17 August 2018

Welcome from Italy ..!
Hi, I'm Roberto Bortolotto from Monselice, just south of Padova. I help people just like you save money. I'm not a guru... just a regular guy with a family, bills to pay and dreams. Do you have a dream..? I can help, if you like travelling. Find out more at this link. For real. Really..! For free.
www.freeitaliantours.blogspot.com 
or at this other:
www.visititalyforfree.blogspot.com 
Below, other information about my area, the Veneto region. Thanks for visiting this blog, and your comments are welcome.
Did you know ..? Italy north-east, a land of history, art, and nature. Monselice, just south of Padua, has an enchanting historical centre. Discover this medieval walled town with my free guided tour. Practice italian language for free. Visit my blog for other details and pictures. Thank you.
www.freeitaliantours.blogspot.com
Monselice cityscapes and inside the medieval castle:



Arquà Petrarca is a medieval village that holds the charm of former times unchanged and is considered to be the pearl of the Euganean Hills. Populated since Roman times, it became famous after Francesco Petrarca, the supreme poet of the italian language, wished to spend the last years of his life in the typical serene tranquillity of the place:
Francesco Petrarca (1304-1374), commonly anglicized as Petrarch, was an Aretine scholar and poet in Renaissance Italy, and one of the earliest humanists. Below, the poet on 1932 italian postage stamp:
Baone stands in a pleasant position along the southern side of the Euganean Hills, which form a sort of barrier against the chilly northern winds. Today, Baone still holds its ancient, heartening and typical views: the beautiful historic town centre, the wonderful villas and the churches still decorate the centre and the hamlets of Calaone, Rivadolmo and Valle San Giorgio (here the late XVI-century Villa Mantua Benavides):

Cinto Euganeo was first a Roman settlement, and the Roman aqueduct of Valnogaredo, still in operation, actually dates back to that period. Until the XIX-century, Cinto was the site of thriving thermal baths, with a horse-drawn carriage service coming from Este and the surrounding territory. Below, the Cava Bomba museum is located in a particular area and created in an ancient excavation pit. This museum is a true and proper compendium of the geological and paleontological history of the Euganean Hills:

The entire Veneto region is famous for its villas. The Euganean Hills area, too, offers some of these buildings; here, centuries later, they still bespeak the atmosphere of those splendid times. Below, Villa Barbarigo at Valsanzibio di Galzignano Terme: of particular interest is the lovely italian garden, and the monumental entrance being called Diana's bath.
Villa dei Vescovi at Luvigliano di Torreglia: completed in the 1500s, this complex is distinguished by a series of broad open loggia. When backlit by the rays of the sun, this loggia projects a particular play of light onto the walls.
At Rivella di Monselice the elegant villa Emo-Capodilista attributed to Scamozzi (1588) with colonnade and geometrical Palladian-style garden.
The Euganean Hills holds numerous religious sites. Abbeys and parish churches hold treasures that attest to the intensity and religious vocation of the local people. But even the small chapels have a charm all their own, some of these are found right in the centre of a tranquil natural landscape, inspiring a more harmonious relationship with Creation. One of the most important gems of the religious settlements of the Euganean Hills is certainly the Praglia Abbey in Teolo (here below): a monastery that encloses many areas including four cloisters. The oldest core is the Romanesque bell tower.

Ospedaletto Euganeo is an ancient Palaeovenetian settlement. In the Middle Ages it was a hospice for pilgrims (whence the name), and later experienced the passage and the dominations of Estense, Scaliger, and Carrarese. At Tresto (here below) rises a popular Marian sanctuary, built in 1468 in the place where the Virgin appeared to a boatman, that hosts a miraculous painting attributed to Jacopo da Montagnana.


Carceri which developed around St.Mary Abbey, founded about 1189 by some monks of the order of the Augustinians. The original romanesque church, with nave and two aisles was fired in 1643 and replaced with a new baroque one, inaugurated in 1690. But the abbey was suppressed in 1691 due to moral problems, and its properties were sold in aid to the Serene Republic fighting against the turks. The Carminati family bought the estates and made there their villa. The abbey nowadays hosts a museum displaying traditional country tools, an exhibition of paintings and a photographic exhibition.


Este a town with very remote origins, rises in the southern area of the Euganean Hills. The town was an important centre for the ancient Venetic culture, as attested to by the exceptional number of exhibits contained in the National Archaeological Museum. The Estense family had the castle built (subsequently demolished in 1796) and the imposing town walls which still encircle the town. The town streets, enhanced by fine buildings, lead to the Santa Tecla piazza, where the Cathedral of the same name stands. This houses the extremely valuable altarpiece by Giambattista Tiepolo dedicated to Saint Tecla.


Montagnana a medieval gem of antique splendour. The 2-kilometre-long walls surrounding the historical centre of Montagnana are the best preserved of all the town defensive structures in the Veneto. Besides the walled circle, the main monument in town is the Cathedral of St.Mary, built between 1431 and 1502. It keeps many pieces of art, among which the Transfiguration by Veronese, the main altar by Sansovino (1555), some statues by Bonazza, various paintings and worthy frescoes.

Valbona di Lozzo Atestino rises an important square-plan early 13th century castle. Placed at the south-western foot of the Euganean Hills, it was often disputed and partly destroyed in 1231 and 1313, and the Carrarese made it a stronghold of the whole area. It was restored in the 1980's, but now closed and for sale (since November 2017).
Battaglia Terme a medieval village, arisen at the confluence of various natural and artificial waterways linked by sluices, supports and ship barrels. Below, the Catajo castle, 16th century residence of the Obizzi family. Some of the 305 halls of the castle were frescoed by Zelotti in 1571-72, with histories of the Obizzi family.
Padova probably better known as the city of St.Anthony, and one of the most important art cities in Italy. The Medieval City Walls, the great civil and the religious buildings, the foundation of the University (1222), which attracts masters and students from the whole Europe. The art panorama is dominated by the figure of Giotto, who left in Padua his masterpiece, the decoration of the Scrovegni Chapel (about 1303-1305).

