travel
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A Quaint and Peaceful #Pasqua in #Pienza
Wine, Food and Feste di Pasqua a Pienza, Italy Pasqua, which refers to Easter or Passover in Italy, is commemorated across the peninsula in several different fashions. Recognized as a national holiday because it is the most important Catholic holiday celebrated in Italy, there are many traditions and rituals associated with Pasqua that vary by region. Most are familiar with the Easter celebrations in Rome and the Vatican that bring in multitudes to see the Pope, to worship and to feel the ambiance. However, Rome is not the only place to be at this time of year. Pienza, one of my favorite towns in the Tuscan region of Italy, is a delightful and quaint…
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A Venetian Holiday: Wine, Food, Tradition
Sagre, Mercati, Cibo e Vino in Veneto Mercatini di Natale, Verona Veneto, also known as Venezia, is the beautiful region in northeast Italy,bordering Austria & Slovania, and extending from the Dolomites to the Adriatic Sea. The Veneto has 7 provinces: Belluno, Padua, Rovigo, Treviso, Venice, Verona and Vicenza. Venice (Venezia), of course, is the regional capital city, which is also appropriately referred to as the “City of Water” or “Floating City,” due to its islands and Grand Canal, and for being situated on the Venetian lagoon. Venice, Verona, Vicenza and the Botanical Gardens in Padua are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are beautiful and outstanding places to see when…
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Picturesque Pienza: The Ideal Renaissance Town #Travel
An Italian Pearl: Pienza Pienza, the picturesque Italian town, originally known as the village of Corsignano, is in Val d’Orcia, between Montepulciano and Montelcino, close to and south of Siena. Pienza is the birthplace and home of Enea Silvio Piccolomini, a Renaissance Humanist who later became Pope Pius II in 1458. The Renaissance, known as the period (14th-17th Century) in which Europe experienced a great cultural rebirth, which manifested itself in the marvelous art, architecture, sculptures and literature of the period. Humanism, or human perspective, was the philosophy that permeated the art world at that time. In 1949, Pope Pius II used his money, power and influence to commission the rebuilding and renaming of his…
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Ligurian Pigato with Pesto Focaccia and Shellfish
Food, Wine & Travel in Seaside Liguria Genoa, Liguria Italy Port of Genova, Liguria Liguria, located on the northwest coast of Italy, bordering the French Riviera, is certainly a destination of choice for several reasons. For one, you have access to two rivieras in one! Moreover, the Liguria region is downright gorgeous and picturesque with its mountains, rolling hills mountain villages and beaches that rest on its splendor along the Mediterranean and Ligurian Seas. Ligura consists of four provinces: Genoa, home of Christopher Columbus (the capital and port city), Imperia, Savona and La Spezia, which is home to the infamous Cinque Terre. Three of the world famous resorts of Rapallo…
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Lombardy: Vines and Views of Valtellina Valley
Looking at Lombardy Milan, Italy (Lombardy) Lombardy is a large region in the north of Italy that borders Switzerland. The region is comprised of the Bergamo, Brecia, Como, Cremona, Lecco, Lodi, Mantua, Milan, Monza, Brianza, Pavia, Sondrio and Varese provinces. Milan is not only the capital city of Lombardia, but it is also the industrial, commercial, financial, and according to most, the fashion capital of Italy. Milan is also where you’ll find the duomo, Santa Maria della Grazia. Lombardy’s port is Darsena. Several UNESCO World Heritage sites are in Matua and Sabbioneta is considered the Renaissance city in Lombardy. Lombardy is also the home of beautiful Lake Como, Lake…
