Between 62 and 67 AD the Roman emperor Nero sent a small group of Praetorian guards to explore the sources of the Nile River in Africa.

According to most scholars, the expedition was organized to obtain information for a possible conquest of Ethiopia.

Weird Italy roman-Exotic-animal-transportation The Roman Expeditions of the Nile River Italian History romans roman history roman empire Nile river nero Egypt Africa — Exotic animal transportation, Villa del Casale, Piazza Armerina, Sicily, Italy. Rare scene of two separate events on a single tableau, a common narrative technique in Roman visual arts.

It is part of a series of expeditions, conducted between 19 a.C. and 86 AD, aimed at the exploration and acquisition of control of the caravan routes through the Sahara, which guaranteed trade between the Mediterranean coast and sub-Saharan Africa; among these, the Roman expedition towards Lake Chad and the river Niger.

Around 62 d.C. Seneca wrote that Nero had sent some legionaries to the city of Meroe in Nubia, in order to explore the south of that capital. This expedition was commissioned by the Roman emperor to obtain information on equatorial Africa and its possible riches.

Seneca

“Are you unaware that among the various” theories explaining how the summer flooding of the Nile occurs there is this one: that the river gushes of the earth and rises with water not from above but from deep within? I heard two centurions whom Nero Caesar, great lover of the other virtues and especially of truth, had sent to search for the source of the Nile. They told how they made a long journey, when they were provided with assistance by the king of Ethiopia, were given recommendations to the neighboring kings, and penetrated further inland. “Then,” they said, “we reached interminable marshlands. The local people had not discovered where they ended, nor can anyone hope to do so: weeds are so entangled with the water and the water “with weeds”, they are impassable either on foot or by boat; only a small, one-man craft can manage on the muddy, overgrown swamp. There, “he said, “we saw two crags from whhich a huge volume of river water cascaded down.” Whether that is the source of the Nile or a tributary, whether it first emerges there or returns to the surface after being swallowed underground in its earlier course, do you not believe that this water, whatever it is, rises from a great lake within the earts? For the earth must contain liquid, both dispersed in many places and concentrated in a single place, to be able to disgorge it with such force. Seneca, Natural Questions, Book VI, On Earthquakes, 8.1, pag. 96-96. L. Annaei Senecae Naturalium quaestionum

In a 1996 article published in the magazine Nigrizia, Giovanni Vantini, a scholar belonging to the order of the Comboni fathers, identified in Meroe the city where the Romans met the king of Ethiopia. According to him, the description of the swamp made by the centurions is a clear reference to the lake No, formed by the confluence of the Bahr el Ghazal with the white Nile.

According to Vantini the expedition possibly arrived also in Ugandan territory, interpreting as a reference to the Murchison Falls, known in the past as Kabalega, the following passage reported by Seneca “We have seen two rocks, from which the force of the river escaped with power “(Ibi, inquit, uidimus duas petras, ex quibus ingens uis fluminis excidebat). The description given by Seneca still corresponds today, according to the Comboni scholar Father Giovanni Vantini, at Lake No, an immense swamp, 2-5 meters deep, formed by the confluence of the river Bahr el Ghazal with the Nile coming from the Equator. The scenario would be that of the Murchison Falls, today Kabalega, where the Nile coming from Lake Victoria, plunges into Lake Albert, with a jump of 100 meters, in a gorge of just 60-70 meters. Some historians, like the great Meroitist F. Hintze, even believe that Nero sent two successive expeditions, because the first of 61 AD, reported by Seneca, speaks of a “king of Ethiopia” who “provided aid and commendatizie” to the centurions. ; the other of 66-67, reported by Pliny, instead mentions a queen (Candace).

Weird Italy the-great-hunt-villa-casale The Roman Expeditions of the Nile River Italian History romans roman history roman empire Nile river nero Egypt Africa — Roman mosaic at Villa del Casale, Sicily. Author: Urban

Pliny the elder

Another expedition, recorded by Pliny the Elder in 67, was probably intended to gather information for a possible conquest by Nero of what is now Sudan.

