Buckingham Palace Guards

Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace is a daily occurrence at 11:30 am during the summer months. Thereafter, it takes place every other day for the rest of the year. This 45 minute ceremony of the Foot Guards involve seven separate regimens. Each having minor, but distinct differences. What you may not know about these guards is that they are not just “for show.“ They are serving soldiers that carry out their duties throughout the world. These guards are trained as some of the most elite of all the British Army. While planning your trip, check the schedule for this event.  As part of this event, visit The Guards Museum to learn about the history and different guard regimens. photo credit: roblisameehan

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official home of the queen of England. The state rooms are open to the public in August and September. During this time the Queen resides at one of her many country estates. You will see royal collections and lavish furniture. You may be offered site of the ballroom set for a state banquet or the Queen’s Gallery with original paintings by Rembrandt, Canaletto and Ruben.

Refreshments of drinks and ice cream are offered for purchase in the garden area. Well behaved children are allowed in the palace. However, strollers and baby buggies are not allowed. So if you have very small children go prepared to carry them or at the very least hold on to them. No cell phones in the palace, but they are permitted in the garden. photo credit: llamnudds

Tower of London

Tower of London is where the spectacular crown jewels have been housed since the 14^th century. When your tour the tower you will see the Cullinan I. This is the largest cut diamond in the world and sits atop the Queen’s scepter. While visiting you will see the Yeoman Warders or Beefeaters as they are sometimes called. They will be your tour guides, answering all your questions. Don’t be surprised by the ravens, they live there.

The tower was actually once a prison with executions held on the grounds which included two of Henry the VIII’s wives, Ann Boleyn and Catharine Howard. Lovely thought. Sir Walter Raleigh wrote “The History of the World” while he was a prisoner there. The tour will take between two and three hours. They are offered November through February, daily (except December 24, 25, 26 and January 1). photo credit: Rob Inh00d

Big Ben Clock Tower

Big Ben is as much a part of London as any of it’s other attractions. In 1857 the original bell cracked. The current 316 foot tower holds the clock and bell. It is thought to have been named after Sir Benjamin Hall. He was the first Commissioner of Works and known as “Big Ben” in the House of Commons. Big Ben is part of Westminster Palace. Tours can be arranged to climb the tower through members of parliament. photo credit: hashmil

Natural History Museum is a way of experiencing all of life (as we know it) through all the ages. The skeletons of dinosaurs and a blue whale will send a shiver down your back. It’s really hard to realize what “life size” means until you see it. Try out the exhibit “The Power Within” to feel what an earth quake would feel like.

Children of all ages will love the Gallery Characters. Historical actors wander the museum telling their story to guests. Sir Hans Sloan created chocolate. He will introduce himself and tell you his story of chocolate. Or, you may be greeted by Mary Anning who will tell you her story as fossil collector and paleontologist. She may very well tell you of her famous discovery of an ichthyosaur (a Mesozoic age reptile) at the age of 15. It is open daily throughout the year except for December 25 and 26. Entry is free except for special exhibits, wow.

The House of Parliament otherwise known as the Palace of Westminster

The House of Parliament (proper name is Palace of Westminster) was a former home to kings. It was originally built for “Edward the Confessor” in the eleventh century. The building is enormous with 1,200 rooms and 100 stairways. During parliament’s summer recess, the building is open for tours daily except Sundays and Bank Holidays. Your guide will give you a British constitution overview, which has been in existence since 1300. Portraits of monarchs grace the walls as well as two battles of the Napoleonic War.
photo credit: damo1977

Camden Market is one of London’s famous street markets. The shops and stalls with funky clothes and one-of-a-kind gifts draw 100,000 visitors each weekend. There are restaurants and even a hopping night life at the Camden pubs. You will need cash for this market, but don’t carry more than you plan on spending. Be wary, the pickpockets you read about in Charles Dickens books are still around. For fun, get your palm read.

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is a popular royal home. Princess Diana kept an apartment there from 1981 to 1997. You are likely to view the new exhibit, a timeline of Diana’s fashion and style. Princess Margaret lived at the palace until her death in 2002. Her private apartment can now be toured by the public. Queen Victoria was born at the palace. Her can visit her both her bedroom and the room where she was born. Rooms you may see include the King’s State Apartment, the Cupola Room, the King’s Drawing Room, the King’s Gallery, the Queens State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Dining Room and Queen Mary’s Gallery. Kensington Palace may be toured March through October and November through February (closed December 24-26).
photo credit: stevecadman

Millennium Wheel Ferris Wheel of London

London Eye or Millennium Wheel has become an icon of London. It is an observation wheel located on the banks of the River Thames that will give you a view of London like no other. The tallest Ferris wheel in the world has played the role of scenery to many popular movies and TV programs. It carries 32 air conditioned capsules, each holding 25 people. It takes 30 minutes to make a complete rotation and does not stop to take on passengers unless they are handicapped. It moves so slowly that those without disabilities can walk right on and off. It is visited by 10,000 people a day, on average. photo credit: horaceko

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Originally built as the main entrance for the 1889 World’s Fair, designer Gustav Eiffel could only get a 20-year permit for the structure. At the time, many thought it was an eyesore that clashed with traditional Paris architecture. By 1909 there were calls to tear it down. Yet the tower survived to become a symbol of Paris.

