What to see in Saintes: a Roman arch that was moved twenty-eight metres
Saintes has a Roman arch of AD 18 saved by Victor Hugo, an amphitheatre among the oldest in the empire and a cathedral with a truncated bell tower.
Guide di viaggio 11 min
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Jumièges Abbey: the ruin that survived because somebody bought it
Jumièges Abbey was sold as a stone quarry after the Revolution and saved in 1852. It stands roofless today, and anyone under 26 gets in free.
Monumenti 10 min
The Seu Vella of Lleida: a cathedral that served as a barracks for 241 years
The Seu Vella of Lleida has its cloister in front of the church rather than beside it, and it was an army barracks from 1707 to 1948. The walls still show it.
Monumenti 11 min
Tarragona Cathedral: this is where the altarpiece that ends in Zaragoza begins
Tarragona Cathedral holds Pere Johan's alabaster altarpiece, the largest Romanesque cloister in Catalonia and an Arabic inscription dated to the year 960.
Monumenti 12 min
Pont du Gard: the extraordinary thing is not the height, it is the gradient
The Pont du Gard is the tallest stretch of a fifty-kilometre aqueduct that fell only centimetres per kilometre. Walking in to see it costs nothing at all.
Monumenti 11 min
The Sagrada Família is not a church to look at: it is a machine for light
The Sagrada Família in Barcelona is read through the colour of its light: blues and greens to the east, reds to the west. Since June 2026 the tallest church.
Monumenti 15 min
The two cathedrals of Zaragoza: why one city has a pair of them
Zaragoza is the only city in the world with two working cathedrals: La Seo, with its Gothic alabaster altarpiece, and El Pilar, with its Goya domes.
Monumenti 14 min
The Aljafería Palace in Zaragoza: the missing link between Córdoba and the Alhambra
The Aljafería Palace in Zaragoza holds the only 11th-century taifa royal seat still standing, a ceiling dated 1492 and the cells of the Inquisition.
Monumenti 13 min
What to see in Collioure, the port where Fauvism was born
What to see in Collioure: the castle of the kings of Majorca, the bell tower that began as a lighthouse, the frames along the seafront and the Fauvism trail.
Guide di viaggi 14 min
What to see in Nîmes in a day: a remarkable concentration of Roman monuments
What to see in Nîmes: the Maison Carrée, the Arena, the Tour Magne and the Musée de la Romanité are minutes apart on foot, and the right pass saves seven euros.
Guide di viaggi 15 min
Arena of Nîmes: the best preserved Roman amphitheatre
The Arena of Nîmes is the best preserved Roman amphitheatre: what to look at inside, the centuries it spent as a walled neighbourhood and 2026 prices.
Monumenti 11 min
What to see in Carcassonne: the Cité, the stained glass of Saint-Nazaire and what you can visit for free
What to see in Carcassonne: the lices between the two walls and the basilica of Saint-Nazaire are free, and the ticket only covers the castle and the ramparts.
Arte medievale Guide di viaggi 18 min
What to see in France beyond Paris: 12 stops you can reach by train
Twelve places to see in France outside Paris, grouped by area and reachable by train, with the real journey times and the two that have no station.
Guide 17 min
Villages in Lazio: 9 to visit, and how you actually get there without a car
Nine villages in Lazio to visit, with what makes each one different from the others, verified ticket prices and how to get there without a car.
Guide 16 min
Artworks in Paris: the 9 to really see, instead of the Mona Lisa from a distance
The artworks to see in Paris choosing the ones you can actually look at: stained glass, an enormous Veronese, free museums and the necropolis of kings.
Musei 15 min
Museums in Rome: the 8 not to miss, with the closing day and what to look for inside
The 8 museums in Rome not to miss, with one emblematic work each, the closing day, the price and the rule for the free first Sunday of the month.
Musei 15 min
What to see in Rome in 3 days: an itinerary built around bookings and closing days
A 3-day Rome itinerary built around the compulsory bookings and the weekly closures, with transport, the Roma Pass and verified opening hours.
Guide 16 min
National Roman Museum: 6 works to see and how the combined ticket works
The works to see at the National Roman Museum: the Boxer at Rest, Livia's painted garden, the Discobolus Hitler bought, the Ludovisi Throne.
Musei 14 min
Doria Pamphilj Gallery: 6 works to see in the finest private collection in Rome
The works to see at the Doria Pamphilj Gallery: Velázquez's Innocent X, Bernini's bust, two Caravaggios, the Raphael and the Hall of Mirrors.
Musei 13 min
Palazzo Barberini: 7 artworks to see, from the two Caravaggios to La Fornarina
The artworks to see at Palazzo Barberini: two Caravaggios, Raphael's Fornarina, the Beatrice Cenci, Pietro da Cortona's ceiling and the two staircases.
Musei 14 min
St Peter’s Basilica: what to see, what you pay for and what you do not
What to see in St Peter's Basilica: the stars on the floor, the Pietà, the baldachin, the climb to the dome, and what is paid for and what is free.
Monumenti 14 min
The Trevi Fountain: the history, what you are looking at and the new access rules
What to know about the Trevi Fountain: it is Oceanus and not Neptune, the ancient aqueduct feeding it, the coins, and the 2-euro ticket of 2026.
Monumenti 12 min
The Pantheon in Rome: what to see, what the ticket costs and why the dome stands up
What to see at the Pantheon in Rome: the largest concrete dome in the world, the oculus, Raphael's tomb, and the 7-euro ticket introduced in 2026.
Monumenti 13 min
The Roman Forum and the Palatine: what to see and how to read the ruins
What to see at the Roman Forum and on the Palatine: the Curia, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Lapis Niger, the imperial palace, with tickets checked.