These are the names of places given as far as Meroë: but at the present day hardly any of them on either side of the river are in existence; at all events, the prætorian troops that were sent by the Emperor Nero under the command of a tribune, for the purposes of enquiry, when, among his other wars, he was contemplating an expedition against Æthiopia, brought back word that they had met with nothing but deserts on their route. The Roman arms also penetrated into these regions in the time of the late Emperor Augustus, under the command of P. Petronius, a man of Equestrian rank, and prefect of Egypt. That general took the following cities, the only ones we now find mentioned there, in the following order; Pselcis, Primis, Abuncis, Phthuris, Cambusis, Atteva, and Stadasis, where the river Nile, as it thunders down the precipices, has quite deprived the in- habitants of the power of hearing: he also sacked the town of Napata. The extreme distance to which he penetrated beyond Syene was nine hundred and seventy miles; but still.

Pliny the elder, Naturalis Historia, Liber VI, XXXV, 181

But all this difference is lately determined by the Report of those Travellers whom Nero sent to Discover those Countries, who have related that it is 862 Miles from Syene in this manner : from Syene to Hiera-Sycaminon, Fifty-four Miles ; from thence to Tama, Seventy-five Miles ; from Tama to the Euonymites Country, the first of the Ethiopians, 120 ; to Acina, Fifty-four; to Pitara, Twenty-five; to Tergedum, 106 Miles. That in the midst of this Tract lieth the Island Gagandus, where they first saw the Birds called Parrots; and beyond another Island called Attigula they saw Monkeys ; beyond Tergedum they met with the Creatures Cynocephali. From thence to Napata Eighty Miles, which is the only little Town among all the beforenamed ; from which to the Island Meroe is 360 Miles. They reported, moreover, that about Meroe, and not before, the Herbs appeared greener ; and the Woods shewed somewhat in comparison of all the way besides ; and they espied the Tracts of Elephants and Rhinoceroses.

Pliny the elder, Natural history, book VI

Images: 1 , 2 , 3 (from Le Musée absolu, Phaidon, 10-2012)

Italy Crime News and Criminal Investigations, Latest Italian News and Videos

Five Star Movement, new hacker attack on Rousseau platform: online some donor names

September 6, 2018 WeirdItaly Leave a comment

The author is once again Rogue0, the hacker whom last year has attacked the operating system of the Cinquestelle party.

New hacker attack on the Rousseau platform. Rogue0, the hacker whom last year breached the operating system of the Five Star Movement, is back in action, sharing on his Twitter profile, a few hours ago, two links leading to the site Privatebin.net, where the data related to the M5S platform database have been published.

Big news & #tables at #Rousseau Market , collection #Summer2k18 is out!
Great & Useless changes from #casaleggio, for a nice low price!
New tables, new #Hash , phones, emails… and so,@casaleggio ?https://t.co/L5srTaSTdP #M5S #GDRP #pisQAnon is better than nothing#APT0
— rogue0 (@r0gue_0) September 5, 2018

What is the Rousseau platform?

The Rousseau platform is an application reachable on the web where the registered users of M5S can discuss, approve or reject legislative proposals (submitted then in the Parliament by the M5S group).

The platform is controlled by Casaleggio Associati, an internet and publishing company that advises on network strategies, and editor of Beppe Grillo’s blog. Casaleggio Associati has been founded by Gianroberto Casaleggio, co-founder, with Beppe Grillo, of the Five Star Movement. The company is now lead by his son Davide.

One of the two links would refer to a list of donations made last July with names, surnames, amounts, and emails from unencrypted donors. The other link shared by Rogue0 would lead to a list of recent tables in the Rousseau database.

According to Marco Canestrari, blogger and former employee of ‘Casaleggio Associati’,the attack is problematic if it would be determined that the system was not updated, as they declared some time ago answering to the Data Protection Supervisor requests.

Sono acidissimi cavoli, soprattutto se si venisse a scoprire che i sistemi non sono aggiornato, come invece hanno dichiarato tempo fa (“tutte le richieste del Garante sono soddisfatte”).
— Marco Canestrari (@marcocanestrari) September 5, 2018

In another tweet, the hacker publishes what according to the debunker and computer expert David Puente could be “the probable username of the database administrator in possession of the blackhat”.

