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Castello dei Doria is a castle located on a rocky ridge about 70 meters high, in Vernazza. The castle was named after the Doria family, originally from Genoa, one of the most important noble families in the history of Italy.   SHORT HISTORY The first informations about a castle in Vernazza dates back to the 13th century, but it is believed that the first nucleus of the building dates back to the 11th century, and that it was built during the domination of the Obertenghi, a family of Italian nobility descended from Count Obert I of Luni. In particular, the cylindrical tower, which currently stands in the middle of the castel’s terrace, and which was restored during the 20th century, is the oldest part of the fortification. In the 12th century, the castle and the village of Vernazza passed to the bishops of Luni, to the Da Passano family and then to the Fieschi in the second half of the century. Occupied in the same century by Pisa, in the attacks related to the Battle of Meloria, in which also sailors and ships from Vernazza participated, the castle soon returned into the hands of the Genoese. During the crucial phases Read more [...]

Castello della Dragonara, known also as the Castel Dragone, is a castle in Camogli, located in Via Isola, near the Church of Santa Maria Assunta.   SHORT HISTORY According to some historical sources, the castle was probably built in the first half of the 13th century. In the second half of the 14th century, the castle, to ensure the safety of the fishing village of Camogli, was repeatedly reinforced, receiving the necessary weapons from the Republic of Genoa. In the 14th century, the Dragonara Castle was attacked several times. Well documented are the assaults made by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Lord of Milan, and the one made by Nicolò Fieschi in 1366. Between 1428 and 1430, the castle was considerably enlarged and reinforced, especially the adjacent watchtower. In 1438, the Duchy of Milan besieged the castle, destroying its walls. A few years later, the inhabitants of the seaside village built new walls around the castle. In 1448, due to a conflict between Camogli, Recco and Genoa, the Republic demanded the immediate destruction of the castle. The castle was destroyed, but it was rebuilt again only six years later and given to the Doge of Genoa. In the 16th century, the castle Read more [...]

The Church of San Pietro is an ancient church dedicated to Saint Peter, built on a rocky edge in Portovenere, facing the beautiful Gulf of Poets.   SHORT HISTORY The original church was founded on the ancient remains of a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Venus Erycina, and was consecrated in 1198. The black and white bands on the walls were added by the Genoese in the 13th century, presumably between 1256 and 1277. The church lost its parochial title at the end of the 14th century, in favor of the Church of San Lorenzo, and was officiated by the secular clergy until 1798. In 1494, the church was affected by the attacks of the Aragonese, and later, during the Napoleonic era, was used as a battery to defend the Gulf of La Spezia. The church underwent a significant restoration work between 1929 and 1934.   ARCHITECTURE The original church is a work in the Syriac tradition of the 5th century, with a rectangular plan and a semicircular apse. Two round arches connect this space with the newer church. The latter has a structural wooden roof and the presbytery is divided into three chapels, covered with ogival and cross Read more [...]

The Church of San Lorenzo is a religious building dedicated to Saint Lawrence, located in a dominant position on a hill overlooking the village of Portovenere, close to the Castello Doria. The church is also known today as the Sanctuary of the White Madonna (Santuario della Madonna Bianca), the White Madonna being the patron saint of Portovenere.   SHORT HISTORY According to some historical sources, a first church was erected here in Romanesque style starting with 1098, on a place where, in ancient times, there was probably a temple dedicated to Jupiter. The church was consecrated in 1130 by Pope Innocent II. At the end of the 14th century, the Church of San Lorenzo inherited the parochial title from the Church of San Pietro. In 1340, a fire damaged the church and, in 1494, the building was partially destroyed by the incursion of the Aragonese. For these reasons, the church underwent restoration works between 1494 and 1582. These interventions consisted in the replacement of the black Portoro marble columns with white marble columns, the demolition of the presbytery’s nave tower and its replacement with an octagonal dome, the reconstruction of the bell tower next to the apse and the replacement Read more [...]

Castello Doria is a castle located on a rocky hill overlooking the seaside village of Portovenere, one of the great examples of military architecture of the Republic of Genoa.   SHORT HISTORY An ancient fortress already existed in this place when, in 1139, the Republic of Genoa gained control of the village of Portovenere, with the help of the local lords of Vezzano. In 1161, the castle was rebuilt closer to the Church of San Pietro, and the new building was virtually annexed to the old fortified structure, including two identical watch towers. In the 13th century, the castle was the center of the struggles between Genoa and Pisa for the conquest of the surrounding lands. In the second half of the 15th century, Genoa decided to demolish the castle and rebuild it in a modern style, according to the architectural and military canons of the period. The rebuilding works continued in the 15th and 16th centuries, but the fortress took its current appearance only in the 17th century. During the French domination of Napoleon Bonaparte, at the beginning of the 19th century, the castle was used as a prison, without altering its architectural forms. Today, the ancient Genoese fortress Read more [...]

Since 1865, Tramontano designs and produces bags and leather accessories in Naples. Its distinctive style and continuous quest for excellence make Tramontano’s products unique and inimitable, sought after by many customers around the world. The evolution of the brand is like a long journey in the production of bags, suitcases and luxury accessories that winds through time, tracing a path of craftsmanship, quality and style. Tramontano is a brand that is constantly evolving, that has managed to balance the historical values of tradition with contemporaneity, creating a bridge between past and present. All the models in their various collections are planned and designed in-house, inspired by the company’s history, but skillfully produced with a flair for innovation and a balanced mix of elegance and practicality.   HOW TO GET THERE Tramontano has two stores in Naples – one in Via Chiaia, 143, and the other in Via A. Scarlatti, 174. To reach the store in Via Chiaia, you can take the bus E6 and get off at the station Piazza Dei Martiri, about 170 meters away.

