Italian Photographs

I am feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment. Our Facebook fans are sending me so many lovely photos, and these photos deserve to be shared more widely.

That is why I have started gallery pages packed full of these photos. The main gallery index page can be viewed here, and if you scroll down a little, you'll discover the photos of Simay, Hans Vingerhoed, the Korkomaz family.

Han Vingerhoed's Tuscan Photos

 Korkomaz & J Reyes: Photos of Rome

The Trevi Fountain in Rome has to be one of the loveliest of all Italian fountains. It'll also guarantee you a return ticket back to Rome; simply throw in a few coins. Plus, if you get here early, when few tourists are around, it has to be one of the most romantic spots in Rome. By the way, if romance is your aim, you need to check out the Suite Sistina too.

Korkomaz's Best Photos of Venice, Italy

Korkomaz's Pisa and Tuscany Photos

Welcome to the extraordinary world of the Leaning Tower of Pisa!

It is Pisa's main attraction, and though this tower defies the laws of gravity, tilting with a rebellious spirit that sets it apart from its straight-standing peers, the Leaning Tower has managed to capture the hearts and minds of travelers from around the globe. I'm not sure it's entirely deserved. I mean, if it wasn't leaning, nobody would be visiting here.

So, why does the Tower of Pisa lean? Well, the tower's story begins in the 12th century, when it was designed to stand tall and proud. But as the construction progressed, the soft soil beneath had other ideas. Slowly but surely, the tower started to lean, like a tourist after going one aperitivo too far. Today, it leans at an angle of approximately 4 degrees.

Climbing the tower is an adventure like no other. It's a bit of a walk up to the top on spiraling stairs that have seen a million or more footsteps before yours. The good news is that each step brings you closer to the top, where a breathtaking panorama of Pisa awaits.

It's worth noting that the Leaning Tower of Pisa had its fair share of drama. In the past, concerns about its stability led to a closure that lasted over a decade. Experts worked tirelessly to stabilize the tower and ensure its safety. It still needs constant love and attention to keep it from leaning too far.

For all the great Instagrammable shots you might get here, I still wouldn't put Pisa on my list of must-see smaller Tuscan cities. Top of that list is the incredible city of Siena.

Photos of Florence

By Simay, Korkomaz, Heidi Kaden & Various Other Photographers

Always a sight that leaves me awed. This is the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. If you are planning to visit Florence, then I'd suggest taking a look at the handful of hotels we have selected for you. Click here to see the list.

Who cares if it's snowing? Florence is always lovely! Is Florence the loveliest city in Italy? Visit our list of the five best cities in Italy to discover the answer.

The famous Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence, or, as the locals lovingly call it, the "Duomo," showcases the city's artistic and architectural prowess. Its striking red dome commands the skyline, and it and the Ponte Vecchio are the two sights in Florence you never forget.

Step inside this magnificent cathedral and prepare to be swept away by a world of beauty. The interior is adorned with awe-inspiring frescoes, dazzling stained glass windows, and intricate marble work. The sheer grandeur leaves you stunned. I was left speechless the first time I entered, and every single time I have visited afterwards, it still manages to awe me.

Now, brace yourself for a challenge, because if you're up for it, you can climb the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo's dome. Trust me, the effort is absolutely worth it! Once you reach the summit, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Florence that will leave you breathless... if the climb up didn't do that already

While exploring the Duomo complex, make sure to pay a visit to the nearby Baptistery of San Giovanni. This architectural marvel showcases magnificent bronze doors and captivating mosaics. The doors, the golden Gates of Paradise, depicting scenes from the Old Testament, are the most beautiful doors I have ever seen.

As you stroll through the square surrounding the Duomo, take a moment to appreciate Giotto's Campanile, an impressive bell tower that stands tall as its own work of art. The vibrant marble façade and delicate sculptures evidence the immense talent of the Renaissance era.

The statue of David by Michelangelo is an extraordinary masterpiece. Every aspect of the sculpture showcases Michelangelo's exceptional skill and ability to breathe life into stone.

His hands always amaze me the most.

It is incredible how Michelangelo managed to create every vein, muscle, and sinew, creating hands that exude a sense of strength, grace, and purpose. The delicate positioning of David's fingers, the carefully defined knuckles, and the subtle tension in his hand muscles demonstrate Michelangelo's remarkable ability to capture the essence of human anatomy.

Some say Michelangelo's hand was guided by God's own hand when he created David.

The hands of David not only contribute to the overall aesthetic beauty of the sculpture but also convey a powerful narrative. With his right hand holding the sling, poised to strike the fatal blow to Goliath, and his left hand confidently resting by his side, David embodies courage, determination, and the triumph of the human spirit.

Siena

Siena is one of the loveliest cities in all of Italy. Everybody rushes off to Florence, but to miss nearby Siena is a mistake you really do not want to make.

One of the highlights of Siena is undoubtedly the famous Piazza del Campo, a grand square that serves as the beating heart of the city. With its unique shell-shaped design, this iconic gathering place hosts the renowned Palio di Siena, a thrilling horse race that ignites the passions of locals and visitors alike.

After Florence, Siena is the city in Tuscany you really must visit.