“If these data are confirmed, it will not be good news for the platform’s managers, in addition to having to review the security of the entire structure, they will have to communicate to the Data Protection Supervisor and the users involved on what happened”, writes Puente on his blog.

The Data Protection Supervisor informs that they have initiated the first checks to “verify whether the data breach was determined by the same causes found in the past, already subject to a provision of the Data Protection Supervisor”.

Source: La Repubblica

What to see in Italy

A Guide To The Best Surf Spots In Italy

September 1, 2018 WeirdItaly Leave a comment

For those of us with a love for all things surf, finding the right surfing destination around the world to suit your style and preference can be difficult.

However, in Italy, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to amazing surfing locations that offer something unique for every skill set and taste. So, while you get ready to grab the wetsuits and get on the next flight, we are going to show you a list of some of the best surf spots in Italy.

Tuscany

When looking for surf in Italy, regardless of the level of surfing experience that you have, you have to visit Maremma in Tuscany. This picturesque coastline not only has one of the best weather systems for surfing, but its sheer length means that you can pick a beach that suits your every taste and get down to surfing without a heaving crowd. For beginners, this offers you enough room to find your feet, while experienced surfers can enjoy the tranquillity of the warm waters.

Lido Di Ostia, Rome

Home to multiple surf schools dotted across the entire expanse, this spot of Coastline is the ideal place for beginners to catch some waves and spend some well-needed rest and relaxation at a beach just a stone’s throw from Italy’s great capital. Located just outside of Rome, this beach is a favourite for those living within the city and for those visiting, allowing them to enjoy the surf and the amazing weather away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city centre. However, while the surf is certainly worthy of a visit, the water can be dirty and the beaches often become quite crowded during the summer months. Therefore it may be beneficial for you to venture to the public beaches either early in the morning or later into the evening, or simply avoid the height of the season if you are looking for a relaxing surf.

Sicily

Sicily is the ideal destination for those that want to surf amazing beaches and truly unique wave breaks and with plenty to do beyond the beach too, this stunning destination offers the perfect opportunity for a full holiday escape. With key spots such as Agrigento offering breathtaking waves with very few visitors to contend with, you’ll have the experience that you want all to yourself without any hassle. Whether you decide to surf on a longer board or a shorter board you can be sure that the beaches here have it all, with waves offering you a truly exhilarating experience.

Veneto

Veneto is arguably one of the best surfing locations in Italy, with the golden coastline of beaches offering plenty of warm and wonderful waves for everyone regardless of the difficulty level that you are currently comfortable at. However, as with the best of the surf spots in Italy, the experience is completely dependent on the weather conditions. After all, the windier it is, the bigger the swells are. These locations rely very heavily on the weather and this can have a profound effect on the surf that you will find when you visit.

If you’re looking for surfing in Italy, you are certainly spoilt for choice. With some of the most amazing landscapes around and amazing weather conditions to match, you can have hours of fun out on the waves throughout the duration of your trip. Where will you surf first?

Image: pixabay

Cinema, Italian Art, Design & Photography, Italian People

The amazing Movie Posters of Silvano Campeggi

August 30, 2018 WeirdItaly Leave a comment

On 29 August died Silvano Campeggi (also known by the nickname “Nano”), painter and poster maker known for having made Hollywood movie posters like Casablanca, Gone with the Wind, Singing in the Rain, An American in Paris, West Side Story, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Judgment at Nuremberg, Exodus and Breakfast at Tiffany.

Campeggi was 95 years old and died in San Felice a Ema, Florence, where he returned to live after spending many years in the United States.

Campeggi was born in Florence in 1923: he was the son of a typesetter
and a printer, he became interested in graphic design and studied at the Porta Romana Art Institute. After his studies, he collaborated and studied with Florentine artists such as Ottone Rosai and Ardengo Soffici and during the Second World War, he worked for the American Red Cross, making portraits of the soldiers before they returned home. After the war, he went to live in Rome and made the first posters: the first was the one for the film Black Eagle, 1946.