Monumenti 13 min
The Colosseum: how to visit it, which ticket to choose and what to really look at
How to visit the Colosseum: which ticket to choose between standard, arena and underground, what to look at inside and prices verified in 2026.
Monumenti 13 min
Girona: what to see in one day, from the cathedral to the Call
What to see in Girona in one day: the widest Gothic nave in the world, the Tapestry of Creation, the Jewish Call, the walls and the Onyar houses.
Viaggi 12 min
Pergamon Museum closed: when it reopens and what to see instead in Berlin
Berlin's Pergamon Museum is closed for renovation: when it reopens, what happens to the Ishtar Gate, and which Museum Island museums to see instead.
Musei 8 min
Assisi: what to see in one day, between Giotto and Saint Francis
What to see in Assisi in one day: the Basilica of Saint Francis and Giotto's cycle, Santa Chiara, the temple of Minerva, opening times and practical tips.
Viaggi 10 min
Leonardo’s Last Supper in Milan: how to visit the Cenacolo Vinciano
How to visit Leonardo’s Last Supper in Milan: compulsory booking, prices, opening times and what to actually look at during your fifteen minutes.
Opere d’arte 9 min
Reina Sofia Museum: 9 works to discover contemporary art in Madrid (updated 2026)
Picasso’s Guernica, Dalí’s Great Masturbator and seven more works at the Reina Sofía, with the story behind each one and practical tips for the visit.
20 min
7 churches to visit in Paris besides Notre-Dame (updated 2026)
The 7 most beautiful churches to visit in Paris besides Notre-Dame, between Gothic art, history and masterpieces. From Saint-Denis to the Sainte-Chapelle.
10 min
How to visit Bracciano Castle: everything you need to know (updated 2026)
A guide to Bracciano Castle near Rome: the history of the Orsini and Odescalchi families, the legend of Isabella de’ Medici, opening hours and 2026 prices.
Castelli 8 min
Raphael’s School of Athens: all the secrets of this timeless masterpiece (updated 2026)
The School of Athens is a wonderful fresco hiding curiosities not everyone knows. Where to find it, the hidden faces and all its secrets.
Arte del Rinascimento Opere d’arte 9 min
The Memorial Church in Berlin: the "hollow tooth", a warning against war (updated 2026)
The Memorial Church in Berlin, devastated by war and left in ruins as a warning, has a truly unusual history. Here’s why the "hollow tooth" matters so much.
Opere d’arte 7 min
Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia in Palestrina: the most venerated of antiquity (updated 2026)
The sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia in Palestrina is a masterpiece of antiquity and a great oracular site. Here is what to see and why to visit it.
Arte romana Musei 10 min
What to see in Honfleur in one day, for a tour of Normandy (updated 2026)
What to see in Honfleur in one day: the Vieux Bassin, the wooden church of Sainte-Catherine, the Boudin Museum and the places that inspired the Impressionists.
#normandia 12 min
How to skip the line at the Louvre and save time to visit Paris (updated 2026)
Discover how to skip the line at the Louvre museum in Paris and save time to visit the city and other top attractions. Are you ready?
9 min
Mont Saint-Michel: the complete guide to visit it in 8 points (updated 2026)
Mont Saint-Michel: its history, legends, tides and all the practical information you need to visit the abbey and the mount at its best.
13 min
Visit Caen: 7 things to do and see and my tips on where to eat (updated 2026)
What to see in Caen, Normandy: the castle and abbeys of William the Conqueror, the churches, the museums, the Mémorial and where to eat.
Travel Guide 13 min
5 beautiful museums in Lisbon that you absolutely must not miss (updated 2026)
The museums of Lisbon that are worth your time, with the works not to miss in each and a few tips for spending less on tickets.
Museums 12 min
Abbadia di Fiastra: what to see against the splendid backdrop of Le Marche (updated 2026)
What to see at Abbadia di Fiastra: the Cistercian abbey of Chiaravalle, the nature reserve and the story of ancient Urbs Salvia, in the heart of Le Marche.
Arte medievale Opere d’arte 7 min
Trentino-Alto Adige: 7 things to do in summer amid unforgettable nature and landscapes (updated 2026)
What to do in Trentino-Alto Adige in summer: from Lake Braies to the Dolomites, the villages, the alpine lakes, the fun bob and the Tyrolean cuisine.
Guide di viaggi 7 min
5 things to see in Ostuni and a curiosity you surely didn’t know (updated 2026)
What to see in Ostuni, the white city of Puglia: the old town, the co-cathedral with its great rose window, the Sant’Oronzo obelisk and its beaches.
Guide di viaggi 9 min
Paestum: 8 things to see and to know about this beautiful archaeological park (updated 2026)
Paestum: what you don’t know about the archaeological park, why it’s famous, and what you really can’t miss in this Magna Graecia site.
Arte greca Musei 13 min
Notre-Dame de Paris: 8 things to know about the 2019 fire and the rebirth (updated 2026)
What caused the Notre-Dame fire, what was lost and how it was rebuilt up to the reopening of December 2024. All the answers.
Opere d’arte 11 min
Bernini and Borromini: 7 things to know about their legendary rivalry (updated 2026)
Bernini and Borromini created some of the most beautiful works of the Baroque. But behind their genius lies a rivalry that in Rome has become legend.
Arte barocca 10 min
7 things to see in Foligno, one of the most beautiful towns in Umbria (updated 2026)
What to see in Foligno: the Cathedral of San Feliciano, Palazzo Trinci with Gentile da Fabriano’s frescoes, the churches and the Quintana joust.
Medieval art Travel Guide 9 min
Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris: 5 tombs you absolutely must visit and practical info (updated 2026)
The Père-Lachaise cemetery in Paris, the most visited in the world. Its history, the 5 tombs not to miss (Géricault, Wilde, Jim Morrison) and my practical tips.
