More Than Just a Dome

A Monument to Gods, Emperors and Time

“Rome is the city of echoes, the city of illusions, and the city of yearning”- Giotto di Bondone

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Today’s Newsletter Presented By

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A scenic shot of the historically famous Pantheon under the cloudy sky in Rome, Italy - Shutterstock

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Today’s email

• More Than Just a Dome

• Italy’s Top 6 Best-Kept Secrets

• Experiences Likely To Sell Out

• Around The Web: The Oldest Roasting Company; A Roman Square Through Time; The Truffles of Alba and more

• 🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

• From Social Media: Forlì is a historic city in northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region and the capital of the Forlì-Cesena province

• Food in Italy: Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe

• Extra: The Roman Pantheon Explained

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More Than Just a Dome

The Pantheon has represented the greatest expression of the glory of Rome for more than two thousand years. The story of the Pantheon is inseparably tied to the Eternal City. and been its image through the centuries. Built by Agrippa between 25 and 27 BC the Pantheon was a temple dedicated to the twelve Gods and to the living Sovran. Traditionally it is believed that the present building is result of the radical reconstruction by Hadrian between 118 and 125 AD. It is the only ancient Roman building that has remained practically intact through the centuries. In 608 Pope Boniface IV had the remains of many martyrs removed from the Christian catacombs and placed in the Pantheon

View of fountain near pantheon, Rome -Shutterstock

Italy’s Top 6 Best-Kept Secrets

Italy is filled with famous landmarks like Rome’s Colosseum, Venice’s canals, and Florence’s art. But if you’ve already seen the big names and are looking for something a little quieter, a little more meaningful, this list is for you. These are places where you can slow down, take a deep breath, and really feel Italy. Here are six of the best-kept secrets in the country—places that many visitors miss, but once you see them, you’ll never forget...

Cala Goloritzé, Sardinia – Shutterstock

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Experiences Likely To Sell Out

Top Experiences In Italy Likely To Sell Out

2024 is going to be a busy year - Here is a list of the top experiences that will most likely sell out and you should book in advance. Don’t delay!

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Around The Web

The Oldest Roasting Company

Sant’ Eustachio Il Caffè is an old wood-fired coffee roastery established in 1938, from an establishment that existed as early as 1800 under the name “Caffè e Latte” in St. Eustace Square, a stone’s throw from Piazza Navona and the Pantheon

A Roman Square Through Time

Tucked behind the Pantheon in Piazza della Minerva, the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is Rome’s only major Gothic church. Built over ancient temples to Minerva, Isis, and Serapis, the basilica has a long and layered history

Rome’s Hidden Gothic Treasure

Climbing the Scala Santa on one’s knees recalls Christ’s painful ascent to face judgement by Pilate. Each step symbolises the weight of betrayal, suffering, and sacrifice. A powerful reminder of the cross borne for the salvation of mankind

The Towers of Bologna

Bologna was once home to nearly 100 medieval towers, built by noble families as symbols of power and defence. Today, 28 remain, including the iconic Asinelli and Garisenda Towers

The Sassi of Matera

The Sassi of Matera are a true natural and architectural wonder located in Basilicata, bordering with Puglia. This area, consisting of numerous rock settlements carved into tuff, has been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times

The Truffles of Alba

Each autumn, the hills of Piedmont release a fragrance that draws gourmands from across the globe—the unmistakable, earthy aroma of white truffles. In the medieval town of Alba, this rare delicacy is more than a flavour—it’s a way of life. Beneath the oak trees of the Langhe hills, expert truffle hunters, known as trifolao, venture out at dawn with their highly trained dogs. These dogs, taught to detect the scent of truffles underground, gently paw the earth to reveal the hidden fungi. In the past, pigs were also used—but dogs are now preferred for their precision and lighter touch (and because they’re less likely to eat the truffle once they find it!)

International White Truffle Fair of Alba in Piedmont - Shutterstock

🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

Are you ready to prove your travel smarts? Don’t miss the chance to play the hottest new trivia game for travel lovers!

Here’s a taste: Where is the famous Kylemore Abbey located?

Think you know? Don’t wait—thousands of trivia buffs are already hooked. Play Travel Quizzer now!

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From Social Media

Forlì is a historic city in northern Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region and the capital of the Forlì-Cesena province

We Love Italian Food

Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe

Extra

The Roman Pantheon Explained

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