Eiffel approached the military in 1901 with a view to making the Tower into a long-distance radio antenna. In 1903 a radio connection was made with the military bases around Paris, and a permanent radio station was installed in the Tower in 1906, ensuring its continuing survival.

The Eiffel Tower is 1,050 feet high; it was the tallest structure in the world until 1930 when the Empire State Building took over that distinction. The tower is made from an exposed criss cross lattice work of iron beams weighing 7,000 tons. The lower platform rests on 4 legs that curve outward, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the tower.

The Tower has to be painted every seven years to protect the iron from deterioration. It has changed color several times before settling on the bronze shade of today.It takes 15 months, 50 tons of paint, 50 kilometers of security cords, 5 acres of protection netting, 1,500 brushes, 5,000 sanding disks, 1,500 sets of work clothes and 25 painters to paint the Tower from top to bottom.

The Eiffel Tower Lit Up at Night

The tower is open daily to visitors from 9 am to midnight, June 13 to August 31 and from 9 am to 11 pm January to June. Through April 3, 2009 it costs 12,00 € for adults and 6,70 € for children to take the elevator to all three levels of the tower. Group rates are also available. Be prepared for long lines. Mornings are probably the least busy time to visit.

At the base of the tower you’ll find ticket booths, souvenir shops and a snack bar. Be sure to look up before going in; it’s hard to grasp the scale of the structure until you are standing under it.

You can walk as far as the second level– it’s a workout with more than 700 stairs but it may help you bypass at least some of the queue. At every landing, there is a little placard detailing an event in Eiffel Tower history.

Once you’ve reached the upper platforms of the Tower, you can walk around and admire the view, with of Paris at your feet. You’ll find both an outer and an inner walkway to stroll. A 360-degree panoramic photo allows you to identify the city’s landmarks. You’ll find information displays and exhibits on each level detailing the history of the tower. Allow plenty of time during your visit to see them.

The Eiffel tower is even more impressive at night when it is illuminated. On summer nights, the Place du Trocadero is a great place to see the Eiffel Tower lit up. Another fantastic place to view the entire tower is from the top of the Montparnasse Tower. You can also take a cruise down the Seine and see the Eiffel Tower from the water.

If you’re looking for a lasting Parisian memory, try having lunch or dinner at the Jules Verne restaurant, located on the second level. The brainchild of renowned chef Alain Ducasse, the restaurant serves fine French cuisine. It’s an expensive restaurant: about $108 for lunch and $216 for dinner, without wine. Known for its romantic views over Paris, you will pay a lot for this meal, but you will also probably never forget it. The Jules Verne is served by a private elevator - you must have a reservation to go up.

Another restaurant, Altitude 95, is on the first level. Its prices are more down to earth as is the food and the atmosphere.

photo credit: peter.macdonald

photo credit: flickrusertest1t

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London is one of the most amazing cities in the world. It is a huge place which helps to set the tone for the rest of the world in terms of industries as diverse as finance and fashion. People in other countries frequently look to London to see what the trends are in many different aspects of modern life. As a result, it’s a place that is often visited by the world’s most forward-thinking travelers. Nevertheless, London is a city that has been established for some time, playing an important role in the history of the world. Because of this, even the most modern of travelers will frequently seek out London’s historic landmarks in an effort to gain a better understanding of what this important city is all about.

City of London

photo credit: slideshow bob
When we say “London”, we’re referring to the large urban area that successfully merges aspects of the region’s ancient history with a modern way of life. However, the actual City of London is a small geographic area (just one square mile in size) within the larger region based on the original medieval boundaries of the city. This part of London has been preserved in its historic form over time and is where many of the historic landmarks of the city can be found. It is by no means the only part of London where you can go to experience the region’s rich history, but it’s certainly a part of London that you don’t want to miss if you’re on the prowl for historic landmarks.

Here are some of the landmarks that you’ll want to visit within the City of London:

Tower of London

photo credit: rudolf_schuba
The reason that most visitors go to see this historic monument is because they want to get a look at the famous Crown Jewels which are housed here. However, this is more than just a safe for that treasure. Over the years, the Tower of London has been the royal palace, a prison and place of execution, a fortress for the city, a records office, The Royal Mint, an observatory and even a zoo. Talk about contributing to the history of the city! official website

St. Paul’s Cathedral

photo credit: Chang’r’s

photo credit: cornfed1975
Dating back to the seventeenth century, this building is important to both the religious and architectural history of London. It is the seat of the Bishop of London and is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in the City of London. official website

Natwest Tower

photo credit: salimfadhley
This is one of the most modern historic attractions in the City of London but it serves as an important piece of the city’s history. Built in the 1970’s, it was the first skyscraper in the UK and remains the tallest building in the City of London. Today, the City of London is used primarily as a financial and government hub. (Consider the fact that only 10,000 people live here but nearly 350,000 work here.) This skyscraper reflects this important shift in the role of the City of London from an ancient site to its role as the center of the modern city today.

