Poveglia

Located between Venice and Lido is a tiny island called Poveglia. When traveling about Venice, you can take a water taxi to any of the local islands, with one exception. Poveglia is off limits to tourists. Its history is seeped in tragedy and dislocated spirits. During the three occasions when the plague ran rampant through Europe, the island became a death place and a place of burial for those who were either dead from the disease, or suspected of carrying it. People would be dragged forth from their homes and carried to the island where they would be left to rot. Bodies that had already died from the plague would be burned or buried in deep pits.

Over 160,000 people are said to have died here. In 1922, a psychiatric hospital was built to house those suffering from various illnesses. The mental patients began reporting that they could see the dead plague victims roaming about the hospital. The doctor of the hospital began to perform cruel experiments on his patients in order to figure out the meaning behind their visions. He would conduct lobotomies with chisels and hammers. Hacksaws and restraints still liter the crematorium. At some point the doctor himself went mad after beginning to see visions of his own. He reportedly flung himself from the bell tower. The remaining patients of the hospital took his body and sealed it inside the tower. People who pass by the area at night report hearing agonizing screams and cries. Fisherman won't fish near here because it isn't unusual to dredge up old body remnants. The “dirt” surrounding the island is claimed to be nothing more than the residual ashes of the many deceased.

The Coliseum

Scattered throughout Italy are arenas where gladiators fought ruthlessly for their lives. But none hold the wonder and awe that the Coliseum holds. It is the largest arena that housed those awaiting their fates. Thousands lost their lives here either as gladiators, or as persecuted individuals who held strongly to their religious beliefs. Animals lost their lives here as well. Many animals became extinct because of the Romans bloodlust. People who visit here often experience cold spots. Some have experienced the sensation of being pushed. Strange whisperings and crying can be heard throughout the Coliseum. The clanging of swords and the eerie discombobulated sounds of animals can be heard. Apparitions of ghostly spectators can occasionally be seen sitting amongst the seats, perhaps still waiting for a good match. Even A Roman guard has been spotted, still standing guard.

Cappuccini Catacomb of Palermo

Nothing says creepy like a bunch of dead bodies positioned in various positions and all in different forms of decomposition. It's as if they haven't realized they're deceased. Some are suspended on the walls with hooks. Some even look as if they're about to jump to life. It is a place that gives you an uneasy feeling, as if you're being watched. Some of the bodies span back hundreds of years. The most recent is a child, Rosalia Lombardo, who died in 1920. She's encased in a glass coffin, and looks like a living doll. Supposedly the corpses on the wall have been said to change their position. People have heard whistling and whisperings throughout the catacombs. If anything, it is a place you want to walk around with someone else, and it's easy to get lost. I suppose this is why the place easily freaks out some people. But if you're ever in Sicily, it's a definite must see.

Piazza Statuto

Located in Turin is the Piazza Statuto. Many criminals and innocent people were executed here during Roman times. The original piazza was outside the city walls. Since there were no cemeteries, bodies of the dead and executed were thrown over the walls. Underground the piazza lays a series of tunnels. It is said that the gates of hell exist in these tunnels. Located at the piazza is a monument that was dedicated to workers killed while building the Frejus rail tunnel linking Italy to France. Some believe that the top figure of the monument is Lucifer himself. At the bottom of the monument is a manhole cover with the words “The Gates of Hell” on it. Apparently Turin is home to many satanical worshippers, some who have supposedly practiced the dark arts, which have included human sacrifices. Some people who live here don't think twice about the rumors of dark magic. Others say they feel out of place, or that their spirits are heavy. Some even feel a sense of foreboding.

Ca'Dario

In Venice lies a house that looks as if it's about to fall into the canal. When traversing the canal in a gondola, there's no way you can miss it. The house is known locally by all as being the house of no return. It was originally built in the 15th century. Over the centuries it has seen its share of death and tragedy, and no one to date wants to buy it. It is said that the curse of the house began soon after its construction. Death has claimed the lives of 13 successive owners. Talk about an unlucky number. People who have lived here have either died from murder or suicide. Many have inquired about purchasing the house, but none have taken the offer for fear of the accursed dwelling.

Popular Italian Rosso (Red)

• Chianti
• Barolo
• Lambrusco
• Bardolino
• Valpolicella

Popular Italian Bianco (White)

• Soave (A Veneto Favorite)
• Pinot Grigio
• Gavi
• Friulano (also known as Tocai)
• Prosecco
• Asti

Indigenous to the flair of rich cuisine, simply said… wine is delicious. Blends of inky plum, wild mushrooms, hints of lavender, earthy cedar, and rustic fruitful perfumes yields an international market that's world-renowned. But if your knowledge is lacking the essential wine-enthusiast ammunition, the process of selecting grape varietals can be a little bit tricky. This is perfectly normal, so no worries. In fact, The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry acknowledges more than 350 of Italy's grape varieties, beside some 500 already in circulation... proving a very broad appeal.