Opere d’arte 13 min
What to see on the Amalfi Coast: 5 places not to miss (updated 2026)
Planning a holiday on the Amalfi Coast but not sure what to see? Here are 5 places you absolutely must not miss, between art, villages and the sea.
12 min
6 reasons why living abroad is essential (updated 2026)
Would you like to live abroad? Here are 6 reasons to do it, my expat experience between Paris and Caen, and how to organise a school year abroad or an Erasmus.
Consigli di viaggio 12 min
The Eiffel Tower in Paris: 7 things to know to visit the symbol of Paris (updated 2026)
All the numbers, the history and the curiosities about the Eiffel Tower, the symbol of Paris, plus the tricks to go up without queuing.
Opere d’arte 12 min
The Malatesta Temple in Rimini: the complete guide to the cathedral (updated 2026)
The Malatesta Temple in Rimini: its history, Leon Battista Alberti’s design, the chapels and the masterpieces by Piero della Francesca and Agostino di Duccio.
10 min
Santarcangelo di Romagna: what to see in this beautiful medieval village (updated 2026)
What to see in Santarcangelo di Romagna: the tufa caves, the Malatesta Fortress, the Ganganelli arch and the alleys of one of Romagna’s prettiest villages.
Arte medievale Guide di viaggi 7 min
What to see in Cesenatico: the many colours of Leonardo da Vinci’s canal port (updated 2026)
What to see in Cesenatico: the canal port drawn by Leonardo da Vinci, the floating Maritime Museum and the colours of the old sailing fishing boats.
Guide di viaggi 6 min
6 things to see in Rimini in 1 day: a route through its finest art (updated 2026)
What to see in Rimini in 1 day: the Arch of Augustus, the Tiberius Bridge, the Malatesta Temple and Fellini’s district, the city’s most beautiful art route.
9 min
What to see in Sperlonga: the villa of Tiberius in one of Italy’s most beautiful villages (updated 2026)
I tell you what to see in Sperlonga: the village and the archaeological park where emperor Tiberius built his villa to escape Rome.
Arte romana Musei 12 min
Tenerife: what to see and do in a week between nature, art and volcanoes (updated 2026)
What to see and do in Tenerife in a week: the Teide volcano, Santa Cruz, the basilica of Candelaria and the sea experiences, between nature and curiosities.
10 min
Tuscania, the ideal town to discover history from the Etruscans to the Middle Ages (updated 2026)
What to see in Tuscania: the Romanesque basilicas of San Pietro and Santa Maria Maggiore, the Etruscan Peschiera necropolis and the Tomba del Dado near Viterbo.
Arte medievale Basiliche e Cattedrali 5 min
Sulmona: what to see in the town of confetti and of Ovid (updated 2026)
What to see in Sulmona, the town of confetti: the medieval churches, the Annunziata complex, the medieval aqueduct and Celestine V’s hermitage on the Morrone.
Arte medievale Basiliche e Cattedrali 8 min
Off the beaten track in Paris: the royal necropolis of Saint-Denis (updated 2026)
The Basilica of Saint-Denis in Paris, the first great Gothic building in France and necropolis of the kings: history, royal tombs and practical tips.
Arte gotica Basiliche e Cattedrali 10 min
The Japanese Garden of Paris: the hidden message among the flowers of the Albert-Kahn museum (updated 2026)
The Japanese garden of Paris at the Albert-Kahn museum, built in the name of peace and interculturality. Its history, the walk through the gardens and my tips.
6 min
Monti Sibillini National Park: 2 things you certainly didn’t know (updated 2026)
The Monti Sibillini National Park, between Umbria and Marche, is perfect for walking in nature: what to see, the boundary stone and the pantani.
Guide di viaggi 6 min
What to see in Flanders: 8 places to discover the Flemish painters (updated 2026)
What to see in Flanders in the footsteps of the Flemish painters: my discovery of Van Eyck, Memling and Bruegel through the museums of Bruges and Brussels.
Arte fiamminga Guide di viaggi 13 min
Visiting Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli: the secrets of the emperor’s palace (updated 2026)
Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli is an enchanted place where you feel transported to another age. Here is what to see, its history and how to visit it.
Arte romana Opere d’arte 12 min
Cupid and Psyche by Canova: the story, the myth and the secrets of a Neoclassical masterpiece (updated 2026)
Canova’s Cupid and Psyche (Eros and Psyche): the myth behind it, the two versions, the secrets of the marble and where to see it at the Louvre.
Piece of Art 9 min
The Fountain of the Naiads in Piazza della Repubblica: the secrets of a scandalous masterpiece (updated 2026)
The Fountain of the Naiads in Piazza della Repubblica, Rome: the story, Mario Rutelli’s four nymphs, the scandal of the nudes and the square today.
Opere d’arte 6 min
Tour of the Vatican Museums in Rome: 9 masterpieces you absolutely must know (updated 2026)
Are you planning a tour of the Vatican Museums in Rome? Here are my visiting tips, the anecdotes and 9 masterpieces you can’t miss.
Musei 14 min
British Museum London: 13 works you absolutely must know (updated 2026)
The British Museum has a very ambitious goal: to gather the evidence of every civilisation in the world. My list of the works you can’t miss.
Musei 13 min
The Tarot Garden by Niki de Saint Phalle: my interpretation of these visionary works (updated 2026)
The Tarot Garden by Niki de Saint Phalle in Capalbio: the story, my interpretation of the 22 arcana sculptures and all the practical information to visit it.
