“There is no other place quite like Barcelona” – said Sheila, a Catalan in every sense of that word. I usually do not agree with such subjective statements, but Barca really is an exception. If I had to describe the city in two words they would be “life” and “colours”. There is such an abundance of both!

Just like any other big city Barcelona has two faces. The first is what attracts millions of tourists. The second is a lot less glamorous and it takes more than a week to get to see it. I will tell you a story about each one of them because they both have their charm.

The most visited places in Barcelona are incredibly popular all over the world, mainly because they are worth it. Here are some of my favourite ones:

La Boqueria food market

I believe it is safe to assume that every single person who has visited Barcelona has had a stroll down La Rambla. This boulevard, which actually consists of five smaller streets, is a two-kilometer promenade from Plaça Catalunya to the beach. Going down the street there is one place you definitely need to stop by – La Boqueria. The colours and flavours of the market can dazzle you. What would taste better: the unknown fruit in bright pink or the sugarcoated Chilean nuts? I honestly don’t know. What I do know, though, is that you should not miss the fruit juices. They are sold at many of the stalls, offered in a variety of tastes and are worth every cent. That is not only my personal opinion but also a view I share with many other visitors who lively discussed what flavours they got to try.

Bonus tip: The mango and coconut juice is to die for. Visit La Boqueria around the end of their opening hours (Monday – Saturday between 8 am and 8:30 pm) to get the fruit drinks at a discount price.

Basilica of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia)

The greatest masterpiece of the architect Antoni Gaudi is almost mythical with its ongoing construction for 133 years now. There is even a joke, which says that Real Madrid will win in a match with Barcelona only when La Sagrada Familia has been finished. Apparently Catalonians do not really wish to finish the building!

I have to admit, the basilica is one of the greatest deceptions in Tourism. Most photos on the internet and absolutely all post cards of the “Holy Family” show it in its full splendor. In reality, there are always cranes, scaffolding and other not so picturesque elements on the outside.

On the inside, however, the building is absolutely stunning. The sunlight passes through the colourful stained glass and “paints” vibrant reflections on the walls and the columns. What glow you will see depends entirely on when you want to visit. In the morning the cold colours such as blue and green shine brighter. At sunset red and yellow shades would be blazing.

Bonus tip: Purchase your ticket online to skip the queue. I would also recommend going inside with a tour guide so you can learn about the brilliant Gaudi, designing the building with attention to the tiniest of details.

The Magic fountain of Montjuic

The hill of Montjuic is home to various places of interest such as a 17^th century castle, the Olympic stadium for the games of 1992, the National museum of Catalonian art and more. The most popular is the Magic fountain that enchants a multitude of tourists a few times per week. Find a comfortable spot before the beginning of the show and enjoy it thoroughly. Traditionally the spectacle begins with a Freddie Mercury song devoted to Barcelona. The combination of vivid lights, music and the dance of the water is charming, especially with the view over the city in the background. That is the only tourist attraction that I re-visited, repeatedly.

Useful information: Getting off the metro at Plaça Espanya is the easiest way to get to the fountain. During spring and summer there is a show every 30 minutes between 9 and 11 pm, Thursday to Sunday. From November to March the light spectacle is held only on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 pm.

I have heard that some scientists have proven the dope effect of the air in Barcelona which causes people to feel happy. I am inclined to believe in that because I know how addictive this city is. You come here and you never wish to leave. Even if you manage to do so, you still dream of returning here. But I doubt it is all about the air and the popular sights. I suspect the secret is in the atmosphere of this city – free, young, colourful and full of life.

“There is no other place quite like Barcelona” – said Sheila, a Catalan in every sense of that word. I usually do not agree with such subjective statements, but Barca really is an exception. If I had to describe the city in two words they would be “life” and “colours”. There is such an abundance of both!

Just like any other big city Barcelona has two faces. The first is what attracts millions of tourists. The second is a lot less glamorous and it takes more than a week to get to see it. I will tell you a story about each one of them because they both have their charm.

The most visited places in Barcelona are incredibly popular all over the world, mainly because they are worth it. Here are some of my favourite ones:

La Boqueria food market

I believe it is safe to assume that every single person who has visited Barcelona has had a stroll down La Rambla. This boulevard, which actually consists of five smaller streets, is a two-kilometer promenade from Plaça Catalunya to the beach. Going down the street there is one place you definitely need to stop by – La Boqueria. The colours and flavours of the market can dazzle you. What would taste better: the unknown fruit in bright pink or the sugarcoated Chilean nuts? I honestly don’t know. What I do know, though, is that you should not miss the fruit juices. They are sold at many of the stalls, offered in a variety of tastes and are worth every cent. That is not only my personal opinion but also a view I share with many other visitors who lively discussed what flavours they got to try.

