In the midst of the chaos, on the roaring Piazza Venezia, stands a handsome man with white cuffs and an elegant pith helmet. His hand outstretched like Michel Angelo, his arm slightly bent and his hips bent: a Karajan in uniform. Mopeds rattle, cars roar and buses rattle – everyone drives at the same time and immediately the piazza is congested. At the latest, when the visitor has penetrated this chaos and reaches the wonderful Piazza Navon to finally sip a cappuccino, then he has arrived in Rome, the capital of Italy . The reassuring conclusion: Even in chaos, Rome is “first class”. The heart of antiquity is now open to all Rome fans.

Rome – What a city!

Anyone who comes to Rome for the first time is confronted with a wealth of contradictory impressions. Magnificent palaces, millennia-old architectural monuments, churches from the Renaissance and Baroque, but also modern commercial buildings are surrounded by noisy, smoking motor vehicle traffic. Busy life pulsates everywhere. But in the houses of worship and parks, time seems to stand still. A history of well over 2000 years has shaped the capital of Italy, and so there is sometimes a rugged juxtaposition of past and present. It is precisely this surprising diversity that makes the “Eternal City” so appealing and worth a visit, which should not only last a few days.

If you want to get more than just a fleeting impression of the former power of the empire, you should take your time. A lot of time.

Squares in Rome with lively compositions

Piazza del Popolo

Before there were railways, Piazza del Popolo, with its Egyptian obelisk and twin churches, was the city’s reception salon for travelers from the north. The city gate already stood here in ancient times.

Campo de’ Fiori

Campo de’ Fiori can be reached via Via della Cancelleria. Located in the middle of the old town, it is one of the most atmospheric squares in Rome. In the morning, when the Roman flower market unfolds its full splendour, it is particularly popular. In the evening, people meet to go out and get together.

Piazza Navona

The most beautiful square in the city, perhaps even in the world, is Piazza Navona. In the midst of winding alleys and small squares decorated with fountains, Rome shows its most original side. It’s hard not to immediately succumb to the charm of this square with its impressive palace facades.

Tip: Spiritual Rome walks in these beautiful squares:
Just behind the Pantheon is the ivy-covered Piazza dei Caprettari, followed by Piazza della Minerva, the place where a small elephant carries an obelisk that is much too large. Last but not least, in Via dei Cestari, the pious heart beats faster. With bishop’s robes and dressy habits, the spiritual fashion makes its appearance.

The Pantheon

The old town district around the Pantheon is very lively and densely built up with churches, palaces and small squares. From the labyrinth of alleys you finally reach Piazza della Rotonda, a particularly beautiful square in the middle of which rises the massive Pantheon. Ingenious builders and constructors built the largest dome in the Old World. In its present form, the Pantheon was built at the beginning of the 2nd century under Emperor Hadrian.

Around Piazza di Spagna

Piazza di Spagna is one of the most famous places in Rome. With its fountain, ochre-coloured houses and its azalea-lined staircase leading to the French church of Trinitá dei Monti, it is an ideal example of Baroque staging. The piazza is a lively place. Both during the day and at night, the air buzzes with the babble of people’s voices.

Behind the fountain rises the Spanish Steps. It is as wide as an entire street and as high as the neighboring houses. The year is 1726 – Rome is richer by an urban ensemble. Without a doubt, the Scalinata di Trinitá dei Monti is a must-see for every visitor to Rome.

The Spanish Steps cascade from the church down to the square. The architect could not do enough in the elegant play of steps and landings, of curves outwards and inwards, of terraces that invite you to linger halfway up. At sunset, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the domes of Roman churches.

The fashion districts between the Spanish Steps, Via del Corso and Via del Tritone also exert a magical attraction. This is a kind of Bermuda Triangle, where visitors can get rid of their money in the stylish shopping spree in the countless boutiques. The offspring will also find their own clothing paradise. On the Via del Corso, the teenager gets everything from skates to jeans to feather boas. The adjacent streets Via Borgognona and Via Frattina form the most important shopping center in Rome with Via dei Condotti.

