The Cathedral of Florence the Most Important Church in Italy

The Cathedral of Florence is one of the largest churches in Europe, this extraordinary architectural and artistic work every day attracts a large number of guided Florence tours and visitors. Its construction of the cathedral in an era where it was not possible to use actual technology can be considered an architectural miracle, Brunelleschi's cupola is still the largest masonry dome ever built, the interior of the cathedral is adorned with the largest surface decorated with frescoes that has ever been made with its 3600 square meters painted by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari

At the end of 1200, when Arnolfo di Cambio began the construction of the Cathedral of Florence and the Palazzo dei Priori delle Arti, which later became the Palazzo della Signoria, Florence was a kind of New York of theMiddle Ages.

Everyone wanted to live here, merchants, bankers, here was the wealth and the latest news in fashion, the navel of the world, really! Florence then had one hundred thousand inhabitants, twice the population of London! Here is revealed the secret of greatness and magnificence of the buildings of the religious and political centre of Florence, so that's whythe size of the imposing Duomo of Florence!

Cathedral of Florence include the extraordinary frescoes of Brunelleschi's dome representing the Last Judgement. They were painted by Giorgio Vasari in the mid-sixteenth century. Inside the Cathedral there is the treasures of the Museum of the Opera del Duomo, including the Pietà Bandini by Michelangelo, masterpieces by Donatello and the Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise, ruined by the flood of November 4, 1966,restored during twenty-seven years of and exposed again to the public in September 2012.

In front to the Cathedral there is the Baptistery, built in Romanesque style, with the stunning mosaics of the dome, dating back to 1200 and the tomb of the anti-pope John the twenty-third sculpted by Donatello and Michelozzo during the Renaissance.

The construction of this church has continued for centuries and in different stages last of which was completed only in 1887 with the construction of the front of the church after many vicissitudes and controversy, considering that the first project for the completion of the front dates back to the times of family of the Medici in 1491 when Lorenzo the Magnificent had promoted a contest to award the work of the front, but he suspended all decision sends it back to better times.

The Cathedral of Florence today as well as being a reference point for Florence tours continues its traditional function as a religious center of the city where the most important celebrations are carried out thanks to its extraordinary capacity that can hold thousands of people.

Susanna Mantovani is a professional guide specialized in Florence tours

Article Source: Susanna_Mantovani

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Jakarta City Travel Guide: Exploring The Beauty of Indonesian Capital

Jakarta is the beautiful capital of the Southeast Asian country, Indonesia. Being an archipelago of more than 18,000 islands, the nation is filled and overflowing with the most wonderful sights and experiences. Its capital alone holds enough things to do to last an entire month of walking around the city without pause, and still not being able to explore every nook and cranny. It is so full of different types of attractions to visit, and is very rich in historical and cultural heritage. To help you wander through this wonderful place, here's a mini Jakarta travel guide.

Seeing Jakarta's History: The Old Town
The best place to go to for a look at what Jakarta was in the old days is definitely Jakarta Old Town, or Old Town Batavia, an area formally stated as heritage in 1969. Even European travelers and voyagers as early as the 16th century saw the beauty of the place and called it "Jewel of Asia" and "Queen of the East".

In Old Town Batavia, history is brought back to life with the magnificent and picturesque scenery of old colonial Dutch architecture and surroundings. The streets are lined with museums and other interesting tourist attractions. Some of these are Gedung Arsip Nasional, Cafe Batavia, Postal Office, Museum Bank Indonesia, and the Museum Fatahillah.

Other than the many buildings you can freely walk into, you can also see many street vendors and open markets in the area. Visit the old drawbridge, Sunda Kelapa old harbor, and delight yourself in the old Javanese leather puppets at the Puppet Museum.

Every Monday, most of the museums in Jakarta are closed. The best day to visit is on Sunday, because usually there would be a puppet show at the Puppet Museum. At the same museum, you can also see the funeral of Jan Pieterszoon Coen. He was an officer of the Dutch East India Company in Indonesia (VOC) in the early 17th century who renamed the city into Batavia from its older name, Jayakarta.

Immersing Yourself in Indonesia's Culture: Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) is literally translated to English as Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park. This large 250 acre park, located in the area of East Jakarta, is indeed one of the most beautiful and perfect places to feel like you're actively participating in the culture of the beautiful Indonesia.