Arte contemporanea Opere d’arte 16 min
What to see in Pisa: 5 lesser-known and underrated places in the city (updated 2026)
What to see in Pisa beyond the tower: a historical and artistic walk through the city’s lesser-known places, from the Lungarni to Piazza dei Cavalieri.
Travel Guide 8 min
Altare della Patria: everything you should know about the Vittoriano in Rome (updated 2026)
The Vittoriano is one of the most famous and photographed monuments in Rome. Discover its history and all the symbolic meanings it holds.
Piece of Art 11 min
What to do and see in Ravenna: why is this city so famous for its mosaics? (updated 2026)
What to see in Ravenna: UNESCO mosaics, Dante’s tomb and the monuments of a three-time capital, with updated 2026 prices and practical tips.
Travel Guide 9 min
All the secrets of Castel del Monte: the manor of Federico II and its mysteries (updated 2026)
Castel del Monte, Frederick II’s octagonal castle in Puglia: its history, the symbolism of the number 8 and everything you need to know to visit it.
Castelli Opere d’arte 10 min
Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa: everything you always wanted to know (updated 2026)
The Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa is a monumental complex unique in the world: history, symbolism and everything you need to know before visiting.
Arte medievale Opere d’arte 13 min
Sainte-Chapelle in Paris: the magnificent stained glass of Saint Louis’s shrine (updated 2026)
The Sainte-Chapelle in Paris is a Gothic masterpiece, built by a saintly king to house the most precious relics of Christendom.
Opere d’arte 9 min
What to see outside Paris: the remains of Soissons Abbey (updated 2026)
Soissons and its abbey of Saint-Jean-des-Vignes, an hour from Paris: a Gothic façade still standing and the cloisters that survive.
Opere d’arte 6 min
What to see in Reims in one day: the cathedral of the kings of France and the champagne cellars (updated 2026)
What to see in Reims in one day: the Gothic cathedral where the kings were crowned, the Chagall windows, the Roman Porte de Mars and the champagne crayères.
Guide di viaggi 15 min
Michelangelo Buonarroti: the life and works of an incredible artist (updated 2026)
The life, style and torments of Michelangelo Buonarroti told through curiosities and anecdotes, with a guide on where to admire his most famous works.
Arte del Rinascimento 8 min
What to see in Brussels in 3 days: 7 things to do in the capital of Europe (updated 2026)
What to see in Brussels in 3 days: Grand Place, the Saint-Hubert galleries, the cathedral, Manneken Pis and the Atomium, with history and tips.
Travel Guide 10 min
What to see in Bruges: 5 ways to discover the Venice of the North (updated 2026)
What to see in Bruges: the Belfry, the Burg, Michelangelo’s Madonna and the museums of the Venice of the North, with tips on when to go.
Travel Guide 8 min
What to do and see in Otranto during your holiday in Salento (updated 2026)
What to see in Otranto: the Aragonese castle, the cathedral with Pantaleone’s mosaic, the Byzantine church of St Peter and the Salento sea.
Travel Guide 7 min
Caravaggio: the life and style of an eccentric artist (updated 2026)
Caravaggio’s paintings are the mirror of a quarrelsome, eccentric and dangerous character. Here is his story and a few curiosities worth knowing.
8 min
What to see in Pistoia in one day: the medieval city almost nobody visits (updated 2026)
What to see in Pistoia in one day: San Zeno cathedral, the silver altar of St James, the bell tower, the baptistery and the Ceppo hospital frieze.
Guide di viaggi 14 min
Chaim Soutine: the inner torment in his paintings (updated 2026)
Soutine’s work can’t be understood without his life, from a poor Jewish village to Modigliani’s Paris and the flayed ox that inspired Francis Bacon.
8 min
Villa Torlonia and its enchanted houses: a beautiful, little-known place in Rome (updated 2026)
Villa Torlonia on Via Nomentana: the park, the Casino Nobile where Mussolini lived and the Casina delle Civette, a Liberty-style gem, with visiting info.
Musei 8 min
What to see in Dusseldorf in one day: the Gehry buildings, the great art museums and the longest bar in the world (updated 2026)
What to see in Dusseldorf in one day: Frank Gehry at the MedienHafen, the Rheinturm, the K20 and K21 museums, the Kunstpalast and the old Altstadt.
Arte contemporanea Guide di viaggi 14 min
The style of Pierre-Auguste Renoir: his finest works and his infinite sweetness (updated 2026)
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, the painter of Impressionist joy: his life, his luminous style, his finest portraits and female nudes, and where to see them today.
6 min
Gian Lorenzo Bernini: 10 works you absolutely must know (updated 2026)
Here are the 10 most beautiful works by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and the funniest anecdotes of his life. Are you ready to learn more?
Arte barocca 14 min
Giovanni Pisano’s pulpit in Pistoia: all the secret meanings of a masterpiece (updated 2026)
Giovanni Pisano’s pulpit in Sant’Andrea, Pistoia: the story, the symbols of the columns, the scenes from the life of Christ and how to visit it.
Arte medievale Opere d’arte 6 min
What to see in Cilento: 9 places I visited that you absolutely must know (updated 2026)
Nine places to see in Cilento, from archaeological sites to hill villages and beaches, for a holiday that is not only about the sea.
Arte greca Guide di viaggi 13 min
Like a local: what to see and do in Sydney (updated 2026)
What to see in Sydney by someone who lived there: the Opera House, the free museums, the Bondi to Coogee walk and tips on the Opal card, money and climate.
Like a local Guide di viaggi 13 min
Why you should visit Civita di Bagnoregio before it disappears forever (updated 2026)
Why visit Civita di Bagnoregio, the "dying town": history, what to see, the bridge, the ticket and how to get to one of the most beautiful villages in Lazio.
