Kids in Italy – what they might like
Feb 25th, 2015, 12:52 AM
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Kids in Italy – what they might like
I have seen many postings about families with kids of varying ages. I thought it might be useful to list a few places to visit which do not involve trips to aquatic parks or similar but might still interest the adults.
In no particular order, here is a first selection:
Gardens of Bomarzo
About 15 km east of Viterbo and about 5 km west of the Attigliano exit on the A1 autostrada.
Known as the Park of the Monsters this was created in the 16th century by Pier Francesco Orsini
http://www.bomarzo.net/index_en.html
Grazzano Visconti
Located at Vigolzone just over 10 km south of Piacenza
A fortified citadel dating back to 1395
http://www.grazzano.it/
San Gimignano
Torture museum in the medieval “Manhattan” city
http://www.torturemuseum.it/musei-pe...san-gimignano/
Marostica
About 4 km west of Bassano del Grappa
Famous for the square set out like an enormous chess board where chess matches take place with individuals dressed up in costume and the knights actually on horseback.
http://www.marosticascacchi.it/en/ev..._ENG_10_1.html
Stibbert Museum, Florence
About 1 km north east of Fortezza da Basso.
A museum famous for its arms and armour. The Cavalcade room has 14 16th century knights on horseback and 14 soldiers fully dressed in armour and holding weapons.
http://www.museostibbert.it/en
St. Patrick’s Well, Orvieto
Located just outside the town walls.
A huge well with a double helix stairway.
http://www.inorvieto.it/en/visit/orv...ck_s_well.html
Matera
The whole town is a museum. Live like a troglodyte by staying in one of the cave hotels.
http://www.hotelsantangelosassi.it/en/home/
https://www.designhotels.com/hotels/...e-della-civita
In no particular order, here is a first selection:
Gardens of Bomarzo
About 15 km east of Viterbo and about 5 km west of the Attigliano exit on the A1 autostrada.
Known as the Park of the Monsters this was created in the 16th century by Pier Francesco Orsini
http://www.bomarzo.net/index_en.html
Grazzano Visconti
Located at Vigolzone just over 10 km south of Piacenza
A fortified citadel dating back to 1395
http://www.grazzano.it/
San Gimignano
Torture museum in the medieval “Manhattan” city
http://www.torturemuseum.it/musei-pe...san-gimignano/
Marostica
About 4 km west of Bassano del Grappa
Famous for the square set out like an enormous chess board where chess matches take place with individuals dressed up in costume and the knights actually on horseback.
http://www.marosticascacchi.it/en/ev..._ENG_10_1.html
Stibbert Museum, Florence
About 1 km north east of Fortezza da Basso.
A museum famous for its arms and armour. The Cavalcade room has 14 16th century knights on horseback and 14 soldiers fully dressed in armour and holding weapons.
http://www.museostibbert.it/en
St. Patrick’s Well, Orvieto
Located just outside the town walls.
A huge well with a double helix stairway.
http://www.inorvieto.it/en/visit/orv...ck_s_well.html
Matera
The whole town is a museum. Live like a troglodyte by staying in one of the cave hotels.
http://www.hotelsantangelosassi.it/en/home/
https://www.designhotels.com/hotels/...e-della-civita
Feb 25th, 2015, 01:34 AM
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I would like to ask people to think twice about taking children to torture sites as an amusement. For a long time people have been taught to think that torture was a "medieval" thing that doesn't happen anymore, certainly not in democracies, which may account for the difficulty some adults are having in facing the fact that their own governments engage in torture.
There is really nothing fun and funny about torturing other people, whether it happened 500 years ago or 5 weeks ago or 5 days ago. And there is something really wrong with giving children the notion that torture wasn't really all that painful to the people who endured.
I host a lot of kids in Italy of all ages, boys and girls, and my observation is that most of them enjoy the seaside the best, soccer games, and making friends with other children.
There is really nothing fun and funny about torturing other people, whether it happened 500 years ago or 5 weeks ago or 5 days ago. And there is something really wrong with giving children the notion that torture wasn't really all that painful to the people who endured.
I host a lot of kids in Italy of all ages, boys and girls, and my observation is that most of them enjoy the seaside the best, soccer games, and making friends with other children.
Feb 25th, 2015, 02:11 AM
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sandralist -
I would counter that none of the places I have listed are for amusement.
Quite the contrary, each gives the adults the opportunity to expand on the experience and, in the case of the Torture Museum, relate to the modern era.
The best holiday is not all one of beach and games nor one exclusively dedicated to culture or other activities.
