Mediterranean Mélange: Unveiling Spain and Italy’s Shared Splendor

From Barcelona’s vibrant streets to Rome’s ancient echoes, experience the warmth, flavor and rhythm that make the Mediterranean so unforgettable.

The Mediterranean isn’t just a sea; it’s a state of mind. My recent journey through Spain and Italy felt like diving into a living, breathing artwork — each vista bathed in the golden glow of the Mediterranean sun, each scent wafting from open kitchen windows a reminder of their shared yet singular flavors.

“These two nations, linked by that glimmering Mediterranean, show their charm in ways that go beyond landmarks or scenic views.

It’s in the warmth of people who live with passion in every part of their day. It’s the unspoken language of hospitality and genuine connection that leaves a mark long after you’ve moved on.”

Barcelona 

My exploration began in Barcelona, where the Catalan spirit fills the streets with a palpable energy. Wandering the Gothic Quarter’s labyrinthine alleys as part of my Spain tours, I encountered more than ancient stone and soaring arches — this was a place alive with whispered histories and Gaudí’s fantastical fingerprints. The Sagrada Familia loomed like an unfinished masterpiece against the sky, a testament to the vision and determination that defines this city. But it was sipping sangria at a quiet café that I felt the real essence of Barcelona — a blend of warmth, tradition and a fierce love of life.

Granada 

Leaving Barcelona’s cosmopolitan allure behind, I ventured south into the rustic embrace of Andalusia, where the landscape seems to ripple in the sun. In Granada’s Alhambra, the spirit of al-Andalus echoes through the quiet arches and intricate tiles of the Nasrid Palaces, each curve and hue a reminder of the cultural symbiosis that flourished here. The Mediterranean’s influence shaped architecture, art and daily life, with its ever-present warmth and rhythm.

Rome

Crossing the sea to Italy, I found myself swept into a whole new cadence in Rome on one of the top-rated tours of Italy. There’s an undeniable gravitas here, where history presses upon the present. Amid the ruins of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, I could almost hear the shouts of ancient citizens and feel the pounding of history beneath my feet. But Rome isn’t all grandiosity; it’s also the aroma of pizza baking in Campo de’ Fiori, the laughter echoing through Trastevere’s cobbled streets, and the dizzying sweetness of gelato on a hot day.

Florence 

And then, Florence — the heart of Renaissance Italy, where every corner seems touched by genius. At the Uffizi Gallery, each masterpiece tells the story of a nation that birthed Michelangelo and Botticelli, of a people with a timeless love for beauty in all forms. Climbing the Duomo, I gazed over red-tiled rooftops stretching endlessly to the horizon — a view that seemed to capture the soul of Italy itself.

Spain + Italy = Mediterranean Magic

As my time in Spain and Italy came to an end, I knew I’d been irrevocably changed by the magic that spilled from every cobblestone street, every vineyard row, every heart-stopping vista. From the electric hum of Barcelona’s streets to the rolling, sun-soaked hills of Tuscany, each place felt like an old friend with a new story to share.

These two nations, linked by that glimmering Mediterranean, show their charm in ways that go beyond landmarks or scenic views. It’s in the warmth of people who live with passion in every part of their day. Think of flamenco dancers in Seville, pouring their souls into every step, or the Venetian gondoliers, who navigate their waters like a dance. It’s the unspoken language of hospitality and genuine connection that leaves a mark long after you’ve moved on.

Leaving the Mediterranean shores behind feels like stepping out of a dream. But I carry with me memories of sunlit piazzas, starlit nights, the laughter of strangers who became friends and the quiet moments in the shadows of cathedrals. And even though my journey is technically over, Spain and Italy now live in my bones, a forever reminder of the adventures that await around every corner.

To explore Spain and Italy is to dive headfirst into a world of color, flavor and stories. Picture yourself sipping sangria in a Barcelona café or twirling pasta in a tucked-away Tuscan trattoria. Each moment here is a toast to life itself. The crumbling ruins, lively piazzas and cobblestone alleyways all testify to the enduring spirit of these lands — and the people who make them unforgettable. In travel, we’re reminded that while each place is one-of-a-kind, there’s a universal rhythm that binds us all.

