Global Treasures - SÉ - Cathedral Porto - Portugal

SÉ CATEDRAL

From Pena Ventos Hill the view across the traditional and picturesque old town of Porto on the Rio Douro could not be more beautiful. The houses are set close to each other along the steep slopes of the old Portuguese harbour town. The historic origins of Sé Catedral date back to the 12th century when the original church was established on a raised area of granite rock.

The historic origins of Sé Catedral date back to the 12th century when it was built on a raised area of granite rock. The decision to construct the building at this location was probably more for strategic rather than aesthetic reasons.In spite of numerous reconstructions, the church has never been able to lose its fortress-like appearance. Throughout the centuries and according to the architectural of each epoch, the external Romanesque appearance of the cathedral has been the subject of constant transformation.

King Joao The First and his wife, Philippa, had eight children, among whom was their famous son and discoverer, Henry The Navigator, who was born in Porto .In addition to numerous successful expeditions, Henrys self-taught contribution to shipbuilding and nautical science earned him a glorious place in the pages of history. Due to his achievements he laid the foundation for Portugals subsequent emergence as a colonial power.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Pisa, Italy

A visit to Italys city of Pisa taking in its most notable historic sights.

Starting at the Piazza Di Miracoli, the square in which the Leaning Tower is located, the architectural splendour of the Cathedral and the Baptisterium are in fascinating contrast with the Camposanto Cemetery, classic art, frescos and sculpture living alongside the engaging simplicity and reverent calm of a graveyard.

Although the decorative splendour, symmetry and generous dimensions of the Palazzo De Cavalieri are a feast to the eye, it is the startling and precarious imperfection of the Leaning Tower that dominates the interest of this Renaissance city.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations.Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage.Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments

Global Treasures Saint Peter's Basilica Rome Italy

Beautiful, majestic and awe-inspiring, Saint Peter's Basilica towers above the impressive Saint Peter's Square in Rome. The second largest church in Christianity is situated in the Vatican, the smallest country in the world that for centuries has been the home and official residence of the Papacy.

The Vatican is not only the centre of the Catholic church it is also accommodates more than half a million priceless books and manuscripts and contains the largest art collection in the world.

The legendary Pietà by Michelangelo, made of the most precious Carrara marble, is undoubtedly the most famous work of art in Saint Peter's Basilica. In addition to numerous valuable works of art the basilica also boasts many impressive and fascinating monuments that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Since 1506 when Pope Julius The Second ordered a band of mercenaries from Switzerland to protect him, the Swiss Guard has continued to perform its historic role in the Vatican.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

SAN GIMIGNANO ITALY

This is part of a series, Planet Terra, which when licensed allows you to add your own custom narration to meet you specific marketing needs. Contact us at TravelVideoStore.com for more details about licensing this episode or any of the 365 other episodes to destinations around the world.

Vista Point ROMA Italy Rome

Roma Aeterna, eternal city and ancient centre of the world.

The Piazza Navona is situated in one of the Italian capital's most beautiful squares in a city that has always been a dream destination for travellers from all over the world. Three large fountains adorn the large oval square that was built above the ruins of a Domitian stadium that dates back to the 3rd century A.D.

The Romans had a special regard for fountains the most famous of which is the Fontana Di Trevi. It was designed by Nicolo Salvi for the façade of the Palazzo Poli.

The Via Appia Antica was the most important street in ancient Rome and it connected the southern area with the main city and even today one can walk over its ancient cobblestones.

Pope Gregor The 13th had the Palazzo Del Quirinale built as his summer residence but it was not long before the Italian monarchs acquired it as their Renaissance palace. Today it is the residence of Italy's President and the daily changing of the guards ceremony is still a popular attraction.

The 17th century St. Peter's Square is the most beautiful square in the world and is situated in the centre of the Vatican, an autonomous Church State in the heart of Rome that also contains the imposing and breathtaking Petersdom, the largest Christian church in the world.

The allure of this city lies in its combination of chaos and joie de vivre, elegance and creativity. Rome is a complete work of art!

San Gimignano Tuscany, Italy

Surrounded by a double wall that dates back to medieval times and amid the gentle undulating hills of Tuscany is the town of San Gimignano with its striking 15 towers that were built by competing aristocratic families.The towers were considered to be of great prestige and also provided a means of defence.

Competition to construct the tallest tower became increasingly fierce until a special decree curtailed the mindless indulgence of the local aristocracy.The towns prosperity came to a sudden end and in 1348 the plague killed thousands of its inhabitants.

Located next to the cathedral, the Palazzo Del Comune contains numerous works of art.Since it was built at the end of the 13th century it has been extended many times.Frescos adorned with several of the towns historic symbols decorate the walls of a tranquil inner courtyard.The 14th century was a prosperous time for many of the townsfolk.At a height of 54 metres, even today the Communal Palaces Torre Grossa rises above each one of the towns further towers.

For several centuries San Gimignanos towers have been a prominent part of the towns noble silhouette amid the captivating landscape of Tuscany.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations.Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage.Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Buy this film on DVD or download at www.travelvideostore.com. Great as a gift, souvenir, for a library, school, teachers, or travel agent. Also makes a great incentive gift for any awards/incentive trip or convention.

