An Ode to Beautiful Italy

Approximately a year ago (April 2016 I believe), I went travelling around the south-western coast of Italy with some of my friends as a break from studying for our A-levels. We began our trip on the south-western coast of Sorrento, before moving onto Pompeii and Rome.

Out of all of the cities we travelled to, Rome was my favourite by a long mile. From it’s hustle and bustle to the romantic winding streets with cafes, restaurants and ice-cream parlours, it is a place that I would definitely – without a shadow of a doubt – name as one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. Of course I haven’t been everywhere so don’t take my sole word on it, but it’s a city I would love to travel back to with my boyfriend for our anniversary, one of our birthday’s or Valentine’s day because it’s a special place that is so full of love.

♥

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Here are a few of my holiday snaps:

London Heathrow Airport

P.S. Early morning flights are never a good idea…

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Sorrento, Italy

Our first stop was Sorrento. Situated on the south-western coast of Italy and facing the Bay of Naples, it was a location perfect for taking in the picturesque views of the coast. We stayed in a small hotel high into the mountains, which I must admit was a nightmare to travel to due to the roads being so unbelievably narrow and busy (I’m pretty sure we had one or two near misses), but it was definitely worth the journey. The views of the sunrise and sunset across the harbour were heavenly.

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Mount Vesuvius

After a few days of exploring in Sorrento, we grabbed a coach to Mount Vesuvius, located on the Gulf of Naples. This was a place we were all keen on visiting as it a place of historical importance due to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius 79AD, which saw the Italian town of Pompeii get buried (and preserved) alive, making it one of the most catastrophic volcanic eruptions in European history. It is estimated to be about 17,000 years old and measures approximately 30 miles around its base and goes as high as 4,203 feet above the sea level.

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Pompeii, Italy

Our next trip was to the site of Pompeii. Once a thriving and sophisticated Roman city, but now an archaeological site located in southern Italy’s Campania region. Pompeii was buried in ash and pumice after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD, and now the well-preserved site features excavated ruins that visitors can freely explore. This has to be one of the most amazing places I have seen, historically and architecturally, in my 19 years of life.

I will never forget this city. It’s amazing how the ruins and bodies of our ancestors are so well preserved, giving us a taste of what life was like for those who lived there thousands of years before us.

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Rome, Italy

Next stop: Rome. 

Rome was by far my favourite city of them all. So beautiful, picturesque with beautiful architecture surrounding us left, right and centre.

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Vatican City, Rome

The Vatican – home to the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope. I can remember this day so vividly. It is one of the most beautiful places we visited on our trip, in terms of history, art and architecture. The Sistine Chapel, most famous for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo, left me in awe. (I would have taken a picture but sadly you’re not allowed phones or cameras out, but here it is on Google.)

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The Colosseum, Rome

The Colosseum in Rome is an oval amphitheatre sat in the centre of Rome. Built of concrete and sand, it is the largest amphitheatre ever built, holding an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators.

Looking for somewhere to travel to this summer, or for a special occasion? Italy is the place to go ♥

With love,

Victoria

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