2021 ~ Italy Photo <br>Gallery

The Ionian coast is characterized by low cliffs, stretches of sand and signal towers.

Porto Cesareo is definied “Caraibi” for the colour of the sea and its golden beaches.

Along the road leading to St. Caterina you meet the naturalistic Park of PortoSelvaggio; its pine-wood reflects its green in the sea.

Beetween S. Caterina and S. Maria al Bagno, there is a place called “Cenate” where are many elegant villas.

“The four columns” are the remains of an ancient watch tower in St. Maria al Bagno. Through the “split mountain” you reach Lido Conchiglie and then immediately Gallipoli.

The Ionian coast.

The beautiful city, in greek “Kalè Polis” is an island in the Ionan Sea, famous for the production of olive oil. Worth a visit the church dedicated to St. Agata, the Greek Fountain and the church of Purity embellished with paintings by L. Riccio.

After an interesting walk we suggest you to taste delicious almond pastries called “Divini amori”.

Along the coast you meet many beach resorts and Ugento ( famous Messapian center). Its archeological remains are kept in the museum.

Then you reach the heel of the boot: S. Maria di Leuca (de finibus terrae) where the two Seas meet.

The Adriatic Coastline, from S. Cataldo to Otranto is low and sandy. From Otranto to S. Maria di Leuca it becames high and indented, rich in grottos, precipices and Saracen towers.

The salentina coast.

The salentina coast offers the best possibilities for interesting stops such as: S.. Foca, Roca and T.rre dell’orso crowded of tourists and coves, small beaches and islands.

The “grotta della Poesia” (Roca) is the meeting point of bathers.

Near T.rre dell’Orso there are two large rocks called “The two sisters”.

Beaches & castles.

Going towards Otranto, you meet “the Alimini lakes”which are two mirrors of water. You reach Otranto, famous Byzantine centre where you can visit: the Cathedral and its mosaic floor, the church of St. Peter and the castle.

Along the coast road Porto badisco is the landing-place of Aeneas where deer cave is an example of rupestrian painting. St. Cesarea Terme is the next delightful resort well known for thermal baths.

We suggest you to visit Zinzulusa grotto (Castro), Tricase where there is the century old oak and Palazzo Gallone and the Ciolo. Our tour ends in S.Maria di Leuca, definied the heel of the boot.The sanctuary rises on a promontory where the two seas meet.

The Ionian coast is characterized by low cliffs, stretches of sand and signal towers.

The Ionian coast is characterized by low cliffs, stretches of sand and signal towers . Porto Cesareo is definied “Caraibi” for the colour ...

The Ionian coast is characterized by low cliffs, stretches of sand and signal towers.

The aim of nutrigenetics is to generate nutritional recommendations according to a person's gene pool, i.e. to establish a relationship between nutrition and health that previously, for example, traditional diets did not take into account, considering only individual aspects such as age, sex, height, physical exercise and some biochemical variables.

On the basis of these parameters, which were sufficient but incomplete, general dietary guidelines were offered for large population groups, without considering in detail the genetic specificity of the individual.

The nutrigenetic test is a precision tool of fundamental importance.

Today, advances in the field of nutrigenetics, and especially at 24Genetics, help us to establish what diet we should follow not only to improve our diet (also called DNA diet test) but also to prevent a series of diseases identified from the analysis of our DNA and which can be avoided or modulated by means of specific dietary guidelines.

That said, we can affirm that the nutrigenetic test is a precision tool of fundamental importance when it comes to personalising our diet or preventing future illnesses.

This simple test will allow us to know which foods we should add or reduce to cover our nutrient needs and to prevent diseases that can be addressed through nutrition.

The evolution of the concept of nutrition.

Nutrition is to be understood as the intake of food in relation to the body's dietary needs.

The concept of satisfying hunger to achieve an optimal state of health is an outdated concept, which has led to the development of various currents among nutrition experts that, although different in their way of thinking, almost always converge on a common premise: the importance of eating unprocessed food, avoiding additives and always trying to enhance the contribution of fruit and vegetables as fundamental elements of nutrition.

