Trevi Fountain Is One Of The Symbolic Icon Of Rome City, Italy

Trevi Fountain also known as The Fontana di Trevi in Italian is one of the most popular tourist attraction and the most famous fountain in Rome, Italy. The Trevi Fountain dominates a small Trevi square near Spanish Steps in the Quirinale district.

The Trevi Fountain is located at the junction of three roads marks the terminal point of the Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct constructed in 19 BC by the son in law of King Augustus named Agrippa. They found a source of pure water all the way from “Salone Springs” some 13 Kilometers from Rome and supplied the fountains. The source of water found with the help of a young virgin (virgo), who showed the source of pure water to the Agrippa’s soldiers, hence the name of the aquenduct.

During the papacy of Nicholas V, a small Trevi Fountain was built here in early 15^th century. Afterward in 1732, Pope Clement XII hired an Italian architect Nicola Salvi to replace a large fountain at Trevi Square with existing old fountain. The initial design was created by the Nicola Salvi.

The Trevi Fountain was inaugurated in 1762 by Pope. Salvi never saw the completion of his monumental Baroque fountain, as he died before this memorable moment. After his death this masterpiece was completed by Pietro Bracci. The pervious fountain was started by Bernini a century earlier but halted after the death of pope Urban VIII. The new Trevi Fountain remains one of the most historical cultural landmarks in Rome.  

Trevi Fountain at Night

The fountain Trevi measures 19.8 meters wide and 25.9 meters high while covers more than half the square. It is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world. The fountain is featured in several notable films such as “La Dolce Vita”, the popular romantic 1954 film “Three Coins in A Fountain”, and “Roman Holiday”. Return to fountain decoration, the central figure of the fountain, is Neptune (god of the sea), who is riding a chariot that is pulled by two sea horses, each one is guided by a Triton. One horse is looking calm and obedient to master, while other struggles to the master. These symbolize the two contrasting moods of the sea.

One of the first story reliefs shows a young girl, representing the legendary virgin after whom the aquedeuct was named, pointing to the spring from which the water flows. Water flows over artificial rocks into a large semicircular pool represents the sea. According to an estimate, eighty million liters of water flow through the fountain daily. A popular tourist attraction is to throw coins into this pool. If you can do it you will return to Rome one day. Turn you back to the fountain and toss a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder or left hand over your right shoulder. According to a source, 3000 Euros are thrown into the fountain each day. 

Take a Close Look of All The Statues of Trevi Fountain

The Statues of Trevi Fountain

The Statues of Trevi Fountain

The Statues of Trevi Fountain

The Statues of Trevi Fountain

The Statues of Trevi Fountain

 The Statues of Trevi Fountain

 The Statues of Trevi Fountain

The Statues of Trevi Fountain

Pantheon Rome, A 2000 Years Old Temple in Italy

More than 1800 years ago, a building was established as temple for all the gods originally called Pantheon. The marvelous structure is still stands as a sign of the great Roman Empire. Of all the great structures or buildings constructed during the great era of Roman Empire, only this one still stands in its original condition. It displays gorgeous impression on visitors by its thick walls and tall marble columns of the portico.  And the dome, which is 43 meter high is also one of the most impressive and attractive part of the building. This one was the largest dome in the world until 1436 when Florence Cathedral (the main church of Florence, Italy, also known as The Cattedrale di Sants Maria del Fiore) was constructed.  

Hole in the middle of Pantheon, Rome

A hole at the dome’s apex allows daylight into the main room. Three rows of columns are located in front of portico. Eight columns are in the first row while other two have four each. Behind them a huge bronze door of a diameter of 43 meter gives access to the cylindrical building.

History of Pantheon started from 25-27 B.C when it was a T-shaped temple (made on traditional base) which built by general Marcus Agrippa (son in law of Emperor Augustus) dedicated to the gods. The building damaged twice, first burned down in 80 AD second struck by lightning and burned down again in 110 AD.  Emperor Hadrian ordered to rebuild again and oversaw its completion, this time it is credited with turning the temple into a marvelous architectural works in the world. This time it was more durable version of Pantheon was built completed in 125 AD.

Beautiful Night View of Pantheon

In Rain Pantheon Looks More Gorgeous

The Egyptian made sixteen columns for portico are weighing sixty tons. Each one was 39 feet (11.9 meter) tall with a diameter of 1.5 meters supporting a pediment. The pediment was decorated with gilt bronze ceiling. The construction of the dome was the most difficult one. The weight of the dome was massive so it created difficulties to put it on its respective place. They use some techniques such as the thickness of the walls gradually decreased as the height increased. To 6 meter (20 feet) thick walls were used at the base, while near the oculus it is only 7.5 feet or 2.3 meter thick. They use coffer in the ceiling and the opening at the top (the hole) also helped reduce the weight of the dome.

