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Showing posts with label Rome. Show all posts

Italy Property - Guide to Buying a Property in Italy

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Author: Les Calvert

The Italian Property Market

An increasing number of foreign nationals have taken to purchasing real estate in Italy over the course of the past fifteen years. The increase in real estate purchases in Italy by foreign nationals really took off following the integration of Europe into the EU. With the advent of the European Union, more and more foreign nationals began purchasing different types of real estate within Italy. This included commercial, residential and speculative investment purchases by foreign nationals.

The vast majority of foreign nationals who have taken to purchasing and owning real estate in Italy are from within one or another of the European Union nations. With that said, British investors have been particularly active in buying and investing in real estate in Italy during the past five to ten years.

The prime real estate purchases in Italy by foreign nationals in recent years have been concentrated fairly heavily in rural regions of the country

Investment Property in Italy

As with the other nations that are members of the European Union, Italy has seen a growth in the number of foreign nationals making real estate purchases within that country since the inception of the EU. The common marketplace that was formed with the development of the EU is deemed to be the primary reason as to why there is so much activity in the arena of real estate buying and selling in EU nations such as Italy.

A significant amount of the movement in regard to real estate in Italy involves the buying and selling of property for investment purposes. A significant amount of activity when it comes to investment real estate has involved two primary types of property: commercial or industrial property as well multi-family properties that are used for residential and vacation purposes.

There are no real restrictions on foreign nationals purchasing real estate in Italy beyond a bit higher purchase registration tax that will be discussed later. This holds true for investment real estate as well as other types of real property in Italy.

Residential Real Estate in Italy - Single Family Properties

The biggest rush of selling when it comes to residential property has occurred outside some of the major cities in Rome. Many foreign nationals have involved themselves in this particular buying spree. Indeed, particularly people from the EU have actively made the purchase of homes and villas in rural areas of Italy to be used as second homes.

These people maintain that they are attracted to the easy going and relaxing lifestyle of life in rural Italy. (There have been some motion pictures in recent years set in such environments that many real estate experts in Italy maintain have further spurred the sales of rural residences in the Italian countryside.)

Residential Real Estate in Italy - Apartments in Italy

When it comes to finding private residences in the larger cities in Italy, apartments remain one of the most popular types of residential property bought and sold in the 21st century. Take for example the city of Rome. Apartments remain one of the most often conveyed forms of real property within the Italian capital city. (Of course, the limited amount of living space and the ever growing population of Rome have combined to make apartments invaluable residential assets in that city.)

Many foreign nationals have invested in apartments in the more major Roman cities over the course of the past decade for two primary reasons. First, these apartments are allowing these foreign nationals a second and oftentimes more affordable residence in one or another of the Roman major cities for their own purposes. Second, many people from other nations are making the purchase of these apartments in the larger cities in Italy to then be let or rented to other individuals.

Generally speaking, these investors who are purchasing apartments in Italy are renting to people who will be in Italy for an extended period of time on business. In the alternative, they are renting these apartments to individuals and families who have elected to spend an extended period of time in Italy, in one of the major Italian cities, on holiday.

Holiday Property in Italy

Vacation real estate remains a proverbial hot property in Italy at the present time. The demand for real estate in the major resort communities in Italy have sent the costs of real estate in those communities through the roof. With that said, many of the more healed foreign nationals continue to attempt to make the purchase of nicely situated real estate in the resort communities in Italy.

One of the other areas in which vacation real estate is selling at a brisk pace is in some of the more rural spots in Italy. As mentioned previously, many foreign nationals are taking to purchasing real estate and graceful homes in rural parts of Italy to be used for their second homes. Likewise, many foreign nationals are purchasing real estate in more remote and rural areas of Italy for use on family or other types of vacations and holidays.

In addition to using these properties for their own personal holiday or vacation purposes, many of these same foreign nationals are leasing these properties to other foreign nationals during those times of the year in which these owners are not occupying the properties themselves. As a consequence, many of these foreign nationals have been able to make their vacation properties pay for themselves. Indeed, there are some foreign nationals who have gone so far as to purchase more than one residential property in different locations in Italy. These individuals will use one or another of these residences at different times during the year and let them out to others the remainder of the time. These individuals have found this type of investment to be profitable.