Spain and Italy lure us with their sun-drenched coastlines, timeless ruins, and fiery, joyful souls. And while you might come for the food or the art, you’ll leave with a spirit that’s been altered, a heart forever stamped by their beauty. –Kirill Balaganin 

Symbolism in Italian Floristry: Flowers as Cultural and Religious Icons

Talk about flower power! From passionate roses to sacred lilies, Italian flowers speak a language all their own. Learn the meanings behind these blooms and how they’ve shaped Italian culture and faith for centuries.

Floristry in Italy is nothing short of an art form. Each bloom embodies deep cultural significance and religious symbolism. As a country rich in history and tradition, Italy uses flowers to communicate emotions, celebrate life events and honor spiritual customs. 

If you’re thinking, “I want to find an Italy florist near me,” wait till you learn more about the symbolism of different blooms and their role as cultural and religious icons.

“Flowers in Italy convey emotions beyond what words can express, preserving the depth of human feeling through their beauty and meaning.”

The Meanings of Flowers in Italian Culture

In Italy, the use of flowers is pervasive, from weddings and other festive occasions to mourning rituals. The country has a rich history of floriculture, with each flower holding distinct meanings. Italian flora is often associated with various legends, poems and folklore, where the narratives shape public perception of these flowers.

The rose: Love and passion

The rose, one of the world’s most celebrated flowers, holds a special place in Italian culture. Red roses are the ultimate symbol of passion and desire, often chosen to express heartfelt love. White roses, on the other hand, represent purity and new beginnings, making them a favorite at weddings, while yellow roses can symbolize friendship and joy (though they’re sometimes associated with jealousy). The rose’s rich symbolism reflects the complexities of relationships, capturing love in all its forms.

The lily: Purity and devotion

In religious contexts, the lily is a powerful symbol of purity and devotion. Often linked to the Virgin Mary in Christian iconography, this delicate flower represents innocence, virtue and renewal. In mythology, the lily is also associated with chastity, said to have originated from a drop of milk that fell from the breast of Juno, the Roman goddess of love and marriage. Lilies are frequently used to decorate churches and religious festivals, elevating their sacred significance. 

The sunflower: Loyalty and adoration

The sunflower, with its bright yellow petals and seed-filled center, symbolizes loyalty and adoration. Italian florists often use sunflowers for celebratory occasions, expressing joy and warmth. Additionally, the flower is associated with the concept of followership, as its Italian name, girasole, literally “turning to the sun.” In Italy, sunflowers bloom from mid-June to early August in the regions of Tuscany, Umbria and the Marche, covering the Italian countryside.

Flower Festivals in Italy

Italy, a country renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture, also celebrates its natural beauty through a variety of flower festivals that occur throughout the year. These festivals highlight the country’s love of nature and artistry while showcasing the colors and scents of Italian flora.

Infiorata di Genzano di Roma

One of the most enchanting floral festivals is the Infiorata, with Genzano, a picturesque medieval hill town near Rome hosting one of the oldest. Typically held in June, this tradition dates back to 1788 and transforms the Via Italo Belardi into an elaborate carpet of flowers. Approximately 350,000 to 400,000 petals are arranged like mosaics into intricate designs, often depicting religious or cultural themes. As dawn breaks, locals unveil their masterpieces, inviting visitors to wander through a floral wonderland, where the artistry of each design and the fragrance of fresh petals create a magical atmosphere. 

Infiorata di Spello

Another highlight is the Flower Festival of Spello, a charming hilltop town in Umbria. Every year, during the Feast of Corpus Christi, the ninth Sunday after Easter, the town bursts into color as townspeople meticulously select and gather flowers: roses, carnations, daisies and marigolds, to name a few. The floral creations cover streets throughout the historical center in preparation for the passage of the Blessed Sacrament carried in procession by the bishop on Sunday morning. 

Corso Fiorito

Each spring, the coastal town of Sanremo celebrates its floral heritage with a parade of flower-covered floats. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Italian Riviera, the festival offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty and charm of the Liguria region. The festival’s origins trace back to 1904, when Count Alfredo di Villamarina organized a parade featuring flower-adorned carts and carriages, naming it Festa della Dea Flora (Feast of the Goddess Flora) in honor of the patron deity of flowers. By the 1930s, grand allegorical floats covered in intricate floral designs made their debut, along with the battaglia dei fiori — a playful “battle” where people in the streets and on the floats tossed flowers at one another. While this lively tradition has since died out in Sanremo, it still occurs in the nearby town of Ventimiglia.