And here they come into play because recommendations aimed at providing general guidance for the entire population, or for a certain group of people, do not take into account a factor that makes us unique: our DNA and the specific needs that may arise from the genetic information we present.

Fortunately, the nutrigenetic test is a tool that allows us to know a little more about ourselves and to adapt the general recommendations to our particular case. Thanks to them, it is possible to take our DNA into account when defining the most suitable diet for each person.

Genetic differences between individuals can condition nutritional needs and even predispose to different pathologies of multifactorial origin, i.e. they are influenced by genetics and the environment.

Nutritional genomics tries to study and provide information about this interesting interaction between genetics and nutrition.

How can DNA influence nutrition?

DNA is a molecule of life and therefore contains all the information necessary to maintain and preserve life, including nutrition and to fight disease in the first place.

Each individual has small particularities in his or her DNA that make us unique and, in the same way, define our needs, strengths and weaknesses.

For this reason, genetics is increasingly involved in the care of healthy people in order to maintain health and prevent disease.

The nutrigenetic test is a precision tool of fundamental importance when it comes to personalizing our diet or preventing future diseases.

The aim of nutrigenetics is to generate nutritional recommendations according to a person's gene pool, i.e. to establish a relationship ...

The nutrigenetic test is a precision tool of fundamental importance when it comes to personalizing our diet or preventing future diseases.

Los Cabos is a destination recognized worldwide for its beautiful landscapes and views whose charm and magic grows by leaps and bounds as time goes by.

Perhaps one of its most notable particularities is the fact that it offers travelers a kaleidoscope of beautiful desert and tropical landscapes, so different from each other and yet surrounded by an exuberant natural beauty.

Impressive rocks, beaches and trails for zip-lining, hiking, climbing, rappelling, ATV and mountain biking, among others.

Los Cabos, a destination recognized worldwide for its beautiful scenery.

A wide range of lodging options such as the hotel in Todos Santos, award-winning beaches with a pleasant climate, beach club in Cabo San Lucas and first-class cuisine make this wonderful place, whether for those who have visited or for those who have not yet done so, a place where surprises never end.

Rediscovering this natural paradise is an activity that should be on the agenda of any lover of travel and experiences anywhere in the world.

You just have to let your imagination wander and let yourself be surprised again and again by all that Los Cabos has to offer and live an unforgettable vacation.

Los Cabos is a favorite among travelers and has been awarded by Travellers' Choice for the second year in a row as the best "trend-setting destination".

But the relaxation and fun don't begin and end at the beautiful beaches.

A wide range of lodging options.

If you like golf you can practice it in more than fifteen golf courses, designed by world golf star like the Australian Greg Norman. Sand bunkers covered with synthetic grass to stabilize the surface around the green give an idea of the quality of the golf courses.

Another must-see are the impressive sandfalls, more than 50 years old, a subjugating and spectacular underwater spectacle discovered in 1959 by researcher Francis Shepard and made known by the famous French marine explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, which are located within the Cabo San Lucas Flora and Fauna Protection Area with a large amount of marine biodiversity.

Recreational activities for all tastes.

Other activities you can enjoy in this magnificent natural scenery are:

A thriving artistic and cultural scene that mixes endemic traditions with international influences, becoming a center of music, art and culture.

Bungee jumping from the Wild Canyon just 30 minutes from Cabo San Lucas in places where safe jumping points have been established at 100 meters above sea level.

Horseback or camel rides relating the old far west and desert environment with the horses and camels offered by some tour operators that will give you a tour aboard these beautiful animals in a Safari environment.

Hiking, one of the favorite activities in the area, as there are several trails close to the native flora and fauna, from Rancho Cacachilas to the Estero de San Jose del Cabo, for the hiker to experience the natural beauty of the place.

Mountain biking for all levels, no matter if you are a beginner or an experienced biker, here you will find trails for all types of adventures, from worn trails along the mountainside, to routes along the beach with views of the surrounding mountains.

Ziplining, Rappel, ATV and off-road, Camping and Glambing and so many more activities.

