Tag Archives: Art

The Via Aurelia, from Rome to Pisa

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Civitavecchia The Via Aurelia, from Rome to Pisa

Pirgo by Night. CC Image by Daniele Liberati (Flickr).

By ALEIX GWILLIAM

Rome provides a great starting point for various day trips that take you to places with a lot of history as well as offering a beautiful landscape. One drive is to follow the old Via Aurelia, the road from Rome to Pisa, built in the year 241 BC. The road goes along the Italian West Coast, a beautiful 200 mile trip, and today, the Italian motorway SS1 uses the same route. The Via Aurelia is an excellent choice for a day out during your stay in Rome apartments.

The road leaves from the Western part of the city, not far from The Vatican. After 18 miles you come across the town of Cerveteri, which was one of the most important Mediterranean commercial centres for over 200 years, from the 7th to the 5th centuries BC. Cerveteri was an Etruscan village, and although it’s not by the sea today, it used to be at the time. In Museo Nazionale di Cerveteri you can see all sorts of Etruscan remains and treasures that were taken from the Banditaccia Necropoli. The necropolis is laid out as a village with Etruscan huts and tombs.

Past the port of Civitavecchia, where you can get ferries to Spain, Sardinia, Corsica and France, you will find Tarquinia, another famous Etruscan centre, which holds one of the best archeological museums in Italy. The town is alleged to have been founded in the 12th century BC, and it also holds a necropolis. After Tarquinia, the road goes a bit inland and you can enjoy the change of scenery before it returns to the coast at the town of Orbetello.

The combination of Italian countryside and sea with villages on cliffs and tempting beaches makes the road a real joy to drive. If hunger kicks in, you can drive a few miles up the road to the town of Grosseto. Ideal for lunch to sample delicious Tuscan cuisine and try the typical schiaccia, an oven-baked bread with herbs. In Grosseto you can also visit its famous Medicean Walls, its 13th century cathedral or its many beautiful palaces.

After lunch, the beautiful drive up to Pisa goes past beaches such as Follonica and quiet towns like Castagneto Carducci, perfect for an afternoon’s coffee in the shadow of its cobbled piazzas. Less than an hour up the road you get to Pisa and its famous tower.

Consider renting apartments in Rome before your trip, then get behind the wheel and enjoy the western coast of Italy.

Aleix Gwilliam is a 24-year-old from Barcelona who looks English but thinks like a Catalan. He enjoys travelling, especially on old Czech trains, and trying to start conversations in Hungarian with people at Pecs station, even though his Hungarian is as good as his Bulgarian, in other words, not very good. He’s a trier.

El Carme: The Heartbeat of Valencia

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Valencia panorama El Carme: The Heartbeat of Valencia

View from Torres de Quart. CC Image by Xavier (Flickr).

By ALEIX GWILLIAM

It’s inevitable for people who travel to Spain to look at the cities of Barcelona and Madrid as their main destinations, especially if it’s the first time in the country for them. However, a city a few hours south of Barcelona is becoming one of the most vibrant destinations for people who want to enjoy the beauty of Spain and the warmth of the Mediterranean Sea without the hassle of huge cities. Valencia is the perfect place to go if you want to mix the past and the present with a gastronomy that words don’t do justice.

The city has begun to host more and more international events every year, such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix or the America’s Cup. The fast modernization of Valencia, though, has not influenced the charm of its old town one single bit. The neighbourhood of El Carme is where the old town comes to life. The barrio combines historical monuments and museums with a vibrant nightlife, making it the place to be if you want to party in the city. And here, there are plenty of Valencia apartments to stay in.

However, before night falls, you’ll have plenty of time to visit some of the city’s most famous monuments in this part of town. Here, you can find the famous Torres de Quart, a medieval gate with two high towers that used to protect the city back in the 15th century. A short distance away, in the old northern entrance to the city, are the Torres de Serrans, a similar construction of the 14th century of equal impressiveness. Also in the neighbourhood there’s the famous IVAM, the Valencian Institute of Modern Arts, which hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions of local, national and international artists. It only deals with 20th and 21st century art and it’s a must for all fans of this cultural field.

If you fancy some shopping, El Carme has plenty of small trendy shops where you can buy vintage clothes and accessories as well as original gifts to take back home with you.

El Carme El Carme: The Heartbeat of Valencia

Prenent Café. CC Image by Rafa Sanchis Albelda.