Specific steps to buying real estate property in Italy

The real estate sales and purchasing process in Italy is fairly streamlined and not particularly complex. For the most part, a foreign national stands in the same shoes as does an Italian citizen, with one exception. When it comes to the purchase of real property in Italy, a foreign national must pay a 11% purchase registration tax after the sale itself is consummated. An Italian citizen must only pay a 4% purchase registration tax.

In Italy, the first step towards the purchase of real estate is the initial agreement between the parties. Once the initial agreement is signed and executed, there are some primary tasks that must be completed by the parties. For example, the buyer must obtain appropriate and sufficient financing. The seller must work to make certain that title to the property is free and clear of any and all encumbrances so that it can be conveyed to the buyer.

When this initial agreement is signed, the seller will post a deposit in the amount of at least 10% of the total purchase price of the real estate being sold. It is not uncommon in Italy for deposits to run as high as 50% of the overall purchase price of the property. Deposits in Italy tend to be higher than what is seen in many other countries around the world.

Generally speaking, the deposit is not refundable if the buyer simply decides that he or she does not want to buy the property. Indeed, the only real circumstances in which a buyer can obtain a refund of the deposit -- even a hefty deposit of upwards to 50% of the purchase price -- is when the buyer backs out of the deal or in circumstances when clear title to the real estate cannot be obtained within the time set forth in the initial agreement between the parties.

The real estate purchase process is overseen by a notary in Italy. The notary actually has more duties than is normally associated with a notary involved in real estate transactions in other countries the world over. For example, the notary in Italy is responsible for carrying out title searches to work to make certain that the title to the property is free and clear of any obvious defects or liens.

Many real estate experts in Italy recommend that a purchaser take the time to hire what is known as a geometra. The geometra will survey the physical boundaries of the property for sale to make sure that it actually does comport with what is listed on the legal description that is subject to a contract for sale. (These experts maintain that this particularly is important when it comes to older properties in Italy.)

The real estate purchasing process can take upwards to six months to complete in Italy. For this reason, unlike in many other countries around the world, it is a commonplace occurrence for a purchaser to move into residential property after the initial agreement is signed. In most countries around the world, the purchaser does not take possession of the property until the final agreement is executed and the deed to the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer

Property Abroad always recommends using a Solicitor or Lawyer.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/italy-property-guide-to-buying-a-property-in-italy-263310.html


About the Author

Property Abroad's directory Les Calvert writes interesting and useful articles on all subjects dealing with overseas investment property and buying property in Italy. Visit their website to view their properties for sale in Italy as well as property in Tuscany, Umbria and Puglia.

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Italy for Seniors Travel

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It's no surprise that Italy is one of the world's top tourist destinations, with amazing sights like ancient cities, classic works of art, charming villages, majestic natural scenery and much more spread all over the country. It's also a great place for seniors travel in particular, with a large range of great historical tours, wine tastings, education and language packages and cruises tailored to overseas visitors on offer.

Senior citizens enjoy a respected status in Italy. Culturally, they are considered not old, but wise and experienced having contributed long and well to society. This great respect for seniors translates to all sorts of benefits like discounts at restaurants and all sorts of local places, so be sure to ask wherever you are. However, in terms of overall discounts to well known attractions, we have heard in some instances that seniors travel discounts do not get offered to non-EU citizens, but be sure to ask.

Avoid the queues. As anyone who's been to Rome or Florence in summertime can tell you, seeing Europe's top artistic sights is no mean feat during high season. Visitors from all over the world queue around the block, and sometimes the block after that, to see the many masterpieces on display. We are talking HOURS. If you want to see these great works without standing the sun all day, come to Italy between mid-March and May or in September and October, when the crowds are considerably smaller. Another great way to avoid a long wait at the Vatican Museum in particular is to come on the last Sunday of every month, when admission is free and the line moves considerably faster! Alternatively pre-book your entry tickets. This is a great way to avoid the terrible hassle and something I personally do before all my trips.