With a surplus of luscious reds and whites to choose from, even the masters of literary genius had to create the book, Italian Wine for Dummies. Like many, who are not experts at grapevine growing, trying to decipher various wine regions while hyper analyzing supermarket shelves, can be somewhat overwhelming. That's why surefire way to determine your favorite flavor is to cleanse the palate with a glass of Prosecco and entice your senses with a taste of this country's finest vineyards.

Okay, I know what you're thinking. While some maintain an austere tasting-status, and we've all seen them with their pinkie fingers in the air… any wine-lover meandering through the countryside of Veneto, understandably recognizes why it's one of the most visited regions of Italy to date. From the chime of church bells echoing through the piazzas to the warmth of painted sunsets… the clichés of Italy arouse an ongoing celebration where the spirits of Venice never run dry. So, if you plan on vacationing in Venice or other regions of the country, be sure to check out cellartours.com and italyandwine.net/venice-tour.htm for wonderful information on luxury and semi-private wine tours of Italy. But remember, you don't have to be in Italy to experience the adventures or misadventures of a winery, just visit allamericanwineries.com to locate one in your area.

Bestselling author and celebrity chef, Maria Liberati, is hosting a weeklong Mediterranean culinary food and wine cruise in November 2008, so now is the perfect time to start planning that European getaway. Visit localwineevents.com/Veneto-Wine/event-190127.html for additional culinary cruise details.

It's a fun way to mingle and an inexpensive and delicious way to have a meal. With options ranging from tiny salami sandwiches to toasted polenta, it's tough to choose what to have, but all the options are bite-sized, making it easy to have a little taste of everything. Think deep-fired mozzarella, Try deep-fried mozzarella cheese, artichoke hearts, olives, and prosciutto with melon. Anything, in short, that can be eaten with a toothpick.

But how to do cicchetti?

When in Venice…

When in Venice, do as the Venetians do, of course. A giro d'ombra (giro means stroll and ombra literally translates to shade) is a Venetian version of the pub crawl. The name reflects a time long since passed, when a portable wine bar would move through St. Mark's Square, so as always to hide in the shadow of the Campanile bell tower.

There is no more wine cart on St. Mark's, but the ombra, which is slang for a glass of wine, lives on, and can be found in baccari in back streets throughout the floating city, and with wine comes cicchetti. When seeking out baccari the trick is to get lost, and this is not tough in Venice. Simply wander away from St. Mark's and into the maze of residential back streets, where plenty of baccari are waiting, complete with counters full of bite-sized savories and wines by the glass written on chalkboards.

Though ordering a whole plate is an option, the true Venetian way is a slow sampling. Sip wine, or, to be truly authentic, start with an aperitivo (a before-dinner drink), like a Bellini or a Prosecco and work your way through the toothpicked noshes, starting with a little of this and moving on to that (and that and that…), and finally ending with a fragolino, the local sweet wine, which typically comes with a small biscotti for dipping. Since the bars aren't open very late, get an early start (by 6:00 pm) which will allow access to the best cicchetti.

Interestingly, some of the earliest accounts of Venice's original population have historians claiming she belonged to Roman refugees during a time of Indo-European (Germanic) storming. Throughout a vast timeline of events, this ancient city's renaissance has transformed since its devastating decline in the 15th century, when it lost a standing authority on international commerce. However, even through continued disparages of hostile environments and warfare, Venice became a graceful haven of resources that branched the influence of both literature and masterful artistry. This shifting time of revolution is referred to as Settecento, an Italian word meaning seven hundred, though better known as the 18th century. 

Remaining a picturesque destination for travelers, the essence of Venice is shared with Italy's breathless rendition of literature, tradition, fashion, and artistic eminence. Nearly every aspect of such divine Italian culture balances the scales between the likes of Dante, Marco Polo, Giacoma Casanova, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Leonardo da Vinci. Even some of the world's most renowned stories derive from Italian folklore. Similarly are the celebrated accounts of Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas on the eve of Christ's birth, one of the most renowned and relatable chronicles is the storytelling of La Befana. Immortalized as an elderly woman or "good witch" who not only leaves holiday gifts and goodies… but who may also sweep the floors of hopefuls who have been good throughout the year.

