Mexico Travel Guide @

Mexico Travel Guide @ TravelNotes.org Car Hire Cruises Flights Hotels Tours Vacations About Travel Notes™ Destinations Budget Travel Feedback Search Travel Forums Travel Writers Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America South America Oceania Mexico Mexico Travel Guide @ TravelNotes.org Acapulco , Cancun , Cozumel , Los Cabos , Map of Mexico , Mazatln , Mexican Festivals , Mexico Adventures , Mexico Tours , Mexico Travel , Oaxaca , San Miguel de Allende , Yucatan . Round The World Flights - Free TravelNotes e-mail Flag of Mexico Countries neighbouring Mexico are: Belize , Guatemala and America , or rather the states of California , Arizona , New Mexico and Texas . Buy a Map of Mexico Local Currency Convert your currency into Mexican pesos. National Anthem of Mexico. Food Travel Fiction Health Kids Bios Humor Mags Software Gifts Tech Business Other Your Ad Here Travel Notes Mailing List News Headlines World News Directory of newspapers and news sources from around the world. Hotel City Search : Mexico Travel Go2Mexico : Learn more about the Mexican culture before you go to Mexico. Mexico Desconocido : Discover more about Mexico with this excellent resource. Mexico Hotel Guide : Wherever you're going in Mexico, book online and save money on your hotel accommodation. Cancun Cancun is located south-west of Miami, west of Cuba and south-east of Mexico City. The International airport is close to the hotel zone -- along the beach -- and the downtown area, where you'll find the local markets and bus station; for exploring more of Mexico. The best restaurant in Cancun, for sea food and Yucatecan specialities, is Habichuela. This restaurant is somehow hidden behind Parque las Palapas but as it's been open a long time, all taxi drivers can drive you to the place. Sent in by : Discovery Cancun . Caribbean Princess : Located in Cancun, the Caribbean Princess has 84 rooms. Meal plan and all inclusive packages, honeymooners welcome. 10% discount to Travel Notes members . Cancun Attractions : There is so much to do in Cancun, that the hardest part is deciding what to do first. Playa Del Carmen : Playa might attract less tourists than Cancun or Cozumel, but it still lives off tourism (rather than fishing) and is getting more commercial. Travel Yucatan : The Yucatan Peninsula is divided into the states of Quintanna Roo, Yucatan and Campeche. From coral reefs and sandy beaches to ancient ruins and Mexican culture, there's something for everyone in Yucatan. Visit Cancun : Comprehensive travel information about Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Mayan Riviera and Costa May. Cozumel Escape to Cozumel : by Emma Beyn Just off the coast of Mexico's Riviera Maya lies the small island of Cozumel, a Caribbean gem of an island. Cozumel Bikes : Isla Bicycleta is the only bike rental business on the island of Cozumel offering high quality, nearly new bikes, including mountain bikes, comfort bikes, and road bikes. Acapulco Acapulco Destination Guide : If you love swimming, shopping and an exciting nightlife, then Acapulco could well be the ideal holiday destination for you. Acapulco Links : We moved the Acapulco links over to our Acapulco City Guide section. See you there! Los Cabos Cabo Good Times : Phil Koehn's multi-faceted guide to the good times in Los Cabos, Baja, Mexico. Some of the best restaurant values are found in the small town of San Jose del Cabo with world class chefs starting their own small restaurants: El Chilar, La Dolce Vita, Chiantis and Baan Thai. San Jose del Cabo : One of the oldest settlements in Baja California, San Jose was founded in 1730 as a Jesuit Mission, The ten block "historic district" in Central San Jose retains its colonial ambience to this day. El Encanto Inn : A romantic colonial hacienda-style inn, close to San Jose del Cabo's beaches, restaurants and galleries. 19 rooms and 12 newly appointed poolside suites. 