The history in Verona is incredible. This castle and its grounds are well worth the journey. I did…read morenot notice this specifically highlighted in travel books but I am glad we walked from our hotel to check it out. Everything in Verona seems so close and easily accessible to each other!

We did not have time to tour the museum portion of the Castelvecchio but we did have the…read moreopportunity to walk the exterior and admire this amazing structure. The museum displays a collection of sculpture, statues, paintings, ancient weapons, ceramics, goldworks, miniatures and some old bells. "Castelvecchio" translates to "Old Castle" and it is indeed quite old. It is built on the location of the Roman fortress, built between 1354 and 1376 and includes a bridge across the Adige River. The castle was damaged by French troops during the Napoleonic Wars and once captured, Napoleon stayed here on his trips to Verona. The exterior moat is currently dry but was once filled by water fed by the river. The castle is not massive compared to others but does have seven towers and four buildings inside. The bridge was destroyed by the retreating German army in 1945 and rebuilt in 1949. [Review 16970 overall - 175 in Italy - 486 of 2022.]

The Vittoriale gardens is an area of around nine hectares with terraces, monuments and italianate…read morebuildings. The mausoleum is the furthest, highest point of the gardens and gives excellent views out over Gardone on Lake Garda. We visited the gardens in October, when the weather was still warm, but a lot of the gardens and the buildings close at the end of September (end of season) so we weren't able to see the full place (hence a dropped star). The gardens are quite strange, with odd statues, fountains and buildings - however the most strange thing is the ship Puglia which has been embedded into the hillside, facing the lake. The gardens are quite tranquil and not a little surreal but I would recommend visiting in summer when the whole experience is open

Sono andato al Museo del Violino a Cremona senza sapere praticamente niente di violini, pensavo…read morefosse una cosa per esperti. Invece mi ha sorpreso tantissimo: è moderno, con schermi touch e audio che ti spiegano tutto in modo semplice, e vedere da vicino gli Stradivari originali è davvero impressionante, sembrano opere d'arte perfette. L'auditorium è bellissimo e ho avuto la fortuna di sentire un violino storico suonato dal vivo: un suono incredibile! Consigliatissimo anche a chi come me non è un musicista, vale ogni euro del biglietto.

We visited this museum in 2015 and have wanted to come back ever since. It really is a great,…read moremodern museum which has excellent displays of violins, violas, and other string instruments. The museum is absolutely stunning! It takes you through Cremona's five-century history of violin making by introducing you to the great masters and their violins, violas and cellos. Step-by-step, the museum describes everything that rotates around the life of the violin. You begin with how it all started; then, moves on to the luthier's workshop, where you can smell the scent of resin and wood. There is an onion shaped room for listening (which was closed on this visit). In the next room, the virtual books speak of Cremona's school of classical music and on a map of Cremona from the Stradivari era you can see the distribution of the shops. Perhaps the best part of the museum is their "Treasure Room," a room entered through heavy tapestry with lighting focused to highlight the superb violins on display. There were several made by Antonio Stradivari and by "del Gesù," among others. Both men lived in Cremona in the early part of the 1700's and knew each other. Bartolomeo Giuseppe Antonio Guarneri ("del Gesù") was an Italian luthier (violin maker) from the Guarneri family of Cremona. He rivals Antonio Stradivari with regard to the respect and reverence accorded his instruments, and for many prominent players and collectors his instruments are the most coveted of all. (Think $2-4 million for a Stradivari and $8-10 million for a "del Gesù."). At the end of your visit, you get to see the Permanent Collection of Contemporary Violin Making. The collection also explores how the modern world has joined the world of the violin with the promotion of the friends of Stradivari network. The last room is dedicated to the violin's role in films. This museum should not be missed. It is truly a treasure. The museum is closed on Mondays.

For locals, €5 gets you a season pass (now until 31 OCT 2014) to enjoy the top of the Basilica…read morePalladiana, including the loggia and the upper terrace. €1 for a one-time visit. The reconstruction of the original site began in 1549 by Andrea Palladio and was completed in 1614. Renovated in 2007, the loggia is a beautiful space to enjoy views of Vicenza through the Palladian windows. The clock tower has been around since at least 1172. On the terrace is a bar where you can enjoy an aperol/campari spritz (€4) or vino while relaxing in the afternoon/evening shade provided by the basilica. I believe there is other light fare as well. An excellent place for photographs and watching piazza activity!

This is by far the best spot to view the beauty of Vicenza. There are two decks to walk around and…read moregorgeous architecture to view from every spot. My husband is now working here and we have two of our four children along for the ride. We decided to purchase a seasonal pass for 5 euro. It's totally worth it. Every time we head down to the centro now we have the option to head up top for a gorgeous view. There's a bar on the roof that serves several different drinks and water naturale or frizzante is available as well. The seating is great. The servers spoke excellent English and we very friendly. Most restaurants here add a service fee into the price if the place is nice. Otherwise you might want to leave a couple euro. Italians don't seem to tip based off the cost of the food. It's more of just a thank you.

This was literally one of the most spectacular sights I have seen in all my European adventures. It…read morerival the great works like the Ghent Alterpiece and St Peter's. It's a small chapel with a luminous fresco cycle painted by Giotto in the 14th century.. The main panels feature the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary typical of religious art of the period. These are accompanied by smaller panels depicting the 12 vices and virtues. These panels are unique in their examination of good and evil and the means to achieve salvation through earthly deeds. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance and specify date and time. I advise arriving at least one half hour in advance to find parking (not convenient or easy) and making you way to the chapel. There is also a fascinating museum filled with centuries of art and treasures attached to the chapel. Allow at least 3 hours. If you are anywhere near Padua, this is an experience not to be missed!

This is definitely a highlight in Padova. My friend purchased tickets online and we came a little…read moreearlier than our scheduled entry time. We wandered around the courtyard of the museum until it was time to go in. We waited outside for our group's turn and entered the screening room. The chairs were spaced out. The film provided a good introduction to what we were about to see and the history of the chapel. The subtitles were in English. Once inside, we had just about the right amount of time to look at the walls in detail. I took photos with both my phone and camera, without flash. I think it is very cool that the first kiss in art history is in this chapel. I recommend a visit to see this historical work if you are in Padova.

To get away from the crowd, look for less popular museums - you may just find a gem by accident…read more Let everyone visit the tower tops while you walk through valuable collections. I highly recommend this for art lovers. This museum doesn't overwhelm you with overexposed art pieces. It goes without saying, you have to walk to get through European medieval cities - no parking in vicinity.

For 8 euro only you get a ticket here- the museum of modern art, as well as to go up the tower…read more Really cool building with some interesting modern art pieces.

Gorgeous little chapel right next to the Sirmione castle. I would highly recommend stopping in and…read morelooking at the small history sheet at the front of the chapel. It won't take you more than 10 minutes to enjoy the frescoes and history. It really is that small. However, it's totally worth the pop-in experience.