Rome - Sights of Rome

Rome is always fascinating.

Not only because of the monuments and history but the many and varied vistas to be seen around every corner

The local fruit and vegie stall near Via Condotti in Via Bocca di Leone

The "pedestrian" streets around Piazza di Spagna

Another local fruit and vegie store near Via delle Croce

Motor cycles, pedestrians and cobblestones

A beautiful building housing designer shops and Rinascentre opposite parliament house in Via del Corso

Looking out to Via del Corso and the parliamentary precinct

Via del Seminario near the church of Saint Ignazio

One of many streets you find yourself in as you meander through Rome

Campo Fiore where every morning is market day with the statue of Giadano Bruni

(who was burned at the stake for speaking out)

Piazza Farnese and the French embassy

Fountains, fountains and more fountains....spectacular

Ristorante Monserrato near Piazza Farnese in Via di Monserrato is well worth going to. Very traditional Roman with accommodating waiters.

My old favourite, the Pantheon

Occassionally look up and you will see the many outstanding balcony apartments throughout the city

The column of Marcus Aurelius in the parliamentary precinct on Via del Corso

Decorations above the post office in Piazza Silvestre

All roads lead to..............

Via del Barbuino looking toward Piazza del Popolo

Why wouldn't you be happy!

Love the smile Carolyna....and the bag

 Well another Roman journey. We never tire of this magical city

Baci e abbracci a tutti

Carolyna e Alan

Montalcino - November in Montalcino

We never tire of our beautiful Montalcino. At 564 metres high this Tuscan town stands proudly above the Val D'Orcia. It is blessed with a proud history and a wine growing industry that helps to maintain the welfare of the town.

The main street leading up to Piazza del Popolo.

Our favourite cafe Al Logge near the main square with Sebastian and Tamara (behind Sebastian).

Coffee at the bar (at E0.80) per cup it is great value. Montalcino is blessed to have a vibrant young population which brings the town alive particularly on weekends when they come to town from the wineries or work/university in places such as Sienna and Florence.

One of the many churches in the town...we think around 8 for a population of 2,500.

The walled town provided protection against hostile approaches over the centuries.

The Camponile in the main square with the Montalcino coat of arms on top.

The beautiful surrounding landscaping with its emerging autumn colours.

The main street of Montalcino......mmm, where are the people?

The town is fortunate in that it is not inundated with busloads of tourists compared to towns such as Pienza and Montepulciano. It is just a little off the beaten track and large bus parking does not appear to be encouraged.

Flowers abound in and around the town.

And grapes particularly the famed Sangiovese.

The walls of the Fortezza (fort) with the Montalcino coat of arms.

In the Pianello quartiere looking toward the hospital.

Houses are individual and owners are usually house proud. Graffitti and rubbish just a distant memory.

More house and community pride.

One of the gardens in town with the quartiere shields.

The imposing Fortezza. You can climb the steps to the top with amazing views of Montalcino and the surrounding countryside.

Beautiful autumn colours in Montalcino.

The eagles nest overlooking the Val D'Ocia.

Market day on Friday mornings is a must. Everything from fresh Porcetta to clothing, fruit and vegetables, hardware and plants.

Well, just a few of the many wonderful images of Montalcino.

Baci e abbracci a tutti.

Carolyna e Alan.

The sights and sounds of Italy No 2

Here is the second edition of our favourite Pics of Italy

The small town of Spoleto in Umbria

The amazing ruins of Ostia Antica, the old port city of ancient Rome

Aperitivi at the top of the Spanish Steps

The famed Grand Canal of Venice

Archers in the Montalcino Sagra del Tordo held the last weekend of October

Medieval dress in Montalcino

Dusk amongst the olive groves

A Brunello vineyard

The 2000 year old Pantheon in central Rome

Tivoli Gardens outside Rome

Christmas in Rome

Castel Sant Angelo bathed in afternoon winter sun

Custodian of the Christmas display in Montalcino

A beautiful park in the town of San Quirico near Montalcino

St Peters Rome