Koi is a Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Naples, offering a cultural journey through the oriental culinary tradition. The philosophy of Koi is simple: to conquer lovers of this cuisine with an All You Can Eat Menu available every day for only 15€ for lunch and 23€ for dinner, without reducing the quality of the products. An à la carte menu with a wide selection of specialities is also available.   HOW TO GET THERE The restaurant is located in Via Monteoliveto, 35. The closest Metro station is Toledo, on Line L1, about 350 meters away. The closest bus station is Guglielmo Sanfelice, on the Line 460, 150 meters away. Use the map below to find the restaurant in no time.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception (Chiesa dell’Immacolata Concezione) is a beautiful church in Sestri Levante, located on an elevated position to the east of Baia del Silenzio.   SHORT HISTORY The first Capuchin friars arrived in the village in 1609, and settled right in the center of Sestri Levante. In 1640, they built a church with a conventual structure attached, the today’s complex of the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli. The urbanization of the town in the following years, which no longer allowed the friars proper isolation from the population, led them to choose a more isolated location on the hill located east of the Bay of Silence. The construction of the new complex began in 1683 and ended in 1688, the year of the transfer of the order to the new convent. The former complex was sold in 1686 to the Secular Priests of San Pietro in Vincoli. In the agreement signed with the Seculars, it was agreed that any work of art and furnishings should remain the property of the Capuchins. The property of the convent was managed directly by the friars until 1866 when, for unknown reasons, the church and the convent were sold to Read more [...]

The Church of Santa Maria di Nazareth is a beautiful church in Sestri Levante, located in Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, near the wonderful Baia del Silenzio.   SHORT HISTORY The presence of a small chapel dedicated to Saint Mary of Nazareth is attested on this place as early as 1368. In 1604, the building of a new church began, supervised by the architect Gio Batta Carbone, who will finish the work almost 12 years later, in 1616. The church inherited the title of co-cathedral of the diocese of Brugnato from the pre-existing Church of San Nicolò, and was the residence of the bishops of the diocese from the 16th to the 18th century. In the first half of the 19th century, Giambattista Prato restructured the facade of the church, also adding a neoclassical pronaos.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The interior has a structure with three naves divided by square pillars with pilasters on which rounded arches rest. The decorations are dated between the 18th and 19th centuries. The central nave has a barrel vault with lunettes, a raised presbytery and a semicircular apse. In the side aisles there are several side chapels with small cross vaults. The high altar with polychrome Read more [...]

Palazzo della Nuova Borsa Valori, better known as Palazzo della Borsa, is a historic palace in Genoa, located in Piazza De Ferrari. Built by the architects Dario Carbone and Amedeo Pieragostini, the palace has an architecture that recalls the neo-cinquecentesco style, while the interiors, by Adolfo Coppedè, are inspired by the Art Nouveau style.   SHORT HISTORY In 1855, a decree officially announced the birth of the Trading Exchange in Genoa, hosted by the Loggia di Banchi and the Palazzo Senarega, and administered by the city’s Chamber of Commerce. On June 27, 1905, a new company, Società Nuova Borsa, was born for the construction of the Palazzo della Borsa. The place where the building stands today was bought in 1906 by the company mentioned above, and the palace was inaugurated on 20 July 1912. In 1912, the Stock Market remained in the Loggia di Banchi, while the Stock Exchange moved to Piazza De Ferrari, in the new building of Palazzo della Borsa. With the computerization of the exchanges and the transition to the electronic system, the Genoese Stock Exchange closed on 28 February 1994. Today, the building is mainly used as an exhibition space.   ARCHITECTURE The monumental facade with Read more [...]

Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace) is a historical palace in Genoa, the residence of the Doge since 1339 and, today, the main cultural center of the city, which offers exhibitions, conferences, festivals, shows and all sort of educational activities.   SHORT HISTORY After the Battle of Meloria against the Republic of Pisa and the Battle of Curzola against Venice, both fought at the end of the 13th century, Genoa became the superpower of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the economic leader of the region. Therefore, during those times, the city felt the need for a sumptuous representative palace and, in 1298, the building of the Doge’s Palace begun. Palazzo Ducale was built around the palace of Alberto Fieschi, with its Torre del Popolo (Tower of the People), which forms the original core of the complex. The Tower became one of the symbols of political power of Genoa, and the tolls of its bell announced the most solemn and tragic moments of the city. Starting with the 14th century, the Tower of the People became a dungeon for political prisoners, conspirators and anarchists, and remained a prison until the 20th century. The palace was named Ducale in 1339, when it became the seat Read more [...]

Piazza De Ferrari is the main square of Genoa, and the commercial, financial and economic hub of the city. The square is dedicated to Raffaele De Ferrari, Duke of Galliera, politician and banker. With an irregular shape, due to successive urban interventions, which led to the unification of two adjoining areas, the square is part of the ancient sestiere (district) of Portoria, and occupies an area of about 11,000 square meters.   SHORT HISTORY After the annexation of the Ligurian Republic to the Kingdom of Sardinia, in 1814, the local authorities decided to create a large public space in the heart of the Portoria district, destined to become a place of social and cultural meeting. On June 2, 1818, King Vittorio Emanuele I authorized the demolition of the Church of San Domenico, to build the Carlo Felice Theater, designed by the architect Carlo Barabino and completed in 1827. A two-storey building appeared in 1831, destined for the Linguistic Academy (Palazzo dell’Academia Ligustica). In 1877, one year after his death, it was decided to name the square after Raffaele De Ferrari. In 1893, the monument of Giuseppe Garibaldi was inaugurated in front of the colonnade of the Carlo Felice Theater. The Read more [...]

