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	<title>Italy Escapes</title>
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		<title>Top 5 Italian Vacation Spots</title>
		<link>http://italyescapes.com/italy_travel/top-5-italian-vacation-spots/</link>
		<comments>http://italyescapes.com/italy_travel/top-5-italian-vacation-spots/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:44:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Enzo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Italy Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://italyescapes.com/?p=42</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[First is Vatican City, home of the Pope and the Apostolic Palace. Vatican City is the metropolis of Rome. It is recognized as the center of Catholicism. The town is regulated by the bishop of Rome; it is a priestly – monarchial realm. Vatican City is an ancient site with entertaining creations and a wonderful [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>First is Vatican City, home of the Pope and the Apostolic Palace. Vatican City is the metropolis of Rome. It is recognized as the center of Catholicism. The town is regulated by the bishop of Rome; it is a priestly – monarchial realm.</p>
<p>Vatican City is an ancient site with entertaining creations and a wonderful preliminary breather originated for an Italy vacation.</p>
<p>The Grand Canal of Venice comes in at a near second. Relish the Grand Canal by gondola. This is a marvelous area to visit with a significant other because of the love songs crooned by the gondola drivers. The full waterway actually has an “S” form. One ending marks the body of water near Santa Lucia Railway Station, the other ends on the Saint Mark Basin. The Grand Canal of Venice is a pronounced way of making your vacation unforgettable.</p>
<p>Famous for being one of the 7 Wonders of the World is number three, the Coliseum in Rome. This egg-shaped venue is the core of Rome and can retain up to 50,000 people. It was formerly used by gladiators as a method of entertaining for the townspeople. To truly grasp Roman edifice and industrialization, visit the Coliseum in Rome.</p>
<p>The Leaning Tower of Pisa is number four. It is said to have been erected vertically and is currently inclined in a southwestern direction. Located behind the Cathedral is this self-supporting bell fortification. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the third eldest structure in Pisa, making it a historical artifact. Come have your picture taken next to this soaring, leaning tower.</p>
<p>And, last but definitely not least is Pompeii. Declared to be a UNESCO world legacy site, this revived city was eradicated during the extensive, upsetting volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Pompeii was enclosed underneath 13 to 19 feet of ash for almost 1,600 years! It was revived in 1952 and by that time it had suffered mining which exposed the astonishing epitome of the towns existing in the Roman Empire. Who wouldn’t want to see a city that was once suppressed in ashes and made a splendid revival?</p>
<p>Each city provides its visitors with remarkable fare, jubilees, objet d&#8217;art, and backdrops that will leave you with the awareness that you made the accurate decision in vacationing in Italy.</p>
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		<title>Venice Italy Attractions</title>
		<link>http://italyescapes.com/italy_travel/venice-italy-attractions/</link>
		<comments>http://italyescapes.com/italy_travel/venice-italy-attractions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:44:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Enzo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Italy Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://italyescapes.com/?p=41</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Venice is located on a group of 118 islands in northeastern Italy on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It has a temperate climate with warm summers, cool winters and plentiful sunshine year round. The city is also boasts a long and impressive history. Founded in 827, it grew into a wealthy and influential seaport [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Venice is located on a group of 118 islands in northeastern Italy on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. It has a temperate climate with warm summers, cool winters and plentiful sunshine year round. The city is also boasts a long and impressive history. Founded in 827, it grew into a wealthy and influential seaport that commanded a vast swath of the Mediterranean maritime trade. The city was conquered by Napoleon and later merged with Austria-Hungary at various points. Today, it is a monument of Italian culture and pride, boasting beautiful Renaissance architecture, wondrous art, gorgeous seaside views and of the course its iconic canals. It is a city that can truly be called one of the world’s most famous and renowned.</p>
<p>The city is home to a wide array of landmarks, attractions and sites of interest. These include Saint Mark’s Basilica, known for its stunning architecture and importance to Italian culture and history. The basilica is free and open to the public, but does require proper attire and behavior. Another highlight in this wondrous city is San Giovanni e Paolo church, a religious site renowned for its amazing Renaissance architecture and fascinating history. Other Venice attractions include Doge’s Palace, the Correr Museum, Mocenigo Palace, the Natural History Museum and the famed Galleria dell’Accademia de Venezia. Even more great Venice attractions include the iconic Bridge of Sighs, the Museum of Greek Icons and the fascinating Ca’Rezzonico museum.</p>
<p>The iconic canals are the main attraction in this beautiful city, however. Visitors can take Gondola rides along them, be serenaded by professional Gondolier’s and see the city’s magical sights up close. The Grand Canal offers especially stunning views of the city and the surrounding sea.</p>
