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Italy

Piece by Piece – Michelangelo’s Gorgeous Statue of David

November 5, 2017 KeepCalmAndWander 0 Comments

Before you scroll down, let me tell you – this is a piece by piece shots of Michelangelo’s gorgeous statue of David. At Accademia Gallery in Florence, you’ll find the tantalizing work of art that no human can resist admiring. From his curly hair to his muscular abs and down

Italy

Inside Florence Duomo Isn’t as Grand as Its Facade

November 3, 2017 KeepCalmAndWander 0 Comments

Inside Florence Duomo isn’t as grand as its facade. I was a bit disappointed. The cathedral is almost bare inside. Unlike other cathedrals, this one doesn’t allow visitors to sit on one of the few pews inside. Its Gothic design inside gives a vast impression of the cathedral that also

, Italy

The Gates of Paradise at Florence Baptistry

November 2, 2017 KeepCalmAndWander 0 Comments

The Gates of Paradise at Florence Baptistry are closed to the public, but, perhaps, open to the men of God. Sadly, I’m not one of the righteous ones. The baptistry is an octagonal monument with three doors with lavish ornaments of religious themes. These doors are perfect examples of the

, Italy

City Skyline: The Spectacular View of Florence From Torre de Arnolfo

October 30, 2017 KeepCalmAndWander 0 Comments

This is the spectacular view of Florence from Torre de Arnolfo. As you know, Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance. The city, wherever you go, is full of incredible art from the middle ages. You’ll find works of Dante, Michelangelo, Giotto, Botticelli, and other Italian masters in one city.

Italy

Duomo di Milano is the Most Elaborate Gothic Cathedral I’ve Seen

October 25, 2017 KeepCalmAndWander 0 Comments

Milan Cathedral or Duomo di Milano is the most elaborate Gothic Cathedral I’ve seen in my life. It is not your usual cathedral you’d see in Europe. It’s unique on its own. The moment I saw it, my jaw dropped. Despite the heavy crowd that afternoon, its shiny white marble

, UNESCO Sites

The Stunning Facade of Florence Duomo

October 23, 2017 KeepCalmAndWander 0 Comments

The stunning facade of Florence Duomo is one of a kind. It’s a great example of the Renaissance style which was born in Florence, Italy. Duomo, as the locals call it, has a longer name: Catedral Santa Maria del Fiore. In English, it translates to, “Cathedral of Saint Mary of

, Italy

Inside Sistine Chapel – The Frescoes of Michelangelo

October 20, 2017 KeepCalmAndWander 0 Comments

Inside Sistine Chapel are the well-known frescoes of Michelangelo. For many, seeing this stunning art preserved in a chapel is an experience of a lifetime. Gazing at the incredible masterpiece from the floor to the wall and unto the ceiling is an experience that would never go away. I felt

Italy

Portico di San Luca – The Road to Sanctuary of the Madonna

October 18, 2017 KeepCalmAndWander 0 Comments

Bologna’s Portico di San Luca is the road to Sanctuary of the Madonna. It’s actually not a road but a 3.7-kilometer covered pathway that goes to a Catholic Sanctuary on a hill. Whether it’s a sunny or a rainy day; snowy or windy, visitors can always shelter themselves against extreme

Italy

View from the Top: Bologna is a City That Still Looks Medieval

October 15, 2017 KeepCalmAndWander 0 Comments

Bologna is a city that still looks medieval from the streets to the rooftops. And thank goodness, it’s one of the off-beaten paths that tourists skip when visiting Italy. I’m glad I did stop here for two nights without expecting much on what to do and see. After two weeks

Italy

What to See Inside Juliet’s House in Verona

October 10, 2017 KeepCalmAndWander 0 Comments

Let me show you inside Juliet’s House in Verona. The charming city of Verona is home to Shakespeare’s ill-fated lovers – Romeo and Juliet. Perhaps, the city’s most famous tourist attraction (or tourist trap) is Juliet’s House built in the Middle Ages. Did Juliet Really Live Here? Nope, she didn’t. She’s

Italy

Basilica di San Marco Glitters in Gold

September 24, 2017 KeepCalmAndWander 0 Comments

In Venice, Basilica di San Marco glitters in gold. No, you won’t be able to see gold on its facade but wait until you see its interior. I’m not sure if they intended to have the interior a bit dark. Perhaps, it’s to emphasize the beaming gold that you’d see

Italy

Venice: The Mosaics of San Marco Basilica

September 23, 2017 KeepCalmAndWander 0 Comments

These mosaics of San Marco Basilica are from the 11th century but they never lose their luster. They’re our windows to Byzantine art. Be warned: you can’t take photos inside St. Mark’s Basilica. While there’s no entrance fee, the number of visitors allowed to get inside is controlled and limited.

, Italy

Views of Venice from the Top of San Marco Campanile

September 22, 2017 KeepCalmAndWander 0 Comments

The views of Venice from the top of San Marco campanile (St. Mark Bell Tower) at sunset is beyond mesmerizing. It’s magical! Looking down at the red-tiled roofs and a host of unique architectural designs, I had goosebumps that I’d remember forever. Yes, Venice is crowded with tourists and even

Italy

Corniglia is the Oldest Village in Cinque Terre Mentioned in Decameron

September 21, 2017 KeepCalmAndWander 0 Comments

Corniglia is the oldest village in Cinque Terre that’s mentioned in Giovanni Bocaccio’s “Decameron.” It’s an Italian classic prose that contains 100 stories told by ten young people (7 women and 3 men) who gathered around in a hidden villa to escape Black Death that plagued the neighbouring city. How

Italy

My Romeo Didn’t Show Up at Juliet’s Balcony in Verona

September 8, 2017 KeepCalmAndWander 0 Comments

Yes, that’s right – my Romeo didn’t show up at Juliet’s Balcony in Verona. He ditched me. 😀 Perhaps, there’s only one reason why people visit Verona – to see Juliet’s Balcony or House. And of course, Romeo’s House, too! But, don’t get me wrong, Verona is beyond those two

Italy

Venice: Bridge of Sighs is the Only Bridge in the World That Connects a Palace and a Prison

September 1, 2017 KeepCalmAndWander 0 Comments

The bridge of Sighs in Venice is the only bridge in the world that connects a palace and a prison. Perhaps, it’s the most famous bridge in Venice. I bet that every visitor in Venice has a selfie with this bridge – even if he doesn’t really know its history.