Guide di viaggi 7 min
Why you should visit Eltz Castle: one of the most beautiful castles in Germany (updated 2026)
Eltz Castle, one of Germany’s most beautiful: a fairytale manor held by the same family for 33 generations, its history, what to see and 2026 prices.
Castelli 7 min
The MANN: 7 works of the Naples Archaeological Museum not to miss! (updated 2026)
The Naples Archaeological Museum is one of the finest in Italy. There are so many wonders to see at the MANN: here are the 7 works not to miss.
Arte greca Arte romana 15 min
What to see in Rhodes: 5 unforgettable experiences for one of the most beautiful holidays of my life (updated 2026)
What to see in Rhodes, Greece: the Valley of the Butterflies, the best beaches, the medieval City of the Knights, Lindos and the island’s flavours. My guide.
Arte greca Arte medievale 13 min
Castel Santa Maria and the Madonna della Neve: why it’s such a special place for me (updated 2026)
Castel Santa Maria, in the Umbrian Apennines between Norcia and Cascia: the story of the Madonna della Neve church, the earthquakes and a very special bond.
6 min
Like a local: everything you need to know to visit Amsterdam (updated 2026)
What to see, do and eat in Amsterdam by someone who lives there: the UNESCO canals, the Museumplein museums, the districts and tips on bikes and transport.
Guide di viaggi 9 min
Curiosities about the Sistine Chapel: 5 Anecdotes You Do Not Know (updated 2026)
Five stories about the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s work, plus practical tips for visiting it at the Vatican Museums.
Arte del Rinascimento Opere d’arte 10 min
What to see in Merano: walks and relaxation between art and nature (updated 2026)
What to see in Merano: the Tappeiner promenade, the cathedral of San Nicolò, the Trauttmansdorff Castle gardens loved by Sissi and the famous South Tyrol spa.
Castelli Guide di viaggi 7 min
Bevagna: what to see in one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy (updated 2026)
What to see in Bevagna: Piazza Silvestri, Binello’s Romanesque churches, the Roman theatre of Mevania and the famous Mercato delle Gaite in Umbria.
Arte medievale Arte romana 9 min
What to see in Siena: 8 wonders that will make you want to leave right now (updated 2026)
What to see in Siena: Piazza del Campo, the Torre del Mangia, the Cathedral with its marble floor and the Piccolomini Library, Lorenzetti’s frescoes and more.
Arte medievale Basiliche e Cattedrali 8 min
What to see in Catania in one day, plus some practical tips (updated 2026)
What to see in Catania in one day: the elephant and the cathedral of Sant’Agata, the Roman theatre, Ursino castle, the UNESCO baroque and an Etna excursion.
Arte barocca Arte romana 9 min
5 things to see in Ljubljana: the Dragon Bridge and much more (updated 2026)
What to see in Ljubljana: the castle, the Dragon Bridge, the National Gallery and the Orthodox church, with practical tips for visiting the Slovenian capital.
Arte medievale Castelli 10 min
What to see in Trieste in 2 days: piazza Unità, Miramare, San Giusto hill and the cafés of Joyce (updated 2026)
What to see in Trieste in 2 days: piazza Unità d’Italia, Miramare Castle, San Giusto cathedral, Roman Tergeste and the literary cafés of the city.
Arte medievale Arte romana 17 min
3 things to see in Trani you absolutely can’t miss (updated 2026)
What to see in Trani: the Romanesque cathedral on the sea with Barisano’s bronze door, the crusaders’ church of Ognissanti and Frederick II’s Swabian castle.
Arte romanica Basiliche e Cattedrali 7 min
Lavinia Fontana: a woman painter at the court of the popes (updated 2026)
Lavinia Fontana was one of the first professional women painters: her career in Bologna, her portraits and why she still matters.
Manierismo Opere d’arte 8 min
Visit Lisbon: 8 things you absolutely must do in the capital of Portugal (updated 2026)
Visit Lisbon: São Jorge castle, Jerónimos, Belém Tower, tram 28 and what to eat, with history and practical tips updated to 2026.
Medieval art Travel Guide 12 min
Galleria Borghese Rome: 10 masterpieces you absolutely must see (updated 2026)
Apollo and Daphne, Bernini's David and Rape of Proserpina, Canova's Pauline and the Caravaggios: ten works to seek out at the Galleria Borghese.
Arte barocca Arte neoclassica 17 min
Naples’ Miglio Sacro: 10 things to see in the Rione Sanità (updated 2026)
Off the tourist trail in Naples lies the Rione Sanità and its Miglio Sacro, among catacombs, churches, street art and grand palaces. Discover it here!
Guide di viaggi 14 min
5 things you should know about Leonardo da Vinci (updated 2026)
So much has been written about Leonardo da Vinci, yet much confusion remains. I answer the 5 most frequent questions about this absolute genius.
Arte del Rinascimento 11 min
The unfinished abbey of Venosa: the story of the Trinity, from the Romans to today (updated 2026)
The unfinished abbey of Venosa: a history spanning Romans, Lombards and Normans to the Middle Ages, among ruins, spolia and the tomb of Robert Guiscard.
Arte medievale Arte romana 10 min
Petit Palais in Paris: the free fine arts museum for everyone (updated 2026)
The Petit Palais is one of the most underrated museums in the French capital, full of beautiful works and with free admission to the permanent collection.
Musei 6 min
Arnolfo di Cambio: the style of a medieval genius (updated 2026)
Arnolfo di Cambio was one of the great innovators of the Middle Ages and the first architect of Florence Cathedral: his life, his works and his legacy.
Arte del Rinascimento Arte medievale 8 min
The Triton Fountain in Rome: 5 things to know and a few anecdotes (updated 2026)
The Triton Fountain in Rome is one of Bernini’s most underrated works. I tell you its story, its secrets and a few anecdotes.
