Day In Piazza Campo dei Fiori

Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2012

The Piazza Campo dei Fiori is definitely not to be missed while visiting Rome, Italy. It’s a charming little fruit and vegetable market located right in the center of Rome, in a square that bars the same name. The market has been in business since 1869, and is one of many open markets in Rome. It’s well-known for its extremely fresh, extremely colorful produce, meats, fish, and very fragrant fresh and dried spices.

A friend of mine had been to Rome a few times, and she told me that every time she went, she made sure to take a trip to Campo dei Fiori. She raved about how wonderful the little market was, and how delectable the foods were, so I knew that I’d have to check it out for myself. The piazza was relatively easy to find, as it wasn’t too far from the Pantheon. I went early in the morning, which I found out was a good idea as the market closes down at 3pm. The square was alive and buzzing with people—locals picking up ingredients for that night’s meal, tourists flitting about from stall to stall sampling goods, and farmers and growers showing off their produce and wares. The smells filling the air were quite appetizing, as the scents of ripe fruits mingled with the aromas of greens and spices. I didn’t know where to start!

I decided to start at a stall that had tables filled with gorgeous berries: strawberries of a vibrant red, deep-blue blueberries, shiny blackberries, and plump white currants that resembled pearls. The strawberries had such a delicate and sweet flavor, and they were barely tart at all. They were nothing like that Florida and California berries we’re used to in America! And the blueberries were so good, they were almost like candy. Oh, and don’t get me started on the grapes! I always knew that Italy would probably have the best grapes around, and they certainly do. They were everything they were supposed to be, sweet and tart at the same time, along with a crisp, clean flavor. There were many other delightful fruits, including bananas, passion fruit, the sweetest peaches, pineapples, countless kinds of melon, and the deepest red of grapefruits you’ve ever seen.

Gelato Like No Other from San Gimignano

Posted on Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Portofino Italy

Posted on Thursday, December 08, 2011

One of the most beautifuk ports on the Italian Riviera. Portofino has hosted both real and Hollywood royalty. Not only did the Edward VII and Wallis Simpson choose this idyllic spot for their honeymoon, Richard Burton once proposed to Elizabeth Taylor here. For a spectacular bird's-eye view of the harbor, visit the Castello Brown Museum.

Lipari Island Italy

Posted on Thursday, November 24, 2011

Lipari is the largest of the seven major islands making up the Aeolian Islands. They were originally named after Aeolus, the mythical god of wind who the ancients believed made his home in a cave here. Recently renamed the Lipari Islands, they were created by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago and have a primitive rocky beauty accented by Mediterranean greenery. Their natural beauty and easy lifestyle have made the islands increasingly popular for those who wish to escape the modern world and its stresses. The crystal clear aqua-blue waters and the volcanic beaches are some of the most inviting in Italy. Many are inaccessible except by fishermen's boats. An abundance of fish and shell fish makes for some very good restaurants specializing in seafood.

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A Visit to San Gimignano Italy

Posted on Saturday, October 22, 2011

Surrounded by the rolling hills of Tuscany filled with vineyards, cypress trees, and fields of sunflowers, San Gimignano is a surprising mixture of ancient history and architecture, with a touch of contemporary life and art.  You can easily spot San Gimignano as you approach by the remaining 14 towers that vary in height.  The town is so unique, that in 1990 UNESCO named it as a World Heritage site.  What is great about visiting the medieval town of San Gimignano, is that you explore it by just walking and taking it all in.  As you walk through the gates, you feel like you step back several centuries.

Palazzo del Popolo
The Palazzo del Popolo (People’s Palace) dates back to the 13the century and serves as the seat of civic power in San Gimignano. At street level, is a courtyard built in 1323 AD which displays the coats of arms of past elected city officials and the ground floor of this remarkable piece of architecture is home to the main civic offices of the local town council. The upper floors of the People’s Palace are home to the Civic Museum and the Picture Gallery, with works of art dating as far back to the 13th century. Adjacent to the Palazzo del Popolo is the Torre Grossa” (great tower) built in 1300 AD.

Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Doumo form the center of the town.
The tallest remaining tower can be found here standing at 177 ft. high, called the Torre Grossa.  You can climb to the top for amazing views of the countryside.  The Duomo (Collegiate Church) one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Tuscany, is rich with original and valuable art by some of the most famous artists in the history of the country. The altars, chapels, frescoes, statuary, and commissioned paintings tell the tales of centuries of history and give the church an atmosphere of a renowned and important museum.

Church of St. Agostino
The Church of St. Agostino is the property of the Order of Saint Augustine. Built in the 13th century, the church is the second largest church in San Gimignano. Inside walls of the church and the altar are filled with 13th and 14th century frescoes that tell the story of the Life of St. Augustine. The Cappella di San Bartolo is the final resting place of the eponymous saint (1228–1300).

You can also visit the Archeological Museum, the Spezieria dello Grada Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the Ornithologoical Museum, are home to ancient artifacts and works of art that reflect momentous events of the town from the Hellenistic period (200 to 300 BC), to 1348 when the Black Death Plague killed most of the population, and through the 15th century into modern times. 

You will also find several cafes, restaurants, shops and gelateries.  The local wine is called Vernaccia di San Gimignano.  Wild game and Boar salami and sausage is found in most markets. As a matter of fact they use boar in several items including cream. The area is known of pecorino cheese. You can also buy Tuscan olive oil, Grappa from nearby Chianti, honey, pasta, Tuscan cookies and Saffron. 

Make time to walk to the Rocca where you will have panoramic views of the countryside. 

Several Italy tours offer a visit to San Gimignano as an optional while you are in Florence since it is only about an hour drive each way.