AttractionsGuide : Popular Attractions Guide in Italy Videos Reviews: 2009

Monday, October 26, 2009

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

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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.

Grand Canal Venice Italy

Almost every city posesses a special street but for Venice its the Canal Grande, the most beautiful street in the world, a thoroughfare of water that contains opulent palaces and religious buildings, such as Santa Maria Della Salute of which the foundation is built on more than a million wooden supports.The Canale Grande is the lagoon citys main street and winds its way over almost 4 kilometres.

It is its bridges that give Venice its distinctive character.Built on 12,000 posts, the Rialto Bridge has always been the citys centre of commerce.

In the 5th century, the Hun invaded and destroyed the fishing villages along the Adriatic coast, their inhabitants seeking refuge on the islands of the lagoon.Built on 118 islands, the City On The Sea gradually began to develop.Trade flourished and Venice eventually became the Mediterraneans leading sea power.Its merchants became incredibly rich and well knew how to display their wealth.A Sea Republic developed and the Piazza San Marco became the centre of the lagoon city.The first Doge was elected, and today his palace is evidence of the power and magnificence of this bygone era.

Nearly 2,500 pillars of granite and marble support the walls of the citys largest and most famous cathedral, the Basilica Di San Marco and the many palaces that are located on the banks of the Canale Grande are further examples of Venetian power and influence.

Venice is a city made of stone and water, a powerful, old and proud city that has withstood the test of time.

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 SICILIA Italy

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and is the most diverse region in Italy, a land of gods and natural forces and a place of ancient cultures. Throughout the history of Sicily there have been many battles, rulers, cultures and religions. Prior to Roman rule both the Greeks and the Carthagians fought against each other. Later came the Arabs and the Normans. Catania is Sicily's second largest city and has been strongly influenced by earthquakes and also the volcanic activity of Mount Etna. Therefore only a few historical remnants have survived. However, after each disaster the city was rebuilt and the result is a Baroque city dominated by fascinating sights full of character and charm. A devastating earthquake in 1693 destroyed the original town of Noto and left it in ruins. Construction of the new town took almost a hundred years until at end of the eighteenth century most of its buildings had been rebuilt. In addition to the geometrical design of its streets the remarkable architectural harmony of the town has been created by much use of ochre-coloured sandstone. The privately-owned train, the Ferrovia Circumetnea, travels around Mount Etna from Catania to Riposto. A couple of kilometres outside Catania there are vast fertile fields. In the background is the mighty and over three thousand metre high Mount Etna, one of the most active and famous volcanoes in the world. Taormina is situated on a rock high above the Ionic Sea. The Teatro Greco was built out of the stone of Monte Tauro in the third century A.D. and five hundred years later it was enlarged by the Romans for gladiatorial battle. The old town ended at Porta Messina whose medieval palaces and villas have been preserved right up until the present day. A few kilometres from Palermo and set within a beautiful bay is Mondello sheltered by the slopes of Monte Pellegrino that contains a grotto, an altar and a pilgrims church, the Santuario Di Santa Rosalia. Here this fascinating journey comes to an end. Sicily is exquisite, an ancient island of both discovery and pleasure.

Saint Mark's Square Piazza San Marco Venice, Italy

The centre of the Serenissima, as the inhabitants of Venice lovingly call their city, is the Piazza San Marco, a square that Napoleon referred to as, The Largest Drawing Room In The World. It is the citys most visited square and is surrounded by numerous buildings and arcades.

The Bridge Of Sighs connects the Doges Palace with the citys former prison, the legendary lead chambers, in which Casanova was imprisoned and from where he made his spectacular escape.

The magnificent Palazzo Ducale was the residence of the Doge.In 1341, the Palace Of Palaces was completed, the military symbol of Venetian power.Built as a palace chapel for Venices Doge, the citys largest and most famous church, the Basilica Di San Marco is also known as the Golden Basilica due to its outstanding opulence.Almost 2,500 granite and marble columns support the walls of this Byzantine-style building that contains five domes and halls.The main and side facades are decorated with sculptures that illustrate various tales of the city.

Over 4,000 m² of golden mosaics form, after Sicilys Monreale Cathedral, the second largest mosaic surface in the world.Gothic marble statues and mosaics in Byzantine style decorate the façades and in between are wonderful Moorish elements that indicate the Venetians attraction to foreign influences.This harmonic connection of styles created a building that is unique in occidental architecture.

The Carnevale Di Venezia has a long tradition and the amazing masked spectacle that takes place around the Piazza San Marco attracts countless tourists from around the world.The perfect setting for the perfect carnival!

Global Treasures VILLA ADRIANA Hadrian's Villa Rome, Italy

Around thirty kilometres east of Rome on a low plateau beneath the Tiburtine Mountains lie the ruins of Villa Adrianna, once the residence of Roman emperor, Hadrian, who had the stately residence built in the second century A.D. as a fine and luxurious country estate. Indeed, it is believed that the emperor himself participated in the planning of its construction and in each detailed aspect of the Villa's design.

The Canopus is one of the most impressive areas of the Villa. The statue of Tiber is an example of the great skill of the Roman sculptors. The lengthy canal was developed between 125 and 133 A.D. Six Caryatids adorn the western side of the elegant row of columns that surround the Canopus water basin, creating a wonderfully picturesque setting.

The thermal springs were built during the first construction stage of the Villa Adriana and are the oldest within the complex. Public baths were extremely important in the daily life of the Romans thus it is not surprising that the Villa possessed three thermal springs.

In the 16th century archaeologists began to search for the emperor's lost residence but following its discovery many came only to plunder its treasures. In spite of this the unique splendour of the Roman Villa Adriana has thankfully been well preserved right up to the present day.

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.