Bonus tip: The mango and coconut juice is to die for. Visit La Boqueria around the end of their opening hours (Monday – Saturday between 8 am and 8:30 pm) to get the fruit drinks at a discount price.

Basilica of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia)

The greatest masterpiece of the architect Antoni Gaudi is almost mythical with its ongoing construction for 133 years now. There is even a joke, which says that Real Madrid will win in a match with Barcelona only when La Sagrada Familia has been finished. Apparently Catalonians do not really wish to finish the building!

I have to admit, the basilica is one of the greatest deceptions in Tourism. Most photos on the internet and absolutely all post cards of the “Holy Family” show it in its full splendor. In reality, there are always cranes, scaffolding and other not so picturesque elements on the outside.

On the inside, however, the building is absolutely stunning. The sunlight passes through the colourful stained glass and “paints” vibrant reflections on the walls and the columns. What glow you will see depends entirely on when you want to visit. In the morning the cold colours such as blue and green shine brighter. At sunset red and yellow shades would be blazing.

Bonus tip: Purchase your ticket online to skip the queue. I would also recommend going inside with a tour guide so you can learn about the brilliant Gaudi, designing the building with attention to the tiniest of details.

The Magic fountain of Montjuic

The hill of Montjuic is home to various places of interest such as a 17^th century castle, the Olympic stadium for the games of 1992, the National museum of Catalonian art and more. The most popular is the Magic fountain that enchants a multitude of tourists a few times per week. Find a comfortable spot before the beginning of the show and enjoy it thoroughly. Traditionally the spectacle begins with a Freddie Mercury song devoted to Barcelona. The combination of vivid lights, music and the dance of the water is charming, especially with the view over the city in the background. That is the only tourist attraction that I re-visited, repeatedly.

Useful information: Getting off the metro at Plaça Espanya is the easiest way to get to the fountain. During spring and summer there is a show every 30 minutes between 9 and 11 pm, Thursday to Sunday. From November to March the light spectacle is held only on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 pm.

I have heard that some scientists have proven the dope effect of the air in Barcelona which causes people to feel happy. I am inclined to believe in that because I know how addictive this city is. You come here and you never wish to leave. Even if you manage to do so, you still dream of returning here. But I doubt it is all about the air and the popular sights. I suspect the secret is in the atmosphere of this city – free, young, colourful and full of life.

“There is no other place quite like Barcelona” – said Sheila, a Catalan in every sense of that word. I usually do not agree with such subjective statements, but Barca really is an exception. If I had to describe the city in two words they would be “life” and “colours”. There is such an abundance of both!

Just like any other big city Barcelona has two faces. The first is what attracts millions of tourists. The second is a lot less glamorous and it takes more than a week to get to see it. I will tell you a story about each one of them because they both have their charm.

The most visited places in Barcelona are incredibly popular all over the world, mainly because they are worth it. Here are some of my favourite ones:

La Boqueria food market

I believe it is safe to assume that every single person who has visited Barcelona has had a stroll down La Rambla. This boulevard, which actually consists of five smaller streets, is a two-kilometer promenade from Plaça Catalunya to the beach. Going down the street there is one place you definitely need to stop by – La Boqueria. The colours and flavours of the market can dazzle you. What would taste better: the unknown fruit in bright pink or the sugarcoated Chilean nuts? I honestly don’t know. What I do know, though, is that you should not miss the fruit juices. They are sold at many of the stalls, offered in a variety of tastes and are worth every cent. That is not only my personal opinion but also a view I share with many other visitors who lively discussed what flavours they got to try.

Bonus tip: The mango and coconut juice is to die for. Visit La Boqueria around the end of their opening hours (Monday – Saturday between 8 am and 8:30 pm) to get the fruit drinks at a discount price.

Basilica of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia)

The greatest masterpiece of the architect Antoni Gaudi is almost mythical with its ongoing construction for 133 years now. There is even a joke, which says that Real Madrid will win in a match with Barcelona only when La Sagrada Familia has been finished. Apparently Catalonians do not really wish to finish the building!

I have to admit, the basilica is one of the greatest deceptions in Tourism. Most photos on the internet and absolutely all post cards of the “Holy Family” show it in its full splendor. In reality, there are always cranes, scaffolding and other not so picturesque elements on the outside.

On the inside, however, the building is absolutely stunning. The sunlight passes through the colourful stained glass and “paints” vibrant reflections on the walls and the columns. What glow you will see depends entirely on when you want to visit. In the morning the cold colours such as blue and green shine brighter. At sunset red and yellow shades would be blazing.

Bonus tip: Purchase your ticket online to skip the queue. I would also recommend going inside with a tour guide so you can learn about the brilliant Gaudi, designing the building with attention to the tiniest of details.

