The Mercato del Carmine The Mercato del Carmine, once the church of Santa Maria del Carmine, is a historic building located in the center of Lucca. Its raw beauty captured me from the moment I walked into the cold, empty space. I …
Get Lost in the Boboli Gardens | Florence
Boboli Gardens The Boboli Gardens were designed by Niccolo Tribolo who died one year after starting the gardens. Bartolommeo Ammanati, Bernardo Buontalenti, and Giorgio Vasari completed the gardens according to plan. The name came from the hill, Boboli, in which …
Lights & Holiday Spirit in Italy
Christmas lights always signify to me the beginning of the holiday season. They are beautifully strung around trees and even up the trunk of palm trees back in the States. But there is something special about lights in Italy. Each …
Devil’s Bridge | Interesting Tuscan Legends
Devil’s Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo) |Borgo a Mozzano Recently, Gary and I explored the Devil’s Bridge or Ponte del Diavolo – the main attraction in the town of Borgo a Mozzano. A quick 20-minute train trip from Lucca along with …
The Walls “Le Mura” Make Lucca Special
“Le Mura” The first thing you see as you near the city center in Lucca is the outer wall or Le Mura. Whether you arrive by train, bus, or car it is there right in front of you. To enter …
Visit The Bargello National Museum | Florence
The Bargello National Museum The Bargello Museum is located in the Palazzo del Bargello and is one of the oldest buildings in Florence dating back to 1255. Initially, the building was the headquarters of the Captain of the People, Capitano del Popolo, and later …
The Field of Miracles in Pisa | Wonder of the World
The Field of Miracles in Pisa, Italy The Field of Miracles is the most popular attraction in Pisa and one of the most famous places in the world. This walled 8.87-hectare area (22 acres) consists of The Leaning Tower, the …
Norcia, Italy | Our Extra Special Town
The small town of Norcia is located in the province of Perugia in southeastern Umbria. Norcia is located in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains National Park with a population of fewer than 5,000 people. It’s one of those small …
Cathedral San Martino | Something Special in Lucca
San Martino We’ve visited San Martino several times, but each time Gary and I notice more and more. Isn’t that the way it usually happens? The first time you go into a museum or church, you usually pick up the …
Giacomo Puccini | Inside the Fascinating Museum
A Look At Giacomo Puccini Recently, Gary and I along with our friend Victoria from Florence went and visited the Puccini Museum in Lucca. Frankly, I was surprised to find the building in such wonderful condition. However, I read later …
Santa Maria Novella | Not To Be Missed!
Santa Maria Novella Santa Maria Novella is a beautiful church in Florence, Italy. It is located very close to the railway station named after it. The church has a magnificent facade inlaid with green and white marble. The price of admission …
Beautiful Night Under the Stars | Andrea Bocelli
Andrea Bocelli Gary and I have had a few magical and beautiful nights when it comes to classical music. We have been fortunate enough to see Andrea Bocelli twice in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. As amazing as those evenings were, there …