The Church of San Giuseppe is a beautiful church in Taormina, dedicated to Saint Joseph. The church, built in Baroque style in the second half of the 17th century, stands near the famous Torre dell’Orologio, dominating the main square of the town, Piazza IX Aprile.   SHORT HISTORY The church was built after 1650 as the seat of the Confraternity of the Souls in Purgatory. On the facade of the church and also inside, there are numerous references to the confraternity: inscriptions, coats of arms, details of sculptures, bas-reliefs, mottos and allegorical figures. In 1919, the church was given to the Fathers of the Salesian Order, present in Taormina since 1911. The order enriched the church with new sculptures and thematic frescoes. In Autumn 2015, water infiltrations and humidity caused by heavy rain determined the collapse of the ceiling, and the church was closed for consolidation and restoration works. After the restoration, the church was reopened for worship.   ARCHITECTURE A majestic double staircase leads to the church, and both the stairs and the porch in front of the building are fenced with a magnificent stone balustrade. The facade has a large central portal that leads into the church, and Read more [...]

Piazza IX Aprile is the main square of Taormina and, by far, the most beautiful one, located about halfway between Porta Messina and Porta Catania, down the main street of the town, Corso Umberto. The square is populated with many interesting monuments and, from its terrace, you can admire a magnificent panorama of the Mount Etna, Bay of Naxos and Teatro Greco, the ancient theater of Taormina. Characteristic are the outdoor cafés and the artists who draw caricatures.   SHORT HISTORY The square is called Piazza IX Aprile because on April 9, 1860, during a Mass held in the Cathedral of Taormina, rumors came about the arrival of Giuseppe Garibaldi in Marsala, a town in western Sicily, to start the liberation of the island from the Bourbon domination. The rumors turned out to be false, and Garibaldi arrived in Marsala a month later, on May 9. Before 1860, the square was called Piazza Sant’Agostino, after the Church of Sant’Agostino built in 1448 on the eastern side of the square, now deconsecrated and serving as a public library.   ARCHITECTURE Another religious building located in Piazza IX Aprile is the Church of San Giuseppe, built in the 17th century. The church Read more [...]

Castello Ursino is an interesting castle in Catania, former seat of the Sicilian parliament starting with the 13th century and the residence of the Aragonese sovereigns until the 15th century. Since 20 October 1934, the castle is home to the Civic Museum.   SHORT HISTORY The Ursino Castle was built in the 13th century by Frederick II of Swabia, King of Sicily and Holy Roman Emperor, as part of the defensive system of the eastern Sicily, which also included the Maniace Castle of Syracuse and the Swabian Castle of Augusta. The project was entrusted to the military architect Riccardo da Lentini. In 1296, the castle was taken by Robert of Anjou, King of Naples, and subsequently was conquered again by the Aragonese. The King Frederick III of Sicily inhabited the castle from the end of the 13th century until his death, in 1337. In the early 15th century, the castle was surrounded by various buildings, and Martin I, King of Sicily, cleared the space around it, to obtain a square named today Piazza Federico di Svevia. In the 16th century, a bastion called San Giorgio was built to defend the castle and some changes were made in Renaissance style. Starting Read more [...]

Porta Garibaldi (Garibaldi Gate), called also Porta Ferdinandea, in honor of Ferdinand I, King of the Two Sicilies, is a triumphal arch located at the western end of Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, between Piazza Palestro and Piazza Crocifisso, in Catania. Through the gate, it can be seen in the distance, at the other end of Via Garibaldi, the wonderful Cathedral of Sant’Agata.   SHORT HISTORY In ancient times, the gates to a city were very important, from the defense point of view. The gates were, in fact, the last barrier against a possible siege. The walls that surrounded Catania were built starting with 1541, on the initiative of the Viceroy Giovanni Vega. In 1621, there were seven gates, and three more were added later. The first seven gates were built for defensive purposes, while the other three had only an ornamental function. One of the last three gates was Porta Ferdinandea, built in 1768 to celebrate the marriage between Ferdinand I of The Two Sicilies and Maria Carolina of Austria. The gate was designed by the architects Stefano Ittar and Francesco Battaglia. Another name of the gate is Porta del Fortino, which comes from a fort built by the Viceroy Claudio Read more [...]

The Church of the Holy Spirit (Chiesa dello Spirito Santo) is a Baroque church located on the seafront of the Ortygia island, in Syracuse.   SHORT HISTORY The church was built in 1727, during the Spanish domination of Sicily, by the architect Pompeo Picherali. The church stands on the site of the ancient First Church of Syracuse, built in the 4th century by the Bishop Germano and damaged by the earthquakes of 1542 and 1693.   ARCHITECTURE The facade of the church, built in Baroque style, has three orders separated by scrolls and marked by pilasters, surmounted by a three-eyed bell-gable. The whole facade from white limestone is a continuous play of shapes, rich in decorations, with Corinthian elements. The church is the only one in Syracuse with an external dome. The dome has a diameter of 8 meters and is also in Baroque style The interior of the church has a Latin cross plan with three aisles. The vaults are decorated with frescoes and stucco. Unfortunately, today, the church is in poor condition, due to the numerous water infiltrations from the roof. The majestic pipe organ is in complete abandon and the stuccos and frescoes on the roof are Read more [...]

