Here’s my guide to visiting one of Italy’s must see wonders, the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua. Wallpapered with exquisite frescos by Giotto, the chapel is one of the world’s greatest art works. It was just enshrined on the the UNESCO list of world heritage sites in 2021. In 1303-05, Giotto painted a cycle of 39 … Read more
“Once you have tasted the taste of sky, you will forever look up.” — Leonardo da Vinci The Last Supper is one of the world’s most iconic paintings. It’s housed in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan Italy. No, it’s not in Rome! The Last Supper is in Milan. No painting is … Read more
Here’s my guide to visiting the National Museum of the Bargello in Florence. The august museum houses a world class collection of Renaissance sculptures. Despite that, and because Florence is so packed with treasures, the Bargello is a hidden gem in Florence. In this guide, I identify and describe the masterpieces of the Bargello and … Read more
“In the same way that illusions may cause small shapes to appear great, worldly matters held to be great may prove to be illusory and insignificant.” — Cardinal Spada Here’s my complete guide to visiting one of the true hidden gems in Rome, Palazzo Spada. While the rest of Rome is bursting at the seams, … Read more
Here’s my wanderlusty guide to the best museums in Italy to visit and enjoy online for free, when you can’t travel or are on a staycation. Or, perhaps you just want to see and learn about the greatest Italian masterpieces at home. Bella Italia! Italy is one of the most popular countries on earth — … Read more
Here’s my guide to visiting Villa Farnesina in Rome Italy. Designed by artist-architect Baldasarre Perruzi, Villa Farnesina is a magnificent off the beaten path museum, located in Rome’s lovely Trastevere neighborhood. It’s home to torrid love stories and secret Raphael paintings. If you know me, you know I hate crowds. Blissfully, this small museum on … Read more
“Without having seen the Sistine Chapel, one can form no appreciable idea of what one man is capable of achieving. ” — Goethe On my last trip to Rome, I learned that Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel fresco, The Last Judgment, got a makeover after his death. It was censored. Underpants were added to the nudity-filled fresco. … Read more
Here’s my guide to visiting Nero’s Domus Aurea, or Golden House, in Rome. If you’re a history or archaeology buff like me, you’ll be smitten with this secret underground palace. I think it’s a must visit in Rome. But, because it’s only been reopen on a limited basis since 2007, the Golden House is still … Read more
Here’s my guide to visiting the Borghese Gallery in Rome Italy. The magnificent museum is one of my favorite museums in Europe. It’s one of the world’s most perfect small museums. The museum houses a jaw dropping art collection in a luxurious garden villa. If you’re an art and architecture lover, the Borghese is a … Read more
Here’s my guide to visiting Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana) in Tivoli Italy. Historic Tivoli lies just 20 miles east of Rome on the edge of the Sabine Hills. Tivoli is the perfect day trip from Rome, especially for archeology lovers and history buffs. Tivoli is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the sprawling Hadrian’s … Read more