration of the church, which was transformed into a warehouse. In 1818, the church was reopened and assigned to the parish of San Giacomo dall’Orio, to which it still belongs as a vicarial church. Today, the church is the seat of the Russian Orthodox Christian community and the liturgies are held regularly every week.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The church is one of the rare examples of Venetian-Byzantine architecture that remained fairly intact in its original conception up to the present day. Only the Read more [...]

Palazzo Contarini Fasan, also called Casa di Desdemona (House of Desdemona), is one of the smallest palaces overlooking the Grand Canal, in Venice. The palace is located in the San Marco district (sestiere), between Palazzo Ferro Fini and Palazzo Venier Contarini.   SHORT HISTORY Palazzo Contarini was built around 1475 and belonged to the Contarini family. The name Fasan is probably derived from the passion of its owners for hunting pheasants. According to legend, the palace is traditionally considered the home of Desdemona, a character in William Shakespeare’s play Othello.   ARCHITECTURE The palace has a Gothic facade developed in height, on three floors, with no access to water. On the ground floor, there are 3 small rectangular windows. On the first floor, there are three lancet windows separated by white stone columns, and a balcony. On the second floor, we can find two lancet windows, and between them, under a small square opening, there is the large coat of arms of the Contarini family, in bas-relief. The top of the facade is crossed by a jagged cornice, under which can be observed the traces of the 15th-century frescoes that once embellished the entire facade.   HOW TO GET THERE Read more [...]

Palazzo Smith Mangilli Valmarana is a palace in Venice, located in the sestiere (district) of Cannaregio, overlooking the Grand Canal between Palazzo Michiel del Brusà and Ca’ Da Mosto.   SHORT HISTORY OF PALAZZO SMITH MANGILLI VALMARANA Originally, the palace was a Byzantine-Gothic building, owned by the Trevisan nobles from 1518 to 1666, and later by the Ceffis family. In 1740, the palace became the seat of the English Embassy and later the residence of Joseph Smith, the British consul in Venice between 1744 and 1760, and it was transformed according to the taste of the era. Joseph Smith was also a patron of arts and a collector, the agent of Canaletto for several years and the facilitator for the purchases of his works by the British aristocrats. In 1743, the painter Antonio Visentini started the works on the new facade of the palace, which was completed in 1751. Joseph Smith died in 1770, and the palace was sold by his widow to the Count Giuseppe Mangilli in 1784. The count added the two top floors and entrusted the redecoration of the interior to the architect Giannantonio Selva, who also built the La Fenice Theater. Later, the palace was sold Read more [...]

The Church of San Giovanni in Bragora is a church in Venice, located in Campo Bandiera e Moro, in the Castello district (sestiere).   SHORT HISTORY Although the first document mentioning the church dates back to 1090, it seems that the structure was built earlier, in 829. The church was rebuilt in the 10th century, under Doge Pietro III Candiano, to house some presumed relics of Saint John the Baptist, to which is dedicated, and again in 1178. In 1464, when Pietro Barbo became Pope Paul II, the church was restructured according to a late Gothic style by the architect Sebastiano Mariani, taking its current form. The works lasted thirty years, from 1475 to 1505, at the end of which it was reconsecrated, as it is shown on the facade, on the lintel above the entrance, under the lunette. In 1481, the chapel dedicated to Saint John the Merciful was built, which houses the precious relics of the saint since 1249. Over time, the bell tower of the church collapsed several times. The first structure, from the 9th century, underwent a major renovation between 1475 and 1498, only to be demolished in 1567 due to its precarious condition. Rebuilt in Read more [...]

Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti is a palace in Venice, located in the sestiere of San Marco, in the immediate vicinity of the Accademia Bridge. Since 1999, it belongs to the Venetian Institute of Science, Letters and Arts, which hosts frequent cultural events.   SHORT HISTORY The palace was built in Gothic style in the second half of the 15th century by the Marcello family. It was inhabited later by the Gussoni and the Cavalli families. In 1847, the palace was ceded to the young Archduke Friedrich Ferdinand of Austria, who initiated a series of works for the modernization of the building. Later, the palace passed to Enrico, Count of Chambord, who commissioned the architect Giovanni Battista Meduna to renovate the structure. Meduna redesigned the palace, which became one of the emblems of the 19th century in Venice. In 1878, the building was bought by the Baron Raimondo Franchetti. Franchetti started a radical restoration under the direction of the architect Camillo Boito. In September 1922, the widow of Raimondo, Sarah Luisa de Rothschild, sold the building to the Istituto Federale di Credito per il Risorgimento delle Venezie, which proceeded to a new phase of works and functional adaptations.   ARCHITECTURE The palace is Read more [...]

Palazzo Dolfin Manin is a palace in Venice, located in the sestiere (district) of San Marco, overlooking the Grand Canal not far from the Rialto Bridge. Today, the palace houses the Venice branch of Banca d’Italia.   SHORT HISTORY OF PALAZZO DOLFIN MANIN The palace was built in 1536 by Jacopo Sansovino for the Dolfin family, by merging two pre-existing buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. Later, the palace became the residence of the noble Manin family. Ludovico Manin, the last Doge of Venice, commissioned the architect Giannantonio Selva to make important modifications to the palace. The architect eliminated the inner courtyard and replaced the entry staircase with a more sumptuous one in Neoclassical style. In 1797, Ludovico Manin accepted the surrender to the French army of Napoleon. After that moment, he lived for another five years segregated in the palace. The palace remained the property of the Manin family until 1867, when it passed to Banca Nazionale del Regno. Some restorations were carried out between 1968 and 1971, and a further restoration was completed in 2002.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF PALAZZO DOLFIN MANIN The facade of the palace was built between 1538 and 1547 by the great Read more [...]

The Church of San Marcuola is a church dedicated to Saints Hermagoras and Fortunatus, located in the sestiere of Cannaregio, in Venice. The church is situated across the Grand Canal from the Fondaco dei Turchi. The name Marcuola comes from the Venetian pronunciation for Hermagoras.   SHORT HISTORY The current church was built in the 12th century on the site of an ancient church from the 9th century, thanks to the contributions of the Memmo family, owners of the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. In 1663, minor changes were made to the structure. Later, the architect Antonio Gaspari presented a new renovation project, but the works were started only after his death, under the direction of the architect Giorgio Massari. In 1736, Giorgio Massari managed to complete the interior of the church, but the facade remained unfinished. In 1779, the church was consecrated for the last time by the Patriarch Federico Maria Giovanelli.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The church has a single nave with a square plan, covered by a barrel vault. The presbytery was created from a semicircular apse, and is practically the vestibule of the beautiful rectangular main chapel, surmounted by an oval dome, supported by four columns. Read more [...]

Casa dei Tre Oci (House of Three Eyes), also known as Casa di Maria, is a palace overlooking the Giudecca Canal, located near Le Zitelle, in the sestiere of Dorsoduro, on the Giudecca island, in Venice. The name of the palace comes from the three large windows on its facade, which resemble three eyes (òci meaning eyes in the Venetian dialect).   SHORT HISTORY Casa dei Tre Oci is a 20th century palazzo linked to many illustrious names. It was built between 1912 and 1913 by the painter Mario de Maria, who made it his new Venetian residence. The painter, wanting to commemorate his beloved daughter Silvia, who disappeared a few years earlier, built the house with three large windows on the facade, representing the three surviving members of his family: himself, his wife Emilia Voight and his son Astolfo. The mullioned window placed above them symbolizes the deceased daughter. In this palace, after the death of de Maria, people linked to the art world stayed and lived, like the architect Renzo Piano. In 1970, Enrico Maria Salerno set some scenes of the film The Anonymous Venetian in the palace. Today, the palace is owned by Polymnia Venezia, a company Read more [...]