A natural paradise in the Sea of Cortés.

Los Cabos is a paradise where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, and where you can find an activity for every taste: fishing, golf, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, luxury resorts and spas, plus multiple options for partying and dancing until dawn.

Los Cabos, one of Mexico's top tourist destinations, is home to some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in the world.

Los Cabos is a destination recognized worldwide for its beautiful landscapes and views whose charm and magic grows by leaps and bounds as t...

Los Cabos, one of Mexico's top tourist destinations, is home to some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in the world.

Nature is the art of which we are a part. It is the slogan of the Art in Nature movement.

An artistic movement that emerged in the 60s and 70s also called Land Art, Earth art or Earthwork.

It is a current of contemporary art in which the landscape and the work of art are closely linked since material from nature such as wood, stones, sand, water, etc. is used to generate the content of the work.

The movement originated in the late 1960s in the American West when some artists used desert landscapes to create their works.

Arte Sella.

The artist of Arte in Natura uses the earth, the environment, as his raw material for his works.

His main technique is intervention in the landscape, where his works now interact with the environment more directly, modifying a fraction of the landscape.

Tour.

Starting from Borgo Valsugana, we drive up the Val di Sella road, following the signs for "Arte Sella" to the parking lot, located about 500 m after Hotel Legno.

The Art in Natura path begins on the other side of the road.

We cross the wood on the north side of the small valley and after a few steps we find the first works of art among the trees, inserted in the beautiful natural landscape.

The path leaves the forest and reaches a picnic area with benches and wooden tables.

From here we follow the paved road that continues slightly uphill into the valley until we reach Malga Costa. We arrived at the center of the Arte Sella park.

After paying for the tickets, we can get a closer look at the most impressive and interesting wooden works, including Giuliano Mauri's famous plant cathedral.

Temporary and damage to facilities.

In the spring of 2018 (April) I had the opportunity to visit Arte Sella, the annual festival that takes place every year in the forests of the Val di Sella in the province of Trento in northern Italy.

The best area to visit is the so-called Malga Area, which offers visitors the possibility of discovering the monumental works of the forest such as the Vegetal Cathedral, the Sella Art Theater and the Third Paradise, among others. There is also a concert hall.

A few months after my visit, specifically in the month of October, a violent storm destroyed many of the facilities in this beautiful forest.

For example, the Villa Strobel Garden, the part of the Sella Park destined for exhibitions and a large part of the trails and nature trails.

There are some spaces that are still being rebuilt.

Given the large number of works present in the Sella Park, I will divide the content into three posts.

Travel Memories: Arte Sella, when the mountain becomes a work of art.

Nature is the art of which we are a part. It is the slogan of the Art in Nature movement . An artistic movement that emerged in the 60s and ...

Travel Memories: Arte Sella, when the mountain becomes a work of art.

The Alta Murgia welcomes a fauna among the most interesting of Puglia and Italy, with widely distributed species tied to steppe environments and a few species distribution point linked to other environments.

Among the birds that populates the Murgia there are some of the most important populations of species of steppe and semiarid areas of the Mediterranean basin: lark (Calandrella brachydactyla) and the calender (Melanocorypha calender) that have particular relevance for the purposes conservazionistici being the most numerous populations Italian peninsula, woodlark (Lullula arborea ), skylark (Alauda arvensis), crested lark (Cristata Gallery), stone curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus ).

The animals of the Alta Murgia National Park.

Contributing to the beauty of the landscapes is a wide variety of flowers made up of oaks, cypresses and Aleppo pines. On the natural meadows you can see olive trees (wild olive trees), medlar and almond trees.

The steppe area, on the other hand, hosts several species of orchids, together with dog roses. Lots of animals that can be found on the vast area of the Apulian park.

First of all the birds, particularly present with different species of hawks including the peregrine, the lesser kestrel and the lanner, but also with a few specimens of gray heron.

There is also no shortage of nocturnal birds: after sunset you can see and hear barn owls, tawny owls, owls and owls here.

Birds.