Venice the queen of Veneto region. Discover this beautiful and unique city at low cost or for free. Please consider the blog below, especially if you love art & culture: www.freeitalianart.blogspot.com
Rosolina Mare: Beach holiday south of Venice. South of Chioggia, the elongated peninsula Rosolina Mare extends to the south. A 9-km-long sandy beach with beautiful dunes offers ideal conditions for beach lovers. An extensive lagoon with many hotels, pristine beaches and a beautiful pine belt make Rosolina Mare an ideal holiday destination. Relaxation is definitely guaranteed here. I recommend a small excursion to the idyllic fishing village of Porto Caleri at the southern tip of the peninsula. You can also find the Giardino Botanico litoraneo nature reserve here. The friendly "Bagno Azzurro" (or "Lido Azzurro" since 2019) is my favourite beach at Rosolina Mare (the sea in your life..!)   www.lidoazzurro.eu


Lido di Jesolo (Ve): Remembering the villaggio marino "Carmen Frova", with Colonia (vista dal boschetto), and children in the beach (about 1962).


Costa degli Etruschi, Toscana: The Etruscan Coast, a land washed by the sea for over 90 kilometres. Tuscan land with the lights, colours and scents of the Mediterranean, where the sea is always the protagonist. This sea has been awarded the Blue Flag of the European Union and other major awards for its clean water and quality services. Along the Etruscan Coast, long rocky sections alternate with sandy beaches, with fine or coarse sand. The beach is public and free, organized with the basic services, or equipped with well-established bathing facilities. My favourite is at Vada Pietrabianca: Beach of white and fine sand, particularly suitable for families with children because the water is very shallow for about 150 meters. Since summer 2019, an amazing experience, at Bagno La Lanterna, with friendly people, as Giacomo, Matteo, and the nice girls at restaurant bar, so don't forget to consider: Bagno La Lanterna di Logimare srl, Via dei Cavalleggeri, Località Pietrabianca, 57016 Vada (Li), Phone 0586 788103, Mobile 3289057792, E-mail: lanterna.vada@gmail.com  www.bagnolalanterna.it




Try traveling solo. If you are traveling by yourself, you are not only more flexible but also more receptive and attentive to all those new impressions your destination presents you. You have time to reflect and really take things in. Plus you are not tied to someone else's itinerary. You can go with your own flow, be self-indulgent and create your very own memories. On top of that, I often found it easier to get in touch with the locals while traveling solo. That alone can lead to the most memorable experiences. And don't worry..! You are never really alone when traveling. You will meet so many new and interesting people.
Advice by Roberto & blogsite team: If there's a story you think we should be covering, let us know..! A note here is possible, for free and forever.
Maria Esther, a special friend in Cuba: Looking for penpal and much more. A free guided tour is available, but please advise in advance by email to arrange a convenient time. My city Santa Clara (here below) is in central Cuba, and you are welcome here. Thank you, and don't hesitate to contact me: techi64@nauta.cu

What's the best time to visit Cuba for Festivals, Food and Sunshine ..? Thanks to Janet (journalist and blogger), and please consider the link below: www.journalistontherun.com/2018/03/14/best-time-to-visit-cuba/       
Share your Talents & Home. The Exchange Portal for Talented Travelers and Lodging Hosts. Offer your Talents..! Offer your Place..! www.staylance.com


Can you help ..? Wanted used postage stamps for philately promotion to kids (stamp collecting offers a world of interest). All kinds, in duplicates, on paper, are welcome. This is a permanent appeal, so stamps can be sent at any time of the year. Thank you. Ask my gift-offer or visit my blog here below: https://italyfreegift.wordpress.com 
Suggestions to stamp collecting. How do you start collecting postage stamps..? Where to get used stamps from..? It's easy. You can save the stamps from the envelopes & postcards & packages that comes to your place. You can ask your friends and relatives to save the stamps from their mail for you. The one thing I must ask is if stamps could be left on the envelope and cut off leaving about two cm of paper surrounding the stamp, to prevent damage. Trim the excess from around the stamp, but be careful not to cut the stamp. Never pull the stamps from the paper. Thank you.
 
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Northern Traffic is definitely one of my favourite Traffic Exchanges. Vicki Osgood-Whatley (site owner & admin from Florida, United States, here below) is a super friendly nice and very active admin that I trust completely. Northern Traffic is focused on helping the members to build a substantial business. Free membership includes: 8 second timer (0.50 credits), team surf, and so much more. Sign up, enter your sites, and thanks for consider italyroberto team (for more credits). Join for free, and click on the link below (will open a new window):  https://northerntraffic.net/?rid=7264




About me. Hi, greetings, and welcome to my blog. Let me introduce about myself. My name is Roberto Bortolotto, and I live in Monselice, just south of Padova, Italy. Arts and entertainment are my passion and I especially love tourism, philately & postal history, movies, photography, museums. I can help with whatever you need regarding my area, as public transportation, language, accomodation, lowest cost, etc. Learn italian..! In Italy, with a local italian, and for free..! Thanks for reading and be sure to take advantage of my free service. 
More images about my area at
www.fluidr.com/photos/137443964@N04/ 
or at www.flickriver.com/photos/137443964@N04/ 
Attenzione: prego i residenti in Italia di visitare il mio sito con l'offerta di libri gratis www.francobollicerco.blogspot.com 
Below, Michelangelo art on 1961 italian postage stamp (as image on my profile):
Here, my Facebook page: 
https://www.facebook.com/roberto.bortolotto.88264