Arte barocca Opere d’arte 8 min
5 very important things to see in Troyes to discover northern France (updated 2026)
What to see in Troyes, capital of Champagne: the Gothic cathedral with its thousand windows, the half-timbered houses, the museums and Templar history.
Guide di viaggi 7 min
What you don’t know about Place des Vosges: one of the most beautiful squares in Paris (updated 2026)
Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris in the heart of the Marais. Its history, Victor Hugo’s house, the harmony of the arcades and my tips.
Guide di viaggi Opere d’arte 7 min
6 things to know about Escher’s life: the story of an impossible artist (updated 2026)
Escher’s impossible geometries, his relationship with mathematics and where to see his work: the story of an engraver who became a pop icon.
Arte moderna 8 min
5 things to see in Provins, to dive into the Middle Ages near Paris (updated 2026)
What to see in Provins, the UNESCO medieval town near Paris: the Tour César, the Saint-Quiriace collegiate, the underground galleries and the fair walls.
Arte medievale Arte romanica 7 min
The sad story of San Galgano Abbey and the sword in the stone (updated 2026)
San Galgano Abbey is one of the most striking places in central Italy, home to a real "sword in the stone". Here is its history and legends.
Arte medievale Opere d’arte 9 min
El Greco: 5 works to discover the master of the Spanish Renaissance (updated 2026)
A most peculiar, highly original artist: everything you don’t know about El Greco and 5 works to fall in love with this incredible painter!
Arte del Rinascimento Opere d’arte 11 min
The Park of the Monsters in Bomarzo: what to see and the secrets of the Sacred Wood (updated 2026)
The Park of the Monsters in Bomarzo, Vicino Orsini’s Sacred Wood: the story, the symbolism of the sculptures, the inscriptions and how to visit it today.
Opere d’arte 8 min
Georges Seurat: biography and the innovation of pointillism (updated 2026)
Seurat is the master of pointillism. But why paint in "dots"? Discover his life, the scientific theory of colour and where to see his works.
Puntinismo 8 min
The Coppedè district in Rome: a unique place suspended between dream and reality (updated 2026)
A walk through the Coppedè district in Rome, between Art Nouveau, esoteric symbols and curiosities: history, what to see and how to reach it.
Guide di viaggi Opere d’arte 7 min
The Angelucci da Mevale and their "cursed" works (updated 2026)
The Angelucci da Mevale were sixteenth-century painters between Umbria and the Marche. Discover their story, their style and why their works met a sad fate.
7 min
5 museums in Cologne you can’t miss: from contemporary art to chocolate (updated 2026)
Museum Ludwig, the Roman-Germanic Museum, the Cathedral Treasury, the Chocolate Museum and the NS Documentation Centre: the five to pick in Cologne.
Arte contemporanea Guide di viaggi 11 min
5 things to see at the Roman Museum of Lyon that will leave you speechless (updated 2026)
Would you ever have thought that a Roman woman with a passion for history and art could discover the Romans in Lyon? Well, that is exactly what happened!
Arte romana Musei 9 min
Cologne Cathedral: here’s why it’s one of the most visited monuments in Germany (updated 2026)
Visiting Cologne Cathedral is an indescribable emotion: its six-century history, the treasures it holds and all the practical information you need.
Arte medievale Opere d’arte 11 min
Fougères Castle: the largest medieval fortress in Europe (updated 2026)
Fougères Castle, in Brittany, is one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe: its history, what to see, opening hours, prices and how to get there.
Arte medievale Castelli 9 min
The San Candido to Lienz cycle path: a ride into the nature of the Alps (updated 2026)
The San Candido to Lienz cycle path: about 44 km along the Drava, between South Tyrol and Austria, through valleys, waterfalls and forests.
Guide di viaggi 4 min
Visiting Sintra: 5 things to see in this stunning Portuguese town (updated 2026)
What to see in Sintra in one day: the National Palace, the Quinta da Regaleira, the Palácio da Pena and the Moorish Castle, with updated prices.
Castelli Guide di viaggi 12 min
Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra: the complete guide with all the useful information (updated 2026)
A guide to the Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra: the initiation well, the esoteric symbols, architect Luigi Manini, opening hours and 2026 prices.
Opere d’arte 9 min
Tomar and the Convent of Christ: one of the finest Templar sites in Europe (updated 2026)
Visiting Tomar was the last stop of my journey through Portugal. Here’s the story of the Convent of Christ, the Templars and the Order of Christ.
Castelli Guide di viaggi 10 min
10 things to do in Budapest: discovering the art of Hungary’s splendid capital (updated 2026)
10 things to do in Budapest in 3 days: the basilica, Parliament, Matthias Church, the synagogue, museums and thermal baths, with updated prices.
Guide di viaggi 16 min
What to see in Montmartre: discovering bohemian Paris (updated 2026)
What to see in Montmartre, the most bohemian district of Paris. The Sacré-Cœur, Place du Tertre, the Wall of Love, the Espace Dalí and my practical tips.
Guide di viaggi 11 min
Amedeo Modigliani: the life and curiosities of the "cursed painter" (updated 2026)
Amedeo Modigliani, one of the greatest artists of the 20th century: the story of his troubled life, the meaning of his art and where to see his works.
Arte moderna 11 min
Royal Palace of Caserta: what to see in one of the most beautiful palaces in the world (updated 2026)
What to see at the Royal Palace of Caserta and in its beautiful gardens. I tell you its history, curiosities and all the practical information for your visit.
Arte barocca Opere d’arte 12 min
The trulli of Alberobello: what to see in the town of trulli, between history and curiosities (updated 2026)
The trulli of Alberobello: what to see in the UNESCO town, from Rione Monti to the Trullo Sovrano, and the origins of these unique dwellings.