An hour is not enough to witness everything you need to experience in this colossal park, as it is a conglomeration of everything Indonesian. The entire archipelago is crammed into the place, and the best thing to do is to let yourself be swept away by the sheer magnificence of experiencing all you can of the country in the shortest time possible. If you take a cable car inside the park, you will see the beautiful of Indonesian archipelago miniature in the middle of a lake.

Encyclopedia Britannica dubs TMII as a living museum, because of all the culture you can get from the entire experience. Each of the 34 provinces of Indonesia are represented in the park as pavilions. Each of them have their own unique surroundings, furniture, and ornaments to give the true feel of the territory. There are also more informative and fascinating museums that you can visit while inside the park, such as the Reptile Museum where you can see a dragon Komodo, Military Museum, Indonesian Museum, etc. You can also walk around and enjoy the calm beauty of the different sub-parks and have fun at the recreational facilities.

The best day to visit TMII is on Sunday, because the pavilions in the park usually perform their traditional dances and shows only on Sunday or public holiday.

Visiting the National Landmark of Jakarta: Monas
And of course, your stay in Jakarta would not be complete without seeing the monument built to remember the day Indonesia became a free country: the Monas, stand for Monumen Nasional. It was built by the first President, Mr. Soekarno, in 1961 and opened to the public ten years later. In Soekarno era, it was the highest building, the 132-meter monument powerfully tower high over Jakarta, a visible testament to the fight for freedom from colonial rule.

When you go there, you can reach the top of the Monas via elevator and see all of Jakarta. Afterwards, you can visit the Independence Room, which holds the national flag as well as other important artifacts. At the base of the Monas is the National History Museum, and the surrounding area is a beautiful park named Merdeka square. In the museum, you will find 51 dioramas telling the story about Indonesia's struggle for independence.

Sunday and holiday are not best days to visit Monas if you want to reach the top, because there are many students and people want to reach the top causing a long queue. There is only one lift with maximum 11 persons maximum capacity while hundreds of people want to enter the lift every holiday.

The above destinations are easy to reach, but many people in Jakarta cannot speak English. That is why you need an English speaking driver or a tour guide. This Jakarta Tourist Guide can help you reach the best destinations in Jakarta and explore more about the beauty of the city.

Visit here if you want to see some beautiful pictures of the city.

Article Source: Marsudi_Suwarnaadi

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Luxury Shopping in Scottsdale

 Known as the Beverly Hills of the Southwest, Scottsdale boasts a vast variety of upscale shops, one-of-a-kind boutiques and high-end malls. Most luxury shopping is centered in the gleaming malls and stylish shopping centers of central Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale and North Scottsdale's Kierland neighborhood, and some favorite city shopping areas include Scottsdale Fashion Square, Biltmore Fashion Park, the Borgata of Scottsdale and el Pedregal Shops & Dining at the Boulders.

Downtown/Old Town Scottsdale

Downtown Scottsdale offers several upscale outdoor shopping areas, among them the chic and charming Old Town Scottsdale. Offering upscale cowboy charm, the single level brick storefronts of Old Town Scottsdale are home to more than 100 unique shops from Native American craft shops to eclectic boutiques, fine art galleries and dazzling jewelry stores.

Fifth Avenue

Running from Scottsdale Road to Goldwater Boulevard, this energetic arts and shopping district is just five minutes from the iconic Bob Park's horse statue, one of the city's most photogenic spots.

Stroll tree-shaded streets lined with over 80 specialty shops and boutiques offering everything from one-of-a-kind frocks to dazzling jewelry. The area also boasts some of Scottsdale's best eateries and nightlife venues.

Scottsdale Waterfront

Many of Scottsdale/Phoenix's most lavish retail destinations are along Camelback Road, including elegant mixed-use Scottsdale Waterfront, a mélange of high-end shops and Scottsdale high rise condos located at the intersection of Camelback and Scottsdale roads.

Here you'll find a fine mix of local boutique satellites and upscale national chains from Urban Outfitters to High Point. Stroll across the pedestrian-only bridge to the Fifth Avenue shopping district or explore the chichi boutiques of the Mix Shops, part of the Southbridge development.

Garden-lined pathways, fountains and sculptures make this one of the prettiest retail and dining destinations in the area, and serious shoppers can head to the massive, magnificent Scottsdale Fashion Square, directly across from the Waterfront.

