Like many famous cities in Europe, Lisbon’s roots are centuries old. But few proofs of that are so evident here as that of Saint George’s Castle. First begun in the 6th century by late Romans, it bears a strong stamp of the Moors who inhabited the region after the Visigoths. Conquering the site in the […]

Portugal has a long history of sea exploration, filled with colorful tales of discovery. This history is amply illustrated in Lisbon’s Belem section. For the traveler, there are enough things to see here to occupy several vacations. One of the most often visited sites is the Jeronimos Monastery also known as the Monastery of the […]

Located in a valley between Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill, the Forum Romanum is one of the foremost archaeological sites in the world. Long before the first millennium the forum was the center of political and cultural life for the Roman Empire. Under construction for centuries, by the 7th century BC it was already a […]

Few ancient buildings have survived the ravages of time so well as the Pantheon in Rome. It is the only example of similar age, size and span that remains intact. The fact is no accident – it’s largely the result of superior engineering. Often copied, sometimes equaled but never surpassed, it had more architectural innovations […]

Like many metropoli, Rome is a glorious combination of ancient monuments and modern, bustling life. Visitors will find far too much to do, no matter what their tastes. For those who love fine art, Rome is second in Italy perhaps only to Florence. Like Florence, that isn’t only because of its numerous museums such as […]

Formally known by the name Basilica di San Pietro, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of Rome’s foremost tourist attractions. This one site alone has enough to see to occupy an entire day or more. St. Peter’s is among the most well-known and frequently visited buildings inside Vatican City. Though legend has it that the site […]

Though the name may not be entirely accurate (they were built by the French), the Spanish Steps in Rome deliver true delight to visitors of any nationality. ‘Ah,’ some will say, ‘they are just stairs’. A way to get from the Villa Mèdici to the Piazza di Spagna. But, as any traveler knows, it’s how […]

The fountains of Rome have an ancient and glorious history. Examples range from the Eternal City’s glory days in the 1st century AD to its even more glorious days during the Renaissance to the 18th century and beyond. Other cities offer fountains that are barely beyond the utilitarian. But not Rome. Rome must have a […]

An entire article could easily be taken up solely by listing the names of all the galleries and museums comprising the Vatican Museums. Naming the artists and their works would take up several more. Describing them takes entire catalogs, held in the Vatican Library. Growing from humble beginnings with Pope Julius II’s 1506 acquisition of […]