The Magic fountain of Montjuic

The hill of Montjuic is home to various places of interest such as a 17^th century castle, the Olympic stadium for the games of 1992, the National museum of Catalonian art and more. The most popular is the Magic fountain that enchants a multitude of tourists a few times per week. Find a comfortable spot before the beginning of the show and enjoy it thoroughly. Traditionally the spectacle begins with a Freddie Mercury song devoted to Barcelona. The combination of vivid lights, music and the dance of the water is charming, especially with the view over the city in the background. That is the only tourist attraction that I re-visited, repeatedly.

Useful information: Getting off the metro at Plaça Espanya is the easiest way to get to the fountain. During spring and summer there is a show every 30 minutes between 9 and 11 pm, Thursday to Sunday. From November to March the light spectacle is held only on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 pm.

I have heard that some scientists have proven the dope effect of the air in Barcelona which causes people to feel happy. I am inclined to believe in that because I know how addictive this city is. You come here and you never wish to leave. Even if you manage to do so, you still dream of returning here. But I doubt it is all about the air and the popular sights. I suspect the secret is in the atmosphere of this city – free, young, colourful and full of life.

“There is no other place quite like Barcelona” – said Sheila, a Catalan in every sense of that word. I usually do not agree with such subjective statements, but Barca really is an exception. If I had to describe the city in two words they would be “life” and “colours”. There is such an abundance of both!

Just like any other big city Barcelona has two faces. The first is what attracts millions of tourists. The second is a lot less glamorous and it takes more than a week to get to see it. I will tell you a story about each one of them because they both have their charm.

The most visited places in Barcelona are incredibly popular all over the world, mainly because they are worth it. Here are my favourite sights of Barcelona for tourists:

La Boqueria food market

I believe it is safe to assume that every single person who has visited Barcelona has had a stroll down La Rambla. This boulevard, which actually consists of five smaller streets, is a two-kilometer promenade from Plaça Catalunya to the beach. Going down the street there is one place you definitely need to stop by – La Boqueria. The colours and flavours of the market can dazzle you. What would taste better: the unknown fruit in bright pink or the sugarcoated Chilean nuts? I honestly don’t know. What I do know, though, is that you should not miss the fruit juices. They are sold at many of the stalls, offered in a variety of tastes and are worth every cent. That is not only my personal opinion but also a view I share with many other visitors who lively discussed what flavours they got to try.

Bonus tip: The mango and coconut juice is to die for. Visit La Boqueria around the end of their opening hours (Monday – Saturday between 8 am and 8:30 pm) to get the fruit drinks at a discount price.

Basilica of the Holy Family (La Sagrada Familia)

The greatest masterpiece of the architect Antoni Gaudi is almost mythical with its ongoing construction for 133 years now. There is even a joke, which says that Real Madrid will win in a match with Barcelona only when La Sagrada Familia has been finished. Apparently Catalonians do not really wish to finish the building!

I have to admit, the basilica is one of the greatest deceptions in Tourism. Most photos on the internet and absolutely all post cards of the “Holy Family” show it in its full splendor. In reality, there are always cranes, scaffolding and other not so picturesque elements on the outside.

On the inside, however, the building is absolutely stunning. The sunlight passes through the colourful stained glass and “paints” vibrant reflections on the walls and the columns. What glow you will see depends entirely on when you want to visit. In the morning the cold colours such as blue and green shine brighter. At sunset red and yellow shades would be blazing.

Bonus tip: Purchase your ticket online to skip the queue. I would also recommend going inside with a tour guide so you can learn about the brilliant Gaudi, designing the building with attention to the tiniest of details.

The Magic fountain of Montjuic

The hill of Montjuic is home to various places of interest such as a 17^th century castle, the Olympic stadium for the games of 1992, the National museum of Catalonian art and more. The most popular is the Magic fountain that enchants a multitude of tourists a few times per week. Find a comfortable spot before the beginning of the show and enjoy it thoroughly. Traditionally the spectacle begins with a Freddie Mercury song devoted to Barcelona. The combination of vivid lights, music and the dance of the water is charming, especially with the view over the city in the background. That is the only tourist attraction that I re-visited, repeatedly.

Useful information: Getting off the metro at Plaça Espanya is the easiest way to get to the fountain. During spring and summer there is a show every 30 minutes between 9 and 11 pm, Thursday to Sunday. From November to March the light spectacle is held only on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 pm.

I have heard that some scientists have proven the dope effect of the air in Barcelona which causes people to feel happy. I am inclined to believe in that because I know how addictive this city is. You come here and you never wish to leave. Even if you manage to do so, you still dream of returning here. But I doubt it is all about the air and the popular sights. I suspect the secret is in the atmosphere of this city – free, young, colourful and full of life.

Italian national cuisine is not only one of the most famous in the world, but also one of the most loved. Unfortunately, there is a popular misconception that most Italian meals consist of pizza, pasta, lasagna, and spaghetti, none of which is particularly good for staying in shape. Truth is that food-making on the Boot is largely influenced by healthy Mediterranean cuisine. Its meals often include: olive oil, herb seasoning, fruits, vegetables, and are usually accompanied by a glass of wine. The food variety is probably as rich as the history of the country.