Galleries with fantastic views and impressive buildings

The Santi Trinitá dei Monti is one of the five French parish churches in Rome, built in the 16th century. Opposite, Viale Trinitá winds its way to the Pincio.

The Villa Medici was built at the end of the Renaissance. From 1630 to 1633, Galileo Galilei was under house arrest here. In the 17th century, the building became the property of the Medici.

The Pincio Hill and Villa Borghese: The Pincio Hill owes its name to the Pinci family, the owners of the site in the 14th century. It is a magical place overgrown with palm trees, pine trees and large oaks. If you cross Viale del Muro Torto from the Pincio, you will reach the largest park in Rome, Villa Borghese. Arguably the most beautiful park in Rome is a green oasis of peace and the arts. It is home to one of the most famous art collections in the world.

Ancient Rome – Capitoline Hill and Palatine Hill

Where the parade mile of the Roman Forum leads to the Temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill, you will find most of the remains of ancient Rome – as far as the eye can see from Vitorriano to the Colosseum. The mythological founding story tells of seven hills on which Rome was built. The Capitoline Hill and Palatine Hill are among the classic founding hills. The never-ending number of thermal baths, triumphal arches and forums invites you to take a journey into the past – a bygone era is brought to life. On Capitoline Hill, the oldest museum open to the public inspires with an extensive collection of antiquities. A copy of the philosophical emperor Marcus Aurelius greets visitors on the square in front of the palazzo.

The Colosseum

Emperor Vespasian began building the gigantic Colosseum in 72 AD. The capital of his empire was also to have the largest arena in the world.

The Colosseum, one of the main works of ancient Rome, is also one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. “As long as the Colosseum is standing, Rome is also standing. If the Colosseum falls, then Rome falls too. When Rome falls, the world also passes away,” wrote the chronicler Venerabilis (673-735).

Castel Sant’Angelo and Angel’s Bridge

Here Rome shows its quiet side. In this area, you won’t find alleys or squares crowded with cafes and people. The style is sprawling baroque and represents the triumph of Christianity. Beyond the Angel’s Bridge, which was created by Bernini as access to St. Peter’s Basilica, rises majestically Castel Sant’Angelo, Hadrian’s Mausoleum. The castle retained its fortress character until modern times, it was the treasury of the popes and a prison. Today it is a museum. Especially at night, the baroque spectacle – illuminated – on the way to St. Peter’s Basilica is impressive.

Visit to the smallest state in the world: Vatican City

“All roads, as the saying goes, lead to Rome. However, in Rome itself, they lead across the Tiber to the Vatican. Access begins on Italian territory in Piazza Ponte Sant’ Angelo, which is opposite Castel Sant’Angelo on the other bank of the Tiber.

Crossing the Angel’s Bridge, visitors are greeted by the statues of Saints Peter and Paul and guided by ten statues of angels.

Much of Vatican City is taken up by St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest basilica in the world’s smallest state. The triumphant forecourt is deeply impressive in its perfection. Since the pontificate of Julius II (1503-1513), the popes of Rome have accumulated countless art treasures in their palaces. Today, the Vatican Museum is one of the largest museums in the world.
At the sight of the Laocoön group entwined by sea snakes in the Musei Vaticani, tears flow, often from exhaustion. Soon the breath is taken away by beauty and crowds in the former papal private apartments, in Raphael’s Rooms and in the Sistine. However – the masses have a right to the Sistine Chapel.

The Tiber Island Travestere or “the Rome of the little people”

Trastevere, the largest village in Rome, inspires on the other side of the Tiber with secluded squares and babbling fountains. Here they still exist, the old, black-clad women who meet in the backyard for a gossip. The plaster of the houses peeled off, the Vespa parked in front of the front door, piebald cats on the walls taking a siesta – that’s what makes up the atmosphere of Travestere. Its inhabitants can often be seen in the midst of loud battles of words. Rome shows itself here completely unvarnished and without airs and graces.

