Guidebooks & Tours Audiobooks in Travel

Constantina's Mausoleum, Rome. Italy

The audioguide tells the story, describes architecture and reports interesting facts about the mausoleum of Santa Costanza, the daughter of the founder of Constantinopol, which is one of the main examples of late-ancient architecture among Roman monuments. This building was built and dedicated to the daughter of Constantine the Great, the Byzantine emperor who founded Constantinople. Most researchers believe it dates back to the years 337-350, when Constantine lived in Rome. The church we see today (Sant'Agnese outside the walls) is not the original church of Sant'Agnese, but a reconstruction, from the seventh century, when Pope Onorio I decided to erect a new construction on the ruins of the Basilica of Constantine. At the base of the Mausoleum's architecture there are exceptional Roman models such as the Pantheon, but its structure is innovative with its concentric circular spaces, borrowed from the Roundabout of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher, in Jerusalem, whose construction was ordered by Constantine himself and his mother Elena. You can examine the 3D model of the church and observe its interior through the MuByz App. The audioguide has been made by professionals in the field of history and art.

Caterina Amato (Author), Karolina Starin (Narrator)

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Dormition Church in the Volotovo field. Velikiy Novgorod. Russia

The audioguide tells the story, describes the architecture and reports interesting facts about the church of Dormition, founded in 1352. The church of the Dormition was originally monasterial. Towards the end of the 17th century, the monastery began to depopulate. In 1764, it lost its status and the church became a parish. The renovations made during the years were not stateradical, the original architectural forms were cut off with extreme accuracy and the frescoes were almost entirely preserved. By the summer of 1941, restoration works had reached perfection, but the war blocked the works. The church, finding itself on the frontline was exposed to bombing and enemy fire. After the war, a special commission declared it irretrievably lost. In 1955 its ruins were declared as a patrimony to be safeguarded. In 1993, a group of restorers, in Novgorod, began renovating the church. The walls and pillars had been preserved in heights, ranging from 2 to 4 m, and about 40 square meters of frescoes were found on the lower sections. In the apse, below, an older layer of painting was found, dating further back than the entire pictorial complex. According to some scholars, this ancient layer dates back to 1352, the year the church was built, while the pictorial complex of the whole church, according to the Chronicle of Novgorod, dates back to 1363. . Others extend the temporal limitations of the appearance of frescoes in the church of the Dormition: the oldest dates back to 1363, and the work was completed between the '80s and' 90s of the XIVcentury. The unknown author of church frescoes, such as Theophane the Greek, was related to the Byzantine traditions of the Paleologist period: its frescoes were sketched quickly. You can examine the 3D model of the church and observe its interior, through the MuByz App. The audioguide has been made by professionals in the field of history and art.

Tatiana Volodina (Author), Karolina Starin (Narrator)

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Hagia Sopfia. Istanbul. Turkey

The audioguide tells the story, describes the architecture and reports interesting facts about the basilica of Santa Sofia, Divina Sapienza, the largest Byzantine monument. For 916 years, the basilica was Christian, while for the last 481 it was Muslim. In 1934, it became a museum. For 900 years, until the construction of the famous Duomo of Florence, in 1436, it had no equal in terms of the height of its interior. On the right side of the exonartece there is a sarcophagus, in the green marble of Thessaloniki, the last resting place of the Empress Irene, wife of John II. On his right, hanging from the wall, is a copy of the religious edifice emanated by Manuele Comneno, in 1166. Initially, there were 4 rectangular marble slabs measuring 4.12 x 4.62 m. This is the greatest Byzantine inscription we know. The main character of the composition is Christ sitting on the throne and holding the Gospel in his hand, open on the words: "Peace to you. I am the light of the world". Under his figure, Emperor Leo VI, is prostrated in front of the throne of Christ, also known as the Sage. At the base of the 16 columns, to the right and left of the entrance, alternate the monograms "Justinian Emperor" and "Teodora augusta". The image of the Madonna in the basin and the figure of the Archangel Gabriel, located on the southern side of the bema arch (the second angel on the northern side is almost lost), are the oldest figurative mosaics that have been preserved in Santa Sofia. You can examine the 3D model of the church and observe its interior through the MuByz App. The audioguide has been made by professionals in the field of history and art.