Castello Maniace is one of the most important monuments of the Swabian period, a magnificent example of the military architecture of the Roman Emperor Frederick II, located on the tip of the island of Ortygia, in Syracuse. The name of the castle derives from Giorgio Maniace, a Byzantine general who, in 1038, regained the city of Syracuse from the hands of the Arabs.   SHORT HISTORY On the place where the castle stands today, strategically important for the defense of the harbour, fortifications were built since the time of the Greeks. The building of the castle is attributed to Emperor Frederick II, who entrusted its construction to the architect Riccardo da Lentini, shortly after returning from the Crusade in the Holy Land. The construction took place between 1232 and 1239. In 1266, the castle passed to the Angevins and, in 1282, it was conquered by the Syracusans in the revolt of April 11. In 1325, Peter II of Sicily, the son of the King Frederick III of Sicily, built two forts supporting the castle. For almost the entire 15th century, the castle was used as a prison. After 1535, the Viceroy Ferrante I Gonzaga gave the assignment of strengthening the Read more [...]

The Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia is a church dedicated to the patron saint of Syracuse, Saint Lucia, located in Piazza Duomo, on the beautiful island of Ortygia. In this church, every year in May, the Feast of Santa Lucia delle Quaglie is held, to celebrate the miracle of 1646.   SHORT HISTORY The church was built between 1695 and 1703 after a project by the architect Luciano Caracciolo, on the site of a monastery from the 15th century, which was completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1693. Originally, the facade overlooked Via Picherali, but now it’s facing the main square of the city, Piazza Duomo. The structure of the church was heavily damaged during the Second World War, and a restoration took place in the 20th century. The flooring of the nave was replaced in 1970, as it was severely damaged due to humidity.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The facade is entirely built of light limestone and is divided in two orders by a wrought iron balcony. The balcony is not the original one, which was dismantled during the Second World War. The sumptuous portal of the church built in Baroque style is flanked by twisted columns and Read more [...]

Piazza Vittorio Veneto is the most important square in Matera, and the main access point to the Sassi. The square is located at the crossroads of the main streets of the city center – the elegant Via del Corso with its shops and bistros, Via delle Beccherie that leads to the Duomo, Via Roma and Via XX Settembre. The square offers one of the most exciting views over the Sassi, from the point known as Tre Archi. Also, the main access to Sasso Barisano is right in the square.   SHORT HISTORY OF PIAZZA VITTORIO VENETO Piazza Vittorio Veneto was previously called Piazza Del Plebiscito, and, before that, was also known as Piazza della Fontana due to the presence of the large monumental Fontana Ferdinandea. The current appearance of the square is due to the restoration works of 1993, when the monument to the fallen was moved, and the road that crossed the square was eliminated.   ARCHITECTURE OF PIAZZA VITTORIO VENETO In the western part of the square, there is the imposing Palazzo dell’Annunziata, built between 1735 and 1747 as the Monastery dell’Annunziata for the Dominican nuns. Since 1998, inside the palace is housed the Provincial Library Tommaso Stigliani, Read more [...]

The Church of San Giovanni Battista is a Catholic church located in the upper part of the historical center of Riomaggiore, in Via Pecunia, 47.   SHORT HISTORY The church was built in Romanesque style in 1340, as stated by a plaque on the facade, at the behest of the bishop of the diocese of Luni, Antonio Fieschi. Due to a collapse of the church, an important restoration was carried out between 1870 and 1871. The extension of the complex and the reconstruction of the facade in Neo-Gothic style preserved, however, the 14th-century rose window in white Carrara marble.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE On the right side of the church, there are still visible today the single-lancet windows and the two entrances in Gothic style decorated with zoomorphic and anthropomorphic elements dated back to the Romanesque period. The interior has a basilica plan and is divided into three naves, with ogival arches. The presbytery and the two end chapels, all closed by a balustrade with statues, have a late Baroque appearance. Behind the main altar, adorned with two 18th-century statues, there is a beautiful wooden choir. Two other marble altars are on the sides. The one on the right is Read more [...]

The Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia is located in the seaside village of Vernazza, near the main square of the town, Piazza Guglielmo Marconi.   SHORT HISTORY It seems that a first church in Romanesque style was built on this place in the 11th century. Two centuries later, the current church was raised on the foundations of the previous one, of which only the apse remained. The new building is mentioned for the first time in a document from 1318. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, the structure was considerably enlarged, however, destroying the medieval facade. In the 18th century, the church underwent a new renovation, with the interior being redecorated in Baroque style. From the 19th century, the access to the church is made from the square, through a door built in the apse area. Between 1964 and 1970, new restorations were made: the wooden roof was replaced, the bell tower was elevated and the interior was again redecorated in Romanesque style.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The church has a 40-meter-high octagonal bell-tower, crowned with arches and with an ogival dome on top. Inside, there are two paintings from the 17th century, a processional crate and a wooden crucifix, Read more [...]

Vernazza Beach is a rocky beach in Vernazza, somewhat hidden from the eyes of the tourists coming down from the train station, on Via Roma, heading towards the small port of the town. The beach is relatively new. It was formed by the debris during the flood of 2011, when the town was almost put to the ground. The beach is not spectacular, but its location near the cliff of Vernazza, with the colorful houses overlooking from above, makes it an interesting stop on your trip along the Ligurian coast.   HOW TO GET THERE To access the beach, walk down on Via Roma, the main street of the town, until you see on your left an opening in the rock. Through this passage, you will reach the beach.