Prepare for the heat. Italy is one of the hottest parts of Europe in high summer - in the capital, for example, the temperatures frequently exceed 30C during July and August. For the most comfortable trip possible come between April and June or in September and October, when temperatures will range from 18-25C. The ottobrate, or "beautiful October days", are especially well known as a great time to be in Rome. If you do come during the high season, bring plenty of water and sunscreen and wear a hat during the midday sun. It's easy to get dehydrated when there are so many fascinating sites to visit! I have also found that some of the shopping centres are not air-conditioned, you find this in France too. So at times in high heat, an escape to the shops is not an option.

Take your time. Even without the scorching sun and thronging crowds of summer, seeing all the sights of Italy can be a demanding task for anyone. In fact, most people find themselves walked out after only visiting a couple of the main historical sites in Rome such as the Roman Forum or the Coliseum. Many of the country's coastal and rural tourist sites, moreover, are difficult or inaccessible to anyone with mobility issues. The best way to get around this problem is to take it easy, prioritize which sites you're most interested in and don't try to cram in too many activities in one day. If you truly are interested in visiting the famous historical sites and museums, my advice is to allow plenty of time to do this and try not to do too much in a day.

Stand for your coffee. It is a whole lot more expensive if you take a table at a cafe for your coffee break and panini. You will see the locals standing at the coffee bar because it is cheaper. However, I personally see taking a table at a local haunt as part of the tourist attraction - watch the locals and recover your feet. But if you are on a budget, stand for your coffee.

Savour the flavor. Of course, another of Italy's top attractions is its great food. The home of pasta, ice cream and pizza has a deservedly good reputation for its delicious traditional fare - make it your business to try all three! The Trastavere food district in Rome is a good place to start. You will find great deals everywhere for food, particularly if you are willing to explore the back streets a little and get off the tourist path. A great cost saving tip is to take a set menu, generally offered at lunch time. They include a range of courses and almost certainly come with a glass of wine. So, eat your main meal during the day at lunch time like the Italians. You can walk it off in the afternoon. For the true lovers of Italian food, there are plenty of cooking courses to do. You can choose from half day courses to 2 week immersion experiences.

Enjoy wine country. For wine lovers the world over, Italy is a feast for the taste buds. Famous varietals like Chianti, Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Pinot Grigio all come from here, plus dozens more you can come to know and love during your stay. Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to vineyard tours, which are dotted all around the country. If you are not staying in one of the wine regions, again, you can take day trips from some of the major destinations like Florence to Chianti. There are plenty of options from Rome, Milan and Naples too.

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Posted by Selena Jateli

Being Safe From Pickpockets in Your Italy Vacation

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A wonderful Italy vacation is not just all on enjoying the thrills and taking delight with visiting the attractions. Safety ought to be the tourist's highest priority. Rome is one of the top cities in the country where millions flock all year round for their vacation to Italy. Despite the massive volume of crowds in the big city, safety is not a concern. It is since offences are seldom noted in Rome. News about little boys stealing a car could even be aired in national news as it doesn't regularly happen. In general, Rome isn't just a romantic place but a secure spot for an Italy vacation package; you can wander around anytime and anywhere with no worrying about your protection.

A concern though is purse snatching. Much like some other hot vacation getaways, Rome is one "hot" spot for bag pick pocketing that is actually widespread in virtually all key tourist vacation destinations. Pickpockets are generally rarely locals or Italians but foreigners. Although, many foreigners are sincere; there remain those who choose towards the bad. An identified section where purse pick pocketing is rampant is "the wallet express" - bus 64. Most of public transportation automobile stations are on the list of these "bad guys". A number of travel agencies orient their tourists on Italy vacation packages on how to be safe in these places.

Considering the number of vacationer who take Rome each year for their Italy vacation package, the ratio of purse pick pocket to the quantity of guests is significantly approximately the same as another major traveler destinations in Europe. A lot of the "bad guys" are highly trained in doing this harmful job.

