The Hidden City in Tuscany, Italy

San Gimignano



A small village in central Tuscany, Italy has become a very popular tourist destination over the years. The beautiful medieval towers which is the landmark of this village, makes a breath taking landscape. The architecture in this town was mainly influenced by Pisa, Siena and Florence. There were 72 towers originally; however, some were destroyed due to war. At present there are 14 towers with various heights that has been preserved. You can also view frescos and artwork done during the 14th century and the 15th century in Sienese School and in Florentine School. Out of the many churches to visit, Colegiata and Sant’Agostino are the most popular ones with artwork done by Renaissance artists. What is nice about this town is, it offers history, old traditions, and Italian cuisines from the most original restaurants and the wine from this region.

To talk a little bit about the history of this village, San Gimignano’s dates back to 7th century. The village rose from an Etruscan settlement. It is said that this town was saved by the Holy Bishop of Modena, St Gimignano from barbarian hordes. The town soon gained popularity due to the “Francigena way”. Because of this route pilgrims to Rome and the Vatican used to pass by San Gimignano and also the town became the centre for business for surrounding villages. Therefore, San Gimignano started to flourish during the middle ages. As a result churches, monasteries and towers were built as wealth started to flow into the village. In 1199 San Gimignano became independent from the Bishop of Volterra. The city was divided due to the power struggle of two wealthy families known as Ardinghelli family (Guelphs) and Salvucci family (Ghibellines). In 1300 Dante Alighieri became the Guelphs league Ambassador in Tuscany. However, a San Gimignano was faced with a Black Death plague where the town’s population reduced drastically. In 1353 San Gimignano came under the control of Florence and the town popularity and importance declined. Centuries after San Gimignano was rediscovered for its beauty and culture.

The heart of the town has for squares known as Piazza della Cisterna, Piazza Duomo where the Collegiata is located, Piazza Pecori, and Piazza delle Erbe. The main streets are Via San Matteo and Via San Giovanni, which cross the city from north to south. There is a mediaeval costume festival held each year on the third Saturday and Sunday of June in the streets and squares. It is very festive as you can see Knights of Santa Fina re-enact and old "Feriae Messium" tradition with jousts between mounted knights armed with lances (Giostra dei Bastoni). A large arts and craft market, food stalls with olive oil, saffron and the local wine known as Vernaccia di San Gimignano, which is one of the most popular white wines in Italy, that could be tasted. There are musicians, street performers and archers entertaining the crowd. On Sunday afternoon there is a pageant with costumed horsemen and other characters. A chivalrous tournament is held in the Parco della Rocca, where the four quarters of San Gimignano compete. The winning quarter parades through the city and celebrations continue into the evening.

A place to visit and have a taste of true Tuscan culture. Just enjoy the beauty, tradition, and culture the place has to offer.

World's Biggest Carnival- Brazil

Carnival of Rio


Just a few days more for the world’s biggest carnival! It is officially scheduled to start on the 12th of February this year and go on for four days. Well, it is not just a carnival. It is based on history, culture, music, dance, fun, glamour and most of all you can dress up to be a different person of liking. Communities come together with all differences kept aside. The rich, the poor, the gay, all celebrating together, something of this magnitude of celebration is not seen anywhere else in the world. This is the time of year the poor in Brazil gets to celebrate without any reservations. The entire city is non-stop partying till the beginning of lent which is Ash Wednesday. The fever of celebration starts from early January. The dance movements, the music, the costumes, the floats are all well designed and the preparations are done throughout the year. It is an experience to look forward to with around 500000 tourists pouring in to the city ready to be indulged on the festivity of partying and just to be embraced by this magnificent celebration which is considered to be the biggest artistic events in the world. However, I have to warn you if you don’t like crowds and noise it is definitely not the place to be as most of Brazil is celebrating during this time of year.

The well-known carnivals take place in Rio de Janeiro, Recife and Olinda (North of Brazil) and in Salvador. However, out of all these the most popular one is the one at Rio de Janeiro. It starts with the crowning of the King Momo who is also known as the Fat king. He is given a giant silver and gold key by the City Mayor.

There are dance schools in every neighborhood in Rio. They play a big role in the carnival. Celebrations are well organized and are carried out by these dance schools. If you like to participate you need to sign up with a dance school. Each dance school has dance movements, costumes, floats, bands, songs with lyrics unique to them. They practice well in advance as it is a competition among the dance schools. Rio carnival concentrates mainly on Samba music and dance movements. The main parades are on Sunday and Monday. The parade is been judged by 40 judges in ten categories and the winner is announced on Tuesday. Therefore, you are expected to give your best to the dance school you are with. You find people dancing to Samba music on the streets from the beginning of the year. As much as it is fun for tourist it is a pride and joy for the Brazilians. It is a feeling that they can’t put into words when they participate in the parade. It is their passion and it comes free to them and anyone and everyone is welcome to participate.

It is no longer a street carnival as the parade is held now at a place called the Sambodrome stadium which is built for this purpose and can accommodate the people that visit each year. Whereas in other cities like Salvador, the parade is held in the streets and sometimes it goes on for weeks.

Costumes are big part of the parade. It glamorizes the entire parade along with the dance and music. A lot of money is spent on these unique costumes. They are beautifully tailored with beads, sequins, mirrors, feathers, diamantes, and anything that shows off. Every day the costumes differ and each school can have more than twenty or thirty different outfits. You have to choose a costume and order your costumes well in advance with the dance school you are planning to participate with if you wish to take part in the parade. The costume is the ticket to participate in the parade and you have to be at the school meeting point two hours before and find the others that are in similar outfits. The meeting point is announced before hand and can be checked with the president of the relevant group. You have to be there well in advance before the gates for your school parade closes. The entire parade around the stadium takes about 45 minutes. It is breathtaking experience and something you will not experience anywhere else. So many people dressed in different costumes that are gorgeous next to you dancing away having fun. Just smile, shake your body to the rhythm, sing and go with the flow with a lot of energy and most importantly just enjoy the atmosphere around you! If you are a spectator you are promised to be awed by the entire event. Be ready to enjoy and have fun!!