In the meantime, the “Rome of the little people” has developed into a trendy and nightlife district. On the idyllic Tiber Island there are numerous bars and restaurants for every budget.

Facts about Rome

1. Rome is the capital and largest city of Italy.
2. The city was founded in the 8th century BC and has a rich history that dates back to ancient times.
3. Rome was the center of the Roman Empire and played an important role in world history as the seat of the papacy and the Catholic Church.
4. Rome is also known for its numerous historical monuments, including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican.
5. The city is a major tourist destination and receives millions of visitors from all over the world every year.
6. The climate in Rome is Mediterranean and the city usually enjoys mild to warm weather throughout the year.
7. Italian cuisine is famous worldwide and Rome is known for its pasta dishes, pizza and gelato.
8. The city also has a rich art scene, with numerous museums, galleries and art exhibitions.
9. Rome has a population of around 2.8 million people and is one of the most densely populated cities in Europe.
10. The city has a well-developed public transport system consisting of buses, trams, subways, and trains.

The most famous museums in Rome

1. Vatican Museums: One of the most recognizable attractions in Rome, the Vatican Museums are home to an incredible collection of artworks, including the Sistine Chapel, Raphael’s Rooms, and the Pinacoteca.
2. Capitoline Museums: Located on Capitoline Hill, the Capitoline Museums are the oldest public museums in the world. They house a large collection of sculptures, paintings, coins and archaeological finds.
3. Borghese Gallery: The Borghese Gallery is an art museum located in a magnificent villa in the park of Villa Borghese. It houses a collection of Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, including works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.
4. National Museum of Rome: The National Museum of Rome is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world and displays an impressive collection of artifacts from Roman history, including sculptures, mosaics, and ancient jewelry.
5. Palazzo Altemps: Palazzo Altemps is a museum housed in a Renaissance palace that displays a collection of sculptures from antiquity to the Renaissance.
6. MAXXI: The MAXXI is a museum of contemporary art and architecture and houses a collection of works by modern artists from around the world.

Sicily is a volcanic island in the south of Italy, right in front of the tip of the boot. It is beautifully located in the Mediterranean Sea and is home to the mysterious Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe. This is also the biggest attraction here next to the capital Palermo. Many holidaymakers spend their holidays here because of the Roman excavations and the art treasures, but landscape and nature are also usually the focus. Some places in the hinterland have beautiful churches and art treasures, but the coastal areas are also worth a visit. In addition, there are always special markets with cheap clothes for the shopping fans among us.

In the east of the island lies the volcano Etna and the city that is located directly in front of it is called Catania. There used to be trams here, but they have been replaced by buses. There is still a large port today and the excursions to Mount Etna start here in the city. On a city tour, you can explore the ancient traces in the city center. In the towns around the city of Catania you can spend a wonderful beach holiday, because the beaches are magnificent, with their sun loungers and umbrellas that can be rented in summer. The city center has some beautiful ancient sights to offer. You can climb the tower from one of the many churches and have a wide view down to the sea and Mount Etna, the cathedral is reminiscent of an image of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and the Castello Ursino is also worth a visit. The Elephant Fountain is usually the starting point for a guided tour of the city.

Giardini Naxox

One of the most beautiful seaside resorts on the island is Giardini Naxos, which is of Greek origin. There are Greek god figures everywhere in the city and the beach is just fine sand, long and wide. In summer, but also in autumn or spring, you can go swimming here. In recent years, the town has grown and numerous hotel complexes have been built. There is an archaeological park that tells about the history of the city. On the horizon, from Giardini Naxos , you can see the mighty crater of Mount Etna. It erupts regularly every few years and is the most active volcano in Europe. You can make hikes to the New Year’s Eve craters and take a cable car up to the Schlund. The Volcanic Mountains, which are located around Mount Etna, are particularly charming. Even the runines of the houses that burned down after an eruption still stand, like a memorial in the landscape. Here you can see how powerful the force of nature can be.