I would counter that none of the places I have listed are for amusement.
Quite the contrary, each gives the adults the opportunity to expand on the experience and, in the case of the Torture Museum, relate to the modern era.
The best holiday is not all one of beach and games nor one exclusively dedicated to culture or other activities.
Feb 25th, 2015, 04:29 AM
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Of the places mentioned, the only one I've visited is St. Patrick's well in Orvieto, and I agree that it's a great place to visit. Most of the tourists who go to Orvieto seem not to have heard of it. The staircase, really a ramp with very wide and shallow steps, is beautiful; it amazes me how such a functional thing, meant to be used by mules, was made as beautiful as possible. It makes you realize that our priorities today are messed up. That would be a good conversation to have with your kids.
I've never been to the Stibbert Museum, but I'll mention another little-known museum in Florence. The Museum of Natural History "La Specola" is a real hidden gem. It's one of the oldest such museums in the world, founded by the Medicis. One of its amazing exhibits is of wax anatomical models for training doctors. The Catholic church objected to the dissection of cadavers, so these very accurate models, down to capillaries and nerves, were made to train them. I would imagine a cadaver or two was needed to serve as models for the wax models.
On the upper floors of the museum, you can see an 18th century observatory, including an octagonal tower used to observe the heavens. There's also a beautiful hall devoted to Gallileo, where you can see some of his own instruments.
Finally, there's a hall of skeletons of mammals, from the tiniest to the largest, that's also very old. Some of the mammals on display are now extinct. This hall has more limited hours than the rest of the museum.
My kids enjoyed cathedrals and art museums when they were small, although I made sure not to go to very crowded ones, and never stayed too long. They each had their favorite artists, and we usually tried to see the works of those artists, and one or two new artists. We also went frequently to parks, took boat rides, went to concerts, rented bikes, and visited castles, town festivals, archaeological sites, and the like. I really never had to look for things to amuse them.
I think it's important to let the kids choose some of the things to visit. Give them a guide book with copious photos, and let them have a say.
I never took my kids to a torture museum. I would have difficulty with the visit myself. When we lived in the Netherlands, they were taken to one on a school trip.
I've never been to the Stibbert Museum, but I'll mention another little-known museum in Florence. The Museum of Natural History "La Specola" is a real hidden gem. It's one of the oldest such museums in the world, founded by the Medicis. One of its amazing exhibits is of wax anatomical models for training doctors. The Catholic church objected to the dissection of cadavers, so these very accurate models, down to capillaries and nerves, were made to train them. I would imagine a cadaver or two was needed to serve as models for the wax models.
On the upper floors of the museum, you can see an 18th century observatory, including an octagonal tower used to observe the heavens. There's also a beautiful hall devoted to Gallileo, where you can see some of his own instruments.
Finally, there's a hall of skeletons of mammals, from the tiniest to the largest, that's also very old. Some of the mammals on display are now extinct. This hall has more limited hours than the rest of the museum.
My kids enjoyed cathedrals and art museums when they were small, although I made sure not to go to very crowded ones, and never stayed too long. They each had their favorite artists, and we usually tried to see the works of those artists, and one or two new artists. We also went frequently to parks, took boat rides, went to concerts, rented bikes, and visited castles, town festivals, archaeological sites, and the like. I really never had to look for things to amuse them.
I think it's important to let the kids choose some of the things to visit. Give them a guide book with copious photos, and let them have a say.
I never took my kids to a torture museum. I would have difficulty with the visit myself. When we lived in the Netherlands, they were taken to one on a school trip.
Feb 25th, 2015, 05:13 AM
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Italy is a great destination for kids because it offers both the (somewhat) exotic (at least to North American eyes) and the familiar. Kids are familiar with versions of Italian food (pizza and pasta) and its history and major monuments. To experience those things in Italy was special.
Things we've enjoyed:
Outdoor markets: We may have outdoor markets at home, but we don't often see the range of meats and cheeses available in Italy.
Agriturismos: Especially those that offer a chance to lounge by a pool with other families.
Underground experiences: Underground Orvieto and St. Patrick's Well, catacombs, Scavi tour of St. Peter's (older children only), Basilica of San Clemente
Cathedrals and towers (with a view): Milan cathedral's roof, inside the domes of Florence or St. Peter's cathedrals, Torre del Mangia in Siena and Asinelli in Bologna
Life in the Piazzas: Our sons enjoyed the piazzas of Italy and the passeggiata--the opportunity for people watching and for relaxing.