Arriving on Epiphany Eve of January 6th, La Befana enters homes through the chimney and bestows gifts to the children of the Italy, while bad boys and girls receive mere lumps of coal. As with any fairytale, the presence of such magical characters should be felt and never seen. And with several religious theories, the fable remains that if one peeks at La Befana… consequently, she'll thump you on the head with her mighty broomstick. But no matter the legendary history, Venice continues to be an enchanting city to marvel. With awe-inspiring cathedrals and churches, the Piazza San Marco, sidewalk cafés, opera houses, Palazzo Grassi on the Grand Canal, markets, and delectable restaurants … the extent of such extraordinary beauty will be capturing the hearts of many for years to come.

Bestselling author and celebrity chef, Maria Liberati, is hosting a weeklong Mediterranean culinary food and wine cruise in November 2008, so now is the perfect time to start planning that European getaway. But before cruising into the Venetian sunset, be sure to visit http://www.marialiberati.com for more information, and get your copy of the bestselling book, The Basic Art of Italian Cooking, by Maria Liberati.

Visit http://www.localwineevents.com/Veneto-Wine/event-190127.html for additional culinary cruise details.

This colorful steep-sided gorge is a sight to behold. Carved out by the Colorado river in Arizona, it is 277 miles long and varies between 4 and 18 miles wide. Best seen by helicopter.

2. Golden Temple

This temple is the most important shrine of Sikhism and is beautiful to see. It is located in Amritsar in India.

3. Taj Mahal

This mausoleum, located in Agra India, is the finest example of Mughal Architecture.

4. Machu Picchu

Often referred to as the "Lost city of the Incas", this amazing Inca site sits 7970 feet above sea level in Peru. If you want to trek there you need to be fit! There are easier ways to see it though.

5. The Pyramids

These are amongst the largest structures ever built. They are the most famous symbol of Ancient Egyptian civilization.

6. Venice

Situated in the North of Italy, Venice consists of 117 small islands and is often known as the "City of Water". Take a Gondola and bathe in the romance of it all.

7. Great Wall of China

This amazing 4000 mile-long wall was built and rebuilt between the 5th century BC and the 16th century to protect the Northern borders of the Chinese empire.

8. Paris

The city of love and romance. If you haven't been, go now!

9. Rio De Janeiro

The second city of Brazil is set in a spectacular natural setting and is famed for its dancing and its carnival.

10. Salisbury

Ok, this city in Southern England won't feature on many lists, but I live there, and it is a wonderful place to visit! The Cathedral has the highest spire in England.

Sometime during the 1 st century AD a community of people took refuge from the aggressive barbarian hordes on mainland Italy, seeking safety on the muddy islands of a lagoon, which were to become the City and State of Venice.

These inhospitable islands developed richly over the next few centuries into the romantic, ethereal city of Venice we know today. In spite of the unlikely start, Venice became a powerful nation, and the most prosperous in Europe by the end of the 13 th century. She commanded a mighty navy and her influence was felt across the known world. The city traded exotically and vibrantly with the East and this strongly affected all aspects of the culture, most evident today in the architecture.

Your Visit to Venice

A first visit to Venice can be daunting and some have described it as a "cultural onslaught". There is literally too much beauty and history, so you need to take it slowly in order to capture the special mood of Venice. In fact, a great devotee of this magical city once said that, if possible, you should not attempt to enter any museum, art galley or church on your first, even your second, visit - to allow the senses to prepare for and adjust to the sensational treasure that is Venice.

But this is not practical for most of us, so here are some suggestions to help make your first trip to Venice unforgettable.

Top Tips for Visiting Venice

Take some time to choose a guide book you find easy to navigate. Sometimes its difficult to read up on an unfamiliar destination before you go there, so watching movies set in Venice, or reading novels, poetry, and non-fiction about the city will help you.

Buy a notebook and jot down ideas for your visit that might spring from your reading.

Learn a few basic words of Italian if you don't speak the language. "Good morning", "good evening", "please" and "thank-you" are a good start.

The city has no motorised transport whatsoever: no cars, no trucks, no scooters or motorbikes. To get around you must walk, or take some form of water transport. Enjoy the tranquillity, and the sound of footsteps and lapping water. A comfortable pair of walking shoes is essential.

Travel in mid-season to avoid the heat of summer and the tourist hordes. Take wet weather gear, including umbrella and especially waterproof shoes if you decide on a winter trip.

Marco Polo airport is the most conveniently situated airport for Venice. Take the vaporetto - the public water taxi - from here to St Mark's Square, and enjoy your first view of the magnificent, palace-lined Grand Canal.

Try and stay in a quiet area away from the main tourist attractions in the centre. This will give you a chance to identify and experience Venice's peaceful beauty.

Ask for a map at your hotel and mark the hotel on the map. Then put the map in your pocket and just walk. Yes, you will get lost, among the over 100 islands separated by some 150 canals and joined by about 400 bridges, but not permanently!.