15% discount for Travel Notes members except during Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Years . Mazatln Unlike other holiday destinations that were developed strictly to lure tourists, Mazatln is first and foremost a flourishing Mexican seaport. Here the visitor will experience Mexico's rich cultural heritage and traditions. Sent in by : GoMazatlan . Mazatlan Accommodation : In the heart of the Golden Zone, Mazatln's hotels elegantly complement the excellent Pacific Ocean beaches. A variety of resorts and hotels in to suit everyone's needs -- from newlyweds to families. Mazatlan Attractions : Mazatln is an ideal, affordable vacation choice for the family as it offers something for everyone: fishing, sailing, surfing, kayaking, bird-watching, golf, tennis, horseback riding, great dining and nightlife, shopping, music and entertainment. Mazatlan Travel Guide : Mazatan has ten miles of sandy beaches, and is visited by more than a million outsiders a year. Travel to Mazatlan : Nadine and Henry have made Mazatlan their home and have a lot of information on their site for travellers wishing to visit this part of Mexico. Oaxaca Oaxaca : General information and travel tips for the state of Oaxaca. Mexican Festivals Festivals : It seems like there's always a feast or a festival in Mexico. Find out when and where the major holidays occur. San Miguel de Allende As it's located in the mountainous region of central Mexico, visitors to San Miguel de Allende are advised to bring a good pair of comfortable walking shoes and even some warm clothing in the warmer months of March to May, as the night time temperatures can be chilly. The rainy season runs from June to October but don't let that put you off. The air is cooler when the rains come and the desert starts to flower. This magnificent city is a famous art and crafts colony, a shoppers delight, with treasures from all over Mexico. There is also a golf course, tennis courts and mineral baths nearby. Colonial San Miguel : Nothing can replace actually walking down the narrow cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende, but here's a little virtual tour to set the scene. Getting to San Miguel : San Miguel de Allende is about 4 hours by bus from Mexico City, although the nearest international airport is the Aeropuerto del Bajio (BJX) -- about 70 miles away and served by Aeromxico, Mexicana, Continental and American Airlines. Insiders Guide to San Miguel : Collection of essays and writings about life in San Miguel de Allende. Portal San Miguel : Dedicated to serving the needs and interests of tourists and residents of San Miguel de Allende. San Miguel Artists : Find artists, art schools, instructors and galleries or use the calendar to learn about upcoming shows and other community events in San Miguel. Where to Stay in San Miguel Casa de la Cuesta : Enjoy the warmth of traditional Mexican colonial architecture, comfortable and quiet bedroom suites each with access to outdoor living areas and patios, plus a uniquely personal environment created by Casa de la Cuesta's fine collection of Mexican folk art, crafts and antiques. Casa de las Limas : This elegant Spanish Colonial home, now converted into a bed and breakfast, was once part of the 17th century Palace owned by the Counts of the Canal family. Located in the historical centre, next door to San Miguel's Instituto Allende Art School. Casa de Liza : A 17th century colonial estate located in the historical centre of San Miguel de Allende; overlooking the ancient park-like grounds of El Chorro, the natural spring around which San Miguel was founded. Casa Diana : Casa Diana is located in a house designed by Pedro Friedeberg, the last of the Surrealist artists. Enjoy some of the best views of San Miguel de Allende's famous sunsets as well as an art gallery and a day spa. Casa Granada : This glorious Bed & Breakfast is a 300 year old Spanish colonial home that has been magnificently restored, using many wonderful Mexican antiques. Casa Quetzal : Considered a luxury boutique hotel, the Casa Quetzal's theme-based, gracefully furnished suites have their own living and dining room with kitchenette. Hotel Rincn del Cielo : The Hotel has 16 suites, with cable television in all rooms. Some of the accommodations include amenities such as Jacuzzi, fireplace and a sitting area. Yucatan Hacienda Santa Cruz : Just twenty minutes from Merida, Hacienda Santa Cruz provides spacious living quarters, a dining room with a 35-foot ceiling, a deep and peaceful swimming pool, a restored chapel, and extensive grounds to wander and watch the wildlife. Mexico Tours Absolute Adventures' Shark Diver : Discover the wild world of Great White Shark cage diving in the U.S. and Mexico. The ultimate White Shark dive adventure is closer than you think! $200 off standard rates for Travel Notes members . Harley Davidson Tours : Motorcycle tours along the Mayan Riviera, Mexico's popular tourist corridor, including the beach towns of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Mexico Adventures Cavern Diving in Mexico : Located in Playa del Carmen, Cavern Team specialises in guided dives in the Riviera Maya's cenotes -- underground rivers