Italy has 20 regions, each of them boasting different dishes. A gastronomic tour of the peninsula is definitely worth it. But if you cannot devote an entire year to your taste buds at least try:

Pizza Margherita

Pizza Margherita with mozzarella di bufala is a classic choice. According to a well-known story, while on a visit to Naples queen Margherita sat at a local restaurant to try the food of the poor. The chef prepared for her a pizza with the colours of the Italian flag – red (tomatoes), white (mozzarella), and green (fresh basil). Nowadays this Neapolitan specialty is still prepared by the same technology – the dough is always rolled out manually and baked in a purposive brick oven heated up to 500 degrees! Following the traditions pizza is also eaten with hands.

Fried Pumpkin Blossoms

Fiori di zucca is a dish that will definitely grab your attention if you’ve never heard of it. It is made with pumpkin blossoms – breaded or filled with a mixture of ricotta, parmesan, and basil. The blossoms are picked early in the morning and then put in water until it’s time to cook them. This delicious starter is a staple on the Italian table at the beginning of summer.

Pasta

According to some sources, pasta was first brought to Italy by Marco Polo after his trip to China. But facts actually reveal that lasagna was prepared on the peninsula centuries earlier. It’s more likely that pasta is a heritage from the Arabs. Italians used to dry pasta to preserve it and eat it in the winter or during lean times. Presently pasta is offered in a variety of unconventional combinations. Pasta with strawberries (pasta alle fragole) might sound like a dessert, but it’s actually a main dish.

Risotto

Risotto is a rice dish typical in the north of Italy. The signature creamy texture of the dish is due to the starch from the rice that is released with continuous stirring. This is why it is traditionally made with short-grain rice such as Arborio, Carnaroli, or Vialone Nano, which is higher in starch. There are multiple recipes for every taste such as risotto with garlic and parmesan, mushrooms, asparagus, red bell peppers, or butternut squash.

Pandoro

Pandoro is a savoury cake usually prepared for Christmas or Easter. Its name translates to English as “golden bread” because of the colour it gets from yolks. The shape of the dessert and the traditional sprinkling with powdered sugar reminds of a snowy mountain hill. Pandoro is also frequently topped with mascarpone or melted chocolate and a variety of fruits, raisins, and seeds.

Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a beloved Italian dessert whose origins are unclear. The delicious combination of ladyfingers, mascarpone, coffee, marsala wine, and bitter cocoa has charmed many chefs, sophisticated connoisseurs, and ordinary gourmands. The name means “pick me up” is due to the high energy value. Legend has it that during the Renaissance naughty Venetians used to eat tiramisu after dinner to get their wild night guaranteed.

Gelato

Gelato is definitely not a regular ice-cream from the freezer. The Italian version has a thicker texture, less fat, and is not deeply frozen. Coming across a gelateria offering over 100 flavours is not unusual. Sadly, you might have to limit to 2 or 3 favourite choices.

Cantuccini

Cantuccini are delicious biscotti from Tuscany. They are very crunchy thanks to the use of whole almonds and the double baking. Cantuccini are generally served with wine, but they go perfectly with coffee and tea as well. These biscotti are lasting food and that’s why the practical Italian housewives like to bake a lot of them at once. The salty version of cantuccini was an invariable part of the diet of the Roman soldier. It was not before the 16^th century in the Medici court that the sweet version got popular.

Macedonia

Photo by Didriks on Flickr

Macedonia is not an Eastern European country, it’s a fruit salad. What’s common between these two is that the country is home to many nationalities and the dessert is made of various fruits. Traditionally, the seasonal fruits are flavoured with sugar and white wine or lemon juice. The salad is served cold sometimes with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream.

Italian cuisine

Italian cuisine is extremely diverse. It cannot be exhausted even with any cookbook. But good dishes were not meant to be discussed as much as they were meant to be enjoyed! 

If you are going to a particular region in Italy, look through this guide to know what to eat while you’re there.

“You may have the universe if I may have Italy.” is a wonderful quote by the great Giusepe Verdi. There’s such a large variety of gorgeous views, historical monuments and delicious dishes on the Boot, that a man really does not need much more. Italy isn’t a very big country, but its riches are infinite. Fortunately, you don’t need to go all the way from Lombardy to Calabria to fall in love with this country. Even a simple tour of Tuscany can charm you for life. The multitude of small towns, landed on the top of a hill, is possibly the loveliest thing about this region. Get ready for a journey back in time because even reading about those places can take you to the Middle Ages.

