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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Astoria Hotel in Stresa, Lake Maggiore

Hotel Astoria in Stresa, Lake Maggiore ©Solange Hando

This lovely 4-star hotel is only 100 metres from the old town in Stresa and just across the road from the pleasant lakeside promenade. It is close to bus stops in both directions.

Twin Room at the Astoria ©Solange Hando

The Astoria has 100 rooms, including seven junior suites. All rooms have balconies overlooking the garden at the back or if you wish to pay a little more the lake at the front. Free wifi and air conditioning in all rooms.

The Astoria Restaurant ©Solange Hando

This is a large restaurant overlooking the garden and lake with panoramic windows. Choose from à la carte or menu of the day which usually includes regional and international dishes. Superb buffet for breakfast.

There is a bar in the lounge area and in summer another by the pool.

Secluded Swimming Pool ©Solange Hando

There is a quiet heated pool at the back of the hotel with whirlpool and solarium. Facilities also include a panoramic roof garden, Turkish bath, fitness room, table tennis and games area.

Astoria's Lawn and Flowers ©Solange Hando

Looking right across to the lake, the front lawn of Astoria  is beautiful, close to the bar with cosy chairs inviting you to relax in the day or until late at night. Definitely a highlight.

Lake Maggiore in Stresa ©Solange Hando

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.

Rome Colosseum

The Colosseum by Night ©Solange Hando

Started in 72 AD by Roman Emperor Vespasian and completed by his son, the Colosseum is indeed the pride of Rome and its top attraction, most beautiful at night when the crowds have gone and in the soft golden light, you almost forget the deadly games once held within its walls.

Massive and oval shaped, rising 50 metres above the ground, it could hold 60,000 spectators, all carefully segregated, while the Emperor occupied his seat in the centre of the podium.

Close-up of the pits in the Colosseum ©Solange Hando

It is said that during the 100 days of celebrations following the inauguration, some 9,000 wild animals were killed. Then the arena would be cleaned and filled with water so naval battles could ensure further entertainment. Here gladiators fought and died and most probably early Christians. 

Inside the Colosseum

Over the centuries, the amphitheatre was put to different uses, medieval entertainment, housing, workshops, fortress and quarry.

In the 18th century, Pope Benedict XIV declared it a sacred site where a way of the Cross would remember Christian martyrs. To this day, every Good Friday, a torch-lit procession led by the Pope follows the sacred way.

The Arch of Constantine seen from the Colosseum ©Solange Hando

Erected to celebrate Constantine's victory over Maxentius, this triumphal arch is decorated with a strange mixture of earlier works and spans the 'Victorious Way' used by emperors entering the city.

So close to the Colosseum, it's another reminder of this ancient civilisation, so cultured and advanced in many ways yet so cruel at times and filled by a war-like spirit to conquer the world.

Rome, Trevi Fountain and others

Rome, Trevi Fountain ©Solange Hando

Did you know that Rome claims over 2000 fountains, the largest number in any city in the world? Top of the list is the monumental Trevi, one of the capital's best known landmarks featured in films and on postage stamps.

Built of gleaming white stone in the 18th century and set against the Palazzo Poli, it is said to represent the taming of the water brought along the 'Aqua Virgin' aqueduct, named after a young Roman virgin who discovered a life-giving spring 26 km away.

The Barcaccia Fountain in Rome ©Solange Hando

Meanwhile on the Spanish Square, below the famous steps, the boat-shaped Barcaccia fountain recalls the disastrous flood of 1598 when the Tiber brought myriad boats right up to this spot.

It was built in the 17th century by Pietro Bernini and his son and they say that on his death bed, the English poet Keats was soothed by the gentle sound of the water.

Fountain in Villa Borghese Gardens ©Solange Hando

In the vast landscaped gardens of Villa Borghese where the people of Rome love to relax on a hot summer day, water features include lake, pond and fountains.

The Borghese Gallery tucked among the trees displays Italian paintings and sculptures by Bernini, most admired an Apollo and Daphne.

Piazza Navona, Fountain of the Moor ©Solange Hando

On this colourful Baroque square following the contours of the Roman circus, three fountains keep visitors spellbound. Set against an Egyptian obelisk at the centre of the Piazza, you find one of Bernini's most celebrated works, the Fountain of the Four Rivers, Danube, Ganges, Rio de la Plata and Nile which symbolised the continents known at the time.

At the northern end is the Neptune Fountain and to the south the Fountain of the Moor, named after the statue of an African man wrestling with a dolphin. 

The Trevi Fountain by Night ©Solange Hando

But at the end of the day, most visitors head back to the Trevi, the place to linger long after dark, dreaming of the 'Dolce Vita' partly filmed on the spot. But if you'd like to return to Rome one day, be sure to throw in a coin with your back turned to the water. Just waiting to see if it works...

Mantua near Milan, World Heritage and Italian Lakes in Lombardy

Mantua, Duomo of  San Pietro ©Solange Hando

In the southern reaches of Lombardy, Mantua holds a special place on Italy's heritage trail, especially since the Old Town was designated a UNESCO site in 2007.

Piazza Sordello, the vast cobbled square, greets you with a dizzying wealth of Renaissance and medieval buildings from the marble façade of the Cathedral (pictured above) to the dome of the Basilica and towers and crenulations which keep you spellbound wherever you turn. 

The Ducal Palace in Mantua ©Solange Hando

Among the many palaces and Renaissance mansions, the Ducal Palace, once home of the wealthy Gonzaga family, claims 15 gardens and courtyards and over 500 rooms.

