After leaving the Teatro Anatomico, we found ourselves standing before one of the iconic medieval towers that dot the skyline of this historic city. Bologna, known for its rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels, boasts numerous towers that were built during the Middle Ages, serving various purposes from defense to demonstrating wealth and power. As we gazed up at one of the towers which are scattered around Bologna, our wonderful and informative guide Elena S. from

Just outside Milan's historical center lies the Sforza Castle, a magnificent 15th-century structure erected on the remnants of an earlier medieval fortress, commissioned by Francesco Sforza, the city's ruler at the time. Throughout the centuries, the Castle saw various rulers, both local and foreign, such as Emperor Charles V and Napoleon Bonaparte, who governed Milan before the Unification of Italy. Following World War II, the Castle became home to the Modern Art Gallery, wh

First stop was the Duomo of Milan, which is renowned for being the third largest in Europe, following the illustrious St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City and St. Paul's Cathedral in London. The Duomo of Milan tells a story of faith and art spanning over six centuries. Construction work on the Duomo of Milan probably began in 1386 and ended in 1965.  In October 1387 the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo was founded at the instigation of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Lord of Milan, with

Padua is a delightful ancient city rich in culture, art, and history, making it a nice destination for travelers especially after the hordes of tourists in Venice.. Among the numerous attractions this fascinating city offers, two key highlights stand out, drawing visitors worldwide: the Scrovegni Chapel, famous for its stunning frescoes by the renowned artist Giotto, and the carefully maintained Botanical Gardens, cherished by nature lovers and scholars alike. The first stop,

Visiting St. Mark's Basilica in Venice is an absolute must-see for anyone who finds themselves exploring the enchanting city of Venice. This architectural masterpiece, with its intricate designs and rich history, offers a glimpse into the opulent past of the Venetian Republic. As I stood before its magnificent façade, I was particularly struck by the striking similarities it shares with the grand mosques of Istanbul, many of which were formerly cathedrals during the time of t

We spent three nights in Venice on our way to hike in the Dolomites. This was our second visit to Venice, so we bypassed some typical tourist spots like The Doge's Palace and Murano's glass blowing. Instead, we explored lesser-known areas of Venice with guides from ToursByLocals, to avoid the crowds. We were informed that the number of tourists we saw was less compared to a few weeks earlier, which is why we prefer traveling after Labor Day. The concept of shoulder season t

The Temple of Poseidon is located at Cape Sounion, a prominent promontory situated at the southernmost tip of the Attic peninsula in Greece. This ancient temple, dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea, is perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, providing stunning panoramic views that have captivated visitors for centuries. The site is not only significant for its architectural grandeur but also for its historical and cultural importance in ancient Greek civilizatio

The Palace of Phaistos is one of the key centers of Minoan civilization in Crete, second in importance only to Knossos, and a major cultural attraction in southern Heraklion. Human settlement in Phaistos traces back to the Neolithic era, with the introduction of metal use around the middle of the 3rd millennium BC, which spurred further development. At the start of the 2nd millennium, power shifted to kings who constructed grand palatial centers. The initial palace was built

Knossos was inhabited for several thousand years, beginning with a neolithic settlement sometime in the seventh millennium BC, and was abandoned after its destruction in 1375 BC which marked the end of Minoan civilization. It was located high up on a hill to give it a strategic advantage. The first palace on the low hill beside the Krairatos river was built around 1900 BC on the ruins of previous settlements. It was destroyed for the first time along with the other Protopalat

Aptera was one of Crete's most important city-states. It is situated on a plateau 200 meters above Souda Bay, approximately 15 km from the city of Chania on the road to Rethymno. The theater played a crucial role in the public life of ancient cities. In ancient Aptera, the theatre was constructed on the southernmost side of the site, facing the White Mountains. The main components of the theatre are the koilon (auditorium), the orchestra, and the skene. It is estimated to hav