San Gimignano, also known as “city of 100 towers” actually had just 72 during its zenith in the 14th century. Back then the town was growing substantially thanks to its strategic location on Via Francigena – the piligrimage road that leads from France to Rome. The towers were popping up one after another as the rich families in the town tried to prove their power by building the highest structure. The competition was fierce and soon enough the local government was forced to pass a law forbidding the building of any towers taller than its own – Torre Grossa. But some influential families accept this defeat. That is how the twin towers at Piazza delle Erbe were constructed – their combined height exceeds that any existing tower. Nowadays San Gimignano has only 14 towers left as the rest of them collapsed with time. But the town still has the fame of the “medieval Manhattan”.

The ice-cream at the renown Gelateria Dondoli are no less of an attraction. They are said to be the best in the world. This place is famous with the unique and untraditional flavor combinations such as: chaffrain and pine nuts, pink grapefruit and sparkling wine, Gorgonozola with walnuts, Ricotta with blueberries and spicy chocolate with sour cherry. Whether the ice-cream is the best or not – it’s a matter of taste. But the gelato is definitely worth-trying if you’d like to experiment with a few new flavours.

One thing is absolutely guaranteed – you will fall in love with this town. Go on top of any of the towers to get some spectacular views of San Gimignano and its surrounding area. If you’re still in the mood for something sweet, try pandforte – a dessert made with nuts and dried fruits. Having panforte is almost as traditional here as having a glass of wine!

Insiders tip: If you want to meet some locals and dig deep into the history and traditions of this region, head straight to Piazza Duomo in the late afternoon. Right opposite of the cathedral you may find a large group of some elderly men sitting down. They’re incredibly friendly and will welcome you even if you speak little or no Italian!

Monteriggioni is a fairytale-like town, founded by the Republic of Siena in a strategic location in order to stop the armies of Florence. The castle wall was built back in the 13th century and it borders an almost perfect oval shape. Surprisingly, its shape was not purpose-made, the building just follows the natural typography of the hill. There’s one other interesting coincidence – the towers of the town are 14, too!

Monteriggioni was subject to numerous attacks but its city walls withstood even the most ferocious of them. The town was believed to be impregnable for centuries. A popular legend tells the story of the greedy captain Giovano Zeti who betrayed the town in 1554. He let inside the city walls a group of Florentine soldiers to ambush the Sienese army. That is how Monteriggioni fell under the rule of Florence. Reportedly, the ghost of Zeti was seen on many occasions, wandering these lands in search for forgiveness.

Presently, the stone fortification of Monteriggioni is still intact. It looks as if the time has stopped here and it would take you just a little bit of imagination to go back into the Dark Ages. If you visit the town in the beginning of July during the annual Medieval festival, you will literally immerse yourself in that historical period. Farmers, craftsmen, traders, monks, calaviers stroll down the streets of Monteriggioni. The chaos of music, dances, duels and acrobatic performances, mixed with the flavour of medieval food is truly enchanting.

Travel through Tuscany is meant to be slow. Everything about this region is so astonishing that it’s only natural to stop and marvel. There are heaps of other towns that are worth a visit.  The gorgeous sunsets in Volterra and the superb Nutella ice-cream in Lucca are not to be missed. Besides, the views that you will enjoy travelling from one place to another are unforgettable.

I still remember the blue-purple shade of the hills shrouded in fog, the purple skies and the fiery sun at sunrise. The thrill that you get when a rabbit or a deer randomly crosses your path is unexplicable!

“You may have the universe if I may have Italy.” is a wonderful quote by the great Giusepe Verdi. There’s such a large variety of gorgeous views, historical monuments and delicious dishes on the Boot, that a man really does not need much more. Italy isn’t a very big country, but its riches are infinite. Fortunately, you don’t need to go all the way from Lombardy to Calabria to fall in love with this country. Even a simple tour of Tuscany can charm you for life. The multitude of small towns, landed on the top of a hill, is possibly the loveliest thing about this region. Get ready for a journey back in time because even reading about those places can take you to the Middle Ages.

San Gimignano, also known as “city of 100 towers” actually had just 72 during its zenith in the 14th century. Back then the town was growing substantially thanks to its strategic location on Via Francigena – the piligrimage road that leads from France to Rome. The towers were popping up one after another as the rich families in the town tried to prove their power by building the highest structure. The competition was fierce and soon enough the local government was forced to pass a law forbidding the building of any towers taller than its own – Torre Grossa. But some influential families accept this defeat. That is how the twin towers at Piazza delle Erbe were constructed – their combined height exceeds that any existing tower. Nowadays San Gimignano has only 14 towers left as the rest of them collapsed with time. But the town still has the fame of the “medieval Manhattan”.

The ice-cream at the renown Gelateria Dondoli are no less of an attraction. They are said to be the best in the world. This place is famous with the unique and untraditional flavor combinations such as: chaffrain and pine nuts, pink grapefruit and sparkling wine, Gorgonozola with walnuts, Ricotta with blueberries and spicy chocolate with sour cherry. Whether the ice-cream is the best or not – it’s a matter of taste. But the gelato is definitely worth-trying if you’d like to experiment with a few new flavours.