Along with the sea, the beach and the colorful buildings, the back of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta completes the superb painting of this beautiful seaside town named Camogli.   SHORT HISTORY The church was built, according to historical sources, in the 12th century, on a rock in the immediate vicinity of the marina. Over the years, the structure has undergone various interventions and extensions, especially in the 16th century and in the 19th century. In 1970, in the three niches of the facade facing the small Isola square, the statues of the saints Prospero, Fortunato and the Madonna del Boschetto were placed. The building was consecrated in 1826 by the Archbishop of Genoa, Monsignor Luigi Lambruschini, and again, in 1847, by Monsignor Placido Maria Tadini.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE The interior, decorated in Baroque style, consists of three naves and is entirely covered with fine stuccos in gold and polychrome marble. In the vault, frescoes of the late 19th century are preserved, made by the painters Nicolò Barabino and Francesco Semino. The high altar was made by the sculptor Andrea Casareggio, while in the sacristy we can find a painting by Luca Cambiaso. The chapels of the right Read more [...]

Camogli Beach is a 400-meter-long rocky beach in Camogli, overlooked by the colorful buildings of the town, bounded to the west by the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and to the east by the slopes of Monte di Portofino. If you don’t mind the pebbles, the beach might be perfect for you. The water is clear and the view is fantastic. On the beach, you can find plenty of lidos, with sunbeds and umbrellas. The beach is separated by the town by Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, an enchanting promenade on which you can find hotels, bars, restaurants and various shops.   HOW TO GET THERE The beach is 150 meters or about 2 minutes on foot from the Camogli train station. The closest bus station is Piazza Schiaffino, on the route of the bus 73.

Hotel Piccolo Portofino is a 4-Star boutique hotel in Portofino, located in a historic villa that now features stylish interiors, surrounded by the typical luxuriant vegetation of the Ligurian Riviera. The hotel offers 23 rooms with air conditioning, satellite and pay-per-view channels. Some rooms have a balcony or sea views. Hotel Piccolo Portofino offers a private rocky beach with a bar and guests can relax on the terraces of the hotel, enjoying wonderful panoramic views.   HOW TO GET THERE The hotel is located about 500 meters away from the center of Portofino, in a small beautiful bay. On foot, the hotel is about 8 minutes of walking from the Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta, the main square of the town.

Belmond Splendido Mare is a 5-Star hotel located in the main square of Portofino, Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta, overlooking the Marina di Portofino. The hotel offers 16 rooms and suites, all with free WiFi and a satellite flat-screen TV. The guests have access to facilities of the Belmond Hotel Splendido, located about 700 meters away, like the outdoor pool, the fitness centre and also the wellness centre. The Chuflay Restaurant, located near the hotel, offers regional specialities and a selection of fine wines.   HOW TO GET THERE Belmond Splendido Mare is located right in the center of Portofino, about 50 meters away from the Marina di Portofino, 300 meters from the Church of San Giorgio and about 500 meters from Castello Brown.

Belmond Hotel Splendido is a 5-Star hotel in Portofino, located on a hillside overlooking the Marina di Portofino. The hotel offers 70 rooms and suites, some with panoramic views of the Gulf of Tigullio. All the rooms come with free WiFi and a satellite flat-screen TV. The guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, the fitness centre with sauna and also a wellness centre. The hotel has 3 restaurants serving traditional Ligurian cuisine. An American buffet is served daily for breakfast.   HOW TO GET THERE Belmond Hotel Splendido is about 700 meters away from the main square of Portofino. If you want to stay as close as possible to the center of the town, you can search for accommodation at the other Belmond Hotel in Portofino, Splendido Mare, located right in Piazza Martiri dell’Olivetta.

The Church of San Giorgio is a small Catholic church in Portofino, located on an elevated position, enjoying a panoramic view of the Marina di Portofino. The church is dedicated to Saint George, a soldier in the Roman army and member of the Praetorian Guard for Roman emperor Diocletian, who was sentenced to death for refusing to renounce his Christian faith.   SHORT HISTORY According to a plaque located inside the church, the structure was built in Romanesque style in 1154. The church was revised and modified in 1691 and, at the same time, the road of Salita San Giorgio was widened, allowing the locals to reach the church from the main square of the village. A further restoration took place in 1760. During the Second World War, the church was completely destroyed by a bomb. The reconstruction work started after the end of the conflict, in 1950, and the church was rebuilt following the plans of 1760. Inside the church, there are the relics of Saint George, the patron saint of Portofino, brought by the sailors returning from the Crusades.   HOW TO GET THERE You can get to the Church of San Giorgio after a short climb of Read more [...]

Castello Brown, formerly known as the Castle of San Giorgio, is an ancient military fortress placed in an elevated position, that dominates the small town of Portofino. The castle is surrounded by a Mediterranean garden full of cypress trees, flowers and pergolas.   SHORT HISTORY During some excavations in the area, in the place of today’s castle were found traces of an ancient Roman watchtower dating back to the 3rd century AD. The first official information on the current structure dates back to 1425, when Tomaso Fregoso, Doge of the Republic of Genoa, occupied the village of Portofino. In the 16th century, several restoration and expansion works were carried out. Between 1554 and 1557, the castle was extended by a new platform towards the port, after a design by the engineer Giovanni Maria Olgiati. In 1624, new works strengthened the castle, and in 1728, other works were carried out, enriching the armament and arranging the interior of the fortress. The fortress passed to the French in 1797, when Napoleon Bonaparte conquered Liguria. After Napoleon left and the town was included in the Kindom of Sardinia and subsequently in the Kingdom of Italy, the military fortress was completely disarmed starting with Read more [...]