Just a short stroll from the old castle, it is as stunning inside as it is out and rooms open to the public include galleries with original paintings, superb frescoes and wooden ceilings decorated in green and gold.

The Rotunda ©Solange Hando

Around the corner, the Rotunda of San Lorenzo, the oldest church in town, dates back roughly to 1100 and is still used today. With its colourful tiles and bricks, it's a striking Romanesque building where steps leading down to the entrance reveal the lower level of the medieval town.

The Teatro Scientifico in Mantua ©Solange Hando

But churches aside, like most Italian cities, Mantua also loves music as witnessed in this unusual little theatre. The Teatro is a brilliant example of 18th century Baroque architecture with a bell-shaped auditorium and soothing colours, almost monochrome rather than the usual red and gold. Mozart played here at the age of 14.

Yet this isn't the only enviable musical connection in Mantua. Verdi's opera Rigoletto was based here -you can see the jester's house at the entrance to the square-, L'Orfeo by Monteverdi had its première in town and there's literary fame as well since in Shakespeare's play 'Romeo and Juliet', Romeo is exiled in Mantua.

Mantua, Mountain and Lake ©Solange Hando

However, this fascinating town owes more to its past than fabulous buildings and for nature lovers, much of its charm comes from the three artificial lakes created in the 12th century for defence purposes.

 There are lovely walks along the banks, boat trips too, and between Lake Garda and the river Po, the woods and wetlands of the Mincio Park are home to myriad butterflies and 265 species of birds, including white storks successfully reintroduced in the area.

Milan Four Star Anderson Hotel

Milan, Iconic Duomo ©Solange Hando

The four star Anderson Hotel in Milan enjoys a convenient location close to the central railway station, airport shuttles, sightseeing hop on and off buses and the metro.

Designer shops are easily accessible as are the city's main historical attractions such as the Scala or the cathedral pictured above. 

The Lobby, Anderson Hotel, Milan ©Solange Hando

A member of the Starhotels based in Florence, the Anderson is as stylish as Milan itself. Step into the lobby and you may well rub shoulders with top Italian designers. They love it here.

Red curtains and parquet floor contrast with darker colours in the adjoining library where a spray of orchids adds a touch of class.

Comfort and Style at the Anderson ©Solange Hando

The 106 rooms range from superior and de luxe to junior suite with extra space and separate sitting area. All have large windows and full length mirrors, carpet or parquet floor, spacious desk, comfortable beds, free WiFi and tea and coffee making facilities. 

Bathrooms are fully tiled and come with cosy bathrobes and slippers.

The Anderson Black Restaurant ©Solange Hando

The Black Restaurant is among the most striking features of this hotel with eye-catching reflections in red and black and over-sized lampshades in the bar.

The bar serves sophisticated cocktails and snacks while the restaurant offers a varied menu with a fine selection of wines and artichoke specials in the winter months.

Other facilities include a fitness centre, conference rooms seating up to 50 delegates each, concierge and rental car with chauffeur so guests who prefer to keep away from public transport can explore the city in style.

The Beautiful Dome of the Galleria Shopping Mall, Milan ©Solange Hando

Sicily, Hotel Alberi del Paradiso in Cefalu

Alberi del Paradiso in Cefalu, Sicily ©Solange Hando

Set in lush grounds, framed by lofty palms and bougainvillaea, Alberi del Paradiso is a quiet retreat nestling on a slope above town and sea. Birds twitter in the garden, a stream gurgles by the old water mill and the scent of jasmine lingers in the air.

Just minutes from the sea, this low-rise eco-friendly hotel is within the Madonie Mountains Nature Park which claims the highest biodiversity in Europe.

The Reception at Paradiso Hotel ©Solange Hando

Step inside the light airy reception and you will be greeted by a particularly friendly staff. Nothing here is too much trouble, whether you wish to call a taxi, book an excursion or the free shuttle to take you into town or down to the beach (20 minutes on foot, steep climb on the way back). The shuttle stops early evening but if you wish to dine out, any restaurant will call you a taxi (10 euros).

Rooms and suites have balconies with sea or mountain views and air conditioning which controls humidity as well as temperature. Free WiFi and tea and coffee making facilities are standard and there's plenty of on-site parking, shaded by a solar panel roof.

Fresh Fruit, Breakfast Time ©Solange Hando

Breakfast is an attractive buffet, where you can squeeze your own oranges, to be enjoyed on a terrace which almost feels like a tree top house. The policy of 0 km (local products) and 0 waste (efficient recycling) also applies whenever possible in the al capone restaurant.

Prepared by chef Roberto Bonvissuro and his team, the best of Mediterranean cuisine is on offer, based on organic products from the Madonie mountains and the sea and accompanied by quality wines from a well-stocked cellar.

Light lunches and snacks are available in the bar.

Swimming Pool at Alberi del Paradiso ©Solange Hando

Other facilities include a sheltered outdoor pool, tennis court and a spa with jacuzzi, massage and beauty treatments (on request) in a quiet spot among the olive trees. 

Add a private beach with loungers and parasols, accessed by hotel shuttle, what more could anyone ask for?

View of Cefalu from the hillside ©Solange Hando

Excursions from Cefalu?  

Think Taormina plus Etna, the Aeolian Islands, Palermo or inland villages but it's always a pleasure at the end of the day to return to Alberi del Paradiso,  wonderfully peaceful yet so close to the resort with its fine sands, elegant boutiques and al fresco restaurants.

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