Finsbury Circus

photo credit: judepics
This is oldest public park in the City of London and a place where you should go to enjoy a more nature-based side of the city. You can see lawn bowling here or walk through the gardens.

The London Wall

This was a physical wall which originally set the boundaries of the city. Those boundaries have changed slightly over time and the wall is no longer erected to mark these barriers. However, there are still some parts of the old wall remaining for visitors to see. Check near the Tower of London, the Museum of London and St. Alphage to view the pieces of wall which are still standing today.

Historic Landmarks Outside the City of London

photo credit: Gaetan Lee
Although many of the wonderful sites that there are to see in London are located in the City of London, there are also a lot of other things to see in the surrounding area. Here are some of the historic landmarks that you’ll want to include on your itinerary for the days that you venture outside of the old city.

Covent Garden

photo credit: mistress_f
London visitors make their way to this attraction because they want to see the street performers and other entertainment available here. They also want to do some shopping and dining in the area. However, it’s not a modern mall area; this historic landmark dates back to the Roman Times and has been a public park area since the twelfth century. While you’re here, check out the Royal Opera House.official website

Kensington Palace and Gardens

photo credit: MHJohnston
This is the home to the Royal Family and is a favorite tourist attraction for all of those people who loved Princess Diana. It was built early in the seventeenth century and has a rich history filled with the lives of London’s monarchs. official website

Kew Gardens

photo credit: .Martin.
Home to the Royal Botanical Gardens originally built in the eighteenth century, this is a popular place to go to relax amidst nature and get a nice view of the River Thames. Check out the Great Pagoda built in 1762, the Palm House Museum built in 1857 and the Marianne North Gallery constructed in 1880. official website

Leicester Square

photo credit: randz
This public square draws in tourists with its gardens and entertainment options. Built in the early seventeenth century, it is the site of several interesting statues such as those of Shakespeare and Sir Isaac Newton.

Oxford Street

photo credit: kamshots
Today this road is a major shopping district in London but it’s one that is rich with history. It was built along a route that was used as a road by the ancient Romans. It became a popular spot at the end of the eighteenth century because of the vast amount of entertainment that could be found there.

Piccadilly Circus

photo credit: Ian Wilson
This major shopping district has been an important part of the city since the beginning of the twentieth century. There are several historic theatres and memorials to be seen when you visit this area including the Criterion Theatre and the Shaftesbury Memorial.

Royal Albert Hall

photo credit: mateoutah
This building is one of London’s most famous performing arts venues and a location where many famous musical and performing artists have shown their talents. It was opened in the early nineteenth century by Queen Victoria.

Royal Mews

photo credit: Cap’n Jo
This is where the British Royal Family has its stables, on the grounds of Buckingham Palace. The existing stables were built early in the nineteenth century but the Royal Mews themselves date back about six hundred years prior to that.

Trafalgar Square

photo credit: bortescristian
Built in the beginning of the nineteenth century to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar, this place is best known today for its annual Christmas celebration. If you happen to be in London during the winter holidays, it’s a historic event not to be missed. You may want to go here during other times of the year as well to stand on the site which has been an important location for London’s political rallies and other historic events.

Windsor Castle

photo credit: bortescristian

photo credit: Derek Purdy

photo credit: bortescristian

photo credit: bortescristian
All historic castles are interesting to see but this one is especially important because of its distinction. It is not only the largest inhabited castle in the world but is also the oldest of continuous occupation. This is where the queen spends many of her days, in a building that dates back to the fourteenth century.

photo credit: bortescristian

photo credit: bortescristian

photo credit: RightIndex

photo credit: ktylerconk

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Beaches in Paris? Bien sur! The “City of Lights” may be located well away from the sea, but that doesn’t mean residents and visitors “in the know” can’t enjoy an afternoon at the beach.

Paris-Plage
Each summer from the last week in July to mid-August since 2002, the city of Paris closes the Georges Pompidou Expressway along the banks of the Seine River to all but pedestrian traffic. They bring in more than 2000 tons of fine white sand and turn the usually mundane street into a summer beach resort.

In addition to the sand, there are scores of elegant chaise lounges, potted palm trees, and misting fountains. Although you can’t swim in the Seine, there are floating pools moored along its banks with freshwater and life guards.

Other beach party amenities include a rock-climbing wall (actually part of the embankment along the river), cafes, and volleyball courts.

Look for Paris-Plage along the river from the Ile St. Louis to the Hotel de Ville. If you’re traveling by Metro, the Chatelet station is the nearest stop.

