Rome is a city of museums, each one packed with treasures from emperors, popes, and artists who shaped Western culture. From the ancient wonders in the Capitoline Museums to Caravaggio’s shocking canvases in the Borghese, you’ll find stories of power, beauty, and scandal at every turn. But you don’t have to drown in marble and … Read more
Rome’s Capitoline Museums sit atop the city’s most legendary hill. It’s a place where emperors gazed over their realm, and today you gaze over theirs. Within these walls are icons: Romulus and Remus suckling under the she-wolf, mighty equestrian statues, Caravaggio shadows, Baroque sculpture jostling with ancient marble. Forget wandering aimlessly — this guide leads … Read more
The House of Augustus was the home of Rome’s first emperor Augustus. It stands as a symbol of the transition of Rome from a republic to an imperial empire. The House of Augustus opened in 2014 after decades of excavation. The site is basically a “new attraction,” only open on a limited basis only with … Read more
Palazzo Spada is a magnificent Renaissance palace named after Cardinal Bernardino Spada. The cardinal purchased the palace in 1632. He hired famed architect Francesco Borromini to transform the building to beautiful effect. If you’re wondering whether the off the beaten path Palazzo Spada is worth a visit, the answer is yes — especially if you’ve … Read more
Palazzo Colonna was built between 1650 and 1700 to house the Colonna family’s art collection. It’s a Baroque masterpiece stuffed full of art and frescos. You’ve likely never heard of Palazzo Colonna. But if you’d like to have an aristocratic private palace all to yourself in Rome (who wouldn’t?), this is the place. The noble … Read more
“Well-behaved women don’t make history” — Laurel Thatcher Ulrich Here’s my guide to visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice Italy. The collection is a modern art museum founded by the eccentric American expat Peggy Guggenheim. The collection is one of the best museums in Italy. It’s always mobbed. So you’ll need to pre-book a … Read more
“Once you have tasted the sky, you’ll forever look up.” — Leonardo da Vinci Planning a trip to Milan and obsessed with Leonardo da Vinci? Here’s my guide to the must see Leonardo da Vinci sites and attractions in Milan Italy. Leonardo lived in Milan for almost 20 years and is considered a beloved adopted … Read more
Underrated Milan is an amazing destination in northern Italy. It’s a vibrant and sophisticated modern city, the thriving finance and fashion capitol of Italy. The city combines old world charm and modern “bright lights, big city” flair in compelling fashion. You can’t help but be dazzled by Milan’s architecture, piazzas, historic sites, iconic art, and … Read more
If you’re planning a trip to Florence, be sure to include a visit to the magnificent Pitti Palace on your itinerary. This guide will give you an overview of 20 must see masterpieces and famous paintings in the palace. The Pitti Palace is truly one of Florence’s must see sites, offering visitors a wonderful and … Read more
If you’re planning a trip to Tuscany, the charming city of Pisa should definitely be on your itinerary. From the iconic Leaning Tower to the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa offers a wealth of attractions and things to do that are sure to impress. But Pisa is not just about its famous landmarks or the … Read more