Walled cities and towns: Lucca, Monteriggioni
Places tied to a book or movie: We tracked down the sites in Angels and Demons (I know, not great literature) in Rome. It was a good excuse to see sites I wanted to see anyway. Volterra and Montepulciano for Twilight fans
Hikes with a payoff: Levanto to Monterosso in CT (finish with some relaxation on the beach); Path of the Gods in Amalfi (stop for lunch in Nocelle and then beach time in Positano)
I think there are endless opportunities for fun and many don't require over planning or big expense tickets.
Things we've enjoyed:
Outdoor markets: We may have outdoor markets at home, but we don't often see the range of meats and cheeses available in Italy.
Agriturismos: Especially those that offer a chance to lounge by a pool with other families.
Underground experiences: Underground Orvieto and St. Patrick's Well, catacombs, Scavi tour of St. Peter's (older children only), Basilica of San Clemente
Cathedrals and towers (with a view): Milan cathedral's roof, inside the domes of Florence or St. Peter's cathedrals, Torre del Mangia in Siena and Asinelli in Bologna
Life in the Piazzas: Our sons enjoyed the piazzas of Italy and the passeggiata--the opportunity for people watching and for relaxing.
Walled cities and towns: Lucca, Monteriggioni
Places tied to a book or movie: We tracked down the sites in Angels and Demons (I know, not great literature) in Rome. It was a good excuse to see sites I wanted to see anyway. Volterra and Montepulciano for Twilight fans
Hikes with a payoff: Levanto to Monterosso in CT (finish with some relaxation on the beach); Path of the Gods in Amalfi (stop for lunch in Nocelle and then beach time in Positano)
I think there are endless opportunities for fun and many don't require over planning or big expense tickets.
Feb 25th, 2015, 08:02 AM
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I agree about Bomarzo. Very strange and entertaining. Also there was a little petting zoo when we were there some years ago.
Bomarzo is not far from Civitavecchia de Bagnio Reggio, which my kids thought was really interesting-- an apple core of a town, almost a ghost town except for the NYU presence.
La Specola however-- some of the gynaecological exhibits were a little intense, and might scare the children.
Bomarzo is not far from Civitavecchia de Bagnio Reggio, which my kids thought was really interesting-- an apple core of a town, almost a ghost town except for the NYU presence.
La Specola however-- some of the gynaecological exhibits were a little intense, and might scare the children.
Feb 25th, 2015, 08:13 AM
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Italy is a great place for firework displays.
Many are linked to the celebration of patron saints such as St. John on June 24. This saint is celebrated in Florence, Turin, Genoa and many other cities. In Florence the fireworks are set off from Piazzale Michelangelo and the view from the Lungarno (Duomo side) is spectacular.
Another magnificent location for fireworks is Lake Como. There is also a celebration for St. John and this takes place mid-lake by Isola Comacina. Many travel by boat to have dinner followed by the display.
Most firework displays take place at Villa d'Este/Villa Erba i.e. Cernobbio. Some are on obvious dates - July 4 and July 14 - and some are linked to private parties or special events at Villa Erba. The location is perfect as the fireworks are reflected by the lake and the closeness of the mountains increases the sound effects.
Another feature of Lake Como (as is the case across the Alpine region) is the abundance of Grotti or Crotti. These are very simple eating places and the most typical are actually caves - hence the name in Italian. Traditionally these were used to mature cheeses, salame (or salume) etc. All kids are intrigued by these places and they offer the occasion to try certain foods that they will never find back home.
Many are linked to the celebration of patron saints such as St. John on June 24. This saint is celebrated in Florence, Turin, Genoa and many other cities. In Florence the fireworks are set off from Piazzale Michelangelo and the view from the Lungarno (Duomo side) is spectacular.
Another magnificent location for fireworks is Lake Como. There is also a celebration for St. John and this takes place mid-lake by Isola Comacina. Many travel by boat to have dinner followed by the display.
Most firework displays take place at Villa d'Este/Villa Erba i.e. Cernobbio. Some are on obvious dates - July 4 and July 14 - and some are linked to private parties or special events at Villa Erba. The location is perfect as the fireworks are reflected by the lake and the closeness of the mountains increases the sound effects.
Another feature of Lake Como (as is the case across the Alpine region) is the abundance of Grotti or Crotti. These are very simple eating places and the most typical are actually caves - hence the name in Italian. Traditionally these were used to mature cheeses, salame (or salume) etc. All kids are intrigued by these places and they offer the occasion to try certain foods that they will never find back home.
