PORTOFINO AND ROME

Rome is not only a city with a rich history going far back centuries, but also extremely convenient for the traveler.

Most of its main attractions arranged so that from one to the other you can get on foot.

Attractions are arranged in a sequence convenient for inspection in minimal time:

The Colosseum is the most famous building of the ancient world, preserved to our days.

Arch of Constantine - the oldest surviving roman arches. Located next to the Coliseum.

The Palatine is one of the seven hills on which Rome stands. It is quite close to walk from the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine.

Roman Forum - located in the same museum area with Palatine. It was once the main square cities. Here at different times the market was located, places meetings and sessions of the Senate. One of the most interesting attractions of the city.

Venice Square is one of the most beautiful places! Special impressive grand monument to Victor Emanuel II. Until this the square can be climbed out of the Roman Forum. By the right side will be able to observe the Imperial forums.

Pantheon is another very interesting and unique the construction of ancient Roman architecture. You can reach him on the way to the Trevi Fountain.

The Trevi Fountain is a fountain in the Trevi district in Rome, Italy, designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini and several others. Standing 26.3 metres high and 49.15 metres wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world.

Plaza of Spain - there is the famous Spanish the staircase as well as the interesting Church of Santa Trinita de Monti.

St. Peter's Square - go to the Vatican! 3 metro stations from the Plaza of Spain.

Castle of the Holy Angel - a very peculiar structure who was in different years castle, tomb, papal residence and even prison.

Ponza is the largest island of the Pontine archipelago,  located in the Tyrrhenian Sea near the western coast of the peninsula.

The total area of ​​the island having a volcanic origin, - more than 7 sq. km.

It is said that the name Ponza comes from the name of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea who accused Jesus Nazareth.

Pilate's family owned a small cave on the island, which to this day bears his name - Grotto di Pilato.

According to another version of the name of the island comes from latin "Pontia" - Land of Bridges - Ponza can really Boast an abundance of natural arches and natural bridges.

Legend has it that in antiquity Ponza was connected to mainland narrow sand spit, which later went under water and recent archaeological excavations seem ready confirm this legend: at the bottom of the bay were discovered ruins of an ancient roman temple.

Today Ponza is a fishing island whose port can take and large vessels.

Ponza is famous for its grottoes - Grotta Azur, Grotta dei Serpenti, Grotte di Pilato. You can also explore the Roman Gallery, which is actually a tunnel connecting the village of Ponza with the beach of Chiaia di Luna.

Archeological artifacts are scattered throughout the island, and in the center of the island there are ruins of Egyptian, Greek and Phoenician necropolises.

Natural formations are also interesting for inspection - the giant cliffs of “Faraglioni”, the exciting cliffs of the Antastic Castle, the cave of Maga Circe.

The latter is located on the western side of the island between the beaches of Capo Bianco and Chiaia di Luna. According to legend, it was in this cave in the winter months lived the sorceress Circe, who turned the team of Odyssey into animals.

A little further there is another cave - Grotta di Ulisse or Grotta del Sangue (Bloody). It lies directly below the Belvedere hill, on which lies a botanical garden with a villa and castle ruins.

And from the top of Monte Guardia, the highest point of Ponza, you can admire the panorama of the whole island.

Capri Island is 10 km from the Sorrento Peninsula, in the southern part of the Gulf of Naples. There are two important cities: Capri and Anacapri.

Capri is considered the capital Islands, he has 2 ports. Anacapri - a place conducive more meditation and relaxation.

The island for two thousand years was visited by persons of higher estates. For example, he specially enjoyed Emperor Augustus.

There are many myths and legends associated with the island. According to one the name "Capri" comes from "Kaprie" - goat. And they called it animal Amalfea, which nourished the milk of the Greek God Zeus In turn, Odysseus, sailing past this mysterious places seen dangerous, but alluring sire en. He did not succumb to them charms, and in despair the sirens rushed into the sea deep.

If a further study the myths associated with this hero, then you can remember that on the island he defeated the cyclops and was able to get out of caves. It, by the way, exists in reality: in Marina harbor Piccola.

In it ar archeologists found the remains of the first people.

