Category: ITALY

A Day on MURANO: It’s a Crystalline World

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Visiting Venice, you absolutely have to venture out on a day trip to discover the Crystalline World of Murano, located in the dreamy Venetian lagoon.

The Vetreria Ducale, adorned by a sign of Guerrieri pottery, and to the left the Ferro & Lazzarini glass factory. Murano Crystalline World
Some of the best places to shop for glass on Murano island: The Vetreria Ducale, adorned by a sign of Guerrieri pottery, and to the left the Ferro & Lazzarini glass factory.

Most visitors to Venice stay and explore only the Centro Storico, the historic center. However, there is a total of 120 islands in the lagoon of which only 11 are permanently inhabited. Of those islands, Murano is the third largest one – after the Centro Storico, obviously, as well as the Lido di Venezia. As a matter of fact, Murano consists of seven small islands divided by eight channels and connected by bridges.

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50 Most Beautiful Palaces in Venice

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On its barely 415 square kilometers, there are about 200 magnificent palaces at the Centro Storico of Venice. In this post, I’m navigating you to the 50 most beautiful ones.

Canale Grande in Venice lined with Palaces
The mighty Canale Grande is lined with nothing but mesmerizing palazzi.
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How to Visit the Biennale di Arte in Venice in 2022

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After having been on a travel diet for over two years, you cannot imagine how thrilled I am that life is getting back to some kind of normal. Not only can I easily travel to Venice – I was even able to visit the mega art event Biennale di Arte in 2022.

How to visit Biennale Venice 2022: Entrance to the main venue Giardini.
Who’s Exploiting Who in the Deep Sea? is the title of the exhibition of funny creatures created by the German conceptual artist Cosima von Bonin. While a rock band made of fish plays on the roof of the main pavilion, two seashells are rocking on a swing and a crab has made itself comfortable in a cement mixer. So, have fun at the 59th Biennial!

Wanna enjoy it, too? In this post, I show you how. So put on your most comfortable shoes and follow my lead.

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CINQUE TERRE – The World’s Most Picturesque Hiking Trails

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The Cinque Terre, connected by the world’s most picturesque hiking trails, are built on terraces above the deep blue Ligurian sea.

Riomaggiore, one of the Cinque Terre from where you can take world's most picturesque hike
View of Riomaggiore from the Ligurian sea.

Gimme five! High five! Scattered way up high on the steep hills of the Ligurian coast are many small, picturesque villages. Yet, only Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare became world-famous for their scenic views and overwhelming beauty. In 1997, they made it to the list of Unesco World Heritage Sites – along with Porto Venere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto.

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LA SPEZIA and PORTO VENERE – Precious Gems on the Ligurian Coast

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Overshadowed by the world-famous Cinque Terre, the beautiful coastal town of La Spezia and the nearby village of Porto Venere tend to be strongly underrated.

View of Porto Venere from the Sea.
Beautiful Porto Venere, sean seen from the sea.

Yet these precious gems on the Ligurian coast are definitely worth the visit.

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TIVOLI – Villas, Waters, and Wealth. A Day Trip from Rome

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A day trip from Rome took me to Tivoli where I found mesmerizing villas and playful waters. In short, the remnants of Antique Roman wealth.

View of Tivoli from Hadrian's Villa, seen when visiting the Villas on a Day Trip
The so-called Poecile with the Roman Campagna in the backdrop.

Mind you, already Mr. Hadrian used to spend relaxing weekends at Tivoli almost 2,000 years ago.

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Complete Guide to COMO – a Lake to Like

Posted onAuthorRenata Green95 Comments

I love Italy: The gelato, the papagalli, the dolce far niente. Somehow my head got tangled in these clichés like a fork in a heap of spaghetti. The funny thing is: On my frequent trips to Bella Italia, I actually find these clichés reflected in the reality around me. Just like around the North Italian lake land.
Need proof?
Here is a complete guide to the wonderful Lake Como – truly a lake to like.

Sail and motorboats quay at Colico, the Northernmost village at Lago di Como - a lake to like
Sail and motorboats quay at Colico, the Northernmost village on Lake Como’s shores.
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How to Visit the Biennale di Arte in Venice 2019

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While Venice is a place worth visiting even when nothing special is on, here is how to visit the city during the Biennale di Arte, one of the world’s most important art events, in 2019.

biennale di arte Venice 2019: Ponte Papadopoli advertising for 2019's mega-event.
Ponte Papadopoli advertising for 2019’s mega-event.

However, the Biennials add some contemporary suspense and glamour to all the shiny renaissance the Doges left behind, and this summer, the 58th Biennale di Arte is on.

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United Colors of Biennale – Visiting the Biennale di Arte in 2017

Posted onAuthorRenata Green20 Comments

United Colors of Biennale – hard to believe that it’s been already one month ago that I’ve been to Venice on the occasion of the 57th Biennial.

Time passes so fast.

One of John Waters' three boards why studying art.
One of John Waters‘ three boards why studying art.

But it’s a good moment to look back on this marvelous and inspiring visit and show you my favorite works.

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