^{(photo © sebjarod/cc license)}

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Amsterdam is an amazing capital city in the Netherlands that people go to visit for a variety of different reasons. Many travelers go here to experience the permissive lifestyle of a city with a world-renowned Red Light District and a liberal stance on the use of recreational drugs. However, a majority of the people who travel to Amsterdam have other more educational plans in mind. They want to directly experience the rich history that this place holds. A beautiful destination, Amsterdam is also a place where many important things in Europe’s history are remembered in landmarks, historic sites and museums.

The museums of Amsterdam are the place where you can really get an education about this history. Often housed in historic buildings, these museums give you an insight into the foundation of what Amsterdam is all about. Of course, it’s not only history museums that you’re going to find here in the Netherlands. You’ll also find a selection of other museums, such as art museums, that can add an additional dimension to your understanding and experience of Amsterdam.

Here is the list of Amsterdam museums that you’ll want to make sure you check out as you explore this impressive destination:

Museum Square

If you don’t have a whole lot of time to be spending making your way around the city in search of museums then you’ll want to head directly to this part of Amsterdam. Four major museums are located right in this one area which means that it gives you a great overview of the basic museum experience in the city. This is also an important area for events and includes different attractions such as an ice skating rink so it’s an ideal destination for the museum-going tourist with a variety of interests. These are the four museums that you’ll find at Museum Square:

• Rijksmuseum. This is an outstanding general history museum which provides insight into Amsterdam’s past as well as into the history of the rest of the world. Crafts and art are on display from different time periods in order to offer visitors a chance to see the work that was being done at different points in history in different parts of the world. The Asian Art collection of the museum is particularly notable but there are many different collections here which reveal a multi-faceted global history to the visitor who takes the time to explore this Amsterdam museum. There is also an art history research library housed here which is said to be the largest in the world of its kind.

Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam Flickr.
• Van Gogh Museum. Anyone who has any interest at all in Vincent Van Gogh will want to make sure to make a stop at this Amsterdam Art Museum which houses the biggest collection of his work in the entire world. It is set up in such a way that it is possible to learn the history of Van Gogh’s life simply by viewing the collection.
• Stedilijk Museum. Amsterdam is well known for the history of art that has been created there but it’s also no stranger to modern art. This is the most popular and reputable modern art museum in the city and is a favorite of people who are interested in art as well as people simply interested in learning about the modern movements taking place in their vacation destination. Be aware that this museum has actually been temporarily relocated away from the Museum Square

but it’s not too far away from that area and will be returning to Museum Square in the future. Contact the museum in advance for specific information about the location and hours where you can view the city’s most astounding modern art.

• Diamond Museum. If diamonds are a girl’s best friend then this is a girl’s favorite destination at Museum Square because it’s the home to an awe-inspiring display of diamond jewelry. This may sound like something that’s just for the fashionista but it’s actually an interesting museum that may appeal to all different types of people because of the way that it uses this jewelry collection to reveal insights into the history of the world. Diamonds have been a part of various cultures for a long time and this museum offers an extensive look at the role that they have played.

Other Amsterdam Museums

People who have more time to spend on visiting the museums of Amsterdam will find that there is also a great selection of museums scattered about the city that can provide a terrific supplemental experience to the one found at Museum Square. Here are some of the museums that should be seen:

Amsterdam Historisch Museum. Flickr.

• Amsterdams Historisch Museum. This is the single most important Amsterdam museum to visit if your primary purpose for museum-going is to learn about the history of the city. Amsterdam is certainly a city with a rich history worth learning about and a trip here can provide you with a great overview of what that’s all about. The exhibits here feature all different types of items that will really show you what life was like in Amsterdam at different points in time. The history revealed here dates back to the Middle Ages and includes even the most recent past so you’ll certainly get an education in Amsterdam by spending a day here.
• Joods Historisch Museum. A very important aspect of the history of Amsterdam is the history of the Jewish people who have made up such an important segment of the community here. This museum is dedicated to exploring and explaining

this history so that visitors can have a better grasp of the importance that it holds. The museum has a collection of over 11,000 artifacts relating to this history and it only has 5% of them on display at any one time so this is a place you can visit again and again and yet you’ll always learn something new.

• Anne Frank House. You can learn a lot about Jewish history from the JoodsHistorisch Museum but you’ll really get some emotional insight into that history when you visit the house where Anne Frank hid from the Nazis and wrote her famous diary. Reading the story about this girl’s life isn’t nearly so moving as actually visiting the museum in the home.
• Rembrandt House Museum. There have been many painters who lived and worked in Amsterdam over the years and there are many museums which represent their work. The Van Gogh Museum in Museum Square may be the most well known but many people also make it a point to visit the Rembrandt Museum to explore the life and work of this well-known artist.
• Tropenmuseum. This is one of the largest museums in Amsterdam and one that many visitors make sure to put on their itinerary when coming to visit the city. It is an anthropological museum which is known worldwide as one of the leading museums that explores the history of non-Western cultures. It also has modern art that brings this history up-to-date and into life for those people who want to gain a better understanding the world as it was in the past as well as of how the world is today.