Attractions:

- Blue Grotto (Grotto azzurro) - very beautiful
- Villa Jovis
- Park "Gardens of the Emperor Augustus" (Giardini di Augusto)
- Great Mother Cave
- Faraglioni
- Anacapri
- Port Marina Grande (Porto di Marina Grande)
- Phoenician stairs (La scala fenicia)
- Capri beaches

Capri Island Kitchen

The island is famous for its cheeses. Be sure to try Caciokavallo, Provolone del Monaco, Silano and the local Mozzarella.

Chestnut dishes are considered to be traditional here, for example, montella or candied chestnuts rokkadaspide

Cozy town Positano, spread out in the south of the peninsula Sorrento is one of the most famous resorts in Italy.

The city itself is scattered in three small valleys, sandwiched between the mountains and the sea. Cascade of colorful houses, decorated with majolica and diluted with orange and olive groves, runs from the green mountains to the azure sea.

Numerous apartment buildings and hotels clung to each other so crowded that it seems you can easily shake hands with a person who sipping a delicious local wine sitting in a chair on the balcony of the neighboring house.

The center of the resort is a pedestrian zone, entry to cars it is forbidden here, so steel horses patiently wait their owners in parking lots outside the city.

In Positano tourists awaits the crystal clear sea, calm atmosphere and beautiful sandy beaches.

Amalfi - a town with a dozen first-class hotels, magnificent cathedral with Byzantine mosaics, Romanesque columns and the Saracen dome.
 
Amalfi is a municipality with about 6,000 inhabitants and entering the province of Salerno.

It gave the name of the peninsula and the coast, which in 1997 was declared by UNESCO. 

Stromboli - a small island, only 13 square kilometers, but high - about 900 m. At its top there are three craters, of which constantly smoke comes down and occasionally powerful short emissions erupting lava. At the same time, people live on the island, around 700 people.

True, from November to March most homes is empty: the hosts are moving to Sicily or the continent. All the houses here are white. Each has its own name.
Stromboli is often called the Tyrrhenian lighthouse because of the constant
eruptions, including night.

In honor of the volcano Stromboli named hearty Sicilian pie stuffed with meatballs, mushrooms, cheese, tomatoes and Luke. Before you put such a cake in the oven, you need it pierce in several places: in the process of baking filling
will come out like red-hot magma from craters Stromboli.

At the coast of Stromboli is very nice to swim: the water is warm, affectionate, and on the beach - unusually black sand, of course, volcanic origin (frozen and sea-sifted lava).

Panarea - The smallest of all the islands, but an excellent charm and
beauty The Aeolian style was characterized by simple designs, and
using cheap local materials.

Typical white color is relatively new: the walls are not plastered to save money and disguise from pirates, infested in these waters. One of the county is named after the pirate Drow (Draugh), who used the island for anchorage. Panarea is the name of one characteristic Islands - Panaria, disconnected.

Island Panarea - a paradise for divers. One of the most popular sights of the underwater world, ancient roman sunken ship. There is also an old English ship,
who was wrecked off the coast of the island and is currently located at a depth of 45 meters.

The island has the coolest disco in Italy. The island is usually visited by “VIP” customers, while prices for real estate or just eat in a restaurant, it is very
high. Michael Douglas and Madonna own sdes villas.

Vulcano Island takes its name from a significant amount volcanic activity over thousands of years.

Together from Stromboli, it is the only active volcano in all
the archipelago as well as the youngest (90,000 years old compared from 100.000 years Stromboli).

When arriving at the port, impressive not only the beauty of the surrounding landscape, but also a pungent smell sulfur. This phenomenon, which is quickly getting used to, is caused "Fumaroles", small holes and cracks in
crater of a volcano or on a crusty, crusty lava streams along which jets of hot water vapor rise and volcanic gases released from magma.

Vulcano attracts sufferers with its mud baths (fanghi), immersion in which, they say, treats all diseases from hay fever until the afternoon melancholy (but seriously - very good for joints and bones, as well as for skin), the beach with hot water, which is called - Acque calde.

There are fumaroles underwater too, so the sea is some places rages like a jacuzzi and the water stays hot all year round.

Be sure to try the great local wine.

"Malvasia" and the most delicious dessert of the Cotonyatu (marmalade from
quince).

Among the islands of the archipelago Lipari occupies a central a place.