Once the cultural aspect of the tour is done, it’s time to sit down and enjoy some of Valencia’s excellent food. Of course, the paella is the star of the show, but don’t be fooled by tourist traps that sell it because it will most likely be pre-heated. Any place that advertises paella is to be avoided. However, any rice dish is good.

For dessert or an afternoon snack, try orxata amb fartons. Orxata is a milky drink and the fartons are spongy sweets with glazed sugar, which are to be dipped in the orxata. If you fancy a drink, head to the popular Bar Negrito, on Plaça del Negret, where you can enjoy a drink on its famous and popular terrace watching life go by. Then head back to your accommodation in Valencia and get ready for Valencia’s vibrant nightlife. El Carme has many options of bars and clubs but the best place to go will of course be found out by hearsay, the best possible traveller’s guide.

Consider renting apartments in Valencia, visit El Carme, and be thrilled by everything the place has to offer.

Aleix Gwilliam is a 24-year-old from Barcelona who looks English but thinks like a Catalan. He enjoys travelling, especially on old Czech trains, and trying to start conversations in Hungarian with people at Pecs station, even though his Hungarian is as good as his Bulgarian, in other words, not very good. He’s a trier.

The Rodin Museum: A Tranquil Site in Paris

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Rodin Museum The Rodin Museum: A Tranquil Site in Paris

The Musée Rodin and its gardens.

By ALEIX GWILLIAM

We’re not discovering the wheel when we say that Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. An also well known fact is that Paris is one of the biggest cities in Europe, and it can get a bit hectic. When we go and stay in Paris apartments we may have a list of museums to visit, like the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, but seeing such a dense artistic offer can tire us from being on our feet and then walking out onto busy streets. If we need a break to relax but we don’t want to waste precious time in the City of Light, there’s a sometimes overlooked place that can give us the respite we so badly need.

The Musée Rodin is located in the district of Saint-Germain-des-Près, at Hôtel Biron, an old 18th century hotel on the crossroads of rue de Varennes and Boulevard des Invalides. The beautiful site is the home to some of the most valuable sculptures in the history of art, those thought out by Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), as well as works by his mistress Camille Claudel (1864–1943). The great thing about this museum is that not all works are exhibited indoors; many sculptures are placed in the green gardens, perfect for a walk to admire the art whilst relaxing from the city. The gardens and the museum are both of equal beauty; they compliment each other to perfection.

Le Penseur The Rodin Museum: A Tranquil Site in Paris

Le Penseur (The Thinker).

Auguste Rodin is considered the father of modern sculpture. He created human figures in clay, which weren’t of a decorative nature, like most of those at the time, but themes from mythology and allegory, causing a huge controversy in the art scene of Paris. However, thanks to the sculptures exhibited in the 1900 Universal Exhibition, Rodin became a world-famous artist and his legacy has lived on until today.

The location of the hotel-museum is also unique, as it’s surrounded by tranquil gardens with trees, rose gardens, ponds, greenery and birds singing as a soundtrack. This is an oasis in the middle of the city and an ideal place to go with your partner for a romantic stroll.

When you rent apartments in Paris, visit this beautiful spot of art, culture and relaxation.

For more information on tickets, timetables and how to get there, see the official website of the Musée Rodin: http://www.musee-rodin.fr/

Aleix Gwilliam is a 24-year-old from Barcelona who looks English but thinks like a Catalan. He enjoys travelling, especially on old Czech trains, and trying to start conversations in Hungarian with people at Pecs station, even though his Hungarian is as good as his Bulgarian, in other words, not very good. He’s a trier.

Photo: 1, 2

Open Air Cinema in Berlin Premieres in May

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Kreuzberg Open Air Cinema in Berlin Premieres in May

Freiluftkino in Kreuzberg.

By ALEIX GWILLIAM

Open air cinema is something that’s been going on for a long time in major cities. We can all picture that typical American scenario of the drive-in cinema, where people watch a film in a parking lot sitting in their car, sometimes watching the film, sometimes trying to woo the girl or boy they’re with. However, in Europe it’s more common with open air cinemas where people can sit on chairs with something to eat or drink during the film.

Berlin is no stranger to open air cinema, what they call the Freiluftkino, and the city has not only one but six of them. No matter where our Berlin apartments are located, we’ll have one within walking distance. They usually put on excellent films, and although they will screen the films in their original language, the films have subtitles in English.

The oldest and one of the most popular open air cinemas in Berlin is located on Marianenplatz gardens in Kreuzberg. The spot offers the broadest programme of films this spring and summer, and opens with the Spanish film ‘También la lluvia’ (‘Even the rain’) on May 4th.