A few years ago, interviewed by the Italian newspaper Il Giornale, he said: “In the golden days of cinema I have come to make more than 150 [posters] a year, practically one every two days. Metro never printed less than 12,000 copies. But for the blockbusters, they made more than 25,000 copies”. To the journalist who asked him how much he earned, he said, “I do not remember. I really mean it. It’s been more than 40 years. I only know that Ben-Hur or Tom & Jerry were paid equally “.

Campeggi designed the poster and advertising graphics for over 3000 films, working not only under contract with the MGM studios, but also with Warner Brothers, United Artists, RKO, Twentieth-Century Fox, Paramount, Universal, Columbia Pictures, and several others. Sixty-four of the films he illustrated won Oscars, including Casablanca, Ben-Hur, Singin’ in the Rain, An American in Paris, West Side Story, Exodus, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Source: Il Post

Latest Italian News and Videos

Orban-Salvini, meeting in Milan: “Together to change the EU”

August 29, 2018 WeirdItaly Leave a comment

“We are close to a historic turning point for the future of Europe,” said the Northern League deputy premier at the end of the prefecture summit with the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orban.

“We are against Macron and illegal immigration – said Fidesz leader – and we would like our position to be adopted in the European People’s Party (EPP)”. Political parties such as the Democratic Party, Liberi e Uguali and Possibile, the Anpi and the unions starting with the CGIL have also joined the protest demonstration “Europe without walls”.

“We are close to a historic turning point for the future of Europe: today begins a journey of meetings, there will be many others”. In view of the European elections next year. Matteo Salvini and the Hungarian premier Viktor Orban smile at the end of the meeting in the Prefecture in Milan. Orban flew to Milan to meet with the deputy prime minister of the Lega-M5s government and to secure the media coverage at the end of August to draw the lines of a collaboration between Italy and Hungary that is getting stronger. Above all at the community level and in view of the 2019 elections.

A few months before the vote that will renew the European Parliament, Orban and Salvini define the strategy that will see them oppose together with what they identify as an opponent: the European Socialist Party.

The theme is the stay of Fidesz, a party of the Hungarian premier, in the European People’s Party (which in Brussels governs in alliance with the PES) or as an alternative to joining the League in the same EPP. For now the two do not give indications in one direction or another, but on the horizon, the two leaders clearly say, there is an alliance between Lega and Fidezs: “I do not allow myself to ask Viktor to leave the Popular Party European – explained the League secretary, answering a question – we are working each in his own field for an alliance to exclude socialists and bring back to the center the identities that our governments represent, each with its own history “.

The “enemy” identified by the Orban-Salvini axis is the head of the Élysée: on immigration “we ask for collaboration with countries like France” The Lega secretary affirmed – Macron spends his time giving lessons to foreign governments while he could be the first to show sensitivity and solidarity by reopening the Ventimiglia border. He can do this tomorrow morning “. “If this example came from the big countries – he added – even from Visegrad countries (Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and Slovakia, ed) there could be a different approach. But I hold Hungary’s absolute right to defend the boundaries and security of its people. The shared objective is the defense of external borders “.

Also on the point that for years it divides Italy and Hungary – the relocation and redistribution of migrants arrived in Europe – Orban and Salvini come to a synthesis: Budapest will never accept to take a quota because “migrants can be re-exported in their countries. We do not have to relocate them, we do not have to divide up among ourselves, but send them back to their home “, explained the Fidesz leader. And the fellow League re-launches on the agreements in force between the European allies: “Of NGOs, whether or not they were willing to help traffickers of human beings, there are no more in the Mediterranean – said Salvini – and I can say that if they do not change the rules of some international and naval missions, we could even do without these missions “.

Thousands protest in Piazza San Babila – Meanwhile, Milan in favor of reception and integration met in Piazza San Babila as a sign of protest. Some thousands of people took part in the Europe without walls rally, organized by the same organizations that promoted the great integration table held in the city in June. Political parties have also joined the parade, such as the Democratic Party, Liberi e Uguali and Possible, Anpi, trade unions starting from the CGIL, student groups, as well as the Sentinels of Milan, which are among the organizers.

