The Legendary Trevi Fountain in Rome

The Fontana di Trevi or Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy is the most famous fountain in Rome and possibly the world. It is also considered as one of the most beautiful fountains in the world. The fountain is believed to have gotten its name from its location, Trevi Fountain is positioned at the intersection of three roads, tre vie. The fountain’s beginnings go back to early Roman times and it was the terminal point of the Aqua Virgo Aqueduct that provides waters for the thermal baths. The flowing waters of Trevi is also called Virgin Waters because of a legend that a young Roman girl showed the source of the spring to thirsty soldiers. This fountain made by Nicola Salvi under Pope Clement XII and considered as the most beautiful Baroque fountains in Rome has Neptune riding a chariot in the shape of a shell as its central figure. The chariot is being pulled by two sea horses and guided by two Tritons. One of the horses is calm while the other one is restive, and this symbolizes the fluctuating moods of the sea.

This legendary fountain which dominates the Trevi square and has the Palazzo Poli as its backdrop is believed to grant the wishes of those who throw coins in its waters and those who do will certainly be able to go back to Rome. It is advised that you should toss the coin over your shoulder with your back facing the fountain. Still, others believe that you must throw three coins in the fountain with your right hand over your left shoulder. Coin throwing is so famous in this fountain that approximately 3,000 Euros are thrown and collected everyday and this money is used to subsidize a supermarket for Rome’ needy people. The Trevi Fountain has been featured in quite a lot of films most notably in the very famous and critically acclaimed 1960’s European movie ‘La Dolce Vita’ where the lovely Anita Ekberg was seen frolicking in its waters and in the romantic comedy ‘Three Coins in the Fountain’ about three American girls working in Italy wishing for the man of their dreams by throwing coins in Trevi Fountain.

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City is a very popular tourist destination. It is considered as one of the holiest sites in the world by Catholics and has captured the interests of people of other faiths. It is also known as Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano in Italy and is considered as the greatest church of Christendom. It is believed that it is where Saint Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles, was crucified and buried. Catholics believe that St. Peter’s tomb lies below the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Aside from its religious significance, St. Peter’s Basilica is a marvel of a place to visit. The architecture, the altars, the monuments, the statues, and the grandness of the place itself is an awesome sight that will mesmerize anybody. There are many interesting things to see in this amazing place. The two beautiful fountains in St. Peter’s Square is a fitting welcome sight to visitors, the south-left fountain was by Carlo Maderno and the northern-right one was by Bernini. On the square is a monumental colonnade by Bernini and on top of the colonnade are 140 statues of saints done by different sculptors. The dome of St. Peter’s Basilica was designed by Michelangelo who was the chief architect in 1546. Michelangelo’s ‘Pieta’ which he did when he was just 24 in the right aisle near the entrance is an eye-catcher, the sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary holding Jesus in her lap after the crucifixion. It is also interesting to see the statues of the saints who founded religious orders inside and the bronze statue of St. Peter Enthroned in the northwestern corner. The crypt below deserves a visit too as it houses the architectural fragments of early churches on the site and the tombs of Popes including the one of Pope John Paul II. There is a chapel in this crypt and a glass wall at the end where tourist can view the reliquary below the altar which is believed to contain the bones of St. Peter. St. Peter’s Basilica is truly an interesting place to visit, aside from its rich cultural and religious history it is also home to many beautiful and striking works of art.

Bernini's monumental colonnade with saints

Piazza

Bernini's Cathedra Petri

The altar with Bernini's baldacchino

Bronze statue of St. Peter

Old location of Vatican Obelisk

Inside Michelangelo's dome

Decoration of the huge cupola

The fountain designed by Bernini

The fountain designed by Maderno

The Lantern

The Pieta

Chapel in the crypt facing tomb of St. Peter

photos: sacreddestinations, stpetersbasilica

The Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert is the world's largest hot desert and is in northern Africa. Its name Sahara means ‘The Desert’ in Arabic. The Sahara Desert is more than 3,500,000 square miles and is almost as big as the United States. It is one of the most favored travel destinations mainly because of the unique experience it gives to its travelers and the stunning landscapes it offers. When in Sahara Desert you may enjoy Camel Rides and Trekking which you can also take during early night times if you want to experience the spectacular sunset in this very interesting place. A Sahara Desert tour is magical, mystical and something that you will surely remember during your lifetime.

An idyllic exotic paradise in the Maldives

The Republic of Maldives is home to some of the world’s truly unspoiled tropical paradise. It is a paradise for divers and water sports enthusiasts. It is famous for its pristine turquoise waters, powder white sands, and its rich marine resources. The scenic underwater views and tranquil waters never fail to amaze this island’s visitors. The Maldive waters is home to 26 types of sharks and sightings of sharks and dolphins while diving and swimming here is always a possibility. The most commonly spotted sharks are whale sharks, tiger sharks, and hammerhead sharks.

Anantara Dhigu Resort and Spa in The Maldives is a resort paradise located in the idyllic Dhigu Island in the South Male Atoll. The place is surrounded by turquoise waters and soft white sands and the villas, over-water suites, and beach bungalows are tastefully designed to fit the relaxed and laid-back paradise of the resort. Here you can enjoy and indulge in the beauty and richness of nature at the same time taking pleasure at the best amenities modern living can provide. Guests may take a dip on its luxurious freshwater infinity edge pool or better yet dive in the nearby reefs and discover a spectacular display of the abundant marine life in the Maldives and take a peek of Maldives’ fabulous coral gardens. Any type of vacation activity you prefer you will most likely find it here. Aside from diving, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and other water sports other popular activities in this resort includes Island Hopping and Picnic, Excursions in Male the island’s capital, sunset cruise, handline fishing, volleyball, badminton, tennis, beachside yoga, and even guided morning meditation sessions on the beach to help you start you day perfectly.

photos: AnantaraDhigu