Friedrichshain Open Air Cinema in Berlin Premieres in May

Freiluftkino Friedrichshain.

Another popular choice is Friedrichshain Freiluftkino, which is one of the most beautiful open air cinemas as it’s located in Volkspark Friedrichshain. There’s a small grassy hill to sit on if you prefer to watch from a distance and not from one of the tables by the screen. And here you’re allowed to bring your own food and drink (it’s a park after all!). A perfect evening entertainment in one of Berlin’s coolest areas.

One of the biggest open air cinemas, which can accommodate up to 1,500 people, is the Rehberge Freiluftkino, located in Volkspark Rehberge, right next to Tegel Airport. Here you can see more alternative and independent films, as well as cartoons (ideal if travel with children). The cinema employees and some attendants can dress up in the theme of the film, so feel free to join in.

The smaller Dahlem Museen Freiluftkino also screens cult and independent films. Why not see a film after visiting the famous museum? During the summer months, there’s also one near Potsdamer Platz and another one, with food stalls, at Volkspark Hasenheide, where you can watch a mixture of cult films and Hollywood blockbusters.

An open air cinema night is a terrific idea for our stay in apartments in Berlin this spring, whether we’re with friends, family or our partner. Why not enjoy the beauty of a park in the city during the afternoon and round it off with Freiluftkino, one of the best activities Berlin has to offer.

For more information: www.freiluftkino-berlin.de/

Aleix Gwilliam is a 24-year-old from Barcelona who looks English but thinks like a Catalan. He enjoys travelling, especially on old Czech trains, and trying to start conversations in Hungarian with people at Pecs station, even though his Hungarian is as good as his Bulgarian, in other words, not very good. He’s a trier.

Photo: 1, 2

A Visit to the Uffizi Gallery

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corinthian pillar A Visit to the Uffizi GalleryBy ROBERTA LEONI

The Uffizi Gallery is located in Florence, Italy. It was commissioned to be built by Cosimo I de Medici in 1560. The architect, Giorgio Vasari, began construction on what was to be the offices of the Magistrates for Florence. This is how the Uffizi (offices) got its name. When Vasari passed away the work was continued by Bernardo Buontalenti and Alfonso Parigi. Following the designs which Vasari had made the building was completed in 1581.

The Medici family had an extensive collection of artwork they either collected or had commissioned by some of the leading artists of the time. Such great masterpieces needed to be displayed. The Uffizi was the perfect place to do this. The works were put on display and anyone who wanted to view them simply needed to ask for a personal showing. The Uffizi Gallery opened its doors to the public in 1765. This makes it one of the oldest museums in the world.

Built in a U shape, the Uffizi Gallery is open at one end to overlook the Arno River. The entire building is a work of art on its own accord. The ceilings are painted with impressive art work as you walk in the main corridor. You will also find many sculptures and statues to hold your interest.

There are works of art by some of the best artisans in Florence. Great painters like Michelangelo and Raphaello Santi have works displayed in the Uffizi Gallery. The museum is also home to collections from Botticelli and Tizian Flora.

You can spend three hours in the Uffizi and not see everything. The collection is massive. There are over 700 self portraits of the artists. Most of them were presented to the gallery by the artist, themselves. A few even made the trip to do so in person.

You will be able to see the wonderful Birth of Venus by Botticelli. Also in the gallery are works by Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio. There are 45 rooms on the second and third floors which comprise of the Uffizi Gallery. Each room is set to chronologically show style of painting throughout the ages. Although you may want to view every one of the beautiful pieces of artwork, there are more than just paintings. The Uffizi Gallery also has statues, tapestries, and an entire room devoted to miniatures.

If you want to gain entrance into the Uffizi Gallery, you can stand in line for a ticket. This line can move very slowly during the busy season. Typically, in July or so, the waiting can take hours. There is a way to avoid the queue. You can make reservations for a tour. There is a small fee of 3€ to place the reservation. When you show up at your appointed time, there is no wait. You just go to the second door and pay your entrance fee to begin your tour. It is well worth the added fee to know you will be able to view the exquisite masterpieces which are on display in the Uffizi Gallery.

Roberta Leoni writes articles for http://www.allflorence.com, a useful resource to find cheap apartments in Florence and 1&2 star hotels in Florence. Roberta is a tourist guide and specialises in the Uffizi Gallery history.