One thing is absolutely guaranteed – you will fall in love with this town. Go on top of any of the towers to get some spectacular views of San Gimignano and its surrounding area. If you’re still in the mood for something sweet, try pandforte – a dessert made with nuts and dried fruits. Having panforte is almost as traditional here as having a glass of wine!

Insiders tip: If you want to meet some locals and dig deep into the history and traditions of this region, head straight to Piazza Duomo in the late afternoon. Right opposite of the cathedral you may find a large group of some elderly men sitting down. They’re incredibly friendly and will welcome you even if you speak little or no Italian!

Monteriggioni is a fairytale-like town, founded by the Republic of Siena in a strategic location in order to stop the armies of Florence. The castle wall was built back in the 13th century and it borders an almost perfect oval shape. Surprisingly, its shape was not purpose-made, the building just follows the natural typography of the hill. There’s one other interesting coincidence – the towers of the town are 14, too!

Monteriggioni was subject to numerous attacks but its city walls withstood even the most ferocious of them. The town was believed to be impregnable for centuries. A popular legend tells the story of the greedy captain Giovano Zeti who betrayed the town in 1554. He let inside the city walls a group of Florentine soldiers to ambush the Sienese army. That is how Monteriggioni fell under the rule of Florence. Reportedly, the ghost of Zeti was seen on many occasions, wandering these lands in search for forgiveness.

Presently, the stone fortification of Monteriggioni is still intact. It looks as if the time has stopped here and it would take you just a little bit of imagination to go back into the Dark Ages. If you visit the town in the beginning of July during the annual Medieval festival, you will literally immerse yourself in that historical period. Farmers, craftsmen, traders, monks, calaviers stroll down the streets of Monteriggioni. The chaos of music, dances, duels and acrobatic performances, mixed with the flavour of medieval food is truly enchanting.

Travel through Tuscany is meant to be slow. Everything about this region is so astonishing that it’s only natural to stop and marvel. There are heaps of other towns that are worth a visit.  The gorgeous sunsets in Volterra and the superb Nutella ice-cream in Lucca are not to be missed. Besides, the views that you will enjoy travelling from one place to another are unforgettable.

I still remember the blue-purple shade of the hills shrouded in fog, the purple skies and the fiery sun at sunrise. The thrill that you get when a rabbit or a deer randomly crosses your path is unexplicable!

“You may have the universe if I may have Italy.” is a wonderful quote by the great Giusepe Verdi. There’s such a large variety of gorgeous views, historical monuments and delicious dishes on the Boot, that a man really does not need much more. Italy isn’t a very big country, but its riches are infinite. Fortunately, you don’t need to go all the way from Lombardy to Calabria to fall in love with this country. Even a simple tour of Tuscany can charm you for life. The multitude of small towns, landed on the top of a hill, is possibly the loveliest thing about this region. Get ready for a journey back in time because even reading about those places can take you to the Middle Ages.

San Gimignano, also known as “city of 100 towers” actually had just 72 during its zenith in the 14th century. Back then the town was growing substantially thanks to its strategic location on Via Francigena – the piligrimage road that leads from France to Rome. The towers were popping up one after another as the rich families in the town tried to prove their power by building the highest structure. The competition was fierce and soon enough the local government was forced to pass a law forbidding the building of any towers taller than its own – Torre Grossa. But some influential families accept this defeat. That is how the twin towers at Piazza delle Erbe were constructed – their combined height exceeds that any existing tower. Nowadays San Gimignano has only 14 towers left as the rest of them collapsed with time. But the town still has the fame of the “medieval Manhattan”.

The ice-cream at the renown Gelateria Dondoli are no less of an attraction. They are said to be the best in the world. This place is famous with the unique and untraditional flavor combinations such as: chaffrain and pine nuts, pink grapefruit and sparkling wine, Gorgonozola with walnuts, Ricotta with blueberries and spicy chocolate with sour cherry. Whether the ice-cream is the best or not – it’s a matter of taste. But the gelato is definitely worth-trying if you’d like to experiment with a few new flavours.

One thing is absolutely guaranteed – you will fall in love with this town. Go on top of any of the towers to get some spectacular views of San Gimignano and its surrounding area. If you’re still in the mood for something sweet, try pandforte – a dessert made with nuts and dried fruits. Having panforte is almost as traditional here as having a glass of wine!

Insiders tip: If you want to meet some locals and dig deep into the history and traditions of this region, head straight to Piazza Duomo in the late afternoon. Right opposite of the cathedral you may find a large group of some elderly men sitting down. They’re incredibly friendly and will welcome you even if you speak little or no Italian!

