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Pompeii in pictures

January 25th, 2012

Take pictures of Pompeii during your holiday in Campania!

Pictures of Mt Vesuvius from Pompeii

Discover the history and enjoy taking pictures of ancient Pompeii located near Naples during your vacation in southern Italy.

One of Italy’s most evocative and remarkable historical sites, the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Pompeii are one of the top travel destinations in southern Italy’s Campania region. While a fascinating spot to visit any time of the year, the winter months offer many sunny days to explore the ruins at a leisurely place while avoiding the summer queues, heat and crowds. This makes it ideal for taking photos of Pompeii that capture the stillness and beauty of this impressive and moving site. We hope these pictures of Pompeii inspire you to visit Campania during your next holiday in Italy!

 

Pictures of Pompeii frescoes

 

The colors of ancient Pompeii come to life through the camera lens, and visitors love to capture photos of the Roman frescoes that have been uncovered in many of the ancient houses.

 

Photo of Pompeii architecture - Pompeii in pictures

 

The brightly colored mosaic surface of this counter might catch the attention of visitors to Pompeii today just as it did to the Romans who lived here before the town was destroyed by a devastating eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. This tiny restaurant once served up quick meals to Romans while they were out and about.

 

Photo of grape vines in Pompeii - Pompeii in pictures

 

Archeologists and historians have discovered that Romans cultivated many varieties of grapes in and around Pompeii. Today you can take photos of the replanted vineyards that grow grape varieties that create some of Campania’s famous wines.

 

Pompeii photos of the forum - Pompeii in pictures

 

On a sunny day, the ruins of the Basilica near Pompeii’s Forum stand out against the blue sky. While taking photos of Pompeii, let your imagination fill in the missing pieces, and soon the grand scene of Pompeii’s busy Forum will come back to life.

 

Photos of Pompeii theater - Pompeii in pictures

 

Don’t forget to stop and marvel at the beauty of Pompeii while you are taking photos and exploring the historic ruins. They offer a unique chance to step back in time and experience firsthand what daily life in an ancient Roman town might have been like. Pack your camera and head to Pompeii for an extraordinary chance to photograph history during your travels in Naples or Campania!

 

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Photo Credits: Laura Thayer

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Posted in Art & History, Campania

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Top 5 Architectural Highlights of Sorrento

December 5th, 2011

Enjoy the architectural charms of Sorrento’s historic center!

Charming architecture in Sorrento's historic center Credits: Flickr

Located just a short train or boat ride from Naples, the charming town of Sorrento is a lovely day trip or home base near the Amalfi Coast, Capri and other top travel destinations in southern Italy’s region of Campania.

A visit to the town of Sorrento tops many tourist lists, and for very good reasons. This pretty seaside town boasts a charming and lively historic center, stunning views across the Bay of Naples and easy accessibility from nearby Naples, Capri and the Amalfi Coast. Here are the top 5 architectural highlights not to miss during your stroll through Sorrento’s historic district.

1. Duomo of Sorrento

Facade and bell tower of the Duomo of Sorrento Credits: Laura Thayer

Just steps down the Corso Italia from Sorrento’s central Piazza Tasso, the first thing you might spot marking the town’s largest church is the rich red, yellow and dark stone tiered bell tower with a colorful majolica clock. Step off the road into the tiny courtyard and you’ll find the entrance to the Cathedral of San Filippo and San Giacomo, commonly referred to as the Duomo. Don’t let the modern façade, which was rebuilt in the beginning of the 20th century, deter you from entering. Inside you’ll discover a beautiful interior decorated with many fine examples of the intarsia, or inlaid woodwork, that has made Sorrento artisans famous for centuries.

 

2. Church and Cloister of San Francesco

Cloister of San Francesco in SorrentoCredits: Flickr

While exploring the historic streets of Sorrento, wind your way down toward the Villa Comunale park with scenic views across the bay toward Naples and Mt. Vesuvius. Nearby you’ll see the entrance to the Church of San Francesco, with a side entrance leading into a beautiful 14th-century cloister. Once of Sorrento’s most peaceful spots, savor the architectural details of the columns surrounding the cloister as you stroll around. Notice the unusual mix of styles as the arches vary from rounded to interlacing pointed around the cloister.

 

3. Marina Grande Harbor

Charming Marina Grande Harbor in Sorrento Credits: Flickr

Follow the steep road and stairs that lead all the way down to one of Sorrento’s most picturesque spots, the small harbor of Marina Grande. Once separated from Sorrento above, don’t miss the ancient Greek gate that was once the entrance to town. Here you’ll find colorful buildings and brightly painted fishing boats in the peaceful harbor, which is a great choice for a relaxing lunch or dinner by the sea.

