“Valley of Temples” in Agrigento, Sicily

Agrigento is a city in the southern coast of the island of Sicily in Italy and the capital of the province with the same name. It is one of the most popular sites in Sicily as it is where we can see the “Valley of Temples”, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. This archaeological site is one of the main attractions of Sicily.

Temple of Juno Lacinia c/o Wikipedia

In the Valley of Temples, we can see ruins of several temples that flaunt the rich architecture of ancient Greece as Greeks have started to settle in Sicily around 750 BC. One of the first shrines to have risen in Agrigento is the “Temple of Hera” or also called the “Temple of Juno Lacinia”, which has been erected in 450 BC. It measures “38.15 x 16.90 m: it is in Doric style, peripteros with 6 x 13 columns, preceded by a pronaos and opisthodomos. The basement has four steps” (wikipedia).

Although at the present ruins, 30 columns remain standing but only sixteen have beams. Visiting the “Valley of Temples” in Agrigento, Sicily is definitely a spectacular experience.

Sicily: the Historic Island in the Mediterranean

One of the most famous place in Italy is the island of Sicily and one of the most important city or province in the history of Europe as it basically divides the Mediterranean into two sides: the East and the West.

Sicily has a very rich history, which dates back as far as 1,500 BC. It is a very unusual island having rich archaeology, scenery, structures, beaches, art and even folklore. The island has been a Greek colony where Saint Paul has preached. It has become a Roman province, a Norman kingdom and an Arab emirate and that would explain how diverse is the culture of its people.

Panoramic view of Palermo, capital city of Sicily from Monte Pellegrino

This is one great island that anyone would definitely enjoy visiting. With the rich prints of history on its soil and beaches, any visitor would never get bored going around.

The Pantheon of Rome, Italy

I have read about the Pantheon in a book by Dan Brown, Angels and Demons. It is where the first cardinal is supposed to be killed by the terrorist. The unfolding events in the story have aroused my interest about how the Pantheon looks like.

The Pantheon’s dome is said to be the largest un-reinforced concrete dome in the world. It has been used as a Roman Catholic Church since the 7^th century dedicated to St Mary and the Martyrs although originally, it has been built by Marcus Agrippa as a temple for the gods of ancient Rome then later rebuilt by Hadrian in 126 AD.

Inside the Dome

Raphael's Bust above his tomb

I have learned from the Dan Brown book that Raphael, the renowned painter has been buried inside the Pantheon. Although, I do not know which details from the book are true and accurate. Anyways, it is just for fun in reading.

The Pantheon must be an amazing place to see because of its age and historical value. How I wish I can tour that place too someday!

The Vatican Museums

One of the most famous tourist destinations in Rome, Italy are the Vatican Museums. On record, the Vatican Museums receive more than 4 million visitors a year. For me, one of the remarkable sections of the museums is the spiral staircase. I have not been there but I am amazed as I see it in photographs.

“The Vatican Museums trace their origin to one marble sculpture, purchased 500 years ago. The sculpture of Laocoön, the priest who, according to Greek mythology, tried to convince the people of ancient Troy not to accept the Greeks' "gift" of a hollow horse, was discovered 14 January 1506, in a vineyard near the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Pope Julius II sent Giuliano da Sangallo and Michelangelo Buonarroti, who were working at the Vatican, to examine the discovery. On their recommendation, the pope immediately purchased the sculpture from the vineyard owner. The pope put the sculpture of Laocoön and his sons in the grips of a sea serpent on public display at the Vatican exactly one month after its discovery”. (wikipedia)

This is one place that I want to see for real. The collection of artifacts and sculptures arouse my imagination and interest. Unfortunately, going there physically is something I cannot do but at least through this virtual journey, I can say at least, I have been there.

Photograph by Artlover’s

Photographer's Profile:  

http://www.igougo.com/profile

Photo Originally Posted At: 

http://photos.igougo.com/

I am not a Catholic but places where I can trace the history of the church attract me. Rome may not be the origin of Christianity but it has played an immense influence in the lives of the early saints and the early church.

Those who are interested to visit the Vatican Museums, here is a link to their official website. Just click the image below.

The two images at the top are courtesy of Wikipedia

Forum Romanum or The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is a major tourist destination in the city of Rome. It is a small, rectangular plaza encircled by the ruins of buildings from the ancient glory of the city. Romans used to call it Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum. It has been the center of Roman public life for centuries, where they hold triumphal processions and elections, a place for public speeches, criminal trials, and where gladiators measure each other’s strength. It is also a center for commerce.

This is the place where they erect statues and monuments to celebrate great Roman men. Scholars believe that this is the most famous meeting place in the history of the world.

Excavations and restorative efforts continue at the Roman Forum and continuously attract people around the world.

Images above courtesy of:

www.wikipedia.org

The Colosseum: The Flavian Amphitheater

The Colosseum of the Flavian Amphitheater is one of the oldest structures still existing. It is a showcase of ancient Roman architecture and engineering. It sits at the center of Rome with a capacity of 50,000 people. Although, because of the ruin state of its interior, it is not used as a venue for large events but its exterior can be used as a backdrop.

The 9^th Emperor or Rome, Vespasian (Flavius) has ordered the construction the colosseum from the his generals’ share of the booty or treasures they have captured during the Great Jewish Revolt in 70 AD and has become a monument that celebrates Roman victory. Dio Cassius, a noted Roman consul and historian writing in Greek has said that 9,000 wild animals have been killed during the inauguration games in the colosseum. It has been a center of entertainment with battling gladiators, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of legendary battles and drama based on Roman mythology.

By the 6^th century, it has ceased to be an entertainment spot. A church has been erected into the edifice of the Colosseum and the arena has become a cemetery. By the 1200, during the European patricians, the Frangipani family, a powerful Roman patrician (family that holds political functions) has used the Colosseum as a fortified castle.

In 1349, the Colosseum has suffered great damage from an earthquake that has collapsed its southern wall into the ground. Most of the stones that have fallen have been used to build churches, palaces and hospitals. In 1749, Pope Benedict XIV has declared the colosseum sacred in memory of the Christian believers who have been martyred in the theater. However, there have been no evidence to back up the claim.

Today, the Colosseum or the Flavian Amphitheater is Rome’s most popular tourist attraction. Millions of tourists visit the old amphitheater every year. I surely wish to be one of those.

Images and info above courtesy of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colosseum

Rome: the Ancient City

At a certain time in history, all roads have led to Rome, the capital of the mighty Roman Empire, the governing power in Western Europe for at least 700 years from 100 BC to 700 AD. 

From 800 AD, it has become the seat of Papal States until 1870. In 1871, it has become the capital of the Kingdom of Italy until 1946 when the Italian people have adapted a republican constitution. Since then, it has become the capital of the Italian Republic or Italy.

Rome is the eleventh most-visited city in the world and the third most visited in the European Union. Undoubtedly, it is the most popular tourist attraction in Italy. UNESCO has listed its historic center as a World Heritage Site. The Vatican Museums and the Colosseum are among the world's fifty most visited tourist destinations. According to reports, the Vatican Museums receive four point two million tourists and the Colosseum receive four million tourists every year.

Rome’s rich archaeological and architectural treasures make it the most significant tourist destination in the world.

Recently, Rome has beaten London in becoming the world’s fourth most important center for fashion. Milan remains on top along with Paris and New York.  Fashion houses and jewellery chains, such as Bulgari, Fendi, Laura Biagiotti and Brioni (fashion), are in Rome.

When visiting Italy, you must not miss the ancient city of Rome.

Image above courtesy of:

http://www.eventservices-rome.com/