Flowers for Mourning and Commemoration

But flowers aren’t all about celebration. In Italy, particular blooms carry meanings associated with grief, remembrance and consolation. The chrysanthemum, for example, is commonly used in funerals and memorial services, symbolizing grief, remembrance and the fleeting nature of life. 

The Language of Flowers 

The symbolism of flowers in Italy is woven with threads of history, culture and faith. Each bloom, from the passionate red rose to the pure white lily, tells its own story, reflecting the values and beliefs of a nation where flowers are more than just decoration — they’re expressions of life itself.

Flowers in Italy remain a timeless and powerful form of communication. They convey emotions beyond what words can express, preserving the depth of human feeling through their beauty and meaning. Whether celebrating love, mourning a loss or marking a spiritual occasion, the language of flowers speaks to the heart of Italian cultural identity. –Mia Roberts

7 Fun Facts About the Milan Cathedral

What to do in Milan, Italy? Visit the gorgeous Duomo di Milano, covered with statues of saints and gargoyles — and don’t miss the amazing view from the rooftop.

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Somehow the Milan Duomo was even more beautiful in the rain.

If there’s one thing you absolutely have to include on a trip to Milan, Italy, it’s the massive Milan Cathedral. (Unless, of course, your tastes lean a bit more to the macabre, in which case, I recommend spending an afternoon wandering the impressive artistic grounds of the Cimitero Monumentale — see the photos here.)

Locally, the cathedral is known as the Duomo, which confused me since there’s no visible dome like the one in Florence. Its white exterior features delicate carvings so fine you could almost imagine they were made of lace. Despite its size, it feels a bit dainty — odd for a church in the Gothic style.

“My favorite part of the Duomo is the part closest to Heaven: the rooftop, where you can look out at the bustling city beyond.”

Holy moley! Here are 7 stunning facts about this breathtaking cathedral:

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Delicate spires topped with religious figures are part of the elaborately decorated Duomo.

1. The Duomo is big. Like really, really big.

In fact, it’s the second-largest Catholic church in the world, behind only Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome — which was built after the Duomo. Milan’s cathedral takes up an entire city block.

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A carving of David slaying the giant Goliath. Somebody send that boy to juvie!

2. It boasts more statues than any other building in the world.

That’s what the tourist literature tells you, at least. And it’s hard to argue: The entirety of the façade is covered with carved architectural elements portraying flowers, fruits and fantastical beasts, including delightfully grotesque gargoyles. There are plenty of saints sprinkled throughout as well. Sources disagree on the exact number, but it seems to be over 3,300 statues total, including about 100 gargoyles and 135 spires.

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Milan’s most popular attraction, the cathedral, took over 600 years to be built.

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How can this Christian take a nap with all those wolves baying?

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The best part of the Milan Cathedral is its expansive rooftop.

3. It has the best views in the city.

My favorite part of the Duomo is the part closest to Heaven. You can go up to the rooftop (accessible by stairs and an elevator) and look out at the bustling city beyond, as well as get closer views of the needle-like spires, each topped with a religious figure.

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The terraza atop the Milan Duomo is a popular (and absolutely stunning) hangout spot.

There’s one main area of the roof, the terraza, and, indeed, I wasn’t the only one with the bright idea to go up there. Businessmen in suits, young kids playing games and canoodling couples filled the space. Imagine having a rooftop like this as one of your regular lunch spots.

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Wally wandered around to the back of the roof and found a quiet spot to read in the sun.

I noticed a side walkway and set off on an exploration. The path wound its way around the roof, underneath the arches of flying buttresses. The crowd thinned out, until it was just me and the odd visitor. I found a secluded nook, got out my book and read for an hour or so in the sun, atop one of the largest churches in the world, utterly delighted.

