What is the history behind the Pantheon?

The Pantheon is one of Rome’s most prominent and prolific buildings. For many, it’s the epitome of ancient Rome and harbours many stories from years gone by. In fact, it’s one of the best-preserved and influential buildings in the city, forming a grand Roman temple that is thought to have been built between AD 118…

What is Naples famous for?

The atmosphere in Naples is electric both day and night. Cobbled streets open out into pretty piazzas where locals kick back and relax with coffee, and ancient castles rear up when you least expect them to. And there’s the food – mouth-watering pizza that follows a recipe from hundreds of years ago and thick, creamy…

What do the painting in the Sistine Chapel mean?

The Sistine Chapel is world-famous for its intricately painted ceiling. Art lovers flock to the religious building during their time in Rome to witness one of the most important pieces of art in history. Built back in 1479 by Pope Sixtus IV, the Chapel is located next to the impressive edifice of St Peter’s Basilica…

How to explore Pompeii?

In the times before 79 AD, Pompeii was a lively Italian city crisscrossed with narrow cobbled streets and alive with the sound of market sellers and daily life. But after tragedy struck in 79 AD, when nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted over the city and buried it in a thick layer of volcanic ash, things changed…

How long should you be spending at the Vatican?

The Vatican might be the smallest country in the world, however at any one moment in time it can be visited by over 20,000 visitors a day who are all drawn to its illustrious museums and gardens. Don’t let the busy crowds deter you though, as this guide will help you decide the best time…

What are some of Rome’s greatest engineering feats?

Rome boasts some of history’s most impressive ancient engineering triumphs, being the curators of many constructions that are still in use today throughout the modern world. The technologically advanced minds that belonged to Ancient Roman civil engineers revolutionised ancient tools to create mega-structures and weapons. These inventions ultimately aided in the strengthening and continuation of…

What was rediscovered at Pompeii?

Pompeii can be classified as one of the greatest discoveries in the modern world, but where does the history of the excavation begin? Pompeii was an ancient Roman city in Naples that sat proudly on the base of Mount Vesuvius. In 79AD when Pompeii and surrounding cities were buried under a layer of volcanic ash,…

Why should you visit the Faraglioni Rocks?

Imagine dramatic rock formations jutting out of crystal blue waters, not unlike mythical sea giants, it rising to a height of a hundred metres. This legendary coastal landscape is embedded in the waters of Capri, a famed landmark with a notable archway that has become one of the main focal points of the Island. The…

Why should you visit the Spanish Steps?

Centrally located in the city of Rome, the Spanish Steps have become one of the must-see attractions for your next Italy vacation. Made doubly famous by the fact that it made a feature as the backdrop in the 1950’s by the iconic film ‘Roman Holiday’ which featured Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Pick, the history of…

What to do in Rome at night

When you think of Rome, thoughts of Ancient Roman sites and food that will leave you salivating is no doubt the first thing to come to mind. By anyone’s standards, this is a correct assumption of what you’d find. However, if you dig a little deeper, you will unlock the secrets of nightlife in Rome…