The Murgia welcomes several species of birds of prey including one of the largest populations in the world of lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni ), a priority species for which the steppe is the trophic habitats and nesting in the historical centers of the neighboring countries where it determines a match unique among ancient architecture and nature. Other species of birds of prey of great importance in the area are the red kite ( Milvus milvus ), the short-toed ( Circaetus gallicus ), the Montagu's harrier ( Circus pygargus ), the marsh harrier ( Circus aeroginosus ), buzzards (Buteo buteo), The kestrel ( Falco tinninculus ), and the Lanner falcon ( Falco biarmicus feldeggii ) for which southern Italy is the western limit expansion.

Among the owls are the barn owl ( Tyto alba ), the long-eared owl ( Asio otus ) and the owl ( Athene noctua ).

Amphibians.

The Murgia is also the habitat of amphibians such as the Italian newt ( Triturus italicus ), endemism of central and southern Italy, and the yellow-bellied toad ( Bombina pachypus ) and reptiles such as geckos of kotschyi ( cyrtopodion kotschyi ) , the green lizard ( Lacerta bilineata ), the cervone (Elaphe quatuorlineata ), the leopard snake ( Elaphe situla ), the viper ( Vipera aspis ) and the Hermann tortoise ( Testudo hermanni ).

Mammals.

Among the mammals to be counted the fox ( Vulpes vulpes ), the weasel ( Mustela nivalis ), marten ( Martes weasel ), the badger ( Meles meles ) sporadically is also the wolf ( Canis lupus ).

Of great importance is the small mammal population as the main source trophic for many birds of prey, including the shrew ( Suncus etruscus ), Savi's vole ( Pitymis lizards ), the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus ) and the numerous species of bats of which he cites the greater horseshoe ( greater horseshoe bat ), the lesser horseshoe ( Rhinolophus hipposideros ), the Mediterranean horseshoe ( Rhinolophus euryale ), the Miniottero ( Miniopterus schreibersi ), the greater vespertilio ( Myotis myotis ), the vespertilio Blyth ( Myotis blythii ).

The animals of the Alta Murgia National Park, hundred species for a unique treasure in Apulia.

The Alta Murgia welcomes a fauna among the most interesting of Puglia and Italy, with widely distributed species tied to steppe environment...

The animals of the Alta Murgia National Park, hundred species for a unique treasure in Apulia.

A traditional Italian menu consists of different phases, it is conceivable that the Pizza in most cases, in Italy, is considered a single dish (single recipe). The typical menu consists of at least four courses: antipasto, primo recipe, secondo and dolce recipe, ie, appetizers, starter, main and dessert.

The antipasto is usually made by small fleshy delicacies is ivas penis and other miniatures. Cousin usually a plate or pasta based or rice. The second is meat or fish and is usually served with some accompaniment, since in these dishes there is only meat or fish and, at most, a little trim.

Structure of a traditional Italian menu.

To accompany braised vegetables offered and also in northern polenta. The last place is the dessert, which might consist of only a small cheese board or a piece of fruit or try a regional specialty. If desired the end as some digestive concoctions are highly effective. It is usually drunk on grappa in the northern regions, south herbal liqueur is most characteristic. Also express can round out the meal.

Antipasto (Starter).

The appetizer is a light course that introduces the meal.

Cold cuts and cheeses, ham and melon, caprese salad or simply bruschetta, are typical examples of Italian appetizers.

Primo Piatto (First Course).

The first course is generally a dish based on pasta or rice, accompanied by a sauce or in soup. Some typical recipes of first courses of traditional Italian cuisine are: tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms, penne allarrabiata, spaghetti alla putanesca, or risotto seas and mountains.

Secondo Piatto (Second Course).

The second is the "main course"; the one to which the most attention is traditionally given.

The center of the meal, around which the whole menu is then built.

The second course is generally a meat or fish dish. Saltinbocca alla Romana and Polpette al Sugo are two typical meat dishes; and the Mixed Fried Sea Food, certainly one of the best dishes that is prepared with prawns, squid and mixed fish.

Side dish & salad.

