Portofino,Italy

Portofino is a small fisherman village in Italy

Portofino is an Italian fishing village, and upmarket resort famous for its picturesque harbour and historical association with celebrity visitors.

Portofino is a small fisherman village, which is sheltered by the sea. This landscape looks incredibly attractive especially in the evenings when its time for the sun to set. The best thing about this landscape is that its not too large and all beaches are at most a walk away. Moreover, the most notable thing about Portofino is its lifestyle. Hence, it is appreciated by artists and visited by Hollywood stars and millionaires. There are some tourist shops for casual browsing as well as posh boutiques from some of the most well known designers of the world.

Similarly, dining options have as much of a variety. Tourists could opt to eat simple Italian food as well as go for fine dining. It’s extremely important for tourists to remember that dinner doesn’t begin until 8pm in Portofino and the weekends tend to get busy so if you want to eat at a specific place over the weekends, you’d have to make reservations in advance. A lot of people associate wine with Italian food and the fact that this place is known for some unique wine cannot come as a surprise. But non-alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are readily available as well.

Aeolian Islands, Italy

Marina Corta in Lipari Island (Aeolian Islands)

Located in the Tyrrhenian Sea just north of the Italian island of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands are an archipelago formed by volcanic activity. The Aeolian Islands are part of Italy and commonly accessed via Sicily. There are seven main Aeolian Islands, which have a combined total of over 1,200 square kilometers (463 square miles) of land. There are also several smaller islets in the archipelago. The main islands in the archipelago are Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi, and Alicudi. Two active volcanoes are located in the Aeolian Islands: Stromboli and Vulcano.

The main island of the group is Lipari, which serves as a transportation hub and base for visitors to the islands. Vulcano is home to the volcano named Vulcano, and is a popular destination for beach vacations and mud baths. Stromboli, though most remote, is a popular spot to visit for its regularly active volcano. The other islands offer scenic nature and great views of the volcanoes.

Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Italy

Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Italy

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi (Basilica di San Francesco in Italian) is an Italian cathedral located in the city of Assisi. This cathedral is the head, or mother church, of the Franciscan Order (the Roman Catholic Order of the Friars Minor). The Basilica was constructed after the canonization of Francis on July 16, 1228, by Pope Gregory IX.

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is a popular pilgrimage destination. This is since Saint Francis was known for his lifestyle of non-materialism and his treatment of all creatures as equals, including animals and the poor. The current Pope of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, chose his name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi consists of the Upper Church and the Lower Church, as well as a third level below, the Saint’s tomb, where the remains of Saint Francis are kept. The Upper Church interior is decorated in the Gothic style. Interior features include many frescoes from contemporary medieval painters such as Giotto di Bondone, Pietro Cavallini, Pietro Lorenzetti, and Cimabue, displaying a variety of Italian art from this period. Other decorative features include the Gothic doorway and ornate rose window, which has been called “the eye of the most beautiful church in the world.”

Castel del Monte (Castle on the Mount)

Castel Del Monte, a medieval castle in Andria at Apulia region, Italy

Castel del Monte, a 13th century medieval castle or citadel, features a blend of architectural styles from classical antiquity, the Muslim world, and the Gothic style from Northern Europe. Located in the region of Apulia in Italy, the castle was constructed in the 1240s, and was likely founded by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. The castle was built on land owned by Emperor Frederick’s mother, Constance of Sicily.

Perched atop a hill, its name meaning “Castle on the Mount,” Castel del Monte, has been steeped in mystery for many years. Its original purpose is not known for certain, though it is generally believed that it may have been constructed as a “curtain wall,” and served as a citadel. The fortress was never finished, and it has no moat or drawbridge. The architecture is noted for its unique geometric design – an octagon with octagonal towers in each of the eight corners, vaulted ceilings, and an octagonal courtyard in the center. There are two entrances to the citadel, a simple one for servants, and one ornate. The main entrance features architecture influenced by classical and Graeco-Roman styles.

Though once filled with artwork that included paintings, mosaics, and sculptures, the interior of Castel del Monte was looted in the 18th century by the House of Bourbon, who reused some pieces in their own palace. Today, the exterior architecture is the main draw to the site, but one of the few works of art remaining is a slab carving depicting a parade of knights.

Restoration began on the castle in 1928, and it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Castel del Monte is also featured on an Italian Euro coin.