SOUTHERN EUROPE

Villa d’Este - World Heritage Site - Italy

Villa d’Este

Country: Italy | Type: Cultural | Theme: Garden, Residence, Secular Structure Introduction to Villa d’Este, Tivoli To the east of Rome in the hilltop village of Tivoli, the palace and gardens of the Villa d’Este are one of the most comprehensive examples of  opulent living in the Italain Rennaissance period.  In particular, the gardens of the villa are considered to be the most striking …

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Colosseum - Historic Centre of Rome

The Historic Centre of Rome

Country: Italy | Type: Cultural | Theme: Urban Landscape Introduction to The Historic Centre of Rome According to legend, the city of Rome was founded in 753 BC by Remus and Romulus, two shepherd brothers.  In truth, the city grew from a small Latin village into the centre of the Roman Republic.  It quickly became the seat of the Roman Empire, and …

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sintra national palace

Cultural Landscape of Sintra

Country: Portugal | Type: Cultural | Theme: Cultural Landscape, Human Activity  Introduction to the Cultural Landscape of Sintra Sintra is a picturesque town which isn’t far from Lisbon and, as such, is a popular day-trip from the city. One of its most spectacular sights is Quinta da Regaleira, a sprawling mansion estate which contains a gothic palace, chapel and fountains within four hectares of …

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pico island vineyard culture - Portugal

Pico Island Vineyard Culture

Country: Portugal | Type: Cultural | Theme: Agriculture, Cultural Landscape  Introduction to Pico Island Vineyard Culture Pico is 987 hectares of unique, man-made landscape, a volcanic island in the Azores whose entire landscape has been shaped and changed over five hundred years of small-scale farming. The island is now famed for its vineyards and their much sought-after wine, but there’s more to see …

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