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Dung Tran enthusiastically shared her amazement at this famous architectural masterpiece from every angle. It felt like an era of ancient glory unfolding before her eyes, with life-and-death battles, triumphant cheers, glory, and brutality. In Rome, Dung Tran witnessed the iconic Trevi Fountain, a modern testament to ancient Roman innovations in water systems and road construction.
Trevi Fountain once served as a water conduit in the Roman era, bringing mountain water to the public. To this day, Trevi remains a sacred water source for the people. Here, Dung Tran felt excitement and surprise as she observed the joyous faces of those eagerly preparing to toss coins and make wishes. What's even more fascinating is that every night, thousands of coins are collected to support the impoverished in Rome.
Farewell to the ancient city of Rome, Dung Tran continued her journey to the romantic city of Venice. A city both free-spirited and adorned with a dazzling history and colossal artistic heritage. Venice's uniqueness lies in its 'floating' nature, with houses and structures resting on wooden piles underwater, surviving for nearly 2000 years. Dung Tran thoroughly enjoyed gliding on Gondola boats through the city's canals, listening to the captivating songs of the gondoliers.
Gondola boats have been around since the late 15th century, and Gondoliers, all men, must undergo rigorous annual exams. The traditional attire of Gondoliers consists of black-and-white or red-and-white striped shirts paired with black pants.
Dung Tran shared anecdotes about the common joke of getting 'lost in Venice', considered a rite of passage when visiting the city. You can easily lose your way while strolling through the winding alleyways, collectively known as Canali, Campi, and Calli, adorned with various handcrafted artworks.
Venice boasts hundreds of canals connecting various islands, forming the city, with the largest being Canal Grande, winding through the center in an S-shape. Over 170 buildings dating back to the early 13th century line the canal's banks, playing a crucial role as a waterway in the city for centuries. From the canal, Dung Tran visited San Marco Square, a place of great importance in Venice and considered the heart of the city.
Dung Tran shared her impressions of the architecture of Saint Mark’s Basilica, describing it as a truly remarkable work of art, blending remnants of the Roman era with Renaissance artistry. Every aspect of this 'masterpiece' is impressive – from intricately adorned details and artistic sculptures on the façade to beautifully painted frescoes inside the vaulted ceiling.
Florence – the cradle of the Renaissance and the city of Pisa – World Heritage
Each city traversed by Dung Tran brings different perceptions of landscapes, cultures, and emotions. Rome carries the mystery of Roman civilization, Venice exudes romance, freedom, and now Florence brims with artistic details – the cradle of the Renaissance.
According to Dung Tran, all of Europe has been influenced by Florence's 'grace.' The world's most iconic Renaissance heritage still resides here, weathered by time but its resplendent beauty remains unparalleled by any modern structure. The entire city of Florence is recognized by UNESCO, perhaps for its initial value, stature, and its millennia-old history. Particularly noteworthy is the UNESCO cultural heritage ensemble – Il Duomo di Firenze, one of the most exemplary architectural masterpieces representing the Renaissance.
Il Duomo di Firenze comprises a cathedral, a baptistery, and a bell tower. The cathedral boasts an immense dome with over 4 million bricks, weighing more than 40,000 tons. Remarkably, this construction was undertaken in the 12th century, with myriad challenges and the lack of experience at the time, yet extraordinary individuals managed to complete this colossal project, spanning nearly 200 years due to various interruptions.
Continuing Dung Tran's journey, she arrived in the city of Pisa. Famous for the spectacular ensemble Campo dei Miracoli, recognized by UNESCO as one of the world's most iconic heritages. Despite its inception with planning errors leading to a tilt, it eventually became a marvel, breaking boundaries of conventional beauty.
The Essence of Ancient Charm in Genoa and Verona, Italy
Our explorer, Dung Tran, continues her journey to Verona in northern Italy. The city, renowned as the backdrop for Romeo & Juliet and over 50 other films. Here, Dung also visited the ancient Arena di Verona, built in the 1st century BCE, now transformed into an 'open-air theater' hosting grand music concerts.
The final city on Dung Tran's itinerary is the mysterious city of Genoa. Its narrow streets form a magical labyrinth, where she can easily get lost while admiring the ancient architecture.
Local Markets and Culinary Delights
Local markets showcase the vibrant life of the indigenous people. Dung Tran wandered through various markets in Italy, standing out like Campo de’ Fiori in Rome, Rialto Market in Venice; and Tortellini di Valeggio Market in Verona. These markets are among the oldest in Rome. In these marketplaces, it's like witnessing a colorful painting, a feast for both sight and taste, featuring unique dishes you shouldn't miss when traveling in Italy.
All the beauty and allure that traveling in Italy brings have truly captivated Dung Tran, leaving indelible imprints in our intrepid girl's heart.
Insights from Travel Columnist Dung Tran
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourAugust 30, 2022