 

4. Sedile Dominova

Historic Sedile Dominova in Sorrento Credits: Flickr

Tucked away amid the historic streets of Sorrento, the Sedile Dominova is an unexpected find. Located on the corner where two streets meet, stop and admire the loggia of this 15th-century building decorated with frescoes dating from the 18th century. You can still see coats of arms from the noble families of Sorrento that once used this building as an assembly hall. As you continue down the narrow streets, take a look back to see the intricate yellow and green majolica tiled dome of the Sedile Dominova.

 

5. Basilica of Sant’ Antonino

Church of Sant' Antonino in Sorrento Credits: Flickr

Located near a pretty piazza, Sorrento’s second most important church is dedicated to and houses the relics of Sant’ Antonino (St. Anthony Abbot), the town’s patron saint and protector. First constructed in the 11th century over an earlier church, the interior was later redecorated in the Baroque style during the 17th century. However, the elegant interior still includes some 15th-century details. Inside, don’t miss the elaborately decorated crypt dedicated to Sant’ Antonino, the ancient columns in the nave and the beautiful paintings and artwork.

Which is your favourite one?

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Giorgio Vasari: Disegnatore e Pittore-Arezzo

November 24th, 2011

In Arezzo, the life and work of Giorgio Vasari is being revisited from September 3rd to December 11th 2011. Vasari was born in Arezzo, 500 years ago and was always very connected to his city. This exhibition presents Vasari as an artist and a coach and an historian. It is being held at the Galleria Comunale d’Arte Contemporanea in Arezzo. A man of culture and was praised throughout Italy as an artist, writer and a friend to many of the intellectuals of his time. He was an architect and painter at the court of Cosimo I de ‘Medici. He won a key role in the Renaissance culture.

Giorgio Vasari

The exhibit follows the artist evolution of Vasari brilliance. Starting in Arezzo, with his early works such as the Deposizione nel Sepolcro, 1532 or the beautiful portrait of Duke Alessandro d ‘Medici in the Uffizi Gallery. These pieces reinforced his ability to achieve a height of excellence. From the Louvre to his studies of the frescoes of the Duomo in Florence.

Fucina di Vulcano, Vasari

There are some surprises from a private collection, one of which was long lost and this is the way to see it for the first time with Fucina di Vulcano (Forge of Vulcan). From the Uffizi Gallery Studio Preparatorio per la Caccia d’Amore (Preparatory study for Hunting Love) and the original letter written by Michelangelo to Cosimo I and a piece never displayed in Italy- an “Annunciation” (Annunciazione) by Vasari which is from the Ferenc Mora Museum, Szeged, Hungary.

Le Tentazioni di San Girolamo, Vasari

The restoration carried out really made this event shine. The important painting from the Gallerina Palatina in Palazzo Pitti in Florence is on display as well, Le Tentazioni di San Girolamo (The Temptation of St. Jerome).

Be sure not to miss this event. There is still time left to head to Arezzo, where Vasari is still praised as a great painter and designer.

For more information:
Galleria Comunale d’Arte Contemporanea di Arezzo
Arezzo, Piazza San Francesco, 4
Tel: 0575 401945
Open every day from 10am to 6pm.

Arezzo, house of Giorgio VasariCredits: Flickr

Tickets:
With the ticket of the exhibition you have free admission to the Museum of the Casa Vasari and reduced tickets for the Bacci Chapel with the frescoes of Piero della Francesca
Full price: € 6.00
Reduced: € 4.00
Visitors over 65 years
Visitors under 18 years
groups between 15 and 30 people

The tickets are free for children younger than 6 years and caretakers of the disabled.

A combined ticket of € 10.00 which includes: Exhibition “Giorgio Vasari. Disegnatore e Pittore”+ Exhibit “Svegliando l’animo di molti a belle imprese”

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Posted in Art & History, Events, Tuscany

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Discovering the History of Italy’s Amalfi Coast in Campania

October 19th, 2011

History,treasures and tradition at Amalfi’s Arsenale Museum

Medieval Arsenal in Amalfi Italy

 

The rich history of the medieval Republic of Amalfi is on display at the new Museo della Bussola e Del Ducato Marinaro di Amalfi. Discover the surprising past of this beautiful coastline in southern Italy’s region of Campania!

Located just steps from the beach in Amalfi you’ll find the town’s Arsenale, where the Republic of Amalfi’s many trading ships were built in the Middle Ages. This is the perfect setting for a museum dedicated to Amalfi’s vast sea power and the important maritime Republic that once competed with Venice, Pisa and Genoa for prominence and control of trading routes in the Mediterranean and as far east as Constantinople. Step inside the Museum of the Compass and of the Maritime Duchy of Amalfi to discover the town’s vibrant history!