Your holiday in Italy, particularly in Rome is usually a secure one. Just do not forget that protection begins with yourself. Also it is always best to be conscious of your belongings, be composed and try never to travel alone.

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Posted by Selena Jateli

Visit the historical destinations in Italy

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Now a day Italy is spinning on tourists mind as a cheap and attractive holiday destination. Italy located in south-central of Europe. Rome is the largest city of Italy known as the ancient civilization of the world. The historical backgrounds of Rome plays vital role to attract the tourists. Tourism industry in Italy becomes more popular due to proper attention of government to aid world class facility for the tourist. The climate of Italy is also fruitful to increase the numbers of tourist to visit here. So if you are thinking about to visit mysterious place, then Italy is the first and foremost suitable place according to your needs.

The name is enough to elaborate the fame of this city in context of historical background. Italy is the hub for the historical museums, fort and many more that makes this destination unique from others. If you are curious to know the ancient civilization that ruined hundreds of years ago, then this destination is landmark for all tourists. If you want to visit heritage site, you will become surprise that forty five sites of Italy come under the world class heritage sites. This statics proof that Italy is also considered as the home of heritage site and a wonderful place to visit for worldwide tourist. It is a reality that Italy has rich collection of heritage place, arts and culture to attract the tourist and potential to fulfill their curiosity needs about journey.

The interstate transport facility of Italy comes under world class category. All the places of Italy are covered by the metro trains. The time schedules are prepared with good format. For the world wide tourists, a number of airports that exist here to serve the passengers needs like hotel map, tourists guide and car on rent. All the airports of Italy hosting the world class airlines that cover the entire major destination across the world. So you need not to worry about the transportation problems for your journey. A number of shopping place are also available here with rich collection of items for the tourists with attractive prices and best quality.

The life style of Italy is also a key factor for you if you want to visit this place. A lot of night clubs, music programs organizing here that makes the whole atmosphere glamorous and fun filled. So, to find fun and joy either with your family or your beloved visit this historical city that is mysterious for any one.

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Posted by Selena Jateli

Enjoy Rome Tours travel & Italy

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Rome is Italy's largest city and is the third most visited in the European Union. If you are planning to visit Rome and looking for free things to do, the Eternal City offers visitors traveling to Rome a lot of tourist attractions to enjoy Rome suitable for families with kids, new visitors in Rome.

Going on a tour with someone special is the sweetest experience you can have. Everyone wishes to go to out for a tour, may be that can be of the world or as well as within the country itself. Rome, one of the cutest city of Italy for a tour is the best option to go with. People can really enjoy their tours in Italy and it will be one of their most memorable memories having a tour over there. Finding a right travel agency which suits all your needs without any fraud is a tough task, however, the odyssey tours will help such people a lot for the Rome Private Tours.

They have certain different packages for the city of dreams, Rome. Our private services are available in Rome as well as in all the major cities in Italy. For the Rome private tours, the odyssey tours provide you with excellent services that one can not even think of.  They provide a wide range of tour options for the people for visiting Rome on their own way. You can choose with cheaper packages of one day or even three hours packages which you can enjoy it to the fullest. If you have to stay for some nights over there itself in Rome then there are several packages of night and you can stay there according to your wish.

Tours are a part of everyone's life. Going on a tour helps in breaking the monotony of our fast and daily life. It refreshes the person a lot and hence the person can enjoy and remove all the stress from his mind and work properly. If you are planning to go for Italy then Rome is the best place to think of. Large numbers of people make it very difficult to find a right travel agency on the internet which can really make their tours one of the best tours they have ever been. Odyssey travel agency is the best option to go with which can solve your each and every problem related to your Rome vacation package.

The Rome is the perfect place; the Odyssey travel agency can make it even more than perfect. The Odyssey tours agency will organize and manage all the inclusive shore tours from all the parts of Rome so that you can enjoy a lot more with your Rome Vacation Package. They will provide you with the world class buses tours which will be roaming in all the parts of Rome at a glance. You can choose from morning tours from full day tours and moreover you can choose for overnight tours as well in Rome.