<p>Visitors can also visit the Rialto neighborhood with its famous bridge and plentiful markets, grab lunch at the city’s world class restaurants and stroll along its historic, quaint streets and canal walks. A visit to this magical city is a must!</p>
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		<title>Milan Italy Attractions</title>
		<link>http://italyescapes.com/italy_travel/milan-italy-attractions/</link>
		<comments>http://italyescapes.com/italy_travel/milan-italy-attractions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 08 Oct 2011 20:42:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Enzo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Italy Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://italyescapes.com/?p=43</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Situated in the beautiful mountains of northwestern Italy, Milan stands out as one of Europe’s oldest and most unique cities. It has a temperate climate and mild weather year round. While Rome may be known for its historical sites and Venice for its unique character, this city has a distinct atmosphere all its own. Combing [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Situated in the beautiful mountains of northwestern Italy, Milan stands out as one of Europe’s oldest and most unique cities. It has a temperate climate and mild weather year round. While Rome may be known for its historical sites and Venice for its unique character, this city has a distinct atmosphere all its own. Combing modern, cosmopolitan flair with plenty of historic landmarks, it creates a truly unique and fascinating environment. It is a place where centuries-old cathedrals press check to jowl with modern office buildings and upscale shopping centers.</p>
<p>There are a wealth of historic sites and cultural centers in this amazing metropolis. Milan attractions include the iconic Duomo, a Gothic cathedral known for its stunning architecture and fascinating history. Even the most jaded travelers cannot help but be in awe as they gaze up at its soaring spires and imposing white façade. Other historic churches worth a visit include Saint Maurice church, Saint Ambrose church, San Lorenzo and the beautiful Saint Mary of the Graces, which houses da Vinci’s famed Last Supper painting.</p>
<p>The city also contains many fascinating museums and cultural institutions as well. These include the Poldi Pezzoli Museum, the Contemporary Arts Pavilion, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology, the Natural Science Museum and the Sforzesco Castle. Other great Milan attractions include the La Scala Theatre, Piazza del Duomo, Piazza Mercanti, the Pinacoteca di Brera museum and Piazzale Cordusio. History buffs should also check out the Civico Museo Archeologic which holds many Roman antiques and artifacts as well as the Chiaravalle Abbey, a historic medieval abbey still in operation today.</p>
<p>The city is also known as a center of fashion, shopping and nightlife. Those looking to spend money will find plenty of trendy commercial streets and shopping plazas, including Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Via Montenapleone, Via Dante and Piazza Duca d’Aosta.</p>
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		<title>Rome Italy Attractions</title>
		<link>http://italyescapes.com/italy_travel/rome-italy-attractions/</link>
		<comments>http://italyescapes.com/italy_travel/rome-italy-attractions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:34:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Enzo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Italy Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://italyescapes.com/?p=37</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Vatican City This might be the most popular Rome attraction, and is the center of Catholicism for the entire world. In an area occupying only 0.44 square kilometers, the Vatican City houses some of the most fascinating buildings in the city, for both architectural, artistic and religious reasons. St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica and it&#8217;s Michelangelo [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Vatican City</p>
<p>This might be the most popular Rome attraction, and is the center of Catholicism for the entire world. In an area occupying only 0.44 square kilometers, the Vatican City houses some of the most fascinating buildings in the city, for both architectural, artistic and religious reasons. St. Peter&#8217;s Basilica and it&#8217;s Michelangelo painted dome are the most popular sites in the Vatican, as well as the busiest. You can also tour the Vatican Museum and see the Swiss Guard stationed throughout St. Peter&#8217;s Piazza. As it is a place of worship, make sure you cover your shoulders and wear appropriate clothing. Lines can be quite long to enter the Basilica, so try to arrive in the morning or at the beginning of the week to cut down on time spent waiting.</p>
<p>The Pantheon</p>
<p>This incredible structure is well over 2,000 years old, and has been a symbolic landmark in Rome since its creation. It once stood as a symbol to Roman gods, but is now a Christian temple. A giant dome with an interior hole and elaborate decoration add mystique to the famed building. It&#8217;s certainly worth a visit, but with no lines it can be enjoyed in under an hour.</p>
<p>Piazza Navona</p>
<p>A wonderful aspect of Rome, and Italy as a whole, is the quaint squares where locals and travelers alike gather to spend a relaxing afternoon. The Piazza Navona is the perfect example of this, with vendors, cafes and fountains decorating the space. Statues by Bernini and Borromini can be found at one of the Piazza.</p>
<p>Colosseum</p>
<p>This is the second most popular tourist destination in Rome, second only to the Vatican itself. The Colosseum is properly known as the Flavian Amphitheater, and was built in the 1st century AD. At its peak it held seats for over 50,000 spectators for various Roman events. The line to get into the Colosseum can be quite long in peak times, but if you join a tour for a few extra dollars you can skip the line entirely, which is usually well worth the price.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Naples Italy Attractions</title>
