Sitting quietly on top of the Caelian Hill in Rome are the Case Romane del Celio snapshots of early Roman history showing the changes that time and the rise of Christianity brought to the city. Twenty rooms are preserved under a 4th century basilica, each serving as evidence for their former uses over the years as homes, shops and even as a Christian shrine. Decorated with a unique mix of pagan and early Christian frescoes, these rooms allow visitors a beautiful glimpse into ancient Roman homes and daily life. As a requirement of my degree programme I spent six months as an intern here, and ..read more

Images of Saint Peter’s Square are frequently broadcast around the World. Perhaps not surprising given that this is at the public heart of the Vatican City. Cameras tend to be directed towards St Peter’s Basilica and its iconic Renaissance dome, which dominates the skyline of Rome. Another monument also features prominently in these images; that is the obelisk that stands at the centre of the square. An obelisk that was brought to Rome from Egypt by Caligula in 37 AD. But, why does the Vatican have a four thousand year old Egyptian obelisk? Thomas Dowson Last Checked and/or Updated 22 A ..read more

Parents visiting Athens can still enjoy a trip to the top of the Acropolis with their babies or young children. You do not need to do a lot of extra planning, certainly no more than you would usually do while on sightseeing with kids in a city. But there are a few things you should know about before you set off that will make your visit go more smoothly. In this article we address the frequently asked questions parents have about visiting the Acropolis with children. For more detailed tips and information about visiting the Acropolis, how to buy tickets, guided tours etc., see our Guide to ..read more

Paris has some of the finest art galleries and museums in the World, as well as a number of iconic monuments and typically Parisian activities. These are the very reason why many people visit the French capital. As with visiting more than a few attractions in any city, entry costs soon start adding up. There are a number of  city passes available. Understandably then, everyone wants to known which pass is better? Unfortunately, there is no  one answer, it really does depend on what you want to see and do in Paris. Based on many visits, both personal and as a tour guide, I offer va ..read more

The Altes Museum was the first of the five museums on Museumsinsel to have been constructed. Built for King Frederick William III of Prussia, by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, to house the Prussian royal family’s collection of ancient artefacts. One of these objects was of the so-called ‘Green Caesar’ portrait of Gaius Julius Caesar. Another portrait acquired by the museum much more recently is of Cleopatra VII. A legendary love story between two equally notable figures from Classical antiquity. Thomas Dowson Last Checked and/or Updated 27 March 2023 No Comments Amazing Artefacts ..read more

Set about an hour’s train ride north of Rome, the hill town of Orvieto satisfies a yearning for many a traveller looking for a taste of medieval Italy. While most of medieval Rome was razed during Mussolini’s era, Orvieto is, at its heart, a medieval city, awash with a quintessentially Italian atmosphere – old, charming, and picturesque, with winding cobblestone streets, broad piazzas, and one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in Italy. Here are nine must-see sights in Orvieto that would make any day trip both interesting and enjoyable. Elizabeth Heath Last Checked and/or Updated ..read more

The Sansevero Chapel is inextricably linked to the genius of Raimondo di Sangro, who conceived and commissioned numerous artists to create the complex iconographic cycle contained within. It houses some of the sculptures that have become masterpieces of world art, the most spectacular being the Veiled Christ, the symbol of the city of Naples. My visit to the Chapel allowed me to understand how this is not just a place to contain the masterpieces inside but a unique work of art, capable of telling the visitor about itself through all the elements that compose it. In front of such beauty, it i ..read more

Naples is a city that has so much to offer: history, culture, archaeology, art and good food. I have always wanted to visit the city and its surroundings, home to some of the world’s most significant archaeological sites, such as Pompeii and Herculaneum. Recently I covered Naples in 3 days by using the Campania Museum Pass. Which sites and museums are included? How much do you save compared to single entries? Is the number of sites that can be visited adequate for the days the Pass is valid? Do you have to wait in queues before entering? If you are curious about the answers to these and oth ..read more

Cagliari's Roman Amphitheatre blends in seamlessly with the city and its panorama. In a short walk along one of the most beautiful and breathtaking streets, one has the opportunity to walk around history, both ancient and recent. It is very easy to get to but unfortunately cannot be visited inside. For a small fee, it is possible to cross the fence to get a closer look. Gianluca Pitzeri Last Checked and/or Updated 10 October 2022 No Comments Italy, Sardinia TABLE OF CONTENTS Add a header to begin generating the table of contents Within the city of Cagliari, one of the mos ..read more

The blockbuster touring exhibition with over 180 objects from Egypt, Ramses & the Gold of the Pharaohs, is currently at the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, until 12 February 2023. From there it heads to Europe. The first stop will be La Villette cultural park in Paris. The exhibition opens in the French capital on 7 April and runs until 6 September 2023 (a link for booking tickets through the official vendor is included below). Thomas Dowson Last Checked and/or Updated 26 January 2023 No Comments Exhibitions, News TABLE OF CONTENTS Add a header to ..read more