The Strange but True Story Behind Valentine’s Day
While this is not your conventional story about Valentine’s Day that’s filled with romance, it’s a fascinating take on a tradition that is widely celebrated on February 14 in many …
Michelangelo’s David in the Galleria dell’Accademia, Florence
If you only see one statue on your trip to Italy, Michelangelo’s David is the one to see. Hailed as an instant classic from the day it was unveiled in …
The Bridge of Sighs in Venice
The Bridge of Sighs is a very pleasant solution to a very grim problem. In 1600 Venice’s prisons for common criminals were being moved from the ground floor of the …
The Trevi Fountain in Rome
The story of the Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most famous fountains, starts with a young girl. According to legend, the source of Acqua Vergina aqueduct, which feeds the Trevi, …
6 Fascinating Facts About St. Mark’s Basilica
St. Mark’s Basilica is one of the most-visited sights in Venice, and a must-see on any traveler’s Italy itinerary! But with a history that stretches all the way back to the 9th century A.D., it’s also a church with a lot of interesting stories and legends behind it.
Florence Attractions: The Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi) is the best single museum in the world to see Renaissance paintings. Housed in a cavernous building designed by Giorgio Vassari, it houses a …
Colosseum Underground Fully Reopens
After two years of restoration work, the Colosseum Underground has fully reopened to the public. While a section has been accessible on our VIP Colosseum Underground tour, we’re excited to explore …
Guide Spotlight: Mose – Venice
In this blog series, we get up close and personal with some of Walks’ guides around the world, showcasing some of the amazing people who take Walks with us from …
The Secondhand Origins of Michelangelo’s David
They say there’s nothing new under the sun, that all ideas have been formulated – and reformulated – countless times. In an age when we are bombarded by content, it’s telling that we are insatiably drawn to the ‘classics’ as a purer form of engagement with art.
Fact vs Fiction: The Story Behind the Two Popes
The resignation of Pope Benedict from the Papal office in 2013 didn’t just make headlines, it made history. For the first time in over 600 years two popes were alive at the same time. For the first time since 1294 a pope had resigned of his own will. And for the first time ever the Vatican became home to two popes.