Alcantara Gorge

One of the most beautiful scenic highlights in Sicily is the Alcantara Gorge, where you can make numerous hikes, look at the river deep down in the rock layers and have to overcome numerous stairs. This gorge was also formed from the lava rock of Etna and is therefore of volcanic origin. Scenically, the date and lemon trees here are a hlighlight. The area around the gorge is very fertile, not only fruit can be found here, but also vines. Here in the hinterland of the island it is very mountainous. The small town of Castiglione di Sicilia is particularly beautiful. It is located high up on a mountain. You can take a train across the Nebrodi Mountains here.

The Isola Bella

One of the most beautiful islands located off Sicily is Isola Bella. Excursion boats regularly sail there from the well-known seaside resorts. A stop is made at the Grotte de l’amore, the grotto of love, which could not shimmer more beautifully in the warm sunlight. On the boat trips, swimming stops are planned in the most beautiful bays. The grotto glows blue, like the Blue Grotto on the island of Capri, but there are also orange corals on the walls. Shortly behind it is the Elephant Rock, which looks like a mighty animal looking out to sea. During the boat trips you get to know the most beautiful places along the coast, namely secluded bays and beautiful small beaches.

Taormina and Castelmola

Two jewels in the north of the island are the towns of Taormina and Castemola, both located high up on the mountains. The best way to discover these places is to rent a scooter. Along the coast stretch small jewels, such as Sant Alessio Siculo or Mazzaro, all with a beautiful sandy beach that invites you to swim. Castelmola is located high above all this on a limestone rock, at an altitude of about 500 meters. You can go for a wonderful stroll, look at numerous artistic shops and find very good Italian restaurants and pizza shops. The castle at the top of the mountain can be visited. Particularly charming is the small bar San Giorgio, where almond wine is served. There are numerous souvenir shops along the shopping street. Taormina is also worth seeing, with its shopping streets, the view over the wide Mediterranean Sea and the numerous galleries located in colorful little houses. There is a Roman amphitheatre right on the hillside, with a wonderful view over the coastal area of northern Sicily.

Capital Palermo

The capital Palermo also has a lot of culture and art treasures to offer. It is the largest city on the island and is located in the northwest. Palazzo Reale and the Cathedral are just two of the famous sights here. 8 kilometres from the city centre is the Dome de Monreale, which is also worth a visit. The big city has plenty of shopping and dining options. It offers its guests all kinds of activities.

Not far from the Sicilian coast lies Salina, the second largest island in the Aeolian archipelago. The small volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea is known for its landscape, beautiful nature and a few tranquil villages. Largely spared from tourism, Salina is considered a special place of peace and bears the beautiful title “Isola Slow”.

Salina – The Green Island

Enjoy with all your senses

Exploring Salina is a special experience, because the green island landscape invites you to long hikes. The landscape is characterized by two volcanoes, whose slopes are now densely overgrown, because the volcanic soil is particularly fertile and ideal for viticulture and agriculture. The lack of beaches makes the island uninteresting for typical beach vacationers, but for nature lovers and those in need of peace and quiet, the island is a paradise. If you still want to enjoy a little cooling in the sea after a hike, you can visit a small swimming strip between Rinella and Lingua. But the charm of the island lies in the fact that you can see, feel and even smell the beautiful nature here. Dreamlike avenues of acacia trees attract visitors to Salina, as do the fishing ports of Santa Marina and Rinella, which are located on the steeply sloping coast and are one of the few villages on the island. If you spend a few days on Salina, you will find that you can also taste nature, because the island’s cuisine relies on the local food, so that the dishes are particularly tasty.

Deceleration – not a conscious decision on Salina

General information

• Layer: Salina is part of the Aeolian (or Lipolian) Islands and is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, north of Sicily, Italy. It is the second largest of the Aeolian Islands.
• Area: The island has an area of about 27 square kilometers.
• Population: Salina has a population of about 2,500 inhabitants, spread over several villages.