Finding the Odyssey tours for your Rome Private Tours &  Rome vacation package  is very easy. You just have to search for Odyssey Tours on the world wide internet and go through their website thoroughly and book your packages. There you will find all the related information for your tour to Rome. This agency has always helped people and admiration is guaranteed due to the same. They will provide you with all the best of Rome. A perfect place, a perfect agency, makes it all perfect

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Posted by Selena Jateli

Garden Statues Can Give Your Garden That Exclusive Look

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Gardens have lawns, gardens have flowers, and gardens have exotic plants and complicated landscaping. They also have the one thing that gives it an identity of its own - garden statues. People believe that the garden is the first thing a visitor would see and first impressions are always lasting impressions.

The history of garden statues dates back to the Garden of Eden. Those that belonged to Renaissance Italy were actually classical sculptures found amongst the ruins of Rome and Greece and were displayed here. A good example is the statue of Venus De Milo belonging to the 2nd century BC. Post Restoration in the year 1660, the concept of garden statues had reached England where the Victorian bent towards exotic art and a thirst for knowledge inspired this art to reach great heights. Italy was in a way responsible for the spread of garden statues to European countries. Ideas were represented in the new sculpture of the late 19th century art world.

Garden statues give the garden its uniqueness and a distinct of character. They compliment the picture, so to speak. They emphasize the flowers, the plants and the landscaping that grace its surroundings. There are all types of statues to be found. There are statues that are religious or mythological in nature where some Gods are known as the defenders of evil. There are statues that are whimsical like fairies or cupid, pixies and little bird houses. There are people who have a very artistic bent of mind so they would like to have statues that depict some altruism or a deeper meaning of life and living in general. If your theme is nature then you can have animal statues. Waterfalls of many types, colors, shapes and sizes can be added to garden statues to give it a hint of the lyrical.

The materials that can be used for garden statues are generally those which can handle the wear and tear of weather well. Stone is most commonly used and resin is now gaining popularity. There are marble and bronze statues to be seen also but people are hesitant to leave these at the mercy of the Elements. Concrete and cement are cheap options but they are not long lasting options. Fiberglass loses its color when exposed to UV rays of the sun over a period of time and steel, unless galvanized or painted, will not last long. Ceramic, on the other hand, is very durable and so is stainless steel. Wood has a tendency to decay and change with time so if your garden statue can adapt itself to the new weather oriented design then you may have something unique on your hands.

If you are a garden lover and want to do something different for your garden then go in for a simple theme and put in garden statues to emphasize the idea. Keep your budget and durability of the material in mind. Let your imagination and your creative instincts rule, the sky is the limit and the possibilities endless.

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Posted by Selena Jateli

Touring Italy's Big Three Hot Spots

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 Visiting Italy will always be an unforgettable experience, but those heading to this amazing country for the first time should be sure to hit all the major highlights before returning home, armed with hundreds of pictures, souvenirs, and memories that will last a lifetime.

The best way to get a taste of Italy is to be sure to include the Big Three on your itinerary; Rome, Venice, and Florence. These three cities have and always will be Italy's most popular tourist spots, each offering something unique for those who vacation there. With just 7 to 14 days of vacation time, travelers can get a good idea of what each city offers. In addition, travel between the cities whether by car or by coach provides a look at more of Italy's beautiful terrain since the cities are each located in a different region of the country.

The best way to see these three lovely cities, especially on a first visit is to book an escorted tour with a company that knows Rome, Venice, and Florence inside out and backwards. This way, you're hitting all the major attractions but also those little out-of-the-way places, like a favorite cafe or gelato shop you might not find on your own.

Rome

Rome remains Italy's most visited city. After all, The Eternal City is so full of things to see and do, no matter what your particular interest. Of course, if you're a history buff, you'll probably head straight to the buildings and remains of the Roman Empire and other early civilizations. You'll want to visit the Colosseum, built by Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus in 80 A.D.; the triumphal Arch of Constantine, erected in 315 A.D.; St Peter's Basilica with Michelangelo's renowned frescoes; the extraordinary Pantheon, the first temple built for the common people; and the Roman Forum, once the center of political and commercial life in ancient Rome.

