World Travel Guides – Travel, Destinations and Vacations

www.WatchMojo.com presents… A look at 5 things you can’t miss if visiting NYC.

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www.TravelGuide.TV – Paris France travel guide with great information about what to do in Paris France during your vacation. Watch 9 other Paris France video clips for attractions, tours, nightlife, shopping, restaurants etc. Check out http for travel videos on 60 cities around the world.

Surrounded by the magnificent and captivating hills of Tuscan Crete are the rooftops and towers of Pienza, a small town with 2500 inhabitants. The town’s history is indelibly associated with Pope Pius The Second, who had a unique and resounding influence on what was also his birthplace. The head of the Roman Catholic Church decided to transform his home village into a perfect town of the Renaissance. The cathedral’s interior walls are covered with several beautiful paintings created by numerous master artists of Siena, one of whom was Lorenzo di Pietro who is also known as ‘Il Vecchietta’. In order to intensify the light within the cathedral, and following the wishes of the Pope, the walls were originally bereft of paintings. Despite numerous renovations instigated by Pius The Second, the character of the majority of the town’s houses, streets and old alleyways has been retained to the present day. The ‘Street of Love’, VIA DELL AMORE, or ‘The Road of Kisses, contains more than a little romance. Unfortunately, little remains of the old castle of Corsignano that, prior to the Pope’s construction program, was once located in the centre of the town. The death of Pius The Second in August 1464 brought with it the sudden end of Pienza´s golden years. Although the Pope’s architectural ideals for the town were never fully realized, he successfully transformed his home town forever.

Surrounded by a double wall that dates back to medieval times and amid the gentle undulating hills of Tuscany, is the town of San Gimignano, with its striking 15 towers that were built by competing aristocratic families. The towers were considered to be of great prestige and also provided a means of defense. Competition to construct the tallest tower became increasingly fierce until a special decree curtailed the mindless indulgence of the local aristocracy. The town’s prosperity came to a sudden end and in 1348, the plague killed thousands of its inhabitants. Located next to the cathedral, the Palazzo Comunale contains numerous works of art. Since it was built at the end of the 13th century, it has been extended many times. Frescos adorned with several of the town’s historic symbols decorate the walls of a tranquil inner courtyard. The 14th century was a prosperous time for many of the townsfolk. At a height of 54 metres, even today, the Communal Palace’s Torre Grossa rises above each one of the town’s further towers. For several centuries, San Gimignano’s towers have been a prominent part of the town’s noble silhouette amid the captivating landscape of Tuscany.

The best ways to get around Paris, how to save money there and more with Hostelworld.com’s Colm Hanratty.