Interior of Pantheon

 Interior Beauty of Pantheon

The temple (Pantheon) was converted into church in 609, now containing several tombs of many famous kings along with famous artist Raphael. The interior design of the temple and the marble floor are the best examples of Roman architecture. Beneath the light hole and between the granite Corinthian columns, seven sculptures stand, referred to Roman gods correspond to each of the seven planets. A well crowded rectangular square (Piazza dells Rotonda) borders The Pantheon.

An eighteenth century fountain crowned with an obelisk is located in square’s center. It still remains a mystery that why the conquerors elected to preserve this building while destroying many of others.  

Calender 2015 of Cultural Events in Indonesia

Nasi Tumpeng,  Culinary Tradition in Javanese Culture.

As an archipelago country, Indonesia consists of diverse ethnic and making it a very rich culture. Culture tourism in Indonesia composes of culinary tourism, along with historical and religion tourism being two sectors which allows tourists to learn and gain experience of different ways of life, customs, religious traditions, and ideas contained in the intellectual cultural heritage. Meanwhile, history and religion tourism present ancient architectures still standing strong as candid an mosques with amazing historical value.

The Palace of Traditional Kingdom Sekala Brak in West Lampung.

Calender of Cultural Events

 4 – 5  September 2015  Sate and Soto Festival in Padang, West Sumatera;
16       September 2015  Liwa Coffe Festival in Liwa, West Lampung, Lampung; 

18-19  September 2015  Nusantara Food Festival  in Batam, Riau Islands;

24-26  September 2015  Shining Sulawesi in Kendari,  South East Sulawesi;

25       September 2015  Nusantara Food Festival  in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan;

26-28  September 2015  Traditional Food Competition in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan;

 1 – 3  October     2015   Shining Sumatera in Pekan Baru, Riau;

 9 -10  October     2015   Young Chef Competition in Surabaya, East Java;
 9 -14  October     2015   Asmat Festival in Asmat, Papua (delayed till Jan 16 due to dry season);
12-14 October      2015   Mataraman Festival, Pacitan (East Java);
16-17 October      2015   Tourism Festival and Nusantara Bambo Culture, Lampung ;

16-17  October     2015   Herbal and Traditional Drink Festival in Surabaya, East Java;
19-22  October     2015   Twilight Festival, Kaimana (West Papua);
20       October     2015   Banyuwangi Ethno Festival, Banyuwangi (East Java);
20-24  October     2015   Sail 2 Indonesia, Tanjung Pinang (Riau Islands Province);

23-24  October     2015   Nusantara Fruit Festival in Medan, Sumatera North;
23-25  October     2015   Gemstone and Jewelry Festival, TMII (Jakarta);
23-25  October     2015   Maritime Culture Festival, Ambon (Maluku Province); 
24       October     2015   Exhibition of 30 Icon Nusantara Culinary, Bandung (West Java);
24-25  October    2015    Borneo Extravaganza 2015, CItywalk, Bandung (West Java);
25       October     2015   Jakarta Marathon, Jakarta;
28 Oct - 1 Nov     2015   Ubud Writers  & Readers, Ubud, Gianyar (Bali);  

30-31  October     2015   Dodol Festival in Pekanbaru, Riau;
1         November 2015   Exhibition of Toba Lake Festival, Medan (North Sumatera);
4  - 6   November 2015   Shinning Sumatera, Pekanbaru (Riau Province); 

6 – 7  November 2015    Eating Together Festival in Ternate, North Maluku;
7 -  9  November 2015   Tour de Bintan, Bintan (Riau Islands Province);
11-15 November  2015   Musi Triboatton, Palembang (South Sumatera);
12-15 November  2015  Kintamani Festival, Bali;

13-14  November 2015   Copy & Tea Festival in Banda Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam;
14-15  November 2015   Kora-kora Festival, Ternate City (North Maluku);
15       November 2015   Borobudur Jazz Fesrival, Magelang (Central Java);
16-20  November 2015   Toba Lake Festival, Samosir (North Sumatera);

20-21  November 2015   Non Rice Food Festival in Manado, North Sulawesi;
26-28 October 2015 Tea Bel Nufit Festival in Kei, South East Maluku;
29 Nov- 8 Dec     2015   Rafting Championship, Citarik, Sukabumi (West Java);
4 - 5   December  2015   Festival Jajanan Pasar Nusantara, Batam (Riau Islands Province);
10-13 December  2015   Sabang Marine Festival, Sabang (Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam);
12      December  2015   Wonderful Indonesia Promotion, Jakarta;
13      December  2015   Nusantara Day, Aceh.