Museums abound, including the wonderful Vatican Museums, housing the most extensive and impressive collection of fine art found anywhere in the world. You'll also want to include visits to The Spanish Steps, the renowned Trevi Fountain, the Via Appia Antica (Appian Way), Castel St. Angelo, and Rome's beautiful churches.

Dining is a joy, whether you're in search of a five-star restaurant experience or would prefer to take a seat in a small outdoor cafe on the Piazza della Rotonda and do a little people watching. Either way, the food is stellar!

Try to allow at least 4 full days to enjoy the capital city and if you're on an escorted tour, do a little research ahead of time to decide which sights you'd like to explore during your free time when specific activities are not scheduled.

Venice

Situated in Northern Italy, Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world and is often a top choice for honeymooners. But, of course, anyone can enjoy this spectacular city, which stretches across about 110 small islands along the Adriatic Sea.

You'll need at least two full days to see all the highlights. First time visitors to Venice will certainly want to hop aboard a gondola or a vaporetti (water taxi) and explore the city's system of canals, which take visitors past most of Venice's prime attractions. (The canals serve the same function as roads because Venice is a car-free city.) While on your canal tour, you can decide what you'd like to see once you're back on foot.

Top attractions include pigeon-filled St. Mark's Square, home to St. Mark's Basilica, the magnificent gothic Doge's Palace, and many other buildings and sites. You'll also want to make your way to the Bridge of Sighs, one of Venice's many bridges, known as such because it passes over the Rio di Palazzo and connects the old prisons to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace. It was often the last place prisoners could view the city before their incarceration or death.

Be sure to sample the local seafood as well as the innovative pasta dishes. Venice is also known for its wonderful sweets, so you'll want to include a stop at a patisserie or two while exploring this breathtaking city.

Florence

Florence, the gateway to Tuscany, has become more and more popular during the past few decades. Always Italy's most cultural city, it's been as such since the Renaissance, when Florence families such as the Medicis sponsored artists like Michelangelo and others.

The centerpiece of Florence is the Duomo, or Santa Maria del Fiore. A must see, with its magnificent dome and baptistery, this is the architectural jewel in Florence's crown. After you've seen the cathedral, head to the Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge), the only to survive World War II, lined with interesting shops help up by stilts. And stop at the Uffizi Gallery, one of the finest art museums in the world, or visit the Academia to view Michelangelo's David.

Wherever your first (or second or third) Italy tour takes you, you're sure to be mesmerized by all this wonderful country offers, from its vibrant cities to its bucolic countryside to its friendly people who welcome you with open arms. Take time to savor the moments!

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Posted by Selena Jateli

Rome is a City of Rich History and Ancient Ruins

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Rome is the capital city of Italy as well as one of the most famous cities in the entire world. One of the things that makes it so unique from other cities is the fact that within its walls is the smallest nation in the world, the State of the Vatican City, a sovereign territory of the Holy See.

Within the Vatican City is Saint Peter's Square and Saint Peter's Basilica. Between the years 1656 and 1667, the open area in front of the basilica was redesigned so that it could accommodate the largest number of people possible during blessings given by the Pope. In addition to surrounding the Vatican, Rome has an extremely long and interesting history. The legend of its founding says that Romulus and Remus, twins who were supposedly raised by wolves, established the city. However, the archaeological evidence indicates that Rome developed out of pastoral settlements and became a city around the 8th century BC.

For around one thousand years, Rome was very important in the political world and was considered the largest and richest city in the Western world. It remained an important power even after the Roman Empire began its decline. However, it did eventually lose its status as a capital city to Milan and then to Ravenna. One of the things Rome is known for today are the ancient structures that still exist there. The Roman Colosseum has become a symbol of the Roman Empire and of Rome itself. It was the largest amphitheatre ever built by the Roman Empire and was capable of seating 50,000 people. Its original use was as a venue for staging combats between gladiators, which was a popular spectator sport of the time.