that form the largest interconnected cave and cavern system in the world. Latin America Travel Forum : From Anguilla to Venezuela, sailing in the Caribbean to trekking in the Andes, Latin America is a world of wonderful contrasts. Join us in the travel forums if you have a question about Latin America or would like to share your experiences about travelling or living in Latin America and The Caribbean. The Internet TravelNotes.org Mexico's Best Beach Resorts Flight Tickets : Save money on Round The World flight tickets. Travel News : Get the inside scoop with the latest travel features and tips. Past Articles . Airlines & Airports : This travel article points you to airlines and the three letter airport codes with links to their websites. Cyber Cafes : The Internet Caf Guide. Weather Outlook Car Hire Cruises Flights Hostels Tours Vacations Destinations Budget Travel Feedback Meta-Travel Travel Forums Travel Writers Africa Asia Caribbean Europe Middle East North America South America Oceania Travel Directory : Latin America : Mexico Travel Guide -- Submit to Travel Notes | Advertise on TravelNotes.org | Favourite Destinations | Magun'sCompass | Travel Articles | Writers | | Airlines | Airports | Car Hire | Cruises | Flights | Hotels | Online Reservations | Vacation Rentals | | Casinos | Olympics | World Cup | General Disclaimer | Meta-Travel | Search Resources | | TravelNotes is a Trademark of TravelNotes.org | Travel Notes Blog | Add URL | Add to Favorites The URL for this page is: http://www.travelnotes.org/NorthAmerica/mexico.htm

Taiwan travel! TripAdvisor SmartDeals

Cheap vacations to Taiwan - discount hotel + air deals - TripAdvisor Taiwan vacation discounts and deals Sign in • Sign up Home > Asia > Taiwan > SmartDeals > Vacation packages Taiwan tourism: Overview Hotels Flights Attractions Deals Forums Maps, etc. Discount hotels | Hotel + air deals | All travel offers Search (e.g., Boston hotels, Las Vegas, Paris art museum) Taiwan Taiwan Overview Taiwan Hotels Flights to Taiwan Taiwan Deals Discount hotels Hotel + air deals All travel offers Taiwan Attractions Taiwan Forums Taiwan Maps Taiwan Discount Hotels Taiwan Vacation Packages e-mail this page to a friend Taiwan vacation packages Acapulco vacation packages Alaska vacation packages Amsterdam vacation packages Anaheim vacation packages Arizona vacation packages Aruba vacation packages Aspen vacation packages Atlanta vacation packages Atlantic City vacation packages Bahamas vacation packages Barbados vacation packages Belgium vacation packages Bermuda vacation packages Boston vacation packages Branson vacation packages Breckenridge vacation packages British Virgin Islands vacation packages Cabo San Lucas vacation packages California vacation packages Canada vacation packages Cancun vacation packages Caribbean vacation packages Colorado vacation packages Costa del Sol vacation packages Cozumel vacation packages Dallas vacation packages Daytona Beach vacation packages Dominican Republic vacation packages Florida vacation packages Florida Keys vacation packages Fort Lauderdale vacation packages France vacation packages Germany vacation packages Grand Canyon National Park vacation packages Greece vacation packages Grenada vacation packages Hawaii vacation packages Hilton Head vacation packages Ibiza vacation packages Ireland vacation packages Italy vacation packages Ixtapa vacation packages Jamaica vacation packages Kauai vacation packages Key West vacation packages Lake Placid vacation packages Lake Tahoe vacation packages Las Vegas vacation packages London vacation packages Los Angeles vacation packages Los Cabos vacation packages Maui vacation packages Mazatlan vacation packages Melbourne vacation packages Mexico vacation packages Miami vacation packages Montreal vacation packages Myrtle Beach vacation packages Nashville vacation packages Nassau vacation packages New York vacation packages New York City vacation packages Niagara Falls vacation packages Nova Scotia vacation packages Oahu vacation packages Orlando vacation packages Paris vacation packages Park City vacation packages Philadelphia vacation packages Phoenix vacation packages Pigeon Forge vacation packages Puerto Rico vacation packages Puerto Vallarta vacation packages Punta Cana vacation packages Quebec City vacation packages Reno vacation packages Rome vacation packages Salt Lake City vacation packages San Antonio vacation packages San Diego vacation packages San Francisco vacation packages Santa Fe vacation packages Scotland vacation packages Seattle vacation packages