Source: Il Fatto Quotidiano

Italian History, What to see in Italy

Three fascinating cultural practices from ancient Rome

August 29, 2018 WeirdItaly Leave a comment

Italy is stuffed with culture like some kind of metaphysical, literally culture-stuffed calzone.

Obviously, all countries have something to show for themselves, but the fact is Italy is culturally rich in all those aspects that phrases like cultural richness connote.

Italian drama, paintings and desserts are known worldwide for their pedigree. Italian food is eaten with (sometimes literal) relish all over the world – served from street vans and in Michelin-star restaurants. There is a robustness to Italy’s cultural capital that is the mark of a true centre of refinement.

And the reason for all this, of course, is the legacy of the Roman Empire. Like the British or Ottoman Empire, the empire of Rome encompassed such a vast swath of the globe (over two million square miles, to be precise) that its seat of power could not help but become the treasure trove of its particular epoch. As new cultures were conquered and assimilated, all flowed back to the capital. Not just materially, either. Empires are renowned for being melting pots of art and culture. And Rome was no different.

In this article, we take a look at look at three fascinating aspects of Roman culture throughout history, and what they tell us about the empire.

The separate treatment of the head and body in Roman sculpture (stone)

IMAGE SOURCE: Pixabay

The difference in attitude from head to body is fascinating. While the heads of many Roman sculptures are finely cast, with much attention paid to idiosyncratic liniments and the reality of age, the bodies tell a different story.

In the Greek tradition, the bodies of most Roman sculptures represent an ideal rather than an individual. They are quite literally carved from stone, to borrow a pun from the world of bodybuilding. The reasons for this duality are not abundantly clear but are thought to be traceable back to a few key facts.

For one, the heads of Roman statues were forever being removed and replaced by other heads. When you consider this, the need for a generic, one-size-fits-all body becomes apparent, as does the reasoning behind making the prolific body easy on the eye – why would you not?

As to why the lust for decapitation, the answer is actually quite pragmatic. Great Romans fell out of favour at a tabloid rate, but unlike today, their representation in media was permanent. Hence, rather than making a new statue, swapping out the head was a lot faster.

Lucky bronze

Since ancient times, coins have been associated with luck. But the practice originated in Rome. The emperor Vespasian would hand out ‘touch pieces’ to the sick on walks throughout the great city.

As was the case in many ancient societies, the ruler was supposed to have some sacred connection with the god or gods that presided over the society’s affairs. The Holy Roman Emperor was no different. In fact, some members of the imperial family actually were deified – transcending flesh and bone to become part of the indelible cosmos. It’s alright for some.

The coins then were imbued with a considerable spark of that divinity – or at least enough to give advanced leprosy a run for its money. The tradition of touching divine metals is preserved in Italy to this day in the form of the Il Porcellino. According to betway casino online list of lucky customs, here the luck is said to be had in touching the nose, which has caused it to be finely polished. This tradition has made its way all the way from 1766, so it’s having a good run. If the superstitious nature of people has not changed, at least we’re now more enamoured with magically contagious craftsmanship/graft than unearned privilege.

The vomitorium

Of course, no list about the oddities of ancient Rome would be complete without a mention of the vomitorium – so we’ll go one better and debunk this bilious falsehood. The term vomitorium was indeed used to describe certain facets of architecture in Roman times, but its use was metaphorical, according to The Conversation.

Vomitorium meant something close to “the place where people spew out” – meaning the place they gather to and dessert in large number, rapidly. Trans-located to modern parlance, the term might be aptly used to describe a football stadium or cinema. Unfortunately, our imaginations are far more taken with stories of excess and decadent rulers.

These artefacts of a lost time are sure to titillate the culture vultures among you, but for those less conventional there are many Italian destinations somewhat off the beaten track.