Nature and Environment:

• Volcanic origin: The island is of volcanic origin, like all the Aeolian Islands. It consists of two inactive volcanoes, Monte Fossa delle Felci (962 m) and Monte dei Porri (860 m). Monte Fossa delle Felci is the highest point on the island and the highest volcano in the entire archipelago.
• Emerald Isle: Salina is often referred to as the greenest island of the Aeolian Islands. The fertile volcanic soils favor the cultivation of wine, capers and olives.
• Flora and fauna: The island is rich in vegetation, including dense forests, olive groves, vineyards and fields of caper plants. It is also home to some rare species of birds and endemic plants.

Tourism:

• Beaches: Salina has several beautiful beaches with clear waters, including the popular Pollara beach, which is located in a half-submerged volcanic crater and is known for its picturesque sunsets.
• Wander: There are many hiking trails that lead through the green hills and mountains of the island. One of the most famous routes is the ascent to Monte Fossa delle Felci, from the summit of which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Aeolian Islands and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
• Wine and capers: Salina is known for its sweet Malvasia wine and high-quality capers. Many wineries offer tastings, and there are numerous restaurants that offer local specialties.
• Pollara: Pollara is a small village and famous as the filming location of the 1994 film “The Postman” (“Il Postino”). It attracts movie buffs who want to experience the stunning setting.

Reachability:

• Ferries: Salina is easily accessible by ferries and speedboats. There are regular connections to Salina from the neighbouring islands as well as from Sicily, especially from Milazzo and Messina.
• Transportation on the island: The island has a well-developed road infrastructure, and there are bus connections between the villages. Many visitors also explore the island by bike or on foot.

Special features:

• Villages: Salina has several charming villages:
  • Santa Marina: The largest village and main port on the island, known for its shops, restaurants and picturesque streets.
  • Malfa: Another important village, famous for its wineries and its proximity to the most beautiful beaches.
  • Leni: A smaller village near Monte Fossa delle Felci, from which hikes start.
• Nature reserves: A large part of the island is part of the “Riserva Naturale Orientata delle Montagne delle Felci e dei Porri” nature reserve, which protects the volcanic peaks and the surrounding nature.

Economy:

• Agriculture: Salina is famous for the cultivation of capers, which are among the best in the world, as well as for viticulture, especially Malvasia wine. Agriculture is the main source of income on the island, along with tourism.
• Tourism: Tourism plays an increasingly important role in the island’s economy, especially sustainable and ecological tourism that respects Salina’s nature and culture.

Culture:

• Stronghold: Salina has a rich cultural tradition, and there are many religious and cultural festivals throughout the year. One of the most important is the feast of the patron saint of the island, the Madonna del Terzito, which is celebrated in July.
• Culinary tradition: In addition to the famous Malvasia wine and capers, the island is known for its fresh seafood and traditional Sicilian cuisine. Many dishes rely on the local cultivation of ingredients such as tomatoes, olives and eggplants.

The island of Stromboli is one of the Aeolian Islands and is located off the coast of Sicily. The island is characterized by the Stromboli volcano of the same name, whose volcanic activity allowed the island to tower above sea level in the first place.

Viewed from the sea, the island has the shape of a cone, as the volcano occupies almost the entire area of the island, which is 12.6 square kilometers. The highest point of the island is located at the top of the volcano and is 926 meters above sea level, which is very exceptional for such a small island.

The name of the island comes from Greek and is probably due to sailors from ancient Greece . Translated, the name of the island is said to mean “round island”, as the volcano formed the island in a round shape due to its nature as a stratovolcano.
Stromboli can now be reached by boat from Naples, Milazzo and Messina.

The inhabitants of the island

Even today, Stromboli is sparsely inhabited. The volcanic mountain makes it largely impossible to build villages on the island. Since there is no space for fields or pastures, not many people on the island were able to supply themselves with food in the past.

A total of 572 people live on Stromboli spread over two villages. In the northeast of the island is the largest settlement on the island, which is also called Stromboli. Over time, it has grown together from several smaller villages and today forms the center of the island.