The side dish is often a plate of mixed vegetables in the oven, or even a salad accompanying the second.

Cheese and Fruit.

Sometimes, after the second course, before the dessert, an assortment of cheeses and fruits (such as figs, black and red grapes), and even walnuts or almonds are served.

Dessert.

Then the dessert, which concludes the meal before moving on to coffee.

Typical Italian desserts are for example tiramis or panna cotta.

It can be said that after water, coffee is the most popular drink.

From cappuccino to macchiato, from decaffeinated to correct, up to more sophisticated combinations, such as Moroccan with white chocolate and mokaccino ... Italians love coffee!

After the meal, coffee is often served with a chocolate pastry.

Digestive.

The typical Italian fruit liqueur is limoncello.

Other typical liqueurs are grappa, or amaretto (obtained from the infusion of almonds in alcohol).

Structure of a traditional Italian menu: appetizer, first course, second course and dessert.

A traditional Italian menu consists of different phases, it is conceivable that the Pizza in most cases, in Italy , is considered a single d...

Structure of a traditional Italian menu: appetizer, first course, second course and dessert.

The Vatican Necropolis lies under the Vatican City, at depths varying between 5–12 meters below Saint Peter's Basilica.

The Vatican sponsored archeological excavations under Saint Peter's in the years 1940–1949 which revealed parts of a necropolis dating to Imperial times.

The work was undertaken at the request of Pope Pius XI who wished to be buried as close as possible to Peter the Apostle.

It is also home to the Tomb of the Julii, which has been dated to the third or fourth century.

Read more: Sacroprofano Splendor Of The Vatican Grottoes.

The Vatican Necropolis.

The necropolis was not originally one of the underground Catacombs of Rome, but an open air cemetery with tombs and mausolea.

Why Visit the Vatican Necropolis?

Discover ancient Roman burial grounds hidden beneath the grounds of Vatican City.

Explore a detailed network of mausoleums and tombs from the 1st and 4th centuries.

Archaeologists believe that this site contains the original tomb of St. Peter himself!

You will also get a close look at Emperor Constantine’s Temple, 15 mausoleums, and tombs from Pagan and Christian burial grounds.

What's Inside the Vatican Necropolis?

Hidden beneath the treasured Basilica of St. Peter is the ancient city of the dead called the Vatican Necropolis. Excavations in the 1940s unearthed the remains of mausoleums, tombs, and even what is believed to be the grave of St. Peter himself.

Inside the necropolis, you will find the 1st century Pagan burial site with small tombs made of clay and stone. Above this is a 5th century Pagan and Christian burial ground with many stone mausoleums and other ruins including a piece of a large arch.

Between the two levels is a small mount with a hole dug into it, a spot believed to contain the bones of St. Peter, as well as the rock upon which the original basilica was first constructed.

Caligula’s Circus.

The origins of the Vatican Necropolis are believed to date back to the time of the Etruscans buried the dead beyond the city walls. During this period, the law required bodies of the deceased to be buried outside of the urban area.

This means that during its inception, this area was technically not a part of the city. They built a necropolis on a nearby bill called the Viaticum. The “city of the dead,” as its name suggests, primarily served as Pagan and Christian burial grounds, which were open-air sites.

After the Etruscan civilization fell to the Romans, the Vatican territory became part of the city of Rome. Emperor Caligula built a circus adjacent to the necropolis. The circus was used by Romans for horse races and games, as well as Christian martyrdom.

A huge Egyptian obelisk was raised in the center of the circus, which stands today at St. Peter's Square.

Mysteries and wonders, secrets, treasures and legends of the Vatican necropolis.

The Vatican Necropolis lies under the Vatican City , at depths varying between 5–12 meters below Saint Peter's Basilica. The Vatican ...

Mysteries and wonders, secrets, treasures and legends of the Vatican necropolis.

Take an arrow that creeps off of the seas, the simplest geometry to draw more 'long the coast here in Puglia.

But what happens in the middle ground and 'a miracle that you will discover with patience, time consuming, sometimes with difficulty.