The Church of San Biagio is a small Baroque church located on the homonymous street, at the nortwest limit of Sasso Barisano, in Matera. Where the Church of San Biagio stands today, there was once the northern gate of the ancient Sassi, Porta San Biagio. The ancient gate was to the left of the current church. The cult of San Biagio in Matera could be related to the Armenian community gathered around the Benedictine Monastery of Santa Maria de Armenis.   SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF SAN BIAGIO The church was built in 1642 to replace an old church dedicated to the same saint, which was abandoned due to the humidity. The new church was linked to the healing virtues of Saint Blaise, the Armenian saint martyred in 316 AD. The church is closed all year, but it opens on February 3, on the occasion of the Feast of San Biagio.   ARCHITECTURE OF THE CHURCH OF SAN BIAGIO The church is characterized by a very simple facade, which has two dome-shaped bell-gables and a square window in the center, divided by a column. On both sides of the entrance door, there are two niches with the statues of Read more [...]

Virgilio Grand Hotel is a modern 4-Star hotel in Sperlonga, providing its guests with quality services and comfort. The rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV and a minibar. Some rooms have an LCD TV, a Jacuzzi or a hydromassage shower. The Afrodite wellness center is specifically dedicated to the guests. The Wellness Area includes a sauna, a steam grotto, a heated hydro-jet bathtub and three massage cabins. The Beauty Area offers traditional beauty treatments. Every day at the Cortiletto Restaurant, you can have a rich buffet breakfast. During the summer months, you can enjoy your breakfast and the other meals on the restaurant terrace.   HOW TO GET THERE The hotel is about 300 meters awy from the Piazza Fontana and the main bus station of Sperlonga. Use the map below to find it easily.

Malakiri is a bed and breakfast in Sperlonga, opened in 2016, the result of a long-held wish to share the beauty of this wonderful little seaside town. The rooms of Malakiri are completely refurbished, offering you a very comfortable stay. Each room is air conditioned, equipped with a TV and has a private bathroom. A cozy breakfast room overlooks a pleasant little garden, from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea.   HOW TO GET THERE The B&B is ideally positioned only 120 meters from the Ponente Beach and about 450 meters away from the Piazza Fontana and the main bus station of the city. To find it easily, use the map below.

B&B Sperlonga is a family-run bed and breakfast located in the lower area of Sperlonga, only a few meters away from the Ponente Beach. The B&B offers standard and superior rooms furnished in Mediterranean style. All rooms have private bathroom with shower, balcony, LED TV, WiFi and air conditioning. Breakfast is served in a cozy private area by the reliable and helpful staff.   HOW TO GET THERE The B&B is located about 500 meters away from Piazza Fontana and the main bus station of the city. Use the map below to find the B&B.

Ponente Beach is one of the two wonderful sandy beaches of Sperlonga, located north of the historical center of the city, the other being the Levante Beach, to the south. The beach starts from the Piazza Fontana and stretches to the north as far as the eye can see. It has several hotels and bathing establishments, many shops, restaurants and bars. In the evening, it’s a delight to walk along the beach, on Via Cristoforo Colombo, enjoying a gelato from one of the dozens ice cream booths placed on the sidewalk.   HOW TO GET THERE The main bus station of the city is located right at the southern end of the beach. When you get off the bus, the beach will be right in front of you.

Piazza Fontana is a small square in Sperlonga, located on the beautiful and sunny promenade of the town, just a few meters away from the enchanting Ponente Beach. From here, you can easily reach the delightful white historical center of Sperlonga, and attractions like Torre Truglia, Villa of Tiberius with its beautiful Grotto, and the Museum and Church of Santa Maria di Sperlonga. The square is characterized by two large white arches through which the beach is visible. In the western corner of the square, there is a marble fountain in the shape of an ancient ship. The area is used in the summer to host cultural, music and food and wine events.   HOW TO GET THERE If you arrive in Sperlonga by bus, then you will stop right in front of the square. From there, you can easily reach the Torre Truglia, located about 350 meters away, on the road to the small Port of Sperlonga.

Torre Truglia is a watchtower standing on a rock on the promontory of Sperlonga, built in the 16th century as part of the defense mechanism of the Tyrrhenian coast, which was designed to detect and defend against attacks from the sea.   SHORT HISTORY Torre Truglia was built in 1532 on the foundation of a pre-existing Roman watchtower. Two years later, it was devastated by the Ottoman pirates of Hayreddin Barbarossa. Rebuilt in 1611, it was attacked again in 1623 by the same Turkish pirates. Between 1870 and 1969, it was used by the Guardia di Finanza. Currently, Torre Truglia belongs to the Marine Education Center of the Regional Natural Park Riviera d’Ulisse.   HOW TO GET THERE Torre Truglia is about 350 meters away from the Piazza Fontana and the main bus station of the city. If you walk along the seashore, you will see it from afar.