Italian History, Italy Crime News and Criminal Investigations

Crucified like Jesus two thousand years ago | The second case in the world discovered in Italy

June 5, 2018 WeirdItaly Leave a comment

A multidisciplinary – anthropological, taphonomic and genetic study – conducted in collaboration between researchers from the University of Ferrara and Florence has allowed to analyze and interpret the lesions present on a human skeleton coming from a Roman burial

The exhibit was discovered by the then Archaeological Superintendence of the Veneto during the archaeological emergency excavations conducted in 2006-2007 on the occasion of the laying of the pipeline in La Larda di Gavello, near Rovigo.

The deposition had taken place in an isolated burial without any trousseau. The biological and genetic profile of the individual indicates that it was a man who died at 30-34 years of frail physique and short stature.

“In the specific case, despite the poor conditions of conservation – says Professor Emanuela Gualdi, of the Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences of Unife – we have been able to demonstrate the presence of signs on the skeleton that indicate a violence similar to the crucifixion”.

“The right heel (the only one preserved) shows unequivocally a lesion peri mortem (breakthrough) from the medial side (entrance hole) .The lesion then crosses the heel to the outer side of the foot, confirming the hypothesis of an execution through crucifixion “, adds Dr. Nicoletta Onisto, from the Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences of our University.

“This type of execution – continued Professor Ursula Thun Hohenstein of the Department of Humanistic Studies in Unife – was generally reserved for slaves, and the same topographical marginalization of the burial leads one to think that it was an individual considered dangerous and neglected by the society in which he lived. who refused him even after death. ”

“The importance of the discovery lies in the fact that it is the second case documented in the world, although in fact this brutal type of execution has been perfected and practiced for a long time by the Romans, the difficulties in preserving the damaged bones and, subsequently, the interpretation of traumas. hinder the recognition of victims of crucifixion, making this testimony even more precious “concludes Thun.

The study, entitled “A multidisciplinary study of calcaneal trauma in Roman Italy: a possible case of crucifixion?” Was published by the journal Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences.

The article is available at the following links:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324496883_A_multidisciplinary_study_of_calcaneal_trauma_in_Roman_Italy_a_possible_case_of_crucifixion

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12520-018- 0631-9

Italian History, Latest Italian News and Videos

Archaeologists found in Pompeii the skeleton of a man fleeing from the fury of the Volcano

May 30, 2018 WeirdItaly Leave a comment

The man, probably limping, was killed by a boulder hurled at high speed by the force of the eruption that practically beheaded him.

The chest crushed by a large block of stone, the body thrown back by the powerful pyroclastic flow, in a desperate attempt to escape from the eruptive fury. It is in this dramatic position that emerges the first victim of the site of the new excavations of the Royal V.

The discovery took place in the area of the new excavations, the Regio V, right on the corner between the Vicolo dei Balconi (the road that the team from the Pompeii Archaeological Park has just unearthed) and the Silver Wedding alley. “We found it in a place where there was a widening and perhaps a fountain – says Osanna – a slice of ground still covered with a considerable layer of pyroplastic material”.

The earth had partially collapsed on him, so that explains why it was not possible to reconstruct the features using the plaster cast technique. It was possible, however, to make other casts all around the skeleton. And they served to understand how dramatic the last moments of this man must have been: a pyroplastic cloud fell on him “with it debris, pieces of iron, tree trunks, pieces of road”.

The first analyzes performed by the anthropologist, during the excavation, identify an adult man aged over 30 years. The presence of lesions at the tibia level shows a bone infection, which may have been the cause of significant difficulties in walking, such as to prevent the man from escaping the first dramatic signs that preceded the eruption itself.

Source: MIBACT

Italian Art, Design & Photography

MATERA CENTRAL – PROJECT FOR THE NEW FAL STATION

May 29, 2018 WeirdItaly Leave a comment

The project consists of the structural renovation of the actual Matera Central FAL railway station, (one of the three FAL Bari – Matera stations serving the city) through an aesthetic and functional redevelopment together with technological upgrading of the railway itself.

The project is intended to give greater visibility to the Matera Central FAL Railway Station which is no longer to be considered simply as a necessary service structure sufficient for the railway connection, but a genuine and significant urban landmark, adapted to the primary urban and territorial function that the new service aspires to fulfill in step with the important role that the City of Matera is going to represent in Europe.

