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 attraction in Rome. But, because it’s only been reopen on a limited basis since 2007, the Golden House is … 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 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
Planning a trip to Rome Italy and want to get off the beaten path? Here’s my guide to discovering all the magnificent hidden gems and secret spots in Rome. Hidden gems in Rome, you say? Can there be any? In reality, they’re not that hard to come by. Rome has so many layers, it would … Read more
Here’s my guide to the Bernini Trail in Rome. No artist defined 17th century Rome more than Gian Lorenzo Bernini. He worked under nine popes and left an indelible mark on the city. In this guide, I give you an overview of Bernini’s fascinating life and tell you where to find his magnificent art works … Read more
Are you a repeat visitor to the Vatican looking for some more unusual things to see? If so, here’s my guide to 21 hidden gems in the Vatican Museums. The Vatican Museums consist of 26 separate museums. It’s one of the most expansive and famous collections in art history, with 70,000 art works lining the … Read more
Here’s my guide to visiting the Vatican Pinacoteca, which is the Vatican’s picture gallery. It’s one of the world’s best small museums. I identify 18 must see masterpieces in the Vatican Pinacoteca and give you tips for visiting the renowned, but largely secret, art gallery. More than 7 million people visit the Vatican Museums each … Read more
Here’s my guide to visiting the ruins of the House of Augustus on Palatine Hill in Rome Italy. 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 … Read more
Are you bitten by the Caravaggio bug? If so, here’s my complete guide to the Caravaggio Trail in Rome. This guide gives you an overview of the life of the groundbreaking artist. And it tells you where to find Caravaggio’s art in Rome. There are staggering total of 25 Caravaggio paintings in Rome. It’s well … Read more
Here’s my guide to visiting the spectacular Pitti Palace in Florence Italy. This Pitti Palace guide gives you an overview of 20 must see masterpieces and famous paintings. If you’re planning a trip to Florence, put the Pitti Palace on your Florence itinerary or to do list. You’ll thank me, I promise. The Pitti Palace … Read more