Where Popes Rest and Legends Begin

A Sacred Journey Through Centuries of Faith and Art

“For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who do not believe, no proof is possible” – Saint Thomas Aquinas

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Today’s Newsletter Presented By

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Tomb of Pope Paul VI in the Vatican grotto, located under St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City - Shutterstock

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Today’s email

• Where Popes Rest and Legends Begin

• Italy’s Top 6 Best-Kept Secrets

• Experiences Likely To Sell Out

• Around The Web: Gallery of Maps; The Vatican Mosaic Studio;

  The Truffles of Alba and more

• 🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

• From Social Media: Val di Fassa is a valley in the Trentino region

• Food in Italy: Ina Garten's Ultimate Cheese Platter

• Extra: What is Under the Vatican?

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Where Popes Rest and Legends Begin

The Vatican Grottoes lie beneath Saint Peter’s Basilica and were built in the late 16th century to support the Renaissance church above. They house chapels, tombs of popes, and remnants of the original basilica. Expanded by various popes over time, the grottoes became a sacred space filled with statues, mosaics, and frescoes. Key highlights include the Clementine Chapel near Saint Peter’s tomb, and chapels honouring Saint Veronica, Saint Helen, Saint Longinus, and Saint Andrew, designed by Bernini. In the 20th century, new chapels were added by countries such as Ireland, Poland, and Mexico

The Vatican - 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

Gallery of Maps

One of the most beautiful and evocative parts of the Vatican Museums is undoubtedly the long corridor 120 meters long and 6 meters wide leading to the Sistine Chapel decorated with geographical maps

The Vatican Mosaic Studio

Back in the late 16th century, Pope Gregory XIII became pretty much obsessed with mosaics. He brought Venetian mosaic artists to Vatican City specifically to teach their trade to Roman craftsmen

Climbing the Holy Stairs

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

Saint Peter’s Square

The construction of Saint Peter’s Square lasted eleven years, from 1656 to 1667.
The square’s two arches are each made up of a quadruple row of Doric columns forming three covered traffic lanes with a total width of 17 meters

The Ultimate Abruzzo Travel Guide

Whether this is your first time hearing Abruzzo or you’ve visited the Abruzzi region before, in this guide, you’ll find lots of useful information and local insights to discover this destination and help you make your visit to Abruzzo memorable, remarkable & stress-free

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

Val di Fassa is a valley in the Trentino region of northern Italy, set within the Dolomites, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

We Love Italian Food

Ina Garten's Ultimate Cheese Platter

Extra

What is Under the Vatican?

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