		<link>http://italyescapes.com/italy_travel/naples-italy-attractions/</link>
		<comments>http://italyescapes.com/italy_travel/naples-italy-attractions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Oct 2011 19:56:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Enzo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Italy Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://italyescapes.com/?p=21</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[National Museum of Capodimonte The city is known for wide selection of museums and the National Museum of Capodimonte is one of the best museums in Naples. The museum is located in the Palace of Capodimonte and was established in 1738. The museum was not opened to the public until 1950. Most of the collections [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>National Museum of Capodimonte</strong><br />
The city is known for wide selection of museums and the National Museum of Capodimonte is one of the best museums in Naples. The museum is located in the Palace of Capodimonte and was established in 1738. The museum was not opened to the public until 1950. Most of the collections found in the National Museum of Capodimonte are Neapolitan paintings and art work, but also features works from several other Italian art forms. Most of the featured fall in the age range between the 300 to 800 years old. Some of the major artists that are on display include Raphael, El Greco, Giovanni Bellini and Jacob Phillip Hackert.</p>
<p><strong>Villa Comunale</strong><br />
Villa Comunale is a public park and is easily on the best Naples attractions. King Ferdinand IV built Villa Comunale in the late 18th century. Villa Comunale used to a park that was only open to members of the royal family, but it has been opened to the public since 1869. The main attractions found in Villa Comunale include several of the beautiful fountains that are located throughout the park and the Anton Dohrn aquarium. If you want to enjoy a nice day in the city in one of the most beautiful parks in the world, then you must visit Villa Comunale.</p>
<p><strong>National Archaeological Museum</strong><br />
The National Archaeological Museum is another great museum located in the city. The National Archaeological Museum was established in 1585 and mainly features Roman artifacts. Along with the Roman artifacts, the National Archaeological museum also houses several classical sculptures. Most of the sculptures located in the museum are Roman replications of the classic sculptures found in Greece including Hercules, Atlas and Venus. The museum is also the home of one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts in Italy. The Egyptian collection includes a preserved mummy. The National Archaeological Museum is easily one of the best museums in Italy and is a must see for anyone in the area.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Florence Italy Attractions</title>
		<link>http://italyescapes.com/italy_travel/florence-italy-attractions/</link>
		<comments>http://italyescapes.com/italy_travel/florence-italy-attractions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 02 Oct 2011 20:45:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Enzo</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Italy Travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://italyescapes.com/?p=40</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Located in downtown Florence, the Piazza della Signoria is a well-known area of town to visit. The Piazza della Signoria is home to a large number of statues created by local Florentine artists. This outdoor gallery is visited by many Florence visitors each year. The Piazza della Signoria is also a site to see for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Located in downtown Florence, the Piazza della Signoria is a well-known area of town to visit. The Piazza della Signoria is home to a large number of statues created by local Florentine artists. This outdoor gallery is visited by many Florence visitors each year. The Piazza della Signoria is also a site to see for many history buffs. The Bonfire of the Vanities of 1947 took place at this very site.</p>
<p>Cathedrals are a main interest of visitors to Florence, Italy. One of the most famous cathedrals in Florence is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, otherwise known as the Il Duomo. This cathedral is home to many symbols of Renaissance architecture.</p>
<p>The Florence Baptistery is another common visitor attraction. The baptistery showcases some great architecture, including bronze doors with carved pictures of scenes from the Bible, and an octagon shape. The interior of the baptistery is also incredibly beautiful and a must-see for any visitor.</p>
<p>The Uffizi Gallery is another well-visited Florence attraction. The museum is best known for art of the Renaissance. Some of the most famous artists showcased in this museum include Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, Giotto, and Pierro della Franscesca. As this is a common spot for visitors, it is advised to request tickets to the Uffizi Gallery in advance.</p>
<p>The Academia Gallery is also popular among tourists, as home to the David sculpture created by Michelangelo. Other artists showcased in the gallery include Lorenzo Monaco, Pontormo, Botticelli, and Giambologna.</p>
<p>If you are looking for a gorgeous view of the city, the Campanile is a great place to visit. The Campanile, also known as the Bell Tower, is 278 feet high and provides beautiful views of Florence, Italy. The Campanile also features some significant architecture and statues.</p>
<p>Ponte Vecchio is visited by many photographers every year. This bridge is the most famous, along with the oldest, in Florence, Italy. Built in 1345, the Ponte Vecchio is known for having a wide array of gold shops.</p>
<p>There are many more Florence attractions, but these are some of the most popular sites to visit. Plan ahead and enjoy as many attractions as you can.</p>
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