Why was the Colosseum built? There are practical reasons such as controlling the "mobs" or crowds of Rome. It was also used as a political device that would help senators garner votes. You could even say that it made Rome more safe since the structures for evens prior to the Colosseum were built from wood and easily caught on fire. In the end, it was built for much more … [Read more...] about Why Was the Colosseum Built?
Where To Eat the Best Cicchetti in Venice—By People Who Know
Venice is one of the most unique destinations on Earth, and it's both supported and plagued by tourism. The best way to try authentic specialties in the Floating City is by heading to a local bar and ordering a plateful of Venetian cicchetti. With that in mind, here’s our list of the best local cicchetti bars in Venice according people who know. Pro Tip: Planning your … [Read more...] about Where To Eat the Best Cicchetti in Venice—By People Who Know
How To Get Christmas Mass Tickets in the Vatican City
Christmas is a magical time of year anyway, but if you add Italy to that mix, it becomes a fairytale. While there's an extensive list of festive celebrations in Rome, seeing the pope present his Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican is at the top. Read on to find out everything you need to know about attending the Vatican Christmas Mass and other papal ceremonies during the … [Read more...] about How To Get Christmas Mass Tickets in the Vatican City
Who Painted the Sistine Chapel?
Could you dedicate almost 10 years of your life to one project while living and sleeping in the same room that you are working in? With stifling heat in the summer and freezing cold in the winter? 500 years ago, the most famous artist of the Renaissance set out to create a masterpiece that is unrivaled even to our current time: the Sistine Chapel. So who painted the … [Read more...] about Who Painted the Sistine Chapel?
Top 11 Things To See in the Raphael Rooms and Interesting Facts
If you are planning a Visit to the Vatican and want more out of your experience than a photo of the Sistine Chapel you should definitely have the Raphael Rooms on your radar, but what are you supposed to see? We asked Brandon, our resident licensed Vatican guide, and these are the top things he recommends you see on your visit to the Raphael Rooms. Pro Tip: Planning … [Read more...] about Top 11 Things To See in the Raphael Rooms and Interesting Facts