Off the Beaten Path Venice, Florence and Rome
It's such a thrill to travel to Italy to see the famous sights such as the Rialto Bridge in Venice or the original statue of David by Michelangelo in Florence or to walk the grounds of the mighty Colosseum in Rome. But for me, I get a pleasure in finding those "out of the way" spots those places where most people walk right by with their guidebooks in hand on their way to the more well known sights. I would like to tell you about a few hidden gems I've discovered in my travels to Italy's most enchanted cities Venice, Florence and Rome.

1. Venice
   Peggy Guggenheim Collection
   
   Opened in 1980, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection presents her personal collection of 20th Century Art as well as temporary exhibitions. Peggy is the niece of Solomon R. Guggenheim whose famous Guggenheim museum resides on 5th Ave in NYC.
   
   Why you should go:
   Visiting this museum is getting a chance to visit inside a Venetian Palazzo and to see one of the most important collections of 20th century art in Italy. The museum is housed in Peggy Guggenheim's actual residence so the art work and sculptures are placed throughout the Palazzo like you would see art displayed in one's home. It's small enough that you have a cozy feeling and can see the entire exhibit in a short time yet the Palazzo is so beautiful and grand that you have a sense of awe when walking through it. The museum is situated on the Grand Canal with amazing views from the gardens. Peggy was a very eccentric woman who dedicated half her life to the arts. She died at the age of 81 and her ashes are scattered at her Venetian Palazzo along with the remains of her faithful companions--her beloved dogs.

   Peggy Guggenheim Collection website

2. Florence
   Scuolo del Cuoio, Firenze

   Created after World War II, Scuolo del Cuoio or The Leather School gave orphans of the war an opportunity to learn a trade through which to earn a living. The school was started through a collaboration of the Franciscan Friars of the Monastery of Sante Croce and the Gori and Cassini families who had been leather artisans since the 1930's.

   Why you should go:
   Set in the gardens behind the Sante Croce church and square, the Leather School is the center for leather artistry in Florence. It's the only genuine workshop where you can watch the artisans create leather goods in the historic tradition. You can also buy these handcrafted pieces in the school's shop where they sell coats, handbags, briefcases, shoes etc…all made with the highest quality leather and can be purchased at discount rates.

   Scuolo del Cuoio website
   
   

3. Rome
   Scuola Gladiatori Roma
   
   The Historical Society of Rome runs the only Gladiator training school in Rome. Gladiators and the spectacle of their battles were part of every day life more than 2000 years ago in the ancient Roman Empire. In teaching the traditions of the Gladiators, the historical society preserves the culture and provides a fun way to experience another time and way of life.

   Why you should go:
   There is no where else you can learn to fight like an original gladiator. You are taught the techniques on the original style of weapons. They offer short courses and visitors can watch as the students engage in battles.

   Why you should go:
   For a truly unique way to see Rome try a tour in a vintage Fiat or Vespa scooter! You are whisked through the small windy streets of Rome by your driver and taken to see all the most interesting places. With a microphone and headset in your helmet, your guide recounts the historic tales of the people of ancient Rome. One intriguing place is the Bocca Della Verita or Mouth of Truth, made famous by the movie "A Roman Holiday". The legend states that in order to tell if a person is telling the truth, they must tell their statement to the statue and then place their hand in the statue's mouth. If they are telling the truth all is well but if they're lying they go back short one hand!

   Vespa Tours or Rome




Hopefully, these out of the way places have inspired you to go off the beaten path on your next travel holiday.




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