Sergey Ivanov (Author), Karolina Starin (Narrator)

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Oratory of San Marco. Rossano. Italy

The audioguide tells the story, describes the architecture and reports interesting facts about the oratory. Rossano is one of the most important cities of Calabria, under Byzantine rule, and here one of the most significant monuments of that time has been preserved: the Oratorio di San Marco, founded roughly in the X-XI century. During the restoration, fragments of admirable sculptures and frescoes of the Byzantine period emerged: a Madonna with Child, which was to be part of a much wider representation, perhaps throughout the church, as is usually found in the iconographic plans of the post iconoclastic Byzantine churches of age. The peculiar element of the architecture of San Marco's is the barrel vault, similar to those found on the island of Crete. Inside, you will find more of the church's eastern area with slightly projecting and specially arranged apses, and cylindrical lateral drums. The walls of the apses are bare, animated only by the opening of the double windows, while the mullioned windows open onto the drums. A point of interest is the altar table, which you will find in front of you, once you have crossed the space underneath the central dome. It is a burial element: a plate found alongside other sculptural fragments, during the restoration and, on the border, there are other geometric ornaments. The audioguide has been made by professionals in the field of history and art.

Alessio Tremiti (Author), Karolina Starin (Narrator)

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Saint John at the Latin Gate, Rome. Italy

The audioguide tells the story, describes the architecture and reports interesting facts about the basilica. Saint John the Evangelist preached in this place. Tradition tells us that John, the apostle of Jesus, was placed in a cauldron of boiling oil, but came out miraculously uninjured and safe. The basilica was built on the remains of an ancient temple, dedicated to the cult of Diana, during the period of the pontificate of Gelasio I, roughly between 492 and 496. Some masonry fragments found near the apse would seem to confirm the birth of the basilica in the fifth century. To confirm this theory there are some tiles of the old roof, bearing the mark of King Theodoric the Great (V-VI). The real gem of this church are the medieval frescoes, discovered during the various restoration works, of the last century. The paintings are considered important because they represent the transition from Byzantine influence to that of Pietro Cavallini, one of the most notable exponents of the XIII century Roman school. You can examine the 3D model of the church and observe its interior, through the MuByz App. The audioguide has been made by professionals in the field of history and art.

Paola Stirati (Author), Karolina Starin (Narrator)

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Saint Sophia Cathedral. Velikiy Novgorod. Russia

The audioguide tells the story, describes the architecture, and reports interesting facts about the Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod, one of the oldest Russian churches. According to Novgorod's first chronicle, it was erected in the years 1045 - 1050 "on the order of Prince Jaroslav, his son Vladimir and Archbishop Luca." Prior to its construction there were no stone buildings in Novgorod. Byzantine Masters from Kiev, who had close ties to the Byzantine Empire, were invited. The Hagia Sophia cathedral has a complex structure. Once adopted as a model, the Byzantine church system with a Greek cross-shaped church was surmounted by a dome. The church was adapted to the requirements of the prince. In Kiev, and in Novgorod, a church that had the same meaning as Hagia Sophia of Constantinople, was needed, to represent the main church of the territory. For this reason, both churches were dedicated to Sofia, which means Wisdom of God, rather than a saint or a holiday. The prince needed a great church, to show his wealth and splendor. The central dome, according to a tradition, dating back to 1408, is golden. On the cross that overhangs there is a dove in relief, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. According to legend, a dove resting on the cross of Hagia Sophia remained petrified by horror, after seeing the bloody massacre that the Opri?niki's army of Ivan the Terrible inflicted upon the rebel city. Subsequently, one of the monks appeared to Our Lady and told him that as long as there was the dove on the cross, the city would be protected. You can examine the 3D model of the church and observe its interior through the MuByz App. The audioguide has been made by professionals in the field of history and art.

Tatiana Volodina (Author), Karolina Starin (Narrator)

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The Cattolica Church. Stilo. Italy

Consigned to history, thanks to the famous defeat Emperor Ottone II's troops suffered, at the hands of the Arabs, in 982, the city of Stilo, whose name derives from the Greek "stulos" (column), has its origins in Caulonia, an ancient Greek colony, founded in the 8th century. B.C. and destroyed in 389 AD by Dionisio I, the old tyrant of Syracuse. For a short time, between the 8th and the 10th century, this part of Calabria welcomed a true community of hermits, who had emigrated from the East. This community became the protagonist of unprecedented spiritual renewal and was so closely integrated with the local population that it became a center for spreading agricultural technologies: thanks to this, the growing of mulberry stems, vines and olives spread; as did the study of religious, literary and scientific disciplines. In other words, the guests of Byzantium, who in the West were often called "Basilians" in honor of St. Basil the Great, lived according to this monastic rule and made the Stilaro valley a real cradle of Byzantine culture, in Calabria. The audioguide tells the story, describes the architecture and reports interesting facts about the Cattolica di Stilo, a unique historic place, in the city. It is believed its design and construction took place prior to 1071, when the Normans, guided by the brothers Roberto Guiscardo and King Ruggero I of Sicily, won these places. Under the first arch of Cattolica there is an extraordinary representation of the Virgin that dates back to the period of the building of the church and was made by a Byzantine artist who had probably fled from the Orient or had been invited by the monks. The audioguide has been made by professionals in the field of history and art.

