The prehistoric petroglyphs of the Valcamonica was Italy's first UNESCO World Heritage site, designated in 1979. La Valle Delle Incisioni, the Valley of Engravings, is the largest collection of prehistoric rock carvings in Europe with more than 140,000 petroglyphs done over a period of 8,000 years. In addition to prehistoric sites, the beautiful Valcamonica is dotted with picturesque medieval villages and has many hiking trails.
Pictures | Valcamonica Map and Rock Art Sites
Here are the festivals and events that happen each December in Florence.
Early- to Mid-December - Hanukkah. Hanukkah in Florence is celebrated in the Ghetto - the Jewish area of Florence which was the first segregated Jewish community in Europe. Visit the Florence Synagogue, just north of Santa Croce, for the lighting of the Menorrah, kosher food finds, and Hanukkah festivities.
December 8 - Immaculate Conception. On this day, the Catholic faithful celebrate the day of the Virgin Mary's conception of Jesus. In Florence at this time, the Fierucolina dell'Immacolata, an art and food fair in Piazza Santissima Annunziata, is typically held. Also, as December 8 is also a national holiday, many businesses may be closed in observance.
Mid-December - Christmas Markets in Florence. From now until mid-January, there are several Christmas fairs in Florence. One of the most popular is the Mercato Tedesco di Natale - the German Christmas Market - held in Piazza Santa Croce. It is filled with stalls selling some typical German crafts, but also plenty of Italian-made nativity crafts, children's toys, and seasonal treats. Another Christmas market is Florence Noel, which is held at Stazione Leopolda near Porta al Prato. This is where you can take the little ones to have their photo taken with Babbo Natale, as well as purchase Christmas crafts and gifts.
December 25 - Christmas Day. You can expect everything to be closed on Christmas Day as Florentines celebrate the most important religious holiday of the year. Of course, there are many ways to celebrate Christmas in Florence, from attending midnight mass at Il Duomo to visiting Christmas crèches around the city.
December 26 - Saint Stephen's Day. This public holiday after Christmas is typically an extension of Christmas day, when families venture out to view nativity scenes in churches and visit Christmas markets. The feast day of Santo Stefano is also held on this day and especially celebrated at churches that venerate Saint Stephen.
December 31 - New Year's Eve (Festa di San Silvestro). Just as it is all over the world, New Year's Eve, which coincides with the Feast of Saint Sylvester (San Silvestro), is celebrated with much fanfare in Florence. Check our our information on New Year's Eve in Italy for more information on festivities and traditions.
Continue reading: Florence in January | Florence Month-by-Month
One of Florence's most photographed landmarks, the Ponte Vecchio is Florence's most famous bridge. The Ponte Vecchio, which spans the Arno River from Via Por Santa Maria to Via Guicciardini, is also Florence's oldest bridge, having been spared from bombing during World War II.
The Ponte Vecchio was built in 1345 to replace a bridge that had been destroyed in a flood. Initially, the shops on both sides of the bridge were favored by butchers and tanners, who would throw their flotsam into the Arno, a practice which would create a stinking cesspool in the water below. In 1593, Grand Duke Ferdinando I decided that these trades were "vile," and permitted only goldsmiths and jewelers to set up shop on the bridge.
Since that time, the Ponte Vecchio has been known for its gleaming gold shops, which overflow with rings, watches, bracelets, and all kinds of other jewels. Ostensibly, buyers are able to bargain with the gold sellers on the Ponte Vecchio, and sometimes bargains can be had here. Since this is a high tourist area, however, prices are often inflated. Shop around before giving in to the temptation.
Travel tip: Note that the popular bridge – which is typically packed with tourists – is also a prime target of pickpockets. Be mindful of your belongings when browsing the baubles.
Ponte Vecchio Pictures
Siena is a classic medieval city in Tuscany. Much of the city's Gothic appearance from the 12th - 15th centuries, when Siena was one of the wealthiest cities in Europe, has been preserved. Its large fan-shaped piazza, Piazza del Campo, is the heart of Siena and the home of Siena's famous summer horse-race, the Palio of Siena. UNESCO says, "The whole city of Siena, built around the Piazza del Campo, was devised as a work of art that blends into the surrounding landscape".
Siena Pictures
San Crispino is touted to have the best gelato in Rome. I was first led there by the Daphne Inn, one of my favorite places to stay in Rome. I have since heard of San Crispino from several other sources as well. They make a variety of flavors but pistachio is supposed to be one of their best. Although I am not a big fan of pistachio, it was very good.
At San Crispino you won't find any special concoctions - no whipped cream or chocolate sauce - in fact you won't even find cones! The owners believe that anything else interferes with the pureness of their gelato. So the gelato is served in a simple cup with a plastic spoon for you to carry out (there is no place to sit).
Brescia has a small airport serving flights within Italy and Europe. The closest large airport (with flights from the US) is in Milan. The small airports of Verona and Bergamo are also close. (see Italy airports map).
Tourist Information can be found at Piazza Loggia, 6. Brescia is famous for the Mille Migle historic car race held in spring. It starts and ends in the city. The Fair of San Faustino and Giovita in February is one of the biggest festivlas. The festival of Franciacorta celebrates the sparkling wine produced in the hills outside the city. Music performances are held in the Teatro Grande, a theater built in the 1700's. Piazza della Loggia - The city's prettiest square was built in the 15th century. Torre dell'Orologio or the clock tower, was modelled on the campanile in Venice's Piazza San Marco. Porta Bruciata, in one corner, is a medieval tower and gate. Cathedrals - The two cathedrals are found on Piazza Paolo VI. The Rotondo is the old 12th century cathedral. Inside you can see Roman remains and the apse of an 8th century basilica. The new cathedral is late Baroque style and took over 200 years to complete. Via dei Musei - The old Roman road is lined with Roman ruins including the Roman forum, a theater and a temple built in 73AD. Monsateries - Monastery of Santa Julia was founded in 753 and has three churches. It now houses the city museum with artifacts from prehistory to the 20th century. San Pietro in Lamosa was founded in the 11th century and is Romanesque in style. Piazza della Vittoria - This large square was built in 1932 in what was once a medieval center. On one side of the square is a 60 meter tall tower. The Mille Migle race starts from Piazza della Vittoria and on the third Sunday of the month there's an antiques market. Castle - The medieval castle complex on the hill includes towers, ramparts, gardens, courtyards, drawbridges and several underground tunnels. It houses the Ancient Arms Museum, Risorgimento Museum, and a model railway exhibit. From the highest point there are good views of the city below.Find hotels in other Venice neighborhoods with Top Venice Hotels.
Hotel Bauer Il Palazzo is a luxury 5-star boutique hotel overlooking the Grand Canal near Saint Mark's Square. The hotel has a private boat landing. Each of the 35 rooms and suites is individually decorated and many have views over the canal and a balcony or terrace. Bathrooms are decorated in Italian marble and some have whirlpool baths. There's a roof garden, restaurant, bar, and spa and wellness center.
Violino d'Oro is the top rated 3-star hotel in San Marco sestiere. The hotel is in an 18th century palace on a canal near the Grand Canal. It has 26 single, double classic and superior, triple and quadruple rooms and two are equipped for disabled guests.