Guide di viaggi 11 min
Eugène Delacroix: the greatest master of French Romanticism (updated 2026)
The life of Eugène Delacroix, from his mysterious father to Liberty Leading the People: who he was, what his masterpieces are and where to see them today.
Romanticismo 10 min
The Appian Way: 5 things to discover on the queen of roads, a UNESCO site (updated 2026)
Along the Appian Way you’ll find treasures from ancient Rome to the Middle Ages: here is what to see and why you should take a walk there.
Arte romana Opere d’arte 12 min
Giotto di Bondone: 5 things to know to understand his revolution in painting (updated 2026)
Giotto was a true genius for his time, the first to revolutionise the painting style and to reintroduce the sense of space.
Arte del Rinascimento Arte medievale 10 min
Valle Imagna: 5 things to see and the finest trails if you love nature holidays (updated 2026)
What to see in Valle Imagna, near Bergamo: Fuipiano, the cave sanctuary of the Cornabusa, the Romanesque rotunda of San Tomè and the trails through the green.
Guide di viaggi 10 min
Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola: all the information and curiosities about this gem of the Viterbo area (updated 2026)
Palazzo Farnese in Caprarola: Vignola’s pentagonal villa, the Royal Staircase, the Zuccari frescoes and the gardens. What to see and how to visit it.
Arte del Rinascimento Opere d’arte 9 min
Gustav Klimt: 5 things to know about one of the greatest Art Nouveau artists (updated 2026)
Klimt was shy and never married: his life, the Vienna Secession, the gold of his portraits and where to see his paintings today.
Opere d’arte 9 min
Visiting Procida: 5 things to know before you leave for this beautiful island (updated 2026)
Procida, Capital of Culture 2022, is an enchanting place to discover slowly, on foot, among colourful houses and sea views. Here are 5 things to know.
Guide di viaggi 8 min
What to see in Sutri: the amphitheatre carved out of tuff, the Etruscan necropolis and a crypt in the dark (updated 2026)
What to see in Sutri: the Roman amphitheatre entirely carved out of the tuff, the rock-cut necropolis, the Madonna del Parto mithraeum and the cathedral crypt.
Arte romana Guide di viaggi 12 min
Jacopo Pontormo: the biography of a tormented, revolutionary artist (updated 2026)
Jacopo Pontormo, the restless genius of Mannerism long underrated: discover his difficult life, his most famous works and where to see them in Florence.
Manierismo 8 min
Visiting the Capitoline Museums: 8 must-see works you should know (updated 2026)
The Capitoline She-Wolf, Marcus Aurelius on horseback, the Dying Gaul and Caravaggio’s Fortune Teller: eight works to find in the Capitoline Museums.
Arte barocca Arte romana 13 min
The Bagatelle rose garden in Paris, an oasis of wonders and scents (updated 2026)
The Bagatelle rose garden in Paris, in the Bois de Boulogne, a paradise for rose lovers. Its story born of a bet, the rose competition and my tips.
5 min
What to see in Matera: 7 things to try in the city of the sassi (updated 2026)
What to see in Matera: the rupestrian churches, the Palombaro Lungo cistern, the viewpoints over the Sassi, the Murgia Park and the local food.
Arte romanica Guide di viaggi 11 min
Mattia Preti: the greatest Calabrian artist of all time (updated 2026)
Mattia Preti, the "Calabrian Knight": a life between Rome, Naples and Malta. Discover his chiaroscuro painting, his major works and where to see them.
7 min
What to see at the Pinacoteca di Brera: 8 masterpieces explained for you (updated 2026)
Pinacoteca di Brera: the 8 works I loved most, hand-picked to help you discover the finest masterpieces of this Milan museum.
Arte del Rinascimento Musei 11 min
Piero della Francesca’s Sacred Conversation: a timeless masterpiece (updated 2026)
Piero della Francesca’s Sacred Conversation (the Brera Altarpiece) is a painting dense with symbolic meaning: I explain them one by one in this post!
Opere d’arte 7 min
William Blake: works and aphorisms of a great British artist (updated 2026)
William Blake, the visionary poet and painter long misunderstood, is today among the greatest British artists: discover his life, famous works and aphorisms.
Romanticismo 7 min
Milan Cathedral: 7 essential things to know before you visit (updated 2026)
Milan Cathedral: its history, the secrets of the Madonnina and all the practical information to climb the rooftop terraces. Discover it now!
Opere d’arte 13 min
A trip to Milan: springtime, tulips, projects and aperitivi (updated 2026)
Three days in Milan between the pick-your-own tulip field, the Salone del Mobile and the Duomo rooftop terraces, with practical information updated to 2026.
Guide di viaggi 7 min
The Reichstag building in Berlin: the German parliament between past and future (updated 2026)
The Reichstag in Berlin is one of Germany’s symbols: its history from the 1933 fire to Foster’s dome, how to visit it and how to book the dome for free.
Opere d’arte 7 min
What to see in Amiens in one day: the "Bible in stone" cathedral and Jules Verne’s city (updated 2026)
Amiens, an hour from Paris: what to see, from the largest Gothic cathedral in France to the Saint-Leu quarter and Jules Verne’s house.
Guide di viaggi 8 min
Artemisia Gentileschi: her art and the terrible drama of her life (updated 2026)
Artemisia Gentileschi is one of the first women painters to find success. Discover her life, her tragedies and her immortal art.
Arte del Rinascimento Opere d’arte 9 min
Gemäldegalerie in Berlin: the 10 works you shouldn’t miss (updated 2026)
Gemäldegalerie in Berlin: I show you 10 incredible masterpieces that will take your breath away. Come and discover them!