In the southwest of the island there is still the village of Ginostra. However, only 30 people live here, isolated by land from the rest of the island’s inhabitants. To get from Ginostra to the village of Stromboli, you would have to climb the volcano. That’s why boats run regularly between the two villages.

There are almost no cars on the island. Only in the larger village of Stromboli there are some cars, but there are also some electric scooters and small trucks here.

Sights of the island

The reason why most people visit the island is because of the volcano. It is one of the few still active volcanoes in Europe and is therefore a popular destination for people who want to experience the power of nature.

The volcanic crater can be reached from the two villages of the island, but an ascent from the village of Stromboli is much more common than from Ginostra.

It is forbidden under penalty to climb the volcano alone. Tourists can group up and then climb the volcano under the guidance of a local guide. The ascent takes several hours and is very strenuous, especially in summer under the strong southern Italian sun. So if you are considering the climb, you should have sufficient fitness and safe footwear, as the paths are covered by scree.

The ascent usually starts in the afternoon so that the summit can be reached at nightfall. Because then visitors can better observe the small, regular eruptions of the volcano. Small lava fountains and clouds of smoke almost always rise in the crater of the volcano.

On the northwest side of the crater, a steep slope has formed, known among locals as the “fire slide”. During larger eruptions, the lava flows from the crater into the sea.

General information

• Layer: Stromboli is a small island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, belonging to the Aeolian Islands (or Aeolian Islands), located north of Sicily in Italy.
• Area: The island has an area of about 12.6 square kilometers.
• Population: Stromboli has around 500 permanent residents, although this number rises sharply in the summer months due to tourists.

Volcano:

• Active volcano: Stromboli is known for its active volcano, which is one of the most active in the world and erupts almost continuously. It is often referred to as the “lighthouse of the Mediterranean” because its eruptions are visible from afar.
• Activity: The volcano often displays small explosions that eject ash and lava chunks into the air. Larger eruptions occur less frequently, but there is always the possibility of a stronger eruption.

Nature and Environment:

• Landscape: The island has a steep, volcanic landscape with black beaches created by the volcano’s lava flows. The highest point of the volcano is about 926 meters above sea level.
• Cliffs and coves: In addition to the black beaches, there are also steep cliffs and rocky coves that characterize the coast of Stromboli.

Tourism:

• Volcano hikes: One of the most popular activities on Stromboli is the guided hike to the crater rim of the volcano, from where you can observe the volcanic activity at night. The hike requires a certain level of physical fitness and should only be undertaken with a licensed guide.
• Beaches: Stromboli also offers some secluded beaches such as the Spiaggia di Ficogrande, known for its volcanic black sand beaches.
• Boat: Boat tours around the island are also popular, where you can explore the coastline and the neighboring, uninhabited island of Strombolicchio, a small rock in the sea.

Reachability:

• Ferries: Stromboli is accessible by ferry from several cities in Italy, including Naples, Milazzo and Messina. In high season, there are more frequent connections, both by ferry and speedboat.
• Transportation on the island: There are no cars on Stromboli, only small electric scooters or bicycles. Most people move along the coast on foot or by boat.

Special features:

• Village of Stromboli: The island’s main village, also called Stromboli, is located on the slope of the volcano and offers charming white houses, narrow streets and a relaxed, idyllic atmosphere. There is also the smaller village of Ginostra, which is only accessible by boat.
• Strombolicchio: A small rocky island near Stromboli, on which an old lighthouse stands, is a popular destination for excursions by boat.
• Safety: Due to the continuous volcanic activity, there are strict safety guidelines. Volcanologists constantly monitor the eruptions, and there are evacuation plans in case of emergencies.

Culture and history:

• Mythology: In ancient Greek mythology, the Stromboli volcano was associated with the god of wind, Aiolos, who lived in the Aeolian Islands.
• Celebrity: Stromboli became internationally known through the 1950 film “Stromboli” with Ingrid Bergman, directed by Roberto Rossellini.