Spain vacation packages St. Croix vacation packages St. Lucia vacation packages St. Maarten/St. Martin vacation packages St. Thomas vacation packages Sydney vacation packages Texas vacation packages Toronto vacation packages Tucson vacation packages U.S. Virgin Islands vacation packages Vail vacation packages Virginia Beach vacation packages Washington DC vacation packages Whistler vacation packages Read more Taiwan tourism Hotel + air deals to Taiwan * Choose a specific destination Select one of the following destinations within Taiwan: --choose-one-- Taipei Featured specials - December 28, 2005 China Tour Discounts www.cruiseshopping.com 10 years of China cruise and tour values from CruiseShopping.com Special Vacation Package www.atlantis.com Visit Atlantis, Paradise Island - a unique resort experience. China Discovery Tours www.ChinaDiscoveryTours.com Early Booking - Book a China tour by 12/3/05 & save up to $200/person Tickets to Taipei www.malaysiaairlinesusa.com Only Malaysia Airlines makes 5-star service to Taipei affordable China Special from $ 1155 www.pacificholidaysinc.com Beijing - Shanghai from LAX 7 Days / 6 Nights - Air & Land All-Inclusive Resorts www.resortvacationstogo.com Great rates on the all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and Caribbean. China Vacation www.Explorica.com Fun & Exciting Student Tours to Thailand, China & other Asia locals ChinaPlus Tours www.chinaplustour.com U.S. Based China Tour Specialist. Small groups & personalized service Hotels (12) B&Bs / Inns (0) Other lodging (0) Sorted by popularity hotel name Grand Hotel Taipei , Taipei Popularity index: #1 in Taipei based on 9 sources Grand Hotel Taipei : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Grand Hotel Taipei : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Les Suites Taipei-Ching.Cheng , Taipei Popularity index: #2 in Taipei based on 8 sources Les Suites Taipei-Ching.Cheng : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Les Suites Taipei-Ching.Cheng : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Far Eastern Plaza Hotel , Taipei Popularity index: #3 in Taipei based on 11 sources Far Eastern Plaza Hotel : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! 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United Hotel : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Riviera Hotel , Taipei Popularity index: #19 in Taipei based on 1 source Riviera Hotel : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Riviera Hotel : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Westin Taipei , Taipei Popularity index: #20 in Taipei based on 5 sources Westin Taipei : Save on this hotel + air Expedia Vacations Don't just travel. Travel right! Westin Taipei : Book Hotel + Air and Save hotels.com Vacations We Know Hotels Inside And Out. 1-800-764-6835 View all travel offers for this hotel Pages: 1 2 Read more about Taiwan travel! TripAdvisor SmartDeals are the best deals on the best hotels in Taiwan. Visit our SmartDeals page. TripAdvisor's Tourism page has the web's best articles on Taiwan travel . Our Taiwan hotels page presents hotels ranked by popularity - read traveler reviews and guidebooks. Looking for things to do in Taiwan? Try our Attractions page! Visit our Taiwan forums page to ask questions and get advice about Taiwan travel. TripAdvisor forums let you ask questions and get advice - post in our Taiwan forums . Our Maps, etc. page has maps and other travel information. Visit our Taiwan discount hotels page for great savings on Taiwan hotels, including TripAdvisor SmartDeals. Book a flight to Taiwan on our Flights page. To view all the specials, vacation packages, and other travel offers we've found, visit our All travel offers page. About TripAdvisor TripAdvisor lists cheap air + hotel deals to Taiwan, Asia. Recommendations for hotels, resorts, inns, vacations, travel packages, travel guides and lots more! Visit TripAdvisor in another language: About Us | Membership | Site Map | Become an Affiliate | Top Cities | Hotel Reservations | Hotel Deals | TripAdvisor Gear Popular Hotels: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , by city TripAdvisor Recommends: Las Vegas hotels , London hotels , Paris hotels , Rome hotels , New York City hotels , Chicago hotels , Orlando hotels © 2005 TripAdvisor, Inc. All rights reserved. TripAdvisor Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . * TripAdvisor, Inc. is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site... ( more ) TripAdvisor, Inc. is not responsible for content on external web sites.