Musei 12 min
Saint-Malo: what to see and how to reach the corsair city (updated 2026)
What to see in Saint-Malo, Brittany’s corsair city: the ramparts, the castle with the Quic-en-Groigne tower, the cathedral of Jacques Cartier and the tides.
Guide di viaggi 4 min
Visiting Berlin: Museum Island, the places of memory and the city that rebuilt itself (updated 2026)
Visiting Berlin: Museum Island, the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust and Wall memorials, and what is open and what is closed for works in 2026.
Guide di viaggi 17 min
Paolo Uccello: the art of a great master between Late Gothic and Renaissance (updated 2026)
Paolo Uccello’s art is unique: mathematical perspective and fairy-tale atmospheres. Discover who he was, his most famous works and where to see them today.
8 min
What to see in Orléans, France: discovering Joan of Arc (updated 2026)
What to see in Orléans, the city of Joan of Arc: the cathedral of Sainte-Croix, the Maid’s house, the museums and the sites of the 1429 siege.
Guide di viaggi 5 min
Visiting Ostia Antica: one of the most beautiful archaeological parks in the world (updated 2026)
Visiting Ostia Antica means discovering a place where the history of Rome is visible and almost tangible: what to see, how to get there, prices.
Guide di viaggi 11 min
Giovanni Boldini: his finest works and his boundless love for women (updated 2026)
Giovanni Boldini, the Italian portraitist of the Belle Époque: discover his life, his swirling style, his finest female portraits and where to see them today.
7 min
What to see in Rouen in one day: cathedral, Joan of Arc and Flamboyant Gothic (updated 2026)
Rouen, one of the most beautiful cities in Normandy, an hour from Paris: the cathedral painted by Monet, the Gros-Horloge and the places of Joan of Arc.
Guide di viaggi 10 min
Visiting Aachen: a thousand-year history on the trail of Charlemagne (updated 2026)
Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle): from Charlemagne’s capital to a university city. What to see in a day, from the UNESCO Palatine Chapel to the Rathaus and the spa.
Guide di viaggi 6 min
Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome: great masterpieces and a dark past (updated 2026)
Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome holds masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini and Carracci. Its dark history, the works to see and my tips.
Opere d’arte 9 min
What to do in Lyon: the traboules, Fourvière hill and the city where cinema was born (updated 2026)
What to do in Lyon in a weekend: UNESCO-listed Vieux Lyon, the traboules of the silk weavers, Fourvière, the astronomical clock and where to eat in a bouchon.
Guide di viaggi 15 min
The cathedral of Ruvo di Puglia: why I loved it so much (updated 2026)
The cathedral of Ruvo di Puglia is a gem of Apulian Romanesque with a unique hypogeum. History, what to see, the crypt and the famous Talos Krater.
Opere d’arte 6 min
The Priory of Malta on the Aventine: the most romantic spot in Rome (updated 2026)
The Priory of Malta in Rome is an ancient, unusual place, between Piranesi’s famous keyhole, the Knights of Malta and one of the finest views over the capital.
Arte neoclassica Guide di viaggi 12 min
What to see in Marta: myths and legends in a fishing village on Lake Bolsena (updated 2026)
What to see in Marta, on Lake Bolsena: the clock tower, the fishing village, Martana island and the tragic story of Queen Amalasuntha.
Guide di viaggi 4 min
Pitigliano: what to see and how to get to this medieval town (updated 2026)
What to see in Pitigliano, the tufa town and "little Jerusalem": the Jewish ghetto, the synagogue, the Orsini palace and the Medici aqueduct in the Maremma.
Guide di viaggi 6 min
5 works I loved most at the Museum of Fine Arts in Lyon (updated 2026)
The Museum of Fine Arts in Lyon, among the largest in France: the Greek Kore, Tintoretto’s Danaë, Géricault and Braque’s violin.
Musei 10 min
Titian: his life, the anecdotes and his revolution of colour (updated 2026)
Titian’s disputed birth date, the timber trade that made him rich, his revolution in colour and where to see his paintings today.
Arte del Rinascimento Opere d’arte 7 min
Lucca Cathedral: all the mysteries of San Martino, from the labyrinth to the Volto Santo (updated 2026)
A mysterious labyrinth, a spotless knight, a sleeping beauty and a black Christ: all the secrets of Lucca Cathedral, between myth and reality.
Opere d’arte 11 min
The history of Rome in brief: from its founding to today (updated 2026)
The history of Rome in brief: from the founding in 753 BC to the kings, the Republic, the empire, the popes, the Baroque and the capital of Italy.
Guide di viaggi 9 min
The Farnesina Collection: the contemporary art hidden inside Italy’s Foreign Ministry (updated 2026)
Inside Italy’s Foreign Ministry, Palazzo della Farnesina, is a major collection of Italian contemporary art: the story, the works and how to visit for free.
Opere d’arte 5 min
El Retiro Park in Madrid: the green lung between the Crystal Palace and history (updated 2026)
A walk through Madrid’s Retiro Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Crystal Palace, the monument to Alfonso XII, the Rosaleda and the Bosque del Recuerdo.
Guide di viaggi 7 min
Roseto Capo Spulico is one of the most beautiful beaches in Calabria: a fairy-tale sea (updated 2026)
Roseto Capo Spulico: one of the most beautiful beaches in Calabria, crowned by a medieval castle linked to the Templars and the Holy Shroud.
Castles 5 min
Cartier jewels: why they are true works of art (updated 2026)
Cartier jewels are true works of art: the story of the maison, the most iconic pieces from the Maharaja of Patiala to Liz Taylor, and where to see them today.
Opere d’arte 5 min