7 Days TOSCANA Italy Tuscany

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and at the end of the 14th Century was ruled by a few leading families who not only financed churches but also competed in building magnificent palaces. Of these, the Medici family proved to be the most powerful. It is a city of art and joie de vivre and past home of important artists and sculptors such as Donatello, Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci, plus the writers Dante and Boccaccio, not to mention the scientist, Galileo Galilei. The most modern of the Tuscany spas was built in the valley below Montecatini Alto which can be reached on a rack-railway which climbs to the top of the mountain through orchards and fields. Lucca, one of Tuscany's most important historical towns, rises from the lower reaches of the Serchio river, on a former swamp. Dating from the Middle Ages, it is surrounded by a massive brick wall which helped the town retain its independence and also protected it from the floodwaters of the Serchio. The precarious imperfection of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is in stark contrast to the grandiose palaces and religious buildings of the Medici family and the natural contours of the hills. The Cathedral, Bapisterium and Campanile form a unique, grandiose harmony and display the liberal mindedness of those who were in power during their construction. Olive groves and vineyards line the gentle hilly landscape around the picturesque, Vinci. The birthplace of Leonardo is a simple farmhouse above the square in which only a modest bust portrays this universal genius. Surrounded by the cities of Florence, Siena, and Pisa, Certaldo is a Middle Age village built of red brick and was the birthplace of the author, Giovanni Boccaccio. The heart of Tuscany lies around the provincial capital of Siena, a Gothic city of great artistry. The entire structure, its squares and streets, most of the residential quarterand noble palaces, the cathedral and the church, date back to the 13th and 14th centuries. History and culture combined with the beauty of nature...Tuscany has it all!

Vista Point SICILY Italy

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and the most diverse region in Italy, a land of gods and natural forces and a place of ancient cultures.

Catania in the north east of the island is Sicily's second largest city that has been strongly influenced by earthquakes and also the volcanic activity of Mount Etna. It is believed that Greek settlers from Chalkidi founded it and some centuries later it was conquered by the Romans, and later the Arabs brought the city a new wave of prosperity.

Noto is a charming town with around twenty thousand inhabitants and it is one of the most beautiful enclosed Baroque towns in Sicily. However, many of Noto's historic buildings have been neglected for many years and are thus in somewhat less than perfect condition. The Catedrale Di San Nicolò also fell into disrepair as a result of continued neglect and this caused both its dome and part of its roof to collapse in 1996.

A proud and mighty volcano rises above eastern Sicily. Mount Etna, the largest volcano in Europe, is the undisputed ruler of this fascinating Mediterranean island. The snow on the summit region of Etna obscures the fact that deep within the volcano is an unimaginable natural furnace with a temperature of around a thousand degrees Celsius.

Marsala was given its name by the Arabs who called it 'Marsal-Allah', 'God's Harbour'. The monumental city gate is a reminder of the landing of Giuseppe Garibaldis on the 8th of March, 1860.

In the mountain area close to Palermo, another wonderful city featured on our journey, is the picturesque town of Monreale, a townscape that for more than eight hundred years has been dominated by a single building. Monreale Cathedral was built due to a struggle for power between the Bishop Of Palermo and the Norman King, William.

Sicily is exquisite. An ancient island of both discovery and pleasure.

Global Treasures Siena Tuscany, Italy

Medieval walls surround Siena, the most beautiful city in Tuscany. It is also proudly referred to as the 'Italian metropolis of the Gothic period'. Throughout the centuries, historic squares, palaces and churches have created Siena's unique character.

Traditional buildings that date back to the Middle Ages and numerous romantic, picturesque features have turned the Piazza Il Campo into one of Italy's most beautiful squares.

As in Rome, the she-wolf is Siena's landmark and there are many historical connections between the two cities. It is likely that during Etruscan and Roman times a town or colony had already been established in Siena.

Under the so called 'Council of Nine,' a town government that consisted of nine wealthy merchants, Siena experienced much prosperity at the beginning of the 14th century and plans were drawn up to complete the construction of the cathedral.

Siena is a city of art that overflows with history, charm and a lively medieval atmosphere where Italian Gothic style is very much alive!

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Global Treasures AGRIGENTO Sicily, Italy

For thousands of years the ruins of the magnificent temples in the Valle Dei Templi have risen up from the ancient city of Akragas and today Agrigento is now one of the most well known and most visited places in Sicily. In addition to the temple districts, in recent years the medieval centre of Agrigento with its narrow and romantic lanes has attracted an increasing number of visitors.

In the 3rd century B.C. Akragas was conquered by the Carthaginians and later by the Romans, Byzantines and Arabs and over the years the size of the legendary ancient Polis was gradually reduced to that of a village. But Agrigento enjoyed a further period of prosperity under the Norman King, Roger The Second, who declared it a diocesan town.

The classical splendour of the ancient temples of Agrigento leave an indelible impression in the memories of all those who experience them.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.