Travel Guide

Guatemala Travel Information | Lonely Planet Destination Guide worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links : Explore Guatemala Guatemala Guatemala gives you a double-flavour shot of central America. At a Glance Fast Facts WORLDGUIDE Introduction Background Info See Image Gallery Transport Money RELATED Thorn Tree Forum Postcards Travel Links View Map Click here Feature Attraction Tikal Ruins The monumental Mayan ceremonial centre at Tikal lies in jungle northwest of Flores, in the department of El Petén. Towering pyramids rise above the jungle's ... more Despite its turmoil, travellers flock to Guatemala because it offers Central America in concentrated form: its volcanoes are the highest and most active, its Mayan ruins the most impressive, its earthquakes the most devastating and its history of repression decidedly world-class. Hurricane damage/Safety Issues for Foreigners In the wake of Hurricane Stan, which caused severe flooding and wiped out entire villages, Guatemala is now facing a severe food shortage. Travellers are advised to research the current situation before planning trips across the country. Travel in Guatemala is generally safe, but a relatively high level of violent crimes are committed against foreigners. Vehicle-jackings are almost an everyday occurrence, especially in Guatemala City. Intercity travel after sunset should be avoided. SPONSORED LINKS Enquire Accomodation Reviews Find Lonely Planet author reviewed places to stay * Required Fields Country * Please select Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Canada China Cuba Czech Republic Denmark Egypt England Estonia Finland France Germany Hungary Iceland India Ireland Israel & the Palestinian Territories Italy Japan Malaysia Mexico Morocco Netherlands New Zealand Poland Portugal Russia Scotland South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Taiwan Thailand Turkey USA United Arab Emirates Vietnam City * Please select Travel Services · Flights · Hostels · Hotels · Travel Insurance More Services › Disclaimer: We've tried to make theinformation on this web site as accurate as possible, but it isprovided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injuryor inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety,customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before youtravel. text & images © lonely planet 2005 about us | privacy | feedback | advertising FAQs worldguide | shop | thorn tree forum | travel services | travel ticker | theme guides | on the road | postcards | travel links

Germany Travel Guides. Language

Germany Travel Guides. Language resources directory Learn Spanish Spanish lessons -- Sponsored Links Web Site Home Last Additions Most Popular Add a Site Links Reference Book Store Dictionaries Lang. Courses Lang. Schools Study Abroad English Spanish German Italian French Russian - Link to this page. X Cerrar ventana If you want to link to this page copy the following HTML code and paste it on your website: <a href="http://www.searchlanguage.com/travel/guides/germany/index.asp"> Germany Travel Guides. Language resources directory </a> Spanish , English, German , French, Italian and many more language resources . Site Search Related sites SPONSORED BY: Foreign language school Home / Travel / Travel Guides / Germany Travel Guides / Title Visits 1 A-Z of Tourism travel to germany with a-z of tourism.com. we provide listings of flights, car rental, hotels, cruises, skiing holidays, vacation packages, time share, and adventure holidays to help you plan your holiday. include 378 major cities worldwide and still growing. 249 2 Berlin Bear one-stop source of information about berlin and brandenburg; in both german and english 170 3 Berlin-Info bilingual site with information about hotels, city-info, sightseeing, history, galleries, parties, pubs, universities. 167 4 Ferienwohnung BERLIN x 350 Apartments and Ferienwohnungen in Berlin top apartments and flats for your short stay in berlin. rent a central apartment in the city centre of berlin. 82 5 German National Tourist Office germany travel guide 192 6 Germany Travel Guide online germany travel guide including hotels, museums, shopping, nightlife, where to eat, transportation, useful telephones and weather. 56 7 Holidays-Exposed holidays-exposed.com offers a complete travel service; read travel guides written by real travellers, make hotel, flight and car hire reservations online, report on your trip and keep in touch with people you met using our travel friends reunited service. 137 8 hotel-d.com - Germany Hotels - Hotel directories, detailed information, pictures, rates, online booking hotels in berlin, frankfurt am main, munich, cologne, hamburg, stuttgart, dsseldorf, hannover, bremen, dresden, leipzig, nrnberg, augsburg, bochum, dortmund, gttingen, wrzburg, baden baden, eisenach, freiburg, heidelberg, karlsruhe, kassel, kiel, koblenz, mainz, potsdam, regensburg, wiesbaden, anklam 267 9 inn26.com - Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfast, Guest Houses, Hostels, Self-Catering, Resorts world accommodation guide - hotels, motels, bed and breakfast, guest houses, hostels, self-catering, resorts 182 10 inn26.com - Your Ultimate Travel Guide world travel guide - hotels, motels, hostels, resorts, b&b, guest houses, airports, airlines, maps, tour operators, travel agencies, photo galleries 174 11 Munich Online with lots of information about culture, restaurants, accommodations and more. 179 SPONSORED BY: Spanish lessons TranslationServices provided by Sponsoredby Languagejobs.org Jobs for: -Translators -Language Teachers -Interpreters -Tourist Guides aa Sponsored by Abroad Languages Learn a language where it’s spoken 2000-2005 SearchLanguage.com LEARN LANGUAGES ABROAD -->

