We have put together some ideas on what to experience either before you leave or while you visit this beautiful and enchanting country. From literature to cuisine, accommodations to historical attractions, or simply souvenirs, you will find it here. Simply click on a tab above to read more about the topic.
The Colosseum (Piazza del Colosseo)-Rome
Begun by order of Vespasiano in 72 A.D., on the site of the Domus Aurea of Nero, the great amphitheatre was finished by his son Titus, eight years later. It was called Colosseum because of the gigantic statue of Nero that was erected nearby, with the help of 24 elephants.
It is the greatest monument of antiquity: elliptical in shape, with a circumference of 527 meters, the major axis of 188 meters, the minor one of 156 meters, the maximum height 57 meters. The total length of the stands is 30,000 meters, the seats numbered 68,000, standing places 5000. The public entered the arena, divided into four levels, through four entrances and 80 arcades, numbered progressively. Entrance was free for everyone, but the places were subdivided according to the census: for senators were reserved the places nearest the arena. Thousands of men and animals were massacred there solely for the pleasure of the crowd massed in the stands. In the fifth century the emperor Onorius prohibited the gladiatorial games and successively the Colosseum belonged to the Frangipane, who used it as a castle-fortress, and then to the Annibaldi. In 1312 Henry VII gave the amphitheatre back to the city. In 1451 the pope took away part of the building materials for the stairway at Saint Peter's and the door at Ripetta. Within the amphitheatre there were houses, shops, a cemetery, a church, a theatre, and a hospital. From the highest levels one has a beautiful panorama of Rome, especially of the Forum.
Begun by order of Vespasiano in 72 A.D., on the site of the Domus Aurea of Nero, the great amphitheatre was finished by his son Titus, eight years later. It was called Colosseum because of the gigantic statue of Nero that was erected nearby, with the help of 24 elephants.
It is the greatest monument of antiquity: elliptical in shape, with a circumference of 527 meters, the major axis of 188 meters, the minor one of 156 meters, the maximum height 57 meters. The total length of the stands is 30,000 meters, the seats numbered 68,000, standing places 5000. The public entered the arena, divided into four levels, through four entrances and 80 arcades, numbered progressively. Entrance was free for everyone, but the places were subdivided according to the census: for senators were reserved the places nearest the arena. Thousands of men and animals were massacred there solely for the pleasure of the crowd massed in the stands. In the fifth century the emperor Onorius prohibited the gladiatorial games and successively the Colosseum belonged to the Frangipane, who used it as a castle-fortress, and then to the Annibaldi. In 1312 Henry VII gave the amphitheatre back to the city. In 1451 the pope took away part of the building materials for the stairway at Saint Peter's and the door at Ripetta. Within the amphitheatre there were houses, shops, a cemetery, a church, a theatre, and a hospital. From the highest levels one has a beautiful panorama of Rome, especially of the Forum.
Grand Hotel Quisisana
Grand Hotel Quisisana, Capri's most prestigious luxury hotel, is located in the heart of town, just a few steps from the Piazzetta. Surrounded by its own enchanting garden, the property offers the most up-to-date conveniences and comforts while maintaining its classic style. Features include an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, whirlpool bath, two tennis courts for day/night use, gymnasium, sauna, massage, Turkish bath, beauty parlor, bridge room.
Grand Hotel Quisisana, Capri's most prestigious luxury hotel, is located in the heart of town, just a few steps from the Piazzetta. Surrounded by its own enchanting garden, the property offers the most up-to-date conveniences and comforts while maintaining its classic style. Features include an outdoor and indoor swimming pool, whirlpool bath, two tennis courts for day/night use, gymnasium, sauna, massage, Turkish bath, beauty parlor, bridge room.
The most famous dish of Italian cuisine, known as pasta, has more than 400 different forms. There are also many different varieties of sauces, which are undisputed counterparts of pasta dishes. Each sauce, cream, tomato, cheese, meat or fish has a matching form of noodle. Pizza is also a very famous dish of Italian cuisine. Most of the great Italian dishes come from peasant heritage and the common characteristic is that they can be prepared very quickly and economically.
The products of Italian handicraft are one of the fundamental characteristics of the Italian lifestyle. Hundreds of families continue the traditions passed down from generation to generation, without missing a step in quality. From the most delicate laces, glasses and papers of the Veneto to the hearty wines and leather goods of Tuscany, Italian handicrafts offer something for everyone.
Italian culture enjoyed a profound renewal with the end of WWII and the return to freedom. There was a new vitality and a neo-Realism which prompted writers to concentrate on their surroundings and describe them freely. The innovators were Cesare Pavese and Elio Vittorini, "discoverers" of contemporary American literature which they subsequently developed into an original lyricism and autobiography, always based on the lessons of Realism.