Present since 1937 in the historic center of Bologna, Ristorante Bolognese is located in an enviable position, close to major hotels, the railway station, the bus station, and a stone’s throw from the central Via Indipendenza. The restaurant, once used as a coal deposit, has a characteristic exposed stone ceiling with vaults, an architectural detail typical of old Bologna. The result is the right atmosphere, intimate and welcoming, in which to propose the typical dishes of the Emilian and Bolognese tradition. The presence of two rooms with a capacity of about 25 seats each makes it particularly suitable for business lunches, dinners or for groups. The Bolognese restaurant has an air-conditioned environment and, in summer, it also has a cozy outdoor veranda. The kitchen is directed by chef Alfredo Morisi with his twenty years of teaching in the old hotel school in Bologna and numerous experiences in the city’s historic restaurants.   HOW TO GET THERE The restaurant is about 240 meters away from Bologna Centrale, the main train station of the city. The closest bus station is Stazione Centrale, about 110 meters away from the restaurant.

Situated a few steps from the Due Torri (the Two Towers), restaurant La Brace is a well-known landmark in Bologna for all lovers of good food. The dishes brought to the table are made after the traditional Bolognese recipes mixed with the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. The menu ranges from typical dishes with home made pasta such as tagliatelle with meat sauce, tortellini in broth, to the famous Rigatoni La Brace or risotto with porcini mushrooms. Depending on the season, the dishes can be enriched with seasonal vegetables and excellent porcini mushrooms. The wide choice of fish dishes will satisfy all your requests, with freshness, variety and imagination.   HOW TO GET THERE The closest bus station is Due Torri, about 110 meters away from the restaurant, on the bus lines 14, 19, 25, 27, T1 and T2. To find the restaurant on foot, use the map below.

Buca San Petronio is a restaurant located in the center of Bologna, 50 meters from Piazza Maggiore. Focused on the Italian Style, from food and wine proposals to design and background music, the restaurant welcomes you in an elegant room and a terrace located in one of the most fascinating corners of the city. The menu, rich in Mediterranean flavors, is created with high quality raw materials from the surrounding area – homemade pasta, Parmigiano Reggiano, Altedo asparagus, Parma ham… Colors, flavors, elegance and harmony: these are the basic ingredients of their creations.   HOW TO GET THERE The closest bus station is Piazza Maggiore, about 120 meters away from the restaurant, on the bus lines 29, A, C and T2. To find the restaurant on foot, use the map below.

Palazzo del Sedile (Palace of the Seat) is an ancient palace located in the square with the same name, in Matera.   SHORT HISTORY OF PALAZZO DEL SEDILE Palazzo del Sedile was built in 1540 by the Archbishop Saraceno and was used since then as the seat of the Municipality of Matera. The current structure is due to the expansion and renovation works carried out since 1759. The offices of the municipal administration were housed here until 1944, and then moved to the former Monastery of Santa Lucia, in Via Luigi la Vista. Since 1982, the offices are located in the current and modern Town Hall, located in Via Aldo Moro. In the last decades, the palace changed its use, becoming the main venue of the National Conservatory of Music dedicated to the composer Egidio Romualdo Duni. The underground levels of the building host since the early ’80s a modern Auditorium with a capacity of about 450 seats.   ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF PALAZZO DEL SEDILE The facade of the palace is characterized by a large entrance arch flanked symmetrically by two bell towers, one with a sundial and the other with a clock. The facade is adorned with six Read more [...]

Piazza del Sedile is a square in Matera, located between Piazza Vittorio Veneto and Piazza Duomo, a transit place in your way to the Civita, the highest point in the city.   SHORT HISTORY OF PIAZZA DEL SEDILE During the 14th century, the square was called Piazza Maggiore, and was the main hub of the town, housing the market, warehouses and shops. Around the middle of the 16th century, Matera was a free city, under the authority of the King, but not controlled by a feudal lord, like other places belonging to the Kingdom of Naples. Therefore, the town was governed by a self-organized assembly of citizens, whose task was to administer the city and the surrounding territories. This assembly was called Sedile. Subsequently, the square became a political and administrative center, with the governor’s offices, the prison and the municipal building known as Palazzo del Sedile (Palace of the Seat) located here. In the decades following the Unification of Italy, the assembly of Sedile was replaced by the Commissariat for Civic Uses (Commissariato agli Usi Civici). Today, the square plays a socio-economic-cultural role, dictated by the presence of numerous restaurants, bars and tourist attractions.   ARCHITECTURE OF PIAZZA DEL Read more [...]

Casa Faccioli is an elegant Bed and Breakfast located in the historic center of Bologna, really close to the historic Piazza Maggiore, the Basilica of San Petronio and the other main attractions of the city. Casa Faccioli is, actually, a palace, in which the Bolognese painter Raffaele Faccioli lived and created his art. The building was redesigned in 1924 by the famous architect Edoardo Collamarini. The B & B is an excellent alternative to classic hotels. It allows you the freedom to have breakfast in your pajamas directly in the room or even on the terrace, enjoying a privileged view of the ancient towers.   HOW TO GET THERE The closest bus station is Rizzoli, about 80 meters away from the B&B, on the bus lines 19, 20, 25, 27 and 62. Bologna Centrale, the main train station of the city, is about 1.5 kilometers away. To find the B&B on foot, use the map below.

Steam House Room & Breakfast offers the privacy of a guest house and the reception of a bed & breakfast in the historic center of Bologna, in a lively pedestrian street full of restaurants and characteristic places, a few steps from Piazza Maggiore, the main square of the city. The B&B has elegant and original furnishings inspired by the industrial style, which recall the adventurous times of the Victorian era. The rooms have private bathrooms with bidet, a desk and a flat-screen TV, and all the units are equipped with a coffee machine. A continental breakfast is available each morning at the property.   HOW TO GET THERE Steam House is located about 1.3 kilometers from Bologna Centrale, the main train station of the city. The closest bus station is Irnerio, about 170 meters away from the property.