Amsterdam is an interesting place, whether or not you go to visit its museums. However, an exploration of the past and present through the lens of museum exhibits can give you insight into the city in a way that visiting the other attractions isn’t going to provide. You should consider adding these types of destinations to the plans for your trip in order to come away from the vacation with a real sense of what Amsterdam is all about.

photo credit: Pear Biter

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A person who is interested in the history of art can best explore that history by going to the major cities which have been important to art movements over time. There is arguably no better city in the world to experience that type of travel than the city of Rome. There are numerous art museums and art galleries located in Rome where visitors can go to gain a thorough understanding of the history of art. Some of these are galleries that are designed to showcase the work of international artists. Others are galleries that are committed to showing off the skills of Italian artists that have thrived in the area in the past. And many are places that are worth visiting purely because the architecture of the gallery itself is of historic interest.

Anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of art – or a better understanding of Rome – will want to visit at least a few of the following art galleries in Rome:

• Borghese Gallery and Museum. There are two major reasons that people go to visit this historic art gallery. The first is because they want to see the astounding works of art that are housed in this gallery. The second is because the gardens where the gallery is located are impressive in and of themselves and make for a terrific photographic destination even for those members of a group that are not terrifically interested in gallery-going. The gallery itself will appeal specifically to those people who are interested in the art that was created between the fifteenth and eighteen centuries. Exhibitions include works from some of Italy’s most famous artists from this time period. These exhibitions are comprised of both permanent and temporary displays of paintings and sculptures. Although this gallery is well known, it is small and is a place that you can easily visit without it requiring a full day to see the collection.
• Doria Pamphilj Gallery. This gallery is located on the palace grounds of the same name which are still owned by the royal family. However, the gallery is open to the public so that visitors can see some of the amazing art works that are stored here. This collection of art is believed to be the largest private art collection in Rome to date. It began with works acquired by the royal family in the sixteenth century and has continued to be added to since that time by the various family members who have come along. Tapestries, portraits, paintings and sculptures all contribute to create this art collection. They are contained within four main painting galleries, a family chapel and several other small spaces.

Borghese Gallery and Museum. Flickr.<.a>

• Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica. This is considered to be one of the most interesting art galleries in Rome because of the fact that it is located not just on one site but on two separate historic sites. One site is a historic palace (Palazzo Corsini) that dates back to the fifteenth century although it was renovated about three hundred years later. The other site is another historic palace (Palazzo Barberini) which holds some of the most important historic art works of the collection that is spread across the two sites of the gallery. The two most significant artists who have work featured at this gallery are Raphael and Caravaggio; however, there are numerous other recognizable names here.
• Galleria Nazionale di San Luca. This art gallery is affiliated with a famous historic Academy of Art which has trained some of the world’s most well-known artists. The school was launched in the fifteenth century and had a rule that every student should donate one work of art to create the art gallery here. That tradition continued and created a collection of impressive array. The works of art here span the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries and show off a range of different styles and approaches to creativity.
• National Gallery of Modern Art. Many people go to a city and seek out its modern art museum in order to get the brief history of what the city’s creative side is all about. Those people are probably going to want to check out this art gallery in Rome which has Italian art from people working in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. There are also some limited collections by well-known artists such as Van Gogh, Rodin, Degas and Monet. The architecture of the gallery itself is worth noticing as you visit this place.
• Palazzo Colonna Art Gallery. The Palazzo Colonna is a historic palace which dates back to the thirteen century and which has been of importance to the area since that time. The art gallery here (named after the palace) includes works of art from some of the most famous artists from Italy. More importantly, there are gorgeous ceiling frescoes here that are of great interest to people visiting Italy who rarely get the chance to see this type of artwork first hand. The works of art here come from the seventeenth and eighteen centuries.
• Palazzo Spada. Another historic palace that is now home to an art gallery is the Palazzo Spada. There are four separate galleries here which contain various works of art from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The number and style of different art works here is not vast in comparison to some of the other art galleries in Rome. However, the manner in which they are hung is interesting. Back in the seventeenth century, art galleries used to hang all of their paintings in a frame-to-frame style. That style has been preserved here to give a true historic air to this art gallery. Historic sculptures adorn the palace and provide an additional look at the overarching art history of Rome.
• Salvatore Savoca Gallery. There is more than just art history to see in the galleries of Rome. Of course, that’s primarily what you are going to want to check out when you’re visiting the area. But there continue to be people creating art in the region today and they are worth taking a look at if you’re interested in art. This is one gallery where you can see truly modern works of art coming out of Rome.
• Villa Farnese Collection. Villa Farnese is located just outside of Rome in a place called Viterbo. People interested in checking out a more intimate, less tourist-driven art gallery will find that this is a good place to visit. It is a place in which there are paintings to see but where the real value of the gallery lies in the construction of the building itself. From lavish historic staircases to the impeccable Renaissance details of the design, every single aspect of this palace was created with art in mind. There are more than a dozen rooms here which are decorated with Italian frescoes that simply have to be seen first-hand by a visitor that is interested in truly grasping the details of art history in Rome.