Monteriggioni is a fairytale-like town, founded by the Republic of Siena in a strategic location in order to stop the armies of Florence. The castle wall was built back in the 13th century and it borders an almost perfect oval shape. Surprisingly, its shape was not purpose-made, the building just follows the natural typography of the hill. There’s one other interesting coincidence – the towers of the town are 14, too!

Monteriggioni was subject to numerous attacks but its city walls withstood even the most ferocious of them. The town was believed to be impregnable for centuries. A popular legend tells the story of the greedy captain Giovano Zeti who betrayed the town in 1554. He let inside the city walls a group of Florentine soldiers to ambush the Sienese army. That is how Monteriggioni fell under the rule of Florence. Reportedly, the ghost of Zeti was seen on many occasions, wandering these lands in search for forgiveness.

Presently, the stone fortification of Monteriggioni is still intact. It looks as if the time has stopped here and it would take you just a little bit of imagination to go back into the Dark Ages. If you visit the town in the beginning of July during the annual Medieval festival, you will literally immerse yourself in that historical period. Farmers, craftsmen, traders, monks, calaviers stroll down the streets of Monteriggioni. The chaos of music, dances, duels and acrobatic performances, mixed with the flavour of medieval food is truly enchanting.

Travel through Tuscany is meant to be slow. Everything about this region is so astonishing that it’s only natural to stop and marvel. There are heaps of other towns that are worth a visit.  The gorgeous sunsets in Volterra and the superb Nutella ice-cream in Lucca are not to be missed. Besides, the views that you will enjoy travelling from one place to another are unforgettable.

I still remember the blue-purple shade of the hills shrouded in fog, the purple skies and the fiery sun at sunrise. The thrill that you get when a rabbit or a deer randomly crosses your path is unexplicable!

“You may have the universe if I may have Italy.” is a wonderful quote by the great Giusepe Verdi. There’s such a large variety of gorgeous views, historical monuments and delicious dishes on the Boot, that a man really does not need much more. Italy isn’t a very big country, but its riches are infinite. Fortunately, you don’t need to go all the way from Lombardy to Calabria to fall in love with this country. Even a simple tour of Tuscany can charm you for life. The multitude of small towns, landed on the top of a hill, is possibly the loveliest thing about this region. Get ready for a journey back in time because even reading about those places can take you to the Middle Ages.

San Gimignano, also known as “city of 100 towers” actually had just 72 during its zenith in the 14th century. Back then the town was growing substantially thanks to its strategic location on Via Francigena – the piligrimage road that leads from France to Rome. The towers were popping up one after another as the rich families in the town tried to prove their power by building the highest structure. The competition was fierce and soon enough the local government was forced to pass a law forbidding the building of any towers taller than its own – Torre Grossa. But some influential families accept this defeat. That is how the twin towers at Piazza delle Erbe were constructed – their combined height exceeds that any existing tower. Nowadays San Gimignano has only 14 towers left as the rest of them collapsed with time. But the town still has the fame of the “medieval Manhattan”.

The ice-cream at the renown Gelateria Dondoli are no less of an attraction. They are said to be the best in the world. This place is famous with the unique and untraditional flavor combinations such as: chaffrain and pine nuts, pink grapefruit and sparkling wine, Gorgonozola with walnuts, Ricotta with blueberries and spicy chocolate with sour cherry. Whether the ice-cream is the best or not – it’s a matter of taste. But the gelato is definitely worth-trying if you’d like to experiment with a few new flavours.

One thing is absolutely guaranteed – you will fall in love with this town. Go on top of any of the towers to get some spectacular views of San Gimignano and its surrounding area. If you’re still in the mood for something sweet, try pandforte – a dessert made with nuts and dried fruits. Having panforte is almost as traditional here as having a glass of wine!

Insiders tip: If you want to meet some locals and dig deep into the history and traditions of this region, head straight to Piazza Duomo in the late afternoon. Right opposite of the cathedral you may find a large group of some elderly men sitting down. They’re incredibly friendly and will welcome you even if you speak little or no Italian!

Monteriggioni is a fairytale-like town, founded by the Republic of Siena in a strategic location in order to stop the armies of Florence. The castle wall was built back in the 13th century and it borders an almost perfect oval shape. Surprisingly, its shape was not purpose-made, the building just follows the natural typography of the hill. There’s one other interesting coincidence – the towers of the town are 14, too!

Monteriggioni was subject to numerous attacks but its city walls withstood even the most ferocious of them. The town was believed to be impregnable for centuries. A popular legend tells the story of the greedy captain Giovano Zeti who betrayed the town in 1554. He let inside the city walls a group of Florentine soldiers to ambush the Sienese army. That is how Monteriggioni fell under the rule of Florence. Reportedly, the ghost of Zeti was seen on many occasions, wandering these lands in search for forgiveness.

