Il Mio Viaggio in Italia By Samuel Jackson, James Worthington and Jason Tien

Verona – Northern Italy Background Info: Verona is a city in Veneto, Northern Italy. It is one of the main tourist destinations in Italy because of its artistic heritage, fairs, shows and operas. It is also the home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Verona’s population is approximately 265,410. The climate in the city is relatively humid. Interesting Fact: Many of the buildings and statues in Verona are part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site status.

Tourist Sites - Verona Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House) The Casa di Giulietta is a famous tourist attraction in Verona. It claims to be the house of Juliet, daughter to Capulet from William Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet. The house is one of the most visited sites in the town and it features a small bronze statue of Juliet in the tiny courtyard. A significant feature of the house is the balcony which can be seen from the road leading to the house. This balcony is where Juliet spent many hours waiting for Romeo, her true love. On the entrance wall, many people write their names and the names of their loved ones because they believe it makes their love everlasting. I chose this tourist attraction because it is one of Verona’s most popular sites. Everyone is familiar with Shakespeare’s most famous love story as it is fascinating, intriguing and tragic. For Italians, this love story is important as it represents their feelings and emotions. For the world, it represents eternal love. This site signifies Juliet’s everlasting and true love for Romeo.

Tourist Sites - Verona Casa di Romeo (Romeo’s House) The Casa di Romeo is a famous tourist attraction in the centre of Verona, not far from Juliet’s house. It is the home of Romeo in Shakespeare's famous love story. The 13 th century house belonged to the Montecchi Family. It looks like a castle with its tower and high defensive wall. It has many internal courtyards. The architecture and structure of the house make it very unique and its atmosphere and setting are very romantic. I chose this tourist attraction because everyone is familiar with Shakespeare's love story and it is fascinating to see where Romeo lived. Romeo’s home is only a short walk from Juliet’s house and one can imagine him going to see Juliet. This site enables us to imagine Romeo’s love, loyalty and commitment to Juliet.

Tourist Sites - Verona Il Teatro Romano Il Teatro Romano is a famous theatre in Verona, built in the 1 st century. Various plays and opera performances were held here. The Teatro Romano was one of the first theatres to be built in the time of Augustus. It is the third largest amphitheatre in Italy. This amphitheatre was built using limestone, which was the only type of brick they had in the 1 st century. Il Teatro Romano continues to be used as a venue for performances even today. I chose this tourist attraction because it is a wonderful example of the magnificent theatres built in the 1 st Century. It demonstrates the incredible skills, commitment and artistic ability of the Romans to build these huge spectacular amphitheatres.

Tourist Sites - Verona Il Cattedrale di Verona (or Duomo di Verona) The Cathedral of Verona is a spectacular site. Situated in a small square, it was built on the remains of two pre- Christian churches. The building has a beautiful front door that has two arcades. Red marble separates the three naves of the church. The statues inside of the Cathedral were made by famous artists of Verona. In 1117, the Cathedral was destroyed by an earthquake. The Cathedral has since been rebuilt in a Romanesque style. The cathedral was later consecrated on September 13, It is one of the only churches that is made up of different buildings. I chose this tourist attraction because it is an important landmark in Italy. The Cathedral attracts many tourists because of its religious, historical and architectural importance. It is an example of beautiful architecture. The building is grand and is influenced by the Early Christian Community. It is also a very unique church because it has a library inside.

The Location of Verona

Rome – Central Italy Background Information: Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city, with over 2.7 million residents. The city is located in the central- western portion of the Italian peninsula, on the Tiber river. Rome was built in the 9 th century BC and is considered one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world but also the modern world. With nearly 3,000 years of rich history, Rome is often called the “Eternal City.” Interesting Facts : The first-ever shopping mall was built by the Emperor Trajan in Rome. It consisted of several levels and had more than 150 outlets selling everything, from food and spices to clothing. Rome’s first university, La Sapienza, is the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world. Most Roman aqueducts were over 55 feet high. Their great height not only controlled the flow of water but also made it difficult for water to be stolen and for enemies to poison it. The Roman Aqueduct of Segovia was built of stones with no mortar and is still used to carry water today (The Trevi fountain aqueduct had the same system).

Tourist Sites - Rome The Colosseum I have chosen this Tourist attraction because of its great historical background and the amazing events that took place there. During the Roman Empire, it was used as a stadium, similar to our stadiums today, but with different entertainment. It could fit up to people. The Colosseum would be filled with water and naval battles were fought. Gladiators would fight against animals, shipped from the most exotic parts of the Roman empire. They would also fight other gladiators and others, such as prisoners of war. On occasion, some citizens of Rome including the Emperor, would take part in a battle if they were brave enough. Even circuses would be held in the Colosseum, and usually this was all devised by the Emperors to increase their popularity with the people. The Colosseum continued its magnificent games until 847 AD when it was felled by an earthquake. An interesting fact about the Colosseum is that it had a large sun roof that could be stretched over the crowd to keep the spectators in the shade. The Colosseum took 12 years to build, and the exit time for all 70,000 spectators was only three minutes.