Hotel Internazionale is a 4-Star hotel located in a historic building in Via Indipendenza, in the heart of Bologna, within walking distance of the main attractions of the city. The ancient part of the building, on Via Indipendenza, was damaged during the Second World War and rebuilt in 1969 under the supervision of the architect Melchiorre Bega. Hotel Internazionale offers 80 double rooms, 12 single rooms, 12 superior and 12 deluxe, to satisfy every type of clientele. The hotel is equipped with a meeting room with natural light, and also offers the possibility of organizing catering services for small groups or individual customers. Free Wi-Fi is available everywhere.   HOW TO GET THERE Hotel Internazionale is located about 650 meters from the Bologna Centrale, the main train station of the city. The closest bus station is Mille Indipendenza, about 80 meters away. To find the hotel on foot, use the map below.

The Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno) is a wonderful fountain in Bologna, made by Giambologna in the 16th century, located in the square dedicated to the same deity of the sea.   SHORT HISTORY OF THE FOUNTAIN OF NEPTUNE The Fountain of Neptune is, in fact, a collaborative project of Zanobio Portigiani, Tommaso Laureti and Giambologna, commissioned by the vice-minister Pier Donato Cesi to glorify the papal government of Pope Pius IV. The purpose of the fountain was to embellish the new Piazza del Nettuno, adjacent to the beautiful Piazza Maggiore. The project was assigned on August 2, 1563, to the Bolognese architect Zanobio Portigiani, to the Palermitan architect Tommaso Laureti, who was delegated to execute the architectural structure of the fountain, and finally to the Flemish Mannerist sculptor Giambologna (Jean Boulogne), commissioned to build the bronze statue of Neptune and the sculptural parts. The Fountain of Neptune was completed in 1566. In 1604, a high fence was built around the fountain, which effectively managed to prevent acts of vandalism. The fence was removed by the city’s administration only in 1888. Throughout its history, the Neptune fountain has undergone numerous restorations. A first restoration took place in 1708 by Read more [...]

Piazza Maggiore is the main square of Bologna and, at the same time, one of the most beautiful in Italy. The square is surrounded by the most important buildings of the medieval city, of which we can mention Palazzo del Podestà, Palazzo d’Accursio, Palazzo dei Notai, Basilica of San Petronio and Palazzo dei Banchi.   SHORT HISTORY Piazza Maggiore is one of the very first squares built in Italy after the fall of the Roman Empire. The square was built starting with the year 1200, when the local people felt the need to have a central market and a public place for meeting. Only in the 15th century, the square received its present form, while in the 16th century the entire area was rearranged by papal will. Also, in the same century, the adjacent Piazza del Nettuno with the splendid Fountain of Neptune was built. In 1860, Piazza Maggiore was named after Vittorio Emanuele II, until 1943, when the king’s equestrian monument was transferred to the Margherita Gardens, where it is still located. From 1943 to 1945, the square was called Piazza della Repubblica, and in June 1945 received its current name.   ARCHITECTURE The square measures 115 meters in Read more [...]

Piazza VIII Agosto, also written as Piazza dell’Otto Agosto, is the largest square of the historical center of Bologna. On each Friday and Saturday, Piazza VIII Agosto hosts the traditional Piazzola Market (Mercato Piazzola), with over 400 street stalls.   SHORT HISTORY The area of the current square was acquired by the Municipality of Bologna in 1219, and was officially called Piazza del Mercato (Market Square) in 1251, for the livestock market that was held there. In 1390, the Bolognese Republic granted the organization, eight days before and eight days after the Feast of San Petronio, of a fair, for the sale of any merchandise. In the center of the square, there was a cross where mass was celebrated several times a day. During the fair, it was not allowed to set up stalls for the sale of goods anywhere else in the city. Around the middle of the 18th century, in the center of the square was a 20 meters Doric column with the coat of arms of Pope Alexander VII, who on July 14, 1656, established the annual horse fair during the month of May. For this purpose, in 1662, the square was raised and leveled. On August Read more [...]

Rosso di Sera Tuscany is a beautiful bed and breakfast set in a 19th-century Art Noveau villa, in Pisa. The B&B has 12 unique rooms, furnished with particular attention to detail, allowing you to live a unique experience, between the historic charm of Pisa and a new concept of hospitality. The rooms have private bathrooms, flat-screen TV and the WiFi is available everywhere.   HOW TO GET THERE Rosso di Sera Tuscany is right in front of the Pisa San Rossore train station and about 4.5 kilometers away from the Galileo Galilei Airport. Piazza dei Miracoli is about 650 meters away from the B&B. The closest bus station is Cammeo, about 350 meters away.

B&B Villa Martina is a wonderful bed a breakfast in Pisa, located about 1 kilometer away from the Piazza dei Miracoli and the famous Leaning Tower. Villa Martina offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, flat-screen TV and free WiFi. The B&B features also a garden and a lounge.   HOW TO GET THERE B&B Villa Martina is about 1,5 kilometers away from the main train station of the city, Stazione Pisa Centrale, and about 2.9 kilometers from the Galileo Galilei Airport. The closest bus station is Rustichello 3, about 300 meters away from the B&B, on the bus routes 5, 21 and LAM Rossa.