“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”
-Anonymous
ITALY
DESTINATIONS TO ROOT FOR !
Florence
Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany. The city is noted for its culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monuments. The city also contains numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Pitti. The best-known site of Florence is the domed cathedral of the city, Santa Maria del Fiore, known as The Duomo. The nearby Campanile and the Baptistery buildings are also highlights. At the heart of the city, in Piazza della Signoria, is Bartolomeo Ammannati's Fountain of Neptune which is a masterpiece of marble sculpture. One of the bridges in particular stands out the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge).
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy. Monuments and museums such as the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum are among the world's most visited tourist destinations. Other major tourist sites include The Roman Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican City, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain, Galleria Borghese, Capuchin Crypt, Castel Sant'Angelo, Spanish Steps(longest and widest staircase in Europe). Rome is known for beautiful and charming squares lined with restaurants and open-air cafes.
Siena
Siena is a city in Tuscany, Italy. It is the capital of the province of Siena. Siena is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and the Palio, a horse race held twice a year. The Siena Cathedral Pulpit is an octagonal 13th-century masterpiece sculpted by Nicola Pisano with lion pedestals and biblical bas-relief panels. The Piazza del Campo, the shell-shaped town square, unfurls before the Palazzo Pubblico with its tall Torre del Mangia. The city's gardens include the Orto Botanico dell'Università di Siena, a botanical garden maintained by the University of Siena. Other majour tourist sites include Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Torre del Mangia, Pinacoteca Nazionale (National Gallery), San Doménico.
Venice
Venice is a city in northeastern Italy and the capital of the Veneto region. Venice is an important tourist destination for its celebrated art and architecture. There are numerous attractions in Venice, such as St Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Grand Canal, and the Piazza San Marco. The Lido di Venezia is also a popular international luxury destination. Other majour tourist attractions include Ponte di Rialto (Rialto Bridge), Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Ca' d'Oro, Murano and Burano, Gallerie dell'Accademia (Fine Arts Museum).
MUST TRY DISHES !
Bruschetta
Bruschetta is an antipasto (starter dish) from Italy consisting of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with olive oil and salt. Variations may include toppings of tomato, vegetables, beans, cured meat, or cheese. A popular dish is Bruschetta with tomatoes; the most popular recipe outside Italy involves basil, fresh tomato, garlic and onion or mozzarella. Bruschetta is usually served as a snack or appetizer.
Margherita Pizza
Pizza Margherita is a typical Neapolitan pizza, made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella fior di latte, fresh basil, salt and extra-virgin olive oil. Together with Pizza Marinara, it is the most popular Italian pizza.
Mushroom Risotto
Risotto is a northern Italian rice dish cooked in a broth to a creamy consistency. The broth can be derived from meat, fish, or vegetables. Many types of risotto contain butter, wine, and onion. It is one of the most common ways of cooking rice in Italy. Saffron was originally used for flavour and its attractive yellow colour.