There are going to be many different things for you to see when you visit Rome. You’ll want to see Rome’s historic landmarks and some of the modern points of interest in Rome. However, you shouldn’t neglect to explore at least a few of Rome’s amazing art galleries. Through a first-hand experience of the art history of Rome, you will leave the country with a greater understanding of what has motivated and inspired the people who live there over time.

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Rome, the capital city of Italy, is a cosmopolitan travel destination that is adored by people throughout Europe and around the world. It has some of the world’s best restaurants, some of the most luxurious five star hotels and some of the most interesting new buildings that you’ll find throughout Italy. However, there remains an aura of ancient ambiance in the air here. Rome is built upon hundreds of years of history; you can see it in the city’s architecture and you can feel it in the city’s mood. Rome has moved into modern times but it has taken with it the memories that have made it an outstanding city to live in and visit throughout time.

In order to really understand Rome, you need to look beyond the surface exterior of its modern dress to the history where its heart really beats. And, of course, the best way to do that is to make sure to see as many of the wonderful historic landmarks that this city contains as is humanly possible during your stay. Here are some of the major historic landmarks (and a few of the minor ones) that you will want to make sure you make your way to if you want to really get to know Italy’s capital.

Historic landmarks from Ancient Rome

A panoramic view of Rome. Flickr

Many of the historic landmarks that are important in Rome date back to the time when Rome ruled the world, when the gladiators walked the Earth there and the emperors ran the show. Some of the historic landmarks from this time period are:

• Colosseum. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, this is the setting where the gladiators took the stage and engaged in their battles for the spectators of ancient Rome to see. What remains of the amphitheater today stands as an awe-inspiring monument to the astounding architectural skills of the ancient Romans. Travelers come from around the world to see this place in hopes of gaining insight into the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.
• Trajan’s Market. Ancient Rome was not all about fighting and building astounding amphitheaters. It was also a place where people lived out their normal, everyday lives. One of the major aspects of the every day life is shopping; the ancient Romans had to get themselves to the market each day just like anyone else. This set of ruins has preserved what the market looked like when these people were doing their shopping way back in the second century when it was built. It provides an interesting and intimate look at the lives of the people who populated the Roman Empire.

The Pantheon. Flickr

• Pantheon. The name of this building literally translates to “Temple of All the Gods” which sums up the original reason that this ancient landmark was built. What’s interesting is that this place has played different roles throughout the history of Rome, serving as a place of worship in its early days and then as a place of entombment for famous artists during the Renaissance period of Rome. Today it is a church where visitors can go to experience a modern religious ceremony that has hints of the past lingering amidst it. It is also a major tourist attraction for those people interested in the architectural history of the city.
• Appian Way. This historic road was built for the Roman army to travel back in the 4th century BC and played an important role in allowing Rome to remain under control over the years. There are several specific sites to see along the route including the Temple of Hercules, the gate of the Aurelian walls and multiple mausoleums.
• Castel Sant’Angelo. Speaking of mausoleums, there are some great historic ones in Rome including this one which is The Mausoleum of Hadrian. It has served as a castle, a fortress and a museum over the years and continues to draw visitors today not only because of its history but also because of the amazing beauty that it reveals.

Historic Landmarks from Renaissance Rome

Another highly important period in the history of Rome was the Renaissance which ran from the 14th-17th centuries. Some of the world’s greatest works of art came out of Italy during this time period and some of the buildings created then still stand as impressive landmarks today.

Trevi Fountain in the late evening. Flickr

• Palazzo Farnese. Once called ‘the most imposing Italian palace of the sixteenth century”, this building represents the beautiful architecture that was displayed throughout Renaissance Rome. There are several museums and exhibitions in the palace today so you can learn about the history of the area including viewing ancient Roma weapons and checking out Renaissance-era paintings that hang in the palace today.
• Santa Maria della Pace. This is one of the best examples of a church that stands from the Renaissance era. The exterior reveals the architecture that was important during this era (and which was added to throughout the Renaissance as styles changed and became more elaborate). The interior reveals paintings from several well-known artists of the Renaissance.
• Trevi Fountain. There are numerous old fountains dotting the cityscape of Rome but this one is of particular interest because of its massive size. It was built in the seventeenth century, neglected over the years and then restored to its original glory at the end of the twentieth century.

Historic Landmarks in Vatican City

Vatican City is its own walled-off city within the boundaries of Rome which most travelers make it a point to visit. In addition to the general religious history of the Vatican, there are several important historic Rome landmarks that people may see here.