16-18 December 2015 Malay Banquet in Batam, Riau Islands.

 Source: Ministry of Tourism

Colosseum in Rome

The” Colosseum” is one of the greatest building of the ear and a tremendous construction of Roman Empire. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, hosted some popular games of the time such as gladiator exhibitions, bloody fights between wild animals and gladiators, also used for prisoner executions. Many of the animals and humans died here in thousands of fights. The fabulous structure has fallen into ruined because of damaged by natural disasters such as massive earthquakes and today some of the remnants are standing but they are still beautiful and impressive.

The massive building is measuring 190 by 156 meter, while the height is more than 48 meters (159 feet). Construction of the Colosseum was started by Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD. Nine thousand animals were slaughtered to monument its opening ceremony.

A freestanding structure of The Colosseum is made of stone and concrete. Inside the Colosseum had seating for more than 50000 spectators, who may have been arranged according to social ranking. Special seating arrangement in boxes was provided at North and south ends, providing the best views of arena, respectively for the Emperor and the Vestal Virgins. Almost 78 entry gates were available for spectators to enter the building. Four stories build above the ground, in which the upper story was preserved for common citizens, while the lowest story was for emperors, their guests or friends, and wealthy citizens. The wild animals were hidden in the cages located below the ground. These special cages could be hoisted at the time of enabling the animals to appear on the ground of arena.

Interior of Colosseum

The Colosseum was built to use by Emperors for the entertainment of their public with different games. The emperors held these games to show off their power and status, and to increase their popularity. Usually, the prisoners, and slaves were the fighters in these games. Often these games ended with fight between gladiators, and against animals, these games started with comical acts and displays of exotic animals. Even Emperors or anybody from spectators could be a part of fight.

The naturals disasters, harsh weathers, neglects and earthquakes damaged two/ third of Colosseum especially the southern side and all of the arena’s decoration along-with beautiful marble seats. Its restoration started in 1990 on government level, which proceeded over many years. The Colosseum is now one of the leading tourist attractions in Rome.

 Coloseum at Night

Evening View of Colosseum

St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Rome

World’s largest church in Christianity, Saint Peter’s Basilica is located within Vatican City across the river Tiber, west of Rome’s center. The Vatican City is completely surrounded by the Rome. The Church’s Italian name is Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano and in Latin it is called as Basilica Sancti Petri. The wonderful building is more than one hundred years old and built by famous architects of Italy. The imposing church was built on Vatican Hill across the River Tiber from the center of Rome. The location’s reference is highly symbolic as here Saint Peter (who is considered the first pope) buried (according to tradition).   

According to history, the construction of basilica started around 319 to 322 AD by Roman Emperor. They wanted to build a basilica at the Holy site of small shrine which marked the likely location of the tomb of the St. Peter, on the Vatican Hill. They built an eighty five meter long nave with four aisles and a wide atrium with a central fountain called cantharus, connected by a colonnade. You can enter the atrium through a triple-arched portico. In front of atrium a tall bell tower is standing.

Basilica At Night

The modification and enlargement of Basilica was under progress after its ruin in middle of 15^th century. But the progress was halted till half of a century after the death of Nicolas V. Finally Pope Julius II decided to build a completely new church instead of restoration. The new building was designed with a high dome by the architect named Donato Bramante and Julius II laid the first stone of the new basilica in 1506. The dome was completed in 1590 by Giacomo della Porta, after replacing of different architects and many modifications. The main façade of the extended building was completed by Carlo Maderno in 1614. In 1626 the final touch of work was done by pope Urban VIII. It took exactly 1300 years in completion and named St. Peter’s Basilica. 

Interior of the Basilica 

Since then it is the holiest spot of Christianity, and from all over the world draws millions of pilgrims and tourist yearly.       

 Bird Eye View of Church's Square

St. Peter’s Square is the main attraction for visitors on their way to the St. Peter’s Basilica, built in mid of 17^th century by architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini. He created almost 138 statues of saints standing over the roof of colonnades. A stone pillar (obelisk) from Egypt was carried there in 37 AD, which is standing in middle of the square.

Building of Basilica church has 211.5 meter long nave. A dome over the roof is massive one it is one of the largest of the world measuring 42 meters in diameter and 132.5 meter (434 feet) high. The front façade is 45.5 meter (149 feet) high created by Carlo Maderno. He also placed the big pillars against the wall instead of in front of the building. Inside of church tells more stories to us. The Basilica has a ground area of 15160 square meters and fully covered by a vault ceiling and a dome, which can easily accommodate 60000 pilgrims.      