For your evening meal, take advice from the hotel. Ask where the local Venetians eat, and avoid the tourist areas. You will get a better meal at a better price.

Take time to enjoy an evening drink on St Mark's Square, either before or after dinner. Choose the Caffe Florian or the Gran Caffe Quadri, both of which have small orchestras. Relax and observe. This is not a cheap outing, but how often do you get a chance in life to drink an aperatif in "The Drawing Room of Europe" (a description attributed to Napoleon)?

Read your guidebook properly when you get home, and use your notebook to record all your special experiences, plus ideas for your next visit.

Top Sights for your First Visit

Rialto Bridge: Landmark bridge and its and surrounding market

Ca d'Oro: Charming palace on the Grand Canal

Gondola Ride: At sunset, with a bottle of champagne

Clock tower on St Marks Square: See the bronze "moors" strike the hour

St Mark's Basilica: opulently decorated with gold mosaics

Greek Horses: Well over 1000 years old

Accademia: Art museum representing Venetian artists up to the 18 th century

Doges' Palace: Gothic residence of Venice's one time leaders, the Doges.

Buon Viaggio! Have a great first trip to Venice

Its location has also made it the site of numerous conflicts throughout history, dating back as early as Roman times. More recently, Friuli Venezia Giulia was host to World War One's most significant episodes. It is an area that was also immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in his beloved classic, A Farewell to Arms. Hemingway, who based this work on his own experiences as a soldier during the First World War, would never forget the horrific events he saw on the battlefields of Northern Italy. The names of Schio, Fossalta, and the Piave River were forever etched in his mind. Nor have the people of Friuli Venezia Giulia forgotten about the blood that was shed on their land more than 90 years ago. Visitors to the region can now pay homage to the soldiers of the First World War at the Great War theme park, an open-air museum in Monfalcone, the War Memorial at Redipuglia, where the remains of 10,000 soldiers are laid to rest, and the Museum of the Great War in Gorizia.

Coupled with the experience of seeing the stirring reminders of the war that was to end all wars, the cuisine of Friuli Venezia Giulia is equally rich an experience. The cuisine of the region has been equated to being as varied as the landscapes, extremely rich and diverse. It comes from the joining of the three culinary traditions that have shaped and influenced the region the most: the Austrian, the Venetian, and the Slav. Some of the delectable dishes from the regional capital of Trieste are jota, a soup made of beans, potatoes, and white cabbage; goulash; and presnitz or cuguluf, a ring-shaped pastry of Viennese origin. From Gorizia, a small town at the foot of the Alps, comes such dishes as potato gnocchi with plums, drizzled with melted butter, cinnamon and a little sugar; and kaiserfleish, smoked pork loin scattered with grated fresh horseradish and served with sauerkraut.

Friuli Venezia Giulia is one of Italy's best kept secrets and will enchant all those who visit. It is a region not to be missed, one that will reward those who seek out its many wonders.

For More Information Visit These Sites:

Turismo.fvg.it

Lost Generation.com

Maria Liberati.com

The Carnival is bringing back the old times, a strange and fascinating atmosphere of odd elegant aristocrats that are dancing or singing and drinking from a cup, a rich expensive red wine - the kings luxurious atmosphere is all around and as a tourist, the first impression - if you didn't come prepared for this event - is that you are out of place, and it seems that you just stepped into a time capsule and went back in time - times of king and queens and young princes with red dresses and flowers in their blond hair - times of legends are all around you.

The main place for the event is "San Marco Piazza" the most vast area in Venice, where every year the Carnival is starting. The idea started from around 1162, when Venice being a small republic but a strong republic was victorious against Ulrico, Patriarch of Aquileia.

The event contains music, ballet, theater, circus and all the arts that are dear to people's hearts, but some events where lost in time as it was the "Bull Race" - that was probably a very dangerous event in the short streets, bridges and canals of Venice.

The Carnival is having a special " Venice Day" that is the most important part of Carnival. On this day the best performances will delight the participants and will culminate with the famous "Maries F?te" an event that is followed by a grand concert from the best 18th century music traditions, and will end traditionally with the Band of Venice to close a truly Venetian day.

The Mask is a symbol of the Carnival - symbol of the liberty spirit of Venice from old century's. Without an known Identity, everyone could seduce anyone, so social classes were abolished during the carnival, making the art of seduction more exciting, allowing infidelity and the mixing of the social classes. This Carnival was forbidden from 1930 by Mussolini and started again in 1979, today being a industry that is growing because if the Carnival.

The entire city of Venice, islands, peninsula, and mainland will be disguised and animated by masked faces, popular music, and dance and a unique experience that is revealing a world long vanished that is brought back in a celebration of color, music and fully colored festivities. Come and join the Carnival! It's time for you to party!