Between Bari and Brindisi for example, with those signs on the highway that will seem bizarre invitations to derogate from the rocks and sand to get lost in the history and geography, in time and space.

Soon will be streets where the asphalt clears, guard rails are filled with stones piled to dry by drawing curves, slopes, trees and silence.

Cisternino: what to see in one day.

Although it is undoubtedly less known than the famous Ostuni and Alberobello , nearby, Cisternino for me was a pleasant surprise!

Visiting this village in the Itria Valley means entering an intricate labyrinth of white alleys and stairways, letting yourself be guided by the scent of the famous "bowler hats", one of the symbols of the town, admiring scenic views and suddenly finding yourself in lively squares.

Garibaldi square.

My visit to Cisternino started right here, from Piazza Garibaldi . A large square where on one side there is the Municipal Villa and on the other the Norman-Swabian Tower (called Torre Grande) with the Great Door and the Mother Church dedicated to San Nicola.

The Torre Grande, with its 18 meters high, was the most imposing of the ancient walls and probably used as a lookout tower. In fact, it is on the highest point of the hill and overlooks the Itria Valley.From this square you can enjoy a crazy scenery of the Itria Valley by seeing the various trulli that emerge here and there in the bucolic landscape.

Mother Church of San Nicola.

After admiring the splendid panorama over the Itria Valley, before entering the historic center, I could not miss a trip to the Church of San Nicola , the most important in Cisternino.

The neoclassical façade has been remodeled over the centuries, the interior is very interesting with the tall and elegant columns with stone capitals and the chapels on the sides, as well as the precious works that are kept here.

Absolutely worth seeing is the most significant masterpiece located along the right aisle, the “ Madonna with child and offerers ” (also known as the Madonna with goldfinch) sculpted in stone by Stefano di Putignano in 1517 for Paolo Longo and his brother. In addition to the Madonna and child, the two patrons are represented kneeling - on the sides.

Historic center of Cisternino.

Do you know why during a tour of the Itria Valley you cannot miss a stop in Cisternino? Because it is one of the most fascinating villages in the area, as well as included among the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Personally, I think it struck me even more than Ostuni, and I found it even more… white!

I loved getting lost in the white alleys and squares of the historic center on which the red of the flowers wisely arranged on the balconies, on the walls or on the stairways stands out. It also happens to see on some walls and stairs of the phrases on the life of famous people.

Vittorio Emanuele square.

While I was walking non-stop through the enchanting streets of the historic center, I came out on this small square, one of the things to see in Cisternino.

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele is small but very animated by the many tourists who are intent on enjoying an ice cream (there are excellent artisan ice cream parlors), by the local people who sip an aperitif, by commercial and handicraft activities. It is a meeting and reference point, therefore often crowded especially during the summer.

On the square dominates the Clock Tower built, in neoclassical style, by the Curri masters of Alberobello in 1850.

Cisternino is a miracle that you will discover with patience.

Take an arrow that creeps off of the seas, the simplest geometry to draw more ' long the coast here in Puglia . But what happens in th...

Cisternino is a miracle that you will discover with patience.

One of the most spectacular hiking trails in Liguria, the most fascinating of the Ligurian Alps, suspended in the void, dug into the rock inside the limestone walls rich in fossils that characterize the Dolomite peaks of the Pietravecchia (2,038 m) and Toraggio (1972) mountains mt).

The itinerary is located in the province of Imperia and can be reached by crossing the Argentina valley or the Nervia valley up to Colle Melosa.

And today one of the strong points of the system of routes that constitutes the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri or the route that crosses the entire Ligurian-Po watershed from Ventimiglia to Sarzana and since the end of the 80s it is certainly one of the most compelling wide-ranging itineraries.

Beautiful views of the Ligurian Sea (Part 4).

With this short article we add another piece to the knowledge of the Brigasca Region, that is the borderland between Italy and France, between Liguria and Piedmont which is one of the main cultural enclaves of the Western Alps as well as an area extraordinarily rich in events starting from the Roman presence. on the coast between Ventimiglia and Menton.