Roman and Romanesque in Tarragona, Spain
Just an hour from Barcelona, Tarragona’s historic center spills down the hillside to the sea. As the former capital of the Roman Empire’s largest province,…
Medieval Mallorca: Architecture and Atmosphere in Palma's Old Town
From its strikingly modern Gothic cathedral looming over the sea to the stark beauty of its Arab bath complex, Palma de Mallorca’s architecture offers a…
A Guide to Art Nouveau Architecture in Sóller, Mallorca
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, the town of Sóller is a popular travel destination, both as a day trip from…
Gaudí and Modernisme in Palma de Mallorca
Caught between the island’s beach resorts and the better-known landmarks in nearby Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca flies under most visitors’ radar. Yet the city is…
Barcelona’s Ruta del Modernisme: a Self-Guided Walking Tour
There’s no better place to experience Art Nouveau architecture than in Barcelona. The dynamic forms, innovative materials, and exquisite craftsmanship acquired a deep significance in…
The Striped Cathedrals of Orvieto and Siena
Most of us associate medieval European architecture with bare stone, limited colors, and above all, solemnity. The cathedrals of Siena and Orvieto are a delightful…
A Day in Genoa: From Ferries to Funiculars
Genoa’s nickname La Superba means “the Proud” but compared to the other great Italian city-states, it’s surprisingly down-to-earth. The city’s refreshingly low levels of tourism are somewhat…
Staying in Riomaggiore: a Guide to the Best of Cinque Terre
For the last few decades, one of the more popular destinations in Italy has been the Cinque Terre, five beautiful little villages tucked into the…
The Stendhal Syndrome: How to Avoid Sensory Overload in Florence
I’m not sure what to make of the Stendhal Syndrome. Dr. Graziella Magherini coined the term in 1979 after documenting over 100 cases of visitors to…