The Dome of the Church

Light Emitting Form Windows of the Dome

The Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica is designed by Michelangelo. This masterpiece has a diameter of42.34 meters and rests on four massive five sided pillars. A cylindrical drum rested on top of pillars with 16 numbers of large windows. The windows actually support the ribbed vault. A large size of lantern is placed on where the ribs come together at the oculus. Stairs takes tourist to top where you can enjoy an amazing panorama over Rome from platform at the base of the lantern. An elevator service is also available but stairs a bit cheaper. From the galleries inside give you a view of interior of the Basilica. If you want to go on the top of the dome, a narrow staircase can take you to reach on the top. 

The Front Facade of Basilica

The Louvre Museum, Top Tourist Attraction in Paris

Having over 35000 pieces of art The Louvre Museum in Paris is world’s most important and famous museum. Originally a royal palace, people who have an interest in art must visit this museum. Statue of Venus of Milo and the painting of Mona Lisa are the most celebrated works of art with original shape available in The Louvre. The 60000 square feet huge Louvre Museum is located along with the banks of River Seine. Outside of building is a memorable landmark a glass pyramid can be often view in photographs of museum.

Beautiful Wallpaper of Louvre Museum and Paramid

The history of Louvre Museum Paris stars in the period of 12^thcentury when Philippe Auguste built a fortress on the border of the city to protect Paris city from Anglo-Norman. In sixteenth century Louis XIV converted his residence into Louvre, which remained a palace for several centuries. In same era Louvre Museum was established as the Private collection of the King. Famous Mona Lisa painting was purchased and became a part of the Museum. Many of the collections were purchased by different upcoming Kings. Different modern rulers made several expansions in the palace such as King Henri IV built the Grande Galerie, which is over a quarter of a mile long, while Louis XIII completed the Denon Wing construction. During French Revolution, in 1793, the Louvre became a national art museum having private royal collections and fist time opened for public. The Nike of Samothrake and the Dying Slave by Michelangelo are the other famous works of art in the museum.

There are three large wings in Louvre easily accessible entering the museum through the Louvre Pyrimid or via the Carrousel du Louvre. Names of the three wings are Sully, Richelieu, and Denon. The lower ground floor of Sully wing has the collection of some remnants of the medieval castle of the Louvre while the collection of French paintings, drawings and prints are located on second floor and the oldest part of the Louvre. The erotic “Turkish Bath” painted by Jean Aguste in the late eighteenth century. The antiquities in the thirty rooms are the major works displayed in the first and ground floors. The ancient Egyptian artifacts and sculptures such as “Seated Scribe” and a colossal “statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II” are the other best collection you find here.   

Interior Louvre Museum

 Interior Louvre Museum

Interior Louvre Museum

The Richelieu Wing has the collection of paintings from across Europe of the Middle Ages to 19^thcentury such as Rubens and Rembrandt are the master pieces that can be seen on the second floor. On the first floor of Richelieu Wing has some antique collection of decorative arts, with objects such as clocks, furniture, china and tapestries. The Lacemaker from Jan Vermeer and the Virgin of Chancellor Rolin, a 15^th century work by the Flemish painter Jan Van Eyck are the other most notable collections at Richelieu Wing. A large collection of sculptures are decorated around two glass covered courtyards named “Cour Puget and Cour Marly” on the ground floor. Many of the sculptures are created in 18^thcentury with marbles by Guillaume Coustou. The main attraction of the house is Code of Hammurabi, which is a well-preserved Babylonian law code of ancient Mesopotamia from 1754 BC.

Louvre Museum With Paramid

Louvre Museum and Paramid

The most visited wing of Louvre Museum is the Denon Wing. Tour to Louvre Museum cannot be completed without seeing the biggest crowed puller work of art the Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, also known as Mona Lisa (a woman portrait created by Leonardo da Vinci), display on Denon’s first floor in room no. 13, behind a glass case. After taking a look of this classy work go ahead and see the other famous work such as the ancient Greek statue Venus de Milo from 130 B.C. and the Virgin and Child with St. Anne by da Vinc. A Greek marble statue of Winged Victory of Samothrace is another top attraction in Denon Wing. Wide collection of Roman and Etruscan antiquities and sculptures collection from 14^thto 19^th century is waiting on the ground floor. Some antique objects from rest of the world can be seen in eight rooms on the ground floor.

Louvre Museum Paris Inside

Louvre Museum Paris Inside

Louvre Pyramid is the most recent added construction functions as the main entrance of Louvre Museum built in 1989 by I.M. Pei (a popular American architect). The amazing glassy pyramid lets the sunlight to enter the underground floor.
Some Top Collections of Louvre Museum of Paris

Winged Victory

Mona Lisa Painting

Venus of Milo