Scottsdale Fashion Square

With over 250 shops, boutiques and department stores, Scottsdale Fashion Square is the region's largest retail destination. This magnificent mall boasts Arizona's first Barney's location along with perennial department store favorites Nordstrom and Macys.

Uncover hard-to-find fashion collections at HUB clothing, pamper yourself with a gorgeous signature Bottega Veneta handbag or wallet and check out the incredible shoe creations of Jimmy Choo.

Kierland Commons

With its charming open air, Main Street appeal, this exclusive North Scottsdale anchor offers a myriad of sophisticated and eclectic shops. Browse the nature-inspired, artistic designs of Harari, indulge in the luxurious, organic skin and bath products of LATHER, or channel you inner rock star with urban glam brands from 42 Saint.

The SHOPS at Gainey Village

Located at Scottsdale & Doubletree, the SHOPS at Gainey Village offer an upscale shopping and dining experience with loads of local boutiques, hip eateries, high-end designer shops and jewelry stores.

Browse unique shops like Anastasia's Bath, Body & Boudoir, source for all things elegant and romantic, from lacy lingerie to glittery bangles, slinky swimsuits and luxurious bath products.

El Pedregal at the Boulders

Peruse the fine local galleries and boutiques of this Moroccan-inspired retail palace, where intoxicating design, lush landscaping and elegant shops offer a unique retail experience.

Browse exquisite original paintings, handcrafts and frocks, then stay to enjoy a concert at the Courtyard Stage outdoor amphitheater, offering a lively schedule of concerts and cultural events.

Nothing beats the luxury of shopping in Scottsdale. Living in the heart of the city gives one access to these establishments. If you are looking for a place to buy or rent in Scottsdale, Phoenix and Tempe area, We Know Urban Realty can be of great help. Visit site: http://weknowurban.com/

Article Source: Genie_Fletcher

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Vietnam Tour: The Hidden Charms

One of the most captivating countries in the region of Southeast Asia, Vietnam has gradually placed itself up on the world's tourism map as a fascinating place to visit, with a unique wealth of its own to offer visitors from other countries in the form of colorful cuisine, friendly people, picturesque landscape, and rich culture. Visitors from around the world, on the other hand, have now took notice of the breathtaking beauty that only Vietnam's natural landscapes can offer. In fact, the first five months of 2014 alone has seen an arrival of almost 11 million tourists bound for the Mekong Delta alone, with nearly 1 million accounting for international visitors. Indeed, Vietnam tour has caught up and is gradually showing the world what this country's hidden charms are.

As a backgrounder for future visitors, and to have a general idea about what to expect once inside the country, the following information about Vietnam will be useful:

Climate
Vietnam lies entirely within the tropics, but the fascinating fact is that the country is characterized by a climate that varies from area to area, with a general annual average temperature ranging from 22 degrees to 27 degrees Celsius. Cold, humid winters and warm, wet summers generally define the climatic condition of the north while the south is characterized by a monsoon season within the months of May to November, and is warm throughout the year.

Language and Ethnic Groups
Vietnamese is of course the country's official language, but each of the country's ethnic minority group boasts of its own dialect used in daily life. The country's rather small area of 330,000 square kilometers is home to 54 different ethnic groups. The Kinh people, at 86% accounts for the majority of the country's population. The remaining 14% accounts for all the other ethnic groups. The Kinh people are mostly based on the plains, particularly in the Red river Delta and the Mekong Delta, while the other ethnic groups are based on the mountainous regions. While each group has its own cultural traditions that differ from each other, they are all united by a common goal and desire for peace, and generally speaking, these ethnic groups that comprise the vietnamese people as a whole are warm, gentle, and visitor friendly.

Religions and Festivals
The land of Vietnam plays host to a myriad of spirituality and religious beliefs that range from Confucianism to Buddhism, as much as Taoism and Animism. Christianity also co-exist with this different religions, also playing an important role in the spiritual life of many Vietnamese.

Vietnam's most important festival is the Tet Nguyen Dan, or the "Feast of the First Morning". Often celebrated either in late January or early February and lasting two weeks long, the festivities welcome the coming of the Lunar New Year, and is also associated with ancestor worship. It is also a much awaited time for children, as they receive gifts from parents, grandparents, and relatives. Adults, on the other hand, gather together and wish each other prosperity and good luck. It is also during the Tet holiday when families go for reunions, and visits to temples and pagodas are also done during this festival. Other festivals are also celebrated, particularly during spring and autumn.