A Spire To Great Heights. Dedicated to St. Mary of the Nativity, the Gothic cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete. One of the main features of the cathedral is the Madonnina (Virgin Mary) spire, the highest point in the city. The statue that stands atop is gilded in over 6,000 sheets of pure gold foil. #duomomilano #duomo #italia #milan #italy #madonnina #gothicarchitecture  #travelblogger #exploremore #traveldeeper #mytinyatlas #wanderlust #traveltheworld #getaway #travelpics #tourist  #savoteur

A post shared by Wally & Duke (@notsoinnocents) on Aug 1, 2016 at 6:27pm PDT

4. One of the statues has gained fame and is part of a local legend.

The symbol of the city and patroness of the Milanese people, the gilded Madonnina (the Little Madonna), stands atop the main spire of the cathedral. The tallest of all of the many statues on the cathedral, the open-armed Madonna rises 354 feet high. Built in 1774, tradition holds that it must be the tallest man-made object in Milan. So, when a modern building surpassed this height, a replica of la Madonnina was placed atop it.

During World War II, the Madonnina was covered with a cloth for five years to avoid providing an easy target for fighter-bombers.

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The Duomo is gorgeous at night as well.

5. The construction of the Duomo took over six centuries.

Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo, supported in the endeavor by the Lord of Milan, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, began building the cathedral in 1386. At least 78 different architects from around Europe were invited to work on the structure, and construction dragged on. By 1418, they had decided it was time to consecrate the cathedral, even though only the nave was actually finished at the time.

For the next two centuries, construction continued, but politics, lack of funding and local frustration with a massive, seemingly endless project smack-dab in the middle of the city kept causing delays.

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Napoleon helped finally wrap up construction of the Duomo’s façade — so he could be crowned King of Italy in the cathedral.

6. Napoleon played an important role in the Duomo’s construction.

How did the façade finally get finished? This was accomplished by none other than Napoleon Bonaparte, in the early 1800s, after he had conquered the city. He wanted to be crowned King of Italy in the Duomo and wanted the exterior completed beforehand. A generous (if vain) guy, he offered to pay all expenses — after a talk with the French treasurer. Seven years later, the façade was completed, and the ceremony took place as the diminutive leader wanted. This explains why there’s a statue of Napoleon atop one of the many spires.

Milan’s Navigli District is a restaurant and art hotspot.

7. The Duomo’s construction is responsible for the navigli, the city’s canal system.

The cathedral’s edifice is made of Candoglia marble from Lake Maggiore to the north of Milan. To transport it from the quarries, canals were constructed, some of which remain to this day. In fact, the Navigli District is quite a hotspot, known for its restaurants and art galleries. –Wally
 

Monumental Cemetery, Milan: A Sculpture Slideshow

One of my favorite things to do in Milan, Italy was wander through this graveyard and its statues that rival Père Lachaise in Paris.

I love cemeteries. They're some of my favorite places to spend a quiet afternoon. And this particular cemetery was like being in a sculpture park. 

It was my last day in Milan, Italy, and I came upon the Monumental Cemetery by accident.

“If you’re someone who thinks cemeteries are depressing, think again. ”

As I was crossing a street, I saw the collonaded archway entrance at the end of the block. I didn't know what it was. But I was irresistably drawn to it. 

Imagine my delight when I discovered it was one of the most impressive cemeteries I had ever seen. 

I wandered the lanes for a couple of hours, marveling at the sculptures, snapping away at with my camera. 

Here are 30-some of my favorite pictures. (As you can tell, I had a hard time narrowing these down. They're all just so amazing.)

Drop Dead Gorgeous

The cemetery, known locally as the Cimitero Monumentale, was constructed from 1863 to 1866.

Someone decided to consolidate all the small graveyards that were spread throughout the city of Milan into two large cemeteries. The "common" people got the Cimitero Maggiore, while the rich got the Monumental Cemetery, which, when it comes down to it, it actually a beautiful outdoor museum. 

Spread over 62 acres, the cemetery has three distinct sections: one for Catholics, one for non-Catholic Christians and one for Jews.

Fun fact: One of the mausoleums has an elaborate sculpture depicting the Last Supper. This is the final resting place of the Campari family, who brought us those potent red bitters of the same name.

If you're someone who thinks cemeteries are depressing, think again. The Monumental Cemetery in Milan is just the place to have a change of heart. It's, well, heavenly. –Wally