Top posts on Italian Notes 2014
It’s become tradition to mark the end of the year with a head dive into the stats of Google Analytics in order to find the top posts on Italian Notes 2014. And as always the figures hold a few surprises.
The chart is based on the number of recorded visits on particular blog posts from 1. November 2013 to 31 October 2014, and I’m particularly pleased to notice that this year’s list favours some of the more unusual destinations. Normally blog posts on Venice, Florence and Rome draw the largest audience, so it’s great to see Craco, Padua and Salerno in the lead for a change
For one thing the number of recorded visits at particular blog posts from 1. November 2013 to 31 October 2014 don’t tally with the popularity widget in the right sidebar. And in addition, this year’s list favours some of the more unusual destinations. Readers’ favourites from other years can be found here 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015
Here are the top posts on Italian Notes 2014.
Craco: A ghost town in Italy
A visit to a crumpled and abandoned town that seems to be carved into a mountain in the most sundrenched part of Basilicata, where the only soundtrack is the rustling of the wind and the innervating song of the cicadas.
Five reasons to visit Padua
Less than an hour from Venice the brilliant university town Padua / Padova offers two Unesco World Heritage sites, irresistible markets and shopping areas, the patron saint of travelers and the largest square in Italy lined with 78 statues of famous citizens.
The violent beauty of the cathedral of Salerno
A violent history led to the construction of Salerno Cathedral in 1076, but it’s the golden crypt and a doll man in red slippers that really take your breath away.
Gardens of Venice
Another post suggesting alternative ways to experience the beauty of Venice and Veneto based on a book by art historian and Venice expat Jenny Condie and photographer Alex Ramsay.
The blinding white city Ostuni
Ostuni is one of many white towns in Puglia where you can lose yourself in a labyrinth of white washed walls, gothic churches and a strangely fascinating view of the straight thin lines separating the sky from the sea form the land.
Things to see in Pompeii with kids
Pompeii has been on the beaten tourist track for centuries, but little has been done to cater for young visitors, who need help to decipher the purpose of so many carved, ancient rocks.
What to do in Pavia
Like Padua, Pavia is often overshadowed by its big neighbor, but the ancient university town 35 km south of Milan holds a number of attractions spanning a covered stone bridge, numerous churches and mouthwatering pastry shops.
Pontremoli is not what it appears to be
There are neither sunflowers nor poplar trees in Pontremoli, but the main city in the damp, green mountains of Northern Tuscany still has a lot of charm and history to offer.
The two sides of Castrovillari in Calabria
Castrovillari in the deep south of the Italian boot is the kind of place, where you can hear the wind whistle an Ennio Morricone tune, while you set out to discover a town strongly divided between the-haves and the-have-nots.
Parma city of ham and cheese
The last post to make it into the most visited posts on Italian Notes 2014 according to Google Analytics is the post that tops the popularity widget. And an ideal stop for a traveling foodie.
It was soooooo much fun to go back and read all of these again. What a great recap of 2014! I’m tellin’ ya if ever do your own Tours of Italy I would definitely be a customer. As long as some of your personalized cooking was included ha,ha :) Of these, Pompeii and Parma are my favorites! Now I’m craving meats and cheeses all over again. Have a great day, Mette! :)
Thank you for the encouragement Mike. But your suggestions on how to monetize the blog sound like awfully hard word:)
I wasn’t suggesting you monetize the blog as much as I was saying I would be great to go on a tour with the experience you and your husband have, Mette! :)
Thank you, we are flattered both ways, Mike:)
And a great set of posts they are, too. We’re doing the same as you but on our Facebook page (on the blog if we have time, tomorrow) and it’s great fun to look at Google Analytics isn’t to see what comes up. We’re always surprised. All the best for 2015. Look forward to your ‘notes’ then, too. :)
Julia
Thank you Julia. I’ll head over to your site right away to see what’s up in Fethiye.
All great articles!
Still working on my youngest and her peculiar fear of Vesuv. Then, there’s Parma, of course. And Padua. I think I’ll have to put Italy on the list this year. At least once.
Irrational fears can be hard to cope with, but I’m sure such an adventurous young lady will come round eventually.
What a great roundup of your posts, Mette! The towns are varied and so much to see in some of these places. I’ve learned quite a bit from these little Italian gems you keep showing us. I’d love to explore the Italian boot part one of these days. Happy New Year!
Thank you Mary. It’s always great to share much loved places and stories.
It’s great to have a recap and I especially liked the Parma ham and cheese story. Btw, I posted on my blog today ‘The Good the Bad & the Italian’ and I linked back to one of your posts from a few years ago: the one about pickled green tomatoes, so that people can have the recipe. Here’s the post: https://ambradambra.wordpress.com/2015/01/31/home-groan-tomatoes-a-labour-of-love/
I appreciate that. Thank you:)