Rome is also home to many beautiful villas and gardens. The center of the city is surrounded by many green areas and gorgeous old villas. Among them is the Villa Borghese, which has a large, landscaped garden constructed in the 19th century naturalistic English style. The villa also has a number of buildings, museums, and other attractions. For the many tourists vacationing in Rome, there are a number of lovely places to stay, including both hotels and holiday apartments.

Examples of hotels in Rome, Italy are:

Hotel Aldrovandi Palace: This historical hotel was built in 1899 and remodeled in 2004. It is located between the Villa Borghese Gardens and the Borghese Gallery in a quiet, upscale residential area. It is also very close to the Spanish Steps. The hotel features an outdoor pool, private park, and garden dining.

Examples of holiday apartments in Rome, Italy are:

Casa Cesi: This two bedroom apartment sleeps up to six people and is located between the Vatican and the Spanish Steps. It's a spacious apartment that has been carefully decorated to make guests feel at home. The kitchen is modern and fully equipped and the master bedroom has an en suite bathroom.

Frattina Beauty: This stylishly decorated apartment has bright, cheery colors to welcome its guests. It's just minutes from the Spanish Steps in the historical centre. It's on the second floor of its building and has an elevator to get you there comfortably. The famous old structures of Rome make it an exciting place for any traveler to visit. While its sites may be ancient, its hotels and holiday apartments are comfortably modern to accommodate even the most discerning of vacationers.

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Posted by Selena Jateli

Football Clothing - The Scarf Is Back In Force

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Football clothing has changed over the years - from shiny flat caps covered in pin badges, to the replica shirt era, to the soccer casual clad in designer labels... And one particular item of football clothing is not so much making a comeback but has made a return to the fore of football merchandise. The football scarf has always been a prominent garment at football matches up and down the country, and recently many fans have reintroduced a trend first seen in the 60s - wrapping a scarf around your wrist and waving it around whenever the ball hits the back of the net!

The scarf has always been an iconic part of Liverpool football club, especially when anyone mentions the famous Kop End of Anfield stadium. It has long been a tradition, usually during victorious Champions League matches, for Reds fans to hold their Liverpool scarves aloft and belt out the club's anthem: You'll Never Walk Alone. The scene of a full Kop with nothing in view but heads and hands emanating from a sea of scarves is one of British football's iconic images. At another Premier League club, Arsenal, many fans are waving their retro red and white striped scarves around Emirates stadium whenever a goal goes in, which adds to the colour of a match, and in turn adds to the atmosphere both within the ground but also on TV.

In South America and Italy in particular fans have always tied scarves around their wrists and celebrated in this way. And of course they adopted this trend from British football fans of the 60s. As any fashion designer will tell you, trends are cyclical. Just as sportswear and trainers of the 80s came back into fashion in a big way on the streets, scarves are re-entering the 'cool' of football. Scarves in general have become extremely fashionable in this millennium, both for male and female. Be it cashmere, lamb's wool, silk, patterned, branded, plain... The choice is endless and designers really went to town in capitalising on this market.

And in the world of football it is no different, especially given the merchandising potential, particularly at Premier League level. Club scarves are available at club shops, at online stores, outside the football grounds at the vast numbers of market stalls... They are everywhere for one reason and that is because the football scarf is the most popular item of football clothing around. Always has been and always will be.

The football scarf has negative connotations, especially in Italy where football hooligans that form 'Ultras' - the Italian equivalent of football hooligan firms (a group of football hooligans who organise fights with rivals) - use scarves to cover their faces in order to disguise themselves from CCTV cameras and the Police when being naughty little boys. In fact, in Italy you can buy scarves outside the stadiums that have the name of the team, e.g. Lazio, and the word Ultras on them, actually advertising the hooligans! When in Rome eh! Football has always been a vehicle with which to express style as well as to cheer on your team. Football fans are a sub culture in themselves and football clothing is a fundamental part of this. The football scarf is synonymous with football culture; it has been for generations and will continue to be for generations to come.

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Posted by Selena Jateli
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