The New Station is designed to become a recognizable public space, an integral part of the pedestrian square that is reconfigured and redeveloped and directly connected to the main access routes to the historic city centre located a short distance away.

A large rectangular opening in the roof of the underground gallery roof, covering about 440 square metres, directly connects the two above and below ground parts of the station bringing natural light and air to the completely redeveloped underground tunnel.

This important first step in the renovation process is linked to a new building that performs all the reception functions, ticketing, connections and services offered by the station as well as the main visible element, a large new roof of 44 mts by 33 mts and about 12 mts in height. This shelter transforms the external space into a covered square usable by travellers, residents and tourists who can enjoy a new public space for meeting, waiting, passing through or just walking and which finally breathes new life into an important section of the city that has historically been devoid of its own identity and urban value.

ARCHITECTURAL

PROJECT AND GENERAL COORDINATION: Stefano Boeri Architetti S.r.l.

What to see in Italy

5 Spots To Go Off The Beaten Path In Italy

May 1, 2018 WeirdItaly Leave a comment

Italy, for many is the dream holiday destination. Whether it’s exploring the ancient history of Rome or becoming immersed in the romance of Venice, there is something for everyone no matter your travel plans.

However, when looking to travel to Italy, it is important to ensure you have an ehic card. This will help you with medical care should the need arise, giving you peace of mind to explore Italy and continue finding the hidden gems the country has to offer worry-free. Here, we’re taking a closer look at 5 spots off the beaten track to explore whilst in Italy.

Civita di Bagnoregio

This unbelievable town is a must-see site when looking for amazing places to visit off of the beaten track in Italy. This small town also referred to as the dying town by locals, can only be accessed by foot bridge and is slowly beginning to fall away as erosion continues to occur. This town is well worth a visit for those looking for history and amazing landscapes, and this hidden gem on the mountain is an amazing location to visit to escape the busy tourist spots within Italy.

Lake Resia

Lake Resia is one of Italy’s most secretive locations. This weird yet wonderful lake was once the town of Graun before it was flooded more than 60 years ago. The last remaining piece of Graun that remains above this vast expanse of water is the clock tower that emerges from the lake, making this a popular attraction for those seeking to explore the most unique places Italy has to offer. With a hiking trail surrounding this lake it is widely accessible for all how wish to visit and when frozen you can walk out to the clock tower to have a closer look. This location really has to been seen to be believed and is well worth a visit for those looking to be away from the hustle and bustle of the tourism spots throughout Italy.

The Garden Of Ninfa

This garden located in the Pontine Marshes is built within the ruins of the old Italian town of Ninfa and is one of Italy’s hidden treasures. Unknown to most locals, this picturesque location really is a must see when looking to venture off the beaten track. Spanning over eight acres of land with over 1300 different types of plant, it is no surprise that this hidden garden has been declared one of the most romantic locations in the world. The old ruins located within this luscious landscape make it an amazing location for buddying photographers or traveller’s looking for hidden gems within the Italian country side.

Bomarzo

Also referred to as the park of monsters, this unique location within the forest is home to several 16^th century statues of monsters which venture into the world of mythology as well as small buildings located within this vast forest area. With many of these statues alluding to somewhat of a supernatural nature it is no surprise that this is a popular tourist attraction for those looking for something a little out of the ordinary when visiting Italy.

The Castelli Romani

This small group of villages just outside of Rome plays host to amazing houses which were originally built to house rich romans during the summer months, to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy capital. Now home to the summer house of the pope, this is a popular destination for those not only looking for history but potential spiritual enlightenment. During the summer months the pope often opens up his home for Sunday blessings for those wish to pay a visit, making this location an ideal destination off of the beaten track as it offers something for everyone. With amazing architecture and picturesque landscapes it is no surprise that this is a popular destination for those looking to briefly escape the busy capital.

Each of the places located within Italy are ideal if you are looking to explore a different side to Italy, with something for everyone no matter who you are travelling with it is now easier than ever to have a holiday of a life time exploring the hidden gems that Italy has to offer. Safe travels!