UNESCO 75th Anniversary, Top Sites (social media), Rome, Rio, Venice

ROME

1st on UNESCO List

 

Rome Colosseum ©Solange Hando

                   

Among the city's highlights, the Colosseum is truly impressive, especially after dark, beautifully lit up when the crowds have gone. Damaged by earthquakes at various times, it still takes my breath away.

 

Completed in 80AD, this was the largest amphitheatre ever built, holding up to 80,000 spectators. Popular in Roman times for gladiators contests and other dramatic events, it was used more peacefully  for housing and workshops in the Middle Ages.

Vatican City ©Solange Hando

Head of the Roman Catholic Church and residence of the Pope, the Vatican became an independent city state in 1929, the smallest of its kind in Europe.

St Peter's Square (above ) is simply stunning, myriad statues, gleaming white, greeting you around the vast colonnaded area. Beyond the square and traditional Swiss Guards, see the Renaissance basilica -one of the world's largest churches- and the museums, including the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo.

RIO DE JANEIRO

2nd on UNESCO List

Corcovado

Up above the marina, see Corcovado, the city's most iconic peak, topped by a statue of Christ the Redeemer, 38 metres high. Visitors come in their droves for the must-have pictures and fabulous views.

At 706 metres, it is reached via a rack railway climbing through jungle laced in streams and waterfalls. Then you can take a lift to the final section or struggle up 223 steps to enjoy the panorama unfolding along the way.

The Sugar Loaf ©Solange Hando

Great views of the Sugar Loaf from Corcovado, a mere 396 metres high but far fewer crowds, especially if you continue to the very top on the second cable car.

Amazing panorama across the bay, islands and mountains as far as you can see and hiking trails where you can get away from it all. I have visited over 100 countries but for me, the most scenic city I have ever seen is Rio de Janeiro.

VENICE

3rd on UNESCO List

Venice St Mark's Square ©Solange Hando

So impressive from the water then when you reach the square, the vast open space is an amazing contrast to the old lanes winding beyond. Stop for a while to take it all in and enjoy a latte on an café terrace.

Then visit the basilica and the Dodge's Palace with majestic staircases and art work. See the free-standing campanile? Head there as soon as it opens for the views from the top across city, canal and lagoon, are unrivalled.

Rialto Bridge ©Solange Hando

Originally a wooden bridge, it was rebuilt in the 16th century, in Renaissance style, and remains the oldest bridge on the Grand Canal. 

The single stone archway is topped by rows  of arcaded shops leading up to the central Portico. It's a great place to watch the gondolas and festivities and cultural events held on the water.

Now guess what?

Out of 1092 UNESCO sites (cultural and natural), the country with the most is Italy (51 sites)

As for me, my favourites include the Kathmandu Valley and Machu Picchu...

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Images of Venice, Perfect Valentine, Romantic Year round

Iconic Venice ©Solange Hando

Here's the heart of Venice, looking across the water to St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace and the free-standing bell tower.

Venice Rialto Bridge ©Solange Hando

Rebuilt in the late 16th century, Rialto is the oldest bridge over the Grand Canal with rows of covered shops leading up to the central portico. The original bridge was made of wood.

The Grand Canal in Venice ©Solange Hando

It's 3.8 km long and up to 90m wide, lined with 170 buildings ranging from the 13th to the 18th century. Tightly-packed colourful façades dip their toes in the water.

St Mark's Square ©Solange Hando

Made up of two connecting piazza, this is the best known square in town, leading down to the canal past some of the finest buildings, the basilica, campanile and the irresistible café-terrace basking in the sun.

Gondolas at rest ©Solange Hando

However busy the city may be, there is no shortage of gondolas to explore the lagoon, from humble to luxurious crafts with plush cushions, Persian rugs and singing gondolier.

View from the Top of the Bell Tower ©Solange Hando

You can't beat the top of the bell tower for the most romantic view of Venice, red roofs, domes, canals and just a few of over 100 islands which make up the archipelago.

Venice Historical Regatta ©Solange Hando

Spring brings a joyful carnival and alluring masks, autumn brings the colourful Historical Regatta  with its dazzling pageant followed by the traditional race on the Grand Canal.