Most tourists arriving here are eager get to the first place on the famous Lipari beaches. Among them, the most famous beaches are Ponente and Marina Lunga.

The main settlement of the island is also called Lipari The town has many
attractions inherited from his former owners - the ancient Greeks and Normans.

These are churches Anime del Purgatorio, San Antonio, Addolorata and the remains of the Greek Roman necropolis.

Do not miss the picturesque ruins Lipari Castle, which throughout the Middle Ages constantly passed from hand to hand, getting it to the Romans, then Normans, then pirates.

There are many cats on the island, and in some places they even hang signs "These meowing persons are photomodels, and if you are their take pictures then please help the poor things on food!

"These cats along with the rocks" faraglioni ", here, then there sharp "teeth" protruding from the water - the most hotographed objects on the island.

The ancient city of Tindari was founded in 396 BC.  

Dionysus of Syracuse on the Cape in the northeast the coast of Sicily is 60 km west of Messina. The name of the city was given in honor of Tindarius, the ruler Sparta Destroyed by landslide and two earthquakes, Tindari was discovered during archaeological site in 1838, but most The city’s ruins were excavated from 1960 to 1998.

Roman mosaics, sculptures and ceramic products that are today exhibited in the local the museum. In addition, the ruins of the city walls and temple of the so-called Black Madonna. Interestingly, no country in the world owning such Christian treasure, does not pay her so much attention, like sicily.

Here the Black Madonna of Tindari is one of important sights that even the Pope visited John Paul II. black-faced Madonna is mentioned in the Old Testament, and all black Madonna and today attributed miraculous power.

And at the foot of the cape are the lakes Marinello, called "Dry sea", which is a curious sand formation with several small ponds in center.

According to one of the most common legends, this place formed after the fall of a little girl from the terrace of the temple. In a miraculous way, the child fell from a dizzying heights, was found alive and unharmed. Sand Form Beach resembles the germ.

Milazzo - The ancient city, located near Messina. Local argue that it is in this place Odyssey landed on the shore and met with the Cyclopes. Big the number of attractions Milazzio boast not may, however there is a 10th century cathedral and a 13th century fortress, which worth seeing.

Lovers of walks in the old quarters, sure to enjoy the city center. In the Middle Ages the city belonged to the Spaniards, Arabs, French, Byzantines.

Taormina is located halfway between Messina and Catania. (http://www.taormina.it/)

The city itself is located on the terraces of Mount Tauro with beautiful views of Mount Etna. The city has no beach and no access to the sea, but the nearest beaches are in Capo Taormina, Isola Bella and Mazzaro. 

During its long history, Taormina seduced not one hundreds of writers and artists, aristocrats and bohemians idlers. The story of Tauromenion, as this one was called
the city of the Greeks, is inextricably linked with the now wonderful resort
place Giardini Naxos.

Once upon a time there lived peacefully and a Greek colony flourished until one day it was destroyed Syracuse tyrant Dionysius, and those who survived had to run to the mountains, and specifically to the summit of Monte Taurus, where a new city emerged - Taormina.

For centuries, whoever either owned the proud mountain territory - from the Greeks to the Spaniards. Rome is very Carefully treated the city, whose location was extremely important to protect the entire Sicilian island from enemy
attacks. In addition, fishing was well developed here.

(Taormina was especially famous for gray mullet) and winemaking.

Taormina was completely looted and turned in this eastern fortress. In their own way saved the city. The Normans, who built beautiful palaces and temples here.

Familiarity with the architecture is best to start with Via San Pancrazio and the eponymous temple dedicated to the patron saint of the city Holy Pankraty.

Passing through the ancient gates of Porta Massima, you can get to the Vittorio Emanuele II square, where they stand beautiful in its medieval guise palace Corway and Church of Catherine of Alexandria, a real treasury works of art.

And from here it is already within reach the main monument of the Middle Ages, the cathedral, and the majestic construction of antiquity - the Greek theater.

The town is not big, so go around and want more quite easy - then you can walk around Taormina: climb to the old castle in a mountain village Castelmola and admire the panoramic views from there views, take a funicular ride down to Mazzaro Bay and lie down on the sand of one of the most beautiful beaches of Sicily or get to the gorge of alcantara and see stunning beauty waterfalls.