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

We understood that visiting Milan meant we had to see da Vinci's Last Supper. Securing tickets for this requires some timing and patience. Tickets are released approximately 4 weeks before your intended visit date. They can be purchased directly from the Cenacolo Vinciano museum, but getting in the queue is essential. Tickets are released at noon in Italy, which is 3AM in California where we live, so I had to wake up in the middle of the night to make the purchase. You can bu

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

We started our tour at the Teatro Anatomico in Bologna, a remarkable venue steeped in history and significance. The university itself dates back to the 11th century, making it one of the oldest universities in the world, a prestigious institution that has attracted scholars and medical students from throughout Europe for centuries. This illustrious history is reflected in the grandeur of the Teatro Anatomico, which was constructed in the 17th century as a place for public dis

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,

The Pinacoteca di Brera is not only the main public gallery for paintings in Milan, Italy, but it also stands as a pivotal institution in the realm of art and culture within the city and beyond. Established in the late 18th century, the gallery houses an impressive and extensive collection that includes some of the most significant works of Italian art spanning from the 13th to the 20th century. The Pinacoteca di Brera's collection features a diverse array of paintings that r

The Scovengi Chapel is a stunning architectural gem located in Padua, Italy. This remarkable structure was completed by the renowned Italian painter Giotto di Bondone in the early 14th century, specifically around 1305. Giotto's work within the chapel is considered a pivotal moment in the history of Western art, marking a significant departure from the Byzantine style that dominated the preceding centuries. The chapel was commissioned by Enrico Scrovegni, a wealthy local merc

Although our itinerary was quite packed, we unfortunately did not have the opportunity to revisit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or the Gallerie dell'Accademia, which we toured the last time we were here in Venice, both of which are renowned for their impressive art collections and rich history. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is particularly famous for its extensive array of modern art, featuring works by iconic artists such as Picasso, Pollock, and Kandinsky, and is housed

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