Feb 25th, 2015, 01:17 PM
#10
>>>the only one I've visited is St. Patrick's well in Orvieto, and I agree that it's a great place to visit.<<<
I don't think kids would find it very interesting and would prefer the Orvieto underground tour instead.
I don't think kids would find it very interesting and would prefer the Orvieto underground tour instead.
Feb 25th, 2015, 01:32 PM
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Just last week I found an excellent book called A Kid's Guide to Rome by Rosaria Punzi. I found it in a museum bookshop. It would be a great accessory for any family visiting Rome. In fact my husband and I liked reading the descriptions in the book a lot too. Sometimes you need just the right amount of information!
I think something special for kids is being in the same place long enough for it to feel familiar. My kids loved agriturismos - hitting the pool in the afternoon and then being served dinner on a terrace. We stayed at campsites for extended periods and they were able to make friends.
I think something special for kids is being in the same place long enough for it to feel familiar. My kids loved agriturismos - hitting the pool in the afternoon and then being served dinner on a terrace. We stayed at campsites for extended periods and they were able to make friends.
Feb 26th, 2015, 03:33 AM
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My kids would have loved St. Patrick's Well. The very fact that it was used by mules carrying water to the surface, and that it was a double helix so that they didn't get distracted by encounters with their brother mules, would have intrigued my kids, and I'm sure they would have wanted to test the stairway, one starting from the top and one from the bottom.
I haven't been to Orvieto in a long time, and there was no underground tour the last time I was there.
I haven't been to Orvieto in a long time, and there was no underground tour the last time I was there.
Feb 26th, 2015, 04:26 AM
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my kids loved "being" in a town. Staying in the same place a few nights like palatino recommended. I would avoid the torture museum. While it is important for kids to understand history, knowing the graphic details only leads to nightmares and disturbed kids. Save that for young adults when they can process better.
Our favorites:
- Lucca. Loved the walled city and staying inside it. Renting bikes and riding around the walls. Exploring the town and getting lost.
- Leaning Tower of Pisa. Yes, touristy. but fun. Can really feel the lean. Of course, the gelato at the end helped : )
- Cinque Terre. Just wandering along and in the towns. They were disappointed the trails were closed (we were there a few months after a massive mudslide). We visited 3 towns and just had a relaxing, fun day of walking and exploring.
- Venice. Getting lost and exploring. So much fun to see what is around the next corner!
Finally, the "special" things I did - I look for a surprise each trip. This time, it was spending a day with a marble sculptor at his studio. Getting hands dirty, having lunch along the stream, then touring the quarries.
Our favorites:
- Lucca. Loved the walled city and staying inside it. Renting bikes and riding around the walls. Exploring the town and getting lost.
- Leaning Tower of Pisa. Yes, touristy. but fun. Can really feel the lean. Of course, the gelato at the end helped : )
- Cinque Terre. Just wandering along and in the towns. They were disappointed the trails were closed (we were there a few months after a massive mudslide). We visited 3 towns and just had a relaxing, fun day of walking and exploring.
- Venice. Getting lost and exploring. So much fun to see what is around the next corner!
Finally, the "special" things I did - I look for a surprise each trip. This time, it was spending a day with a marble sculptor at his studio. Getting hands dirty, having lunch along the stream, then touring the quarries.
Apr 10th, 2015, 06:51 AM
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I agree with someone else here who said the Matera Torture Museum is not exactly entertainment... for kids or most adults. In fact, this museum displays some of the most gruesome torture devices almost like art. I've read it's popular with the S&M crowd.... definitely not a place to take kids. Older teens... maybe if they are into medieval history. But not little ones.
Apr 10th, 2015, 09:04 AM
#15
Our grandkids loved San Gimignano but none wanted to see the atorture Museum nor would their parents allow them to do that. They all enjoyed climbing the large tower. And they all loved Florence.
Apr 10th, 2015, 10:36 AM
#16
depends on the age of the kids. one of our most successful trips was when they were about 11 & 8, we spent a week in a hotel on Lake Garda. we did trips by boat and bus during the day and swam when we got back. lovely food and plenty for all of us to do.
when they were bit older - 17 & 14 - we spent a week in each of Rome, Florence and Venice [at separate times during the year]. they really liked being in one place, getting to know the neighbourhood and doing everyday things like shopping, as well as the usual sightseeing.
when they were bit older - 17 & 14 - we spent a week in each of Rome, Florence and Venice [at separate times during the year]. they really liked being in one place, getting to know the neighbourhood and doing everyday things like shopping, as well as the usual sightseeing.