 

History of the Amalfi Coast in Campania

 

The museum is divided into two parallel aisles covered with cross vaults supported by large stone and mortar columns. Although the landscape has changed today, in the Middle Ages the Arsenale would have opened out directly onto the beach in Amalfi. An exhibit on the development of the compass draws visitors into the museum. According to the history and legends in Amalfi, the compass was first developed for sea navigation by a local named Flavio Gioia in 1302. Although the story is still debated by historians, the artefacts on display recount the important role the Republic of Amalfi played in maritime history. Also on display are examples of Tarì, the currency used in the Middle Ages in the Republic of Amalfi and wherever Amalfi’s traders traveled throughout the Mediterranean.

 

Costumes for Historical Regatta in Amalfi

 

The colorful costumes on display are an eye-catching part of the museum’s collection. Here you’ll find the costumes created for the first Historical Regatta of the Four Sea Republics of Italy, which began in 1955 and continues each year with a regatta and parade. The location of the regatta rotates between Amalfi, Venice, Pisa and Genoa, and draws a great crowd wherever it takes place. The costumes representing the Republic of Amalfi on display are based on the original designs by Roberto Scielzo in 1955, some of which are on display.

 

Mast for historical regatta in Amalfi

 

The golden figure-head of a winged horse is the symbol of Amalfi’s historical galleon that competes in the annual regatta. Each city has an assigned color and figure-head, with Amalfi’s color being blue. The winner of the race, which in recent years has been a photo finish, is determined by the very tip of the figure-head that crosses the finish line first. All eyes in Amalfi will be on the hooves of the winged horse as the regatta is scheduled to take place on the first weekend of June 2012 in Amalfi.

Visit the Arsenale Museum in Amalfi to learn more about the history of Campania’s stunning Amalfi Coast!

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Photo Credits: Laura Thayer

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Posted in Art & History, Campania

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Coastal Watchtowers

August 31st, 2011

These imposing towers were the backbone of the medieval defense system

Coastal Watchtowers - Vieste, ApuliaCredits: Flickr

As the heel of the Italian boot, Puglia is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, leaving it vulnerable to foreign invaders throughout the ages. The long coastline of the Adriatic Sea was wide open to attack from the east, while the shores of the Ionian Sea provided easy access for Saracens coming from the south and the west.

In the 16th century, Emporer Charles V ordered the construction of a system of watchtowers along the entire length of the Puglian seashore to protect citizens from constant invasions. The towers were built in strategic positions along the coast, close enough that each tower could communicate with the towers on either side of it.

Coastal Watchtowers - Torre Zozzoli, TarantoCredits: Flickr

This communication system was carried out through a series of visual signals – smoke in the daytime, fires by night – or with acoustic signals such as bells, or shots from a cannon or arquebus (a precursor of the rifle). If a pirate ship was sighted from one tower, one of these signals would be used to warn the people of the area to prepare to fight or flee. The signal would be passed from tower to tower, up and down the coast, passing the word of danger quickly and effectively.

The coastal watchtowers served not only to sound the alarm in case of imminent attack, but also as a point of reference for friendly ships. The towers were generally manned by a military team of four guards and a horseman, who often remained outside the tower ready to ride into town to carry a warning as soon as possible, when necessary.

Coastal Watchtowers - Torrione Passari, MolfettaCredits: Flickr+MolfettaDailyPhoto

However, because of both unreliable performance by the guards and their lack of weaponry, the level of actual protection offered by the towers was often unpredictable. They were mainly useful in slowing down the enemy attack by allowing the locals to hide and buying some time for reinforcements to arrive on site and fight off the invaders. The chronicles of the period are full of news of the towers being continuously attacked, sacked and destroyed by pirates and Turks.

Coastal watchtowers - Torre Uluzzo, NardoCredits:  Flickr

The watchtowers were four-sided and quite small. The entrance was located on the top floor and a wooden ladder was dropped down from inside the tower for entry and exit. The tower was divided into an upper and lower floor. The ground level floor had no windows and was set directly above a large cistern to guarantee a constant water supply. This space was used to store food and munitions and also contained a millstone for grinding wheat, making the tower self-sufficient.

Coastal Watchtowers - Torre Incina, Polignano a MareCredits: MolfettaDailyPhoto

The second floor, which could be reached only by an external ladder, included a sleeping area, a chimney for sending smoke signals. Embrasures and loopholes served to defend the tower. From the rooftop, the guards could watch the horizon.

Although many of the old watchtowers have fallen into ruin and been abandoned to the elements, it is possible to take driving or bicycle tours which lead you from tower to tower, much the way signals were passed from one tower to the next.

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Posted in Art & History, Puglia

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