Paola Stirati (Author), Karolina Starin (Narrator)

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The St. George's (Yuriev) Monastery. St. George's Cathedral. Velikiy Novgorod. Russia

The audioguide tells the story, describes the architecture and reports interesting facts about St. George's Cathedral, founded in 1119 by Grand Prince Mstislav Vladimirovi?. St. George's Cathedral represents the fusion of the Kiev-Byzantine traditions: the architect has managed to put the fundamental principle of the Byzantine architecture into practice. The cathedral is dedicated to St. George, the patron saint of Prince Jaroslav, the Sage, founder of the monastery. St. George's Cathedral gives us the first example of outer wall painting in the ancient Rus. It was distributed over the radial files of the plinths, placed over the niches, windows and bows. A fragment of this type has been preserved on the arc of the portal of the northern facade. The ancient frescoes, dating back to 1130, have been preserved in part, in the altar area, under the new floor. Even some ornamental compositions were found on the walls of the windows. You can examine the 3D model of the church and observe its interior through the MuByz App. The audioguide has been made by professionals in the field of history and art.

Tatiana Volodina (Author), Karolina Starin (Narrator)

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MADE IN VENICE

Going to Venice, Italy? Don't buy anything in Venice until you read this book! If you're traveling to Venice, Italy, you want to go home with a special souvenir: a piece of Murano glass, a work of Burano lace, a carnival mask, or one of the city's famous luxury fabrics. But selecting which mask or which goblet to buy can be an intimidating experience. How do you know if you're buying something authentic, something made in Venice, something made in a traditional way? How do you determine if you've fallen prey to one of the city's many tourist traps? Buyer Beware: Venice is full of tourist traps and mass-produced souvenirs passed off as authentic. Do you know how to tell the treasures from the trash? In Venice, it's not easy to tell the treasures from the trash. This is true now more than ever before, as increasing numbers of carnival masks, glass, and other souvenirs flood into Venice, imported from overseas and passed off as authentic. There is no substitute for an educated buyer. Laura Morelli leads you to the city's most authentic arts--the centuries-old trades of mask making, glass blowing, wood turning, silk spinning, and other traditions. Wouldn't you rather support authentic Venetian master artisans than importers looking to turn a quick profit without any connection to Venice at all? Venice boasts some of the most famous artistic traditions in the world. Here's what you need to know about them. Laura Morelli leads you beyond the souvenir shops for an immersive cultural experience that you won't find in any other guidebook. This indispensable guide includes practical tips for locating the most authentic goods in one of the busiest tourist destinations in the world. Packed with useful information on pricing, quality, and value, and with a comprehensive resource guide, Laura Morelli s Authentic Arts: Venice is the perfect guide for anyone wanting to bring home the unique traditions of La Serenissima. ARTISANS OF VENICE is the companion to this book, bringing you inside the workshops of several dozen of the most accomplished makers of Venetian fabrics, Murano glass and millefiori, carnival masks and masquerade costumes, gondolas, Burano lace, mirrors, marbleized paper, hand-carved frames, and other treasures. Put both books together and you'll be the most knowledgable traveler in Venice! Laura Morelli has set out to make you an expert in handmade crafts. --American Style Magazine Laura Morelli, an art historian and trusted guide in the world of cultural travel and authentic shopping, leads you to the best of Venice's most traditional arts. Laura Morelli's Authentic Arts series is the only travel guide series on the market that takes you beyond the museums and tourist traps to make you an educated buyer--maybe even a connoisseur--of Florentine leather, ceramics of the Amalfi Coast, Parisian hats, Venetian glass, the handmade quilts of Provence, and more treasures. Bring Laura Morelli's guides to Venice with you, and you'll be sure to come home with the best of Venice in your suitcase.