• St. Peter’s Basilica. If you’re going to visit historic landmarks in Vatican City then you probably have at least a moderate interested in the religious history of Rome. This is considered to be one of the holiest churches in the world, the place where St. Peter was said to be buried, and it is a place that many people come to visit each day to show their faith and experience some of the city’s past. Be aware that a dress code is imposed upon those interested in entering the church and remember to act appropriately!
• St. Peter’s Square. Make sure to also stop at the plaza located just outside of the basilica. There are several historic sites to see here including the Vatican Obelisk, an obelisk brought from ancient Egypt to Rome and which stands there today to commemorate the past of both countries.

The Sistine Chapel. Flickr

• Sistine Chapel. Anyone with an interest in art history (and even the average person who just wants to be wowed) will want to stop at the Apostolic Palace to see the Sistine Chapel. With the ceiling painted by Michaelangelo, it is one of the most well-known works of art in Rome to this day.

A trip through Historic Rome

A trip to Rome is not complete if you fail to focus on the history of the area. Despite its modernity, this city is founded on a rich history that must be explored and understood if you are truly to make sense of Rome as a visitor in the area today. You can plan your trip around a specific time period in the history of Rome (such as medieval Rome or Renaissance Rome). You can plan your trip around a certain aspect of Roman history (such as the religious history of Rome or the art history of Rome). Or you can simply select a smattering of the most famous Rome landmarks. Just make sure not to miss out on this aspect of your trip.

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Historic Landmarks in Rome

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You could spend a month in the Louvre and not even scratch the surface of the museum’s collection of 35,000 works of art. Most of us don’t have the time for that, so here’s how to get the most from your visit without getting overstimulated.

Buy a museum pass
With the museum pass, there’s no admission charge, no waiting in lines and no limit to the number of times you can visit more than 70 museums and monuments in Paris and the surrounding area. Consider making two shorter visits to the museum, say a couple of hours on day one and an hour or so on day two. The pass will allow you to split up your visits without paying twice.

Choose your time wisely
The museum is closed on Tuesdays and on the following holidays: January 1, May 1, November 11 and December 25. Wednesdays and Fridays the Louvre is open from 9 am to 10 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays and from 9 am to 6 pm every other day. Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month. Veterans of the experience suggest going first thing in the morning, and avoiding the free Sunday if you don’t want to spend a long time in a queue.

Read about the collections and decide what you want to visit before going
You can’t see it all in one day. So familiarize yourself with what’s there and set priorities.

You may want to concentrate, for example on the museum’s collection of paintings or its Egyptian collection.

The Louvre departments include Near Eastern antiquities; Egyptian antiquities; Greek and Roman antiquities; sculpture from the Middle Ages to modern times; furniture and objets d’art; and paintings representing all the European schools. A section of the museum is devoted to Islamic art.

Venus de Milo

Famous ancient works of art in the Louvre include a statuette of the Sumerian ruler Gudea, a stele bearing Hammurabi’s code, an Egyptian painted stone statue of a scribe sitting cross-legged, the Venus de Milo, and the Victory of Samothrace. Among outstanding later works are two marble Slaves by Michelangelo, the treasure of the abbey of St. Denis, and the French crown diamonds. Important paintings include the Pietà of Avignon, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Veronese’s immense Wedding at Cana and Watteau’s Embarkation for Cythera.

One way to explore the museum is a thematic trail. These self-guided tours are about an hour and a half long and arranged by themes such as the Da Vinci code. On your first visit, you might want to explore the Masterpiece of the Louvre, which will take you past the museum’s most famous works like Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Hardier souls may want to take the three hour tour of the history of the Louvre. Fortress, palace and now museum, the Louvre has been sitting on the right bank of Paris in some form or other for the last 800 years, during which successive rulers added their own touches to the former royal residence. The tour takes you from the 13th Century fortress of Philippe Auguste to the pyramid of IM Pei. Print out copies of your chosen tour to take with you if you’re going this route.

Study the museum’s interactive floor plans
Then download and print a map of the museum before you go.

Devote part of your visit to the gardens
The Tuileries, the largest and oldest public park in Paris, became part of the museum in 2005. When the Louvre was a royal palace they were an integral part of the structure. There are statues, formal plantings and sculpture throughout. In addition, there’s a merry go round and play areas for the kids as well as snack bars, cafes and a bookstore.

Tuileries gardens
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Visiting the Louvre

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Parthenon temple from ancient Greece. credit: Panoramas

Athens is the capital city of Greece, a Mediterranean country which has much to offer the visitor from anywhere around the globe. There is history to be learned about here through trips to the landmarks that have been preserved in the area over the centuries. There is natural beauty to experience in the landscape surrounding the major city. And there is modern activity including entertainment, dining and shopping that can be enjoyed throughout the city. The smart traveler will want to make sure to create an Athens itinerary that includes the best of both historic and modern attractions in the area as well as the best of urban and natural activities. This will provide a complete view of what Athens is like and really give you something to remember even after you’ve returned home.