Presently, the stone fortification of Monteriggioni is still intact. It looks as if the time has stopped here and it would take you just a little bit of imagination to go back into the Dark Ages. If you visit the town in the beginning of July during the annual Medieval festival, you will literally immerse yourself in that historical period. Farmers, craftsmen, traders, monks, calaviers stroll down the streets of Monteriggioni. The chaos of music, dances, duels and acrobatic performances, mixed with the flavour of medieval food is truly enchanting.

Travel through Tuscany is meant to be slow. Everything about this region is so astonishing that it’s only natural to stop and marvel. There are heaps of other towns that are worth a visit.  The gorgeous sunsets in Volterra and the superb Nutella ice-cream in Lucca are not to be missed. Besides, the views that you will enjoy travelling from one place to another are unforgettable.

I still remember the blue-purple shade of the hills shrouded in fog, the purple skies and the fiery sun at sunrise. The thrill that you get when a rabbit or a deer randomly crosses your path is unexplicable!

“You may have the universe if I may have Italy.” is a wonderful quote by the great Giusepe Verdi. There’s such a large variety of gorgeous views, historical monuments and delicious dishes on the Boot, that a man really does not need much more. Italy isn’t a very big country, but its riches are infinite. Fortunately, you don’t need to go all the way from Lombardy to Calabria to fall in love with this country. Even a simple tour of Tuscany can charm you for life. The multitude of small towns, landed on the top of a hill, is possibly the loveliest thing about this region. Get ready for a journey back in time because even reading about those places can take you to the Middle Ages.

San Gimignano, also known as “city of 100 towers” actually had just 72 during its zenith in the 14th century. Back then the town was growing substantially thanks to its strategic location on Via Francigena – the piligrimage road that leads from France to Rome. The towers were popping up one after another as the rich families in the town tried to prove their power by building the highest structure. The competition was fierce and soon enough the local government was forced to pass a law forbidding the building of any towers taller than its own – Torre Grossa. But some influential families accept this defeat. That is how the twin towers at Piazza delle Erbe were constructed – their combined height exceeds that any existing tower. Nowadays San Gimignano has only 14 towers left as the rest of them collapsed with time. But the town still has the fame of the “medieval Manhattan”.

The ice-cream at the renown Gelateria Dondoli are no less of an attraction. They are said to be the best in the world. This place is famous with the unique and untraditional flavor combinations such as: chaffrain and pine nuts, pink grapefruit and sparkling wine, Gorgonozola with walnuts, Ricotta with blueberries and spicy chocolate with sour cherry. Whether the ice-cream is the best or not – it’s a matter of taste. But the gelato is definitely worth-trying if you’d like to experiment with a few new flavours.

One thing is absolutely guaranteed – you will fall in love with this town. Go on top of any of the towers to get some spectacular views of San Gimignano and its surrounding area. If you’re still in the mood for something sweet, try pandforte – a dessert made with nuts and dried fruits. Having panforte is almost as traditional here as having a glass of wine!

Insiders tip: If you want to meet some locals and dig deep into the history and traditions of this region, head straight to Piazza Duomo in the late afternoon. Right opposite of the cathedral you may find a large group of some elderly men sitting down. They’re incredibly friendly and will welcome you even if you speak little or no Italian!

Monteriggioni is a fairytale-like town, founded by the Republic of Siena in a strategic location in order to stop the armies of Florence. The castle wall was built back in the 13th century and it borders an almost perfect oval shape. Surprisingly, its shape was not purpose-made, the building just follows the natural typography of the hill. There’s one other interesting coincidence – the towers of the town are 14, too!

Monteriggioni was subject to numerous attacks but its city walls withstood even the most ferocious of them. The town was believed to be impregnable for centuries. A popular legend tells the story of the greedy captain Giovano Zeti who betrayed the town in 1554. He let inside the city walls a group of Florentine soldiers to ambush the Sienese army. That is how Monteriggioni fell under the rule of Florence. Reportedly, the ghost of Zeti was seen on many occasions, wandering these lands in search for forgiveness.

Presently, the stone fortification of Monteriggioni is still intact. It looks as if the time has stopped here and it would take you just a little bit of imagination to go back into the Dark Ages. If you visit the town in the beginning of July during the annual Medieval festival, you will literally immerse yourself in that historical period. Farmers, craftsmen, traders, monks, calaviers stroll down the streets of Monteriggioni. The chaos of music, dances, duels and acrobatic performances, mixed with the flavour of medieval food is truly enchanting.

Travel through Tuscany is meant to be slow. Everything about this region is so astonishing that it’s only natural to stop and marvel. There are heaps of other towns that are worth a visit.  The gorgeous sunsets in Volterra and the superb Nutella ice-cream in Lucca are not to be missed. Besides, the views that you will enjoy travelling from one place to another are unforgettable.

I still remember the blue-purple shade of the hills shrouded in fog, the purple skies and the fiery sun at sunrise. The thrill that you get when a rabbit or a deer randomly crosses your path is unexplicable!