Italy Travel

Vicenza, Italy - Travel Photos by Galen R Frysinger,Sheboygan, Wisconsin Vicenza townsquare Vicenza (ancient Vicentia ), city in northern Italy, capital of Vicenza Province, in Veneto Region, situated at the junction of the Bacchiglione and Retrone rivers. Vicenza is a commercial and manufacturing center. Products include textiles, iron and steel, chemicals, and processed food. The town is noted for its splendid churches, palaces, and other buildings, many of which were designed by the architect Andrea Palladio. Parts of a 13th-century wall that encircled the town are still standing. so-called Basilica, or town hall, of Vicenza. (renovations started by Palladio in 1549) Vicenza was originally a Ligurian town. A free commune in the Middle Ages, it was ruled by Venice from 1404 to 1797 and by Austria from 1797 to 1866. The city was badly damaged in World War II (1939-1945). Population (1990 estimate) 109,333. Palladio, Andrea (1508-80), Italian architect, one of the most influential architects in European history. Palladio was born November 30, 1508, in Padua (Padova), and trained as a stonemason. Originally named Andrea di Pietro dalla Gondola, he received the name Palladio when he joined the academy of the Italian poet Giangiorgio Trissino, who oversaw Palladio's architectural studies. Trissino took him to Rome, where Palladio studied and measured Roman architectural ruins; he also absorbed the treatises of Vitruvius, possibly the most important of the Roman architects. One outcome of these studies was Palladio's Antiquities of Rome (1554), the principal guidebook to Roman ruins for the next two centuries. Palladio's first work of major importance was the renovation (begun 1549) of the facade and exterior supporting structure of the so-called Basilica, or town hall, of Vicenza. In and near Vicenza he designed many residences and public buildings. The best known of these are the Barbarano, Chieregati, Tiene, Porto, and Valmarana palaces and the Villa Capri, or Villa Rotonda. From about 1560 to 1580 he built several churches in Venice, notably San Francesco della Vigna, San Giorgio Maggiore, and Il Redentore. His last great work was the Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, completed after his death (in Vicenza) in August 1580. Villa Rotonda Although the historical antecedents of Palladio's style are the classically Roman-influenced High Renaissance works of architects such as the Italian Donato Bramante, Palladio's own use of classical motifs came through his direct, extensive study of Roman architecture. He freely recombined elements of Roman buildings as suggested by his own building sites and by contemporary needs. At the same time he shared the Renaissance concern for harmonious proportion, and his facades have a noteworthy simplicityalmost austerityand repose. Palladio was the first architect to develop a systematic organization of the rooms in a house. He was also the first to apply to houses the pedimented porticos of Roman templesformal porches defined by a shallow triangular gable supported by a row of columns. Both these features are exemplified in the Villa Rotonda. Palladio's buildings were highly functional, often ingeniously so. In the facade of the basilica, for example, the arches are supported on slender columns; between the columns and the vertical piers that separate the arches are narrow rectangular spaces. (This pattern of an arch flanked by rectangular spaces was so widely imitated that it became known as the Palladian motif.) The arrangement allows the piers between the arches to be narrow, rather than wide and massive, and it allows more light to pass into the main building while giving the facade an open, harmonious appearance. Palladio was the author of an important scientific treatise on architecture, I Quattro Libri dell'Architettura (1570, 2nd ed. 1580; trans. The Four Books of Architecture, 1571), which was widely translated and influenced many later architects. Its precise rules and formulas were widely utilized, especially in England, and were basic to the Palladian style, adopted by Inigo Jones, Christopher Wren, and other English architects, which preceded and influenced the neoclassical architecture of the Georgian Style. Text by Microsoft Encarta building facade Fortress in Soave entrance courtyard carved stair post Return to Italy page Return to Europe page Return to People and Places