Laura Morelli (Author), Laura Morelli (Narrator)

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MADE IN FLORENCE

Follow the instructions inside this audiobook to get a free copy of the companion guide, Laura Morelli's ARTISANS OF FLORENCE. Going to Florence, Italy? Don't buy anything in Florence until you read this guide! If you're traveling to Florence, Italy, you want to go home with a special souvenir: a leather bag, a gold bracelet, or a beautiful set of stationery. But selecting which wallet or jacket to buy can be an intimidating experience. How do you know if you're buying something authentic, made locally and in a traditional way? How do you determine if you've fallen prey to one of the city's many tourist traps? ˃˃˃ Buyer Beware: Florence is full of tourist traps and knockoffs passed off as authentic. Do you know how to tell the treasures from the trash? In Florence, it's not easy to tell the treasures from the trash. This is true now more than ever before, as increasing numbers of souvenirs flood into Venice, imported from overseas and passed off as authentic. There is no substitute for an educated buyer. Laura Morelli leads you to the city's most authentic arts--the centuries-old trades of leather working, wood turning, silk spinning, and other traditions. Wouldn't you rather support authentic Florentine master artisans than importers looking to turn a quick profit without any connection to Florence at all? ˃˃˃ Florence boasts some of the most famous artistic traditions in the world. Here's what you need to know about them. Laura Morelli leads you beyond the souvenir shops for an immersive cultural experience that you won't find in any other guidebook. This indispensable guide includes practical tips for locating the most authentic goods in one of the busiest tourist destinations in the world. Packed with useful information on pricing, quality, and value, and with a comprehensive resource guide, Laura Morelli s Authentic Arts: Florence is the perfect guide for anyone wanting to bring home the unique traditions of the birthplace of the Renaissance. Artisans of Florence is the companion to this book, bringing you inside the workshops of several dozen of the most accomplished makers of Florentine fabrics, leather and silk, frames, gold, paper, stationery, and other treasures. Put both books together and you'll be the most knowledgable traveler in Florence! ˃˃˃ "Laura Morelli has set out to make you an expert in handmade crafts." --American Style Magazine Laura Morelli, an art historian and trusted guide in the world of cultural travel and authentic shopping, leads you to the best of Florence's most traditional arts. Laura Morelli's Authentic Arts series is the only travel guide series on the market that takes you beyond the museums and tourist traps to make you an educated buyer--maybe even a connoisseur--of Florentine leather, ceramics of the Amalfi Coast, Parisian hats, Venetian glass, the handmade quilts of Provence, and more treasures.

Laura Morelli (Author), Laura Morelli (Narrator)

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MADE IN NAPLES & THE AMALFI COAST

Don't buy anything in Naples, Italy or the Amalfi Coast until you read this book! Every trip needs a souvenir. When you encounter limoncello, handmade cameos, or the famous nativities of Naples, Italy, you'll be tempted to take a part of the this beautiful place home with you. But how do you know if you're buying something authentic or serving one of the region's many tourist traps? Author and art historian Laura Morelli is here to help. In Italy, it's not easy to tell the treasures from the trash. In MADE IN NAPLES & THE AMALFI COAST, Morelli leads you through the region's most authentic arts. By teaching you the difference between authentic master artisans and the knock-offs, Morelli will make you every tourist trap's worst nightmare: an educated buyer. Join Laura Morelli on a journey beyond the souvenir shops into an immersive cultural experience you won't find in any other guidebook. In this book, you'll discover: - Practical tips for locating the most authentic goods in Naples & the Amalfi Coast - Useful information on pricing, quality, and value - A comprehensive resource guide - The brief history of Neapolitan art - And much, much more! Laura Morelli is a trusted guide in the world of cultural travel and authentic shopping. If you like fascinating historical tidbits, comprehensive resources, and an immersive experience into the history of Italian art, then you'll love this fluidly written book. Bring Morelli's book alongside more traditional guidebooks on your vacation and you'll be sure to come back with the best of Italy in your suitcase!

Laura Morelli (Author), Laura Morelli (Narrator)

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Bucharest City Guide

Popular and portable, Bucharest City Guide contains everything visitors need to know to enjoy themselves in, get the best out of, and find their way around Bucharest. Packed with a surprising amount of information about the many different sights and activities to see and do in and around the Small Paris. Bucharest's top attractions and museums are broken down at a glance. Included in Bucharest City Guide Sights: Athenaeum, Basarab Bridge, National Opera, National Arena , Cretulescu Church, Cismigiu Garden, Royal Palace, Old City Center, National Military Circle, Economies and Consignments House, Geology Museum, Stavropoleos Church, National, History Museum , Manuc Inn, Grigore Antipa Museum, Palace of Parliament, Old Court, Museum of the Romanian Peasant, Patriarchal Cathedral, Museum of Bucharest City, , Triumph Arch , Victoria Palace, National Village Museum Dimitrie Gusti, Herastrau Park, Youth Park, Museum of Romanian Literature, Botanic Garden

My Ebook Publishing House (Author), Matt Montanez (Narrator)

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