Food
Vietnamese cuisine is an array of colorful food that is really worth a visitor's time and effort. The local fare include beef pho, chicken pho, cold shellfish noodle, shrimp cakes, and spring rolls. The local beer, also known as draught beer, is also worth trying.

Hot Spots
Vietnam is naturally wealthy in terms of destinations that would truly amaze the senses with natural beauty. The Mekong Delta, for instance, draws hordes of visitors from around the world. Other places of interest include Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Cat Ba Island, Ho Chi Minh, and Hanoi. Beach resorts along the coastlines, as well as traditional eco-tours in areas such as mountainous areas are also available. Other points of interests are historical cities, towns, and communities.

With these and many other things to discover, a Vietnam tour package is sure to reward you with a breathtaking travel experience that only Vietnam can ever offer.

Joe Cruze III works for Lokopoko Travel, a provider of top notch Vietnam tour package and other exciting tour packages around Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

Article Source: Joe_Cruze_III

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Get Enthralled by Beauty of Nature at Uttarey

The mountainous state of Sikkim is ornamented with countless destinations that are blessed heavily by Mother Nature and hence explorers and Nature lovers find immense pleasure there. There are several hot spots that witness huge crowd almost throughout the year. But to explore the scenic nature of Sikkim and enjoy a peaceful holiday, one should choose, from destinations located in its remotest parts. West Sikkim is a very popular tourism zone and Pelling is its biggest attraction. Certainly Pelling is astonishingly beautiful, but it has become crowded and congested. But a 45-minute drive from this hill town takes one to a remote place, which has got everything to provide the eyes and the soul of a Nature lover with the pleasure it seeks. From Singsore Bridge, the second highest gorge bridge in Asia, a rough road leads upwards towards the North to Uttarey, a virgin spot which has become a big attraction, thanks to the breathtaking scenic beauty of the place and absolute tranquility that prevails over there.

Situated at a height of around 6,600 feet on the slope of Singalila range, Uttarey is a small hamlet which seems to be built by Mother Nature at her own will. Set amidst a green forested area with high walls of mountains on all sides, Uttarey is stunningly beautiful and absolutely serene. Breathtaking view of the snow-capped Kanchenjhungha, the Dentum Peak and Singalila, the beautiful green valley lying beneath, serpentine rivers and fresh blooms of Rhododendrons during the spring months make Uttarey a Paradise on Earth, which is still fairly unexplored. For travelers who wish to explore Nature on their feet, Uttarey is the perfect choice. They can go for a gentle morning or afternoon walk through the grassy trails on the slopes to catch a glimpse of the rural life in the village or may go for a canopy walk through the forests of pine, fir and oak. While walking through the greens of Uttarey, one can suddenly discover a monastery, surrounded by tall trees. It is the Kagju Gumpha, considered as a very revered site by the local people. The highlights of the monastery are a collection of beautiful wall paintings and a stunning view of the Dentam Peak and Simphok, Singalila Khola, a river that has flown beautifully scratching the green heart of Uttarey.

During the winter months, Uttarey offers a grand show of snow as the peaks visible from the hamlet get a complete whitewash. The show starts changing gradually as winter slowly makes way for the spring. The entire valley turns into a color palette as Rhododendrons of various shade blooms. It's a color riot that leaves visitors spellbound and shutterbugs find it difficult to switch off their cameras. Many travelers opt for trekking tours to the Main Bus Waterfall and Chewyabhang Pass, two stunning spots within the vicinity of Uttarey. The pass is just 10 kms from the village and could be reached quickly by car. The Simphok Singalila Dara is an equally beautiful spot, especially in the bamboo cane bridge connecting its two sides. The spot offers a great opportunity for taking romantic photographs of couples. Another spot worth visiting from Uttarey is the Maneybong Kagyuk Monastery, which was rebuilt over ruins in 1982.

James is pro travel blogger and writer. He has been an enthusiastic itinerant nomad himself. Uttarey is one of his favorite destinations. Till date he has written many content on Uttarey packages as well as Uttarey also.

Article Source: James_Blatt

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