Where to stay: There are many different types of accommodations to choose from. Here are some of the top places that you might choose to stay at during a trip to the area.

• Cecil Hotel. There is a part of Athens called Old Athens where you can immerse yourself in historic charm. If this appeals to you then you might want to stay in this well-known hotel in that area of the city.
• Adams Hotel. Although it says hotel in the name, this is basically a bed-and-breakfast. It’s a family run place where you can essentially live with a modern Greek family who will pamper you in proper style. This one is great for honeymooners in Athens.
• Grand Bretagne Hotel. If you’re looking to spend your time in a five-star luxury hotel that still manages to have historic charm, this is the one for you.

credit: Rosino

Historic Athens: You will want to make sure that you take the time to seek out several of the different historic landmarks that are available for you to see in Athens. This is a city which has been the center of much history and that should be honored and explored while you are visiting Greece.

• Acropolis. This historic location is probably the most famous landmark in Athens and tops the lists for famous historic landmarks all throughout the world. The Parthenon is the major building that you’ll want to see here. It was built in the BC era to honor the goddess Athena.
• Ancient Agora. This is an archaeological park that was the market center of Athens at the turn of the twentieth century. It is home to numerous historic buildings and landmarks sites.
• Hadrian’s Arch. People who go to Athens often make sure to check out this impressive marble city gate.
• Parliament Building. Most of the historic landmarks that you will see in Athens are really ancient, dating back to the days of the Greek gods. Here’s one that’s not quite so old and represents the political history of the area in the nineteenth century.
• Temple of Olympian Zeus. If you don’t know anything at all about Greece, you know that the basics of Greek mythology including the ancient worship of the God Zeus. Come see what that was all about at this historic landmark that is over 1500 years old.
• Theatre of Dionysos. Back in the BC era, the people of Greece were known for their hedonistic enjoyment of life. This included the Dionysian Festival which was basically a big celebration of merriment. It took place here in an area that is preserved for visitors to enjoy today.

credit: andymiah

Modern Athens: In addition to the historic attractions in the area, there are some modern attractions that you’ll want to see in Athens.

• 2004 Summer Olympics. Athens was home to the summer Olympics in 2004 and that caused the city to make a big push into modern attractions. Many venues were constructed specifically for the event and much of the area’s public transportation and public spaces were modernized. The Athens Olympic Sports Complex is the main building to see if this part of the city’s recent history interests you but there are many other venues that participated in the event as well.
• Constitution Square. This is basically the city square where you can find modern life happening in Athens today.
• National Archaeological Museum. This is an attraction that’s modern but it reveals the history of the area. It is considered one of the top museums in the world so you’ll want to check it out if at all possible during your stay in Athens.
• Night tour. Athens is known for having a beautiful city view at night when all of the buildings in the urban area are lit up. Consider booking a local tour to see the area during the evening hours.
• The Plaka. This is actually a historic neighborhood around the Acropolis but it is considered a modern part of Athens because it’s such a tourist-oriented area. It is here where you will go to pick up your Greece keychains and other cheesy souvenirs.

credit: Pro-Zak

Natural Athens: In addition to the attractions and historic landmarks that you will be seeing during your stay in Athens, you are going to want to try to see some of the natural beauty surrounding the area as well. Here are some top spot for walking, hiking and checking out the views:

• Beaches of the Aegean Sea. Enjoy the warm water Mediterranean beaches of this area while you are in Athens. You can also go sailing here.
• Lycabettus Hill. This is a wooded area that you can climb (or cable car) to the top of in order to get a view of the entire city of Athens.
• Mount Parnitha. This forested mountain range is home to a national park where you can enjoy numerous outdoor activities and the scenic beauty of Greece. There are trails for hiking and biking at all different skill levels.

Where to eat: Whether you’re jaunting through the historic landmarks or visiting the urban areas of Athens, you’re going to get hungry during your trek through the city. Make sure that you enjoy some of the best restaurants in the area while you are there.

• Balthazar. If you want to go celebrity hunting at one of the finest restaurants in Athens, this is the place. You’d better have packed your black tie.
• Puerta de Espana. This place combines Spanish and Greek flavors to create unique dishes that you probably can’t find anywhere else in the world.
• Ideal. This is a hip, historic restaurant where people go to get the Greek equivalent of “comfort food”. If you want to be fed a home-cooked Greek meal, this is your place.
• Tavernas. That isn’t the name of a restaurant, it’s a word referring to a certain kind of restaurant and it’s a restaurant that you should try once during your stay. It’s essentially the Greek equivalent of a tapas bar; it’s open late and has small-plate meals for you to enjoy. It’s a great way to try a lot of Greek cuisine without spending a fortune.

Greece is a beautiful country offering a lot to experience. Book the right accommodations, find some great restaurants and make your way through the modern and historic attractions throughout the city. Take lots of pictures!

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Visiting Athens

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