Tourist Sites - Rome St Peter’s Basilica I have chosen this tourist attraction because it is an amazing and spectacular site, if not, the best Christian monument in the world. To miss it, would almost be a sin for any tourist visiting Rome. It was built on the very place where Saint Peter, the chief apostle was buried in 64 AD. St Peter’s Basilica is designed with a magnificent interior, illustrating the wealth of the Catholic Church during the 16th century. St Peter’s Basilica was originally a small shrine, but during the 15th century it began to fall apart. The Pope at the time, Nicolas V, ordered the church to be restored and enlarged. Pope Nicolas V died, and his plans were halted, but in 1506 Pope Julius II laid the first stone of the new basilica. When it was finished, it was a truly breathtaking building and the largest church in the world, with it’s interiors decorated by some of the most famous artists in the world. An interesting fact about St Peter’s Basilica is that the dome on top of the cathedral is 42 metres in diameter, making it the largest dome in the world. The dome was also designed by Michelangelo.

Tourist Sites - Rome The Trevi Fountain I chose this tourist attraction because the Trevi Fountain is said to be “A true wonder and a jewel of water and stone that is nestled between the palaces of the historic centre of the city.” The Trevi fountain is an amazing monument. It was only an aqueduct until the 18 th century, when Pope Clement XIII decided to restore the Trevi district and began working on the fountain as we know it today. It took 30 years to complete, starting in 1732 and finishing in It was built by a Roman architect, Nicola Salvi, who was responsible for 20 years of the work. The central statue of the fountain is the Roman God of the Sea, Neptune, and the statues to its left and right represent abundance, health and wellbeing. The Trevi fountain is very famous even appearing in the famous Italian film, La Dolce Vita. An interesting legend of the Trevi Fountain is that you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the fountain, but only if it is thrown over your shoulder.

Tourist Sites - Rome Pantheon I chose this tourist attraction because of its great historical and mythological background. It contains the tombs of the famous artist Raphael and of several Italian Kings. Built more than 1800 years ago, the magnificent Pantheon building is a reminder of the great Roman empire. The Pantheon provides an example of how the Romans copied Greek architecture. This is demonstrated by its dedication to polytheism (more than one god) and a design similar to the Parthenon with columns and a triangular roof. The Pantheon borders the Piazza Della Rotonda, one of Rome’s most beautiful squares. The pantheon was commissioned by Consul Marcus Agrippa, and rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in 126 AD. An interesting fact about the pantheon is that “Pan" meaning everything and “theon" meaning divine, together symbolised a homage to all the Gods.

The Location of Rome

Pompeii – Southern Italy Background Information: Pompeii is a southern Italian city in the region of Campania. In 79 AD, Pompeii was destroyed and completely buried during an eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The city was accidentally rediscovered in During its excavation, extraordinary and detailed insight into the life of the city during the Roman Empire was discovered. Pompeii is one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions with over two million visitors each year. Interesting Fact: The last eruption of Mount Vesuvius was in March, 1944, during the second World War. There has been no sign of activity since then.

Tourist Sites - Pompeii Street of Tombs. The Street of Tombs is one of the most attractive parts of Pompeii. Situated outside of the Herculaneum gate, it is lined with monuments and artifacts from early Roman times. During Roman times, it was forbidden to bury dead bodies inside the walls of Pompeii. The citizens of Pompeii therefore, decided to bury the bodies on this main road. This road was a busy place for travelers and also had shops along it. The Street of Tombs is considered one of the most impressive surviving examples of Roman traditions and practices. I chose this tourist attraction because it is an interesting and fascinating place. It provides insight into the culture and history of Pompeii before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. The wealth and social status of the person can be determined by the type of tomb they have.

Tourist Sites - Pompeii Casa di Vetti (House of the Vettii) The House of the Vettii was one of the most famous luxurious residences in Roman times, preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. The house is named after its two successful owners, who were once slaves in their early life, but were able to rise from their status into wealthy merchants. The house is built around two large pillars with the centre of the house situated in a roofless courtyard that opens up to the sky. Statues and fountains are situated throughout the house. In the entrance foyer, there are many beautiful paintings including an almost life size image of the Greek Mythological God, Priapus. I chose this tourist attraction because it provides a very detailed look into the city of Pompeii, in and before 79AD. It provides information on the types of houses and the furniture used in Roman times. It also provides insight into Roman architecture.

Tourist Sites - Pompeii Amphitheatre of Pompeii The Amphitheatre of Pompeii is the oldest surviving amphitheatre of Roman times, situated in the southeastern part of Pompeii. Built in 70BCE, it was the first Roman Amphitheatre to built out of stone. The amphitheatre hosted a wide range of events, including plays and operas, as well as gladiator events. Today, the amphitheatre is a historical landmark and a place for archaeologists to study. It has also featured in a 1972 Pink Floyd film where he performed six songs in the amphitheatre. I chose this tourist attraction in Pompeii because it provides us with significant insight into the amphitheatre and its gladiator culture. We have learned a tremendous amount from the paintings and sculptures which have been preserved as a result of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD.

Tourist Sites - Pompeii Temple of Apollo The Temple of Apollo is a temple in Pompeii dedicated to the Greek and Roman God, Apollo. It is the town’s most religious building and has very ancient origins. The architecture of the building is typical Roman style, built close to the ground with a space inside for worshippers. It has an astonishing 48 columns. The central part of the building contains an altar to the God and is surrounded by a statue of “Apollo shooting arrows” and the Greek Goddess “Dianna”. The building was built in the 6BC.. I chose this tourist attraction because it is a very old building with an important historical and mythological background. The Temple of Apollo is a reminder of the close relationship the Greeks had with the people of Pompeii.

The Location of Pompeii

Distances Between the Cities Verona to Rome – 412km Rome to Pompeii – 241km Pompeii to Verona - 653km