On January 17 Italians celebrate the Festa di Sant’ Antonio Abate, feast day of Saint Antony the abbot. This festival is celebrated throughout Italy but is especially colorful in southern and central Italy. The focus of Saint Anthony's day is usually a huge bonfire, probably because this saint is supposed to protect against skin diseases like shingles, called fuoco di Sant’Antonio or fire of Saint Anthony in Italy. He's also patron saint of domestic animals so there's usually a mass that includes pets and farm animals. As with most Italian festivals, there may be music and processions, too.

More about la Festa di Sant’ Antonio Abate:

• Blessing of the Pets with photos (on Italian Notebook)
• Feast of Sant' Antonio Abate
• Feast of Sant' Antonio Abate videos of celebrations in Puglia and Campania regions (on Italy Magazine)

Italy has festivals throughout the year. Attending an Italian festival is a great way to experience Italy's culture during your travels. Take a look ahead with our Italian Festivals by month.

A gondola ride through the picturesque canals of Venice can be very romantic, but many travelers don't realize that it can also be costly. Here are Venice Gondola Ride Tips to help you get the most out of your gondola ride.

If you want to save money and just want a ride on the Grand Canal, try the inexpensive traghetto crossing or take the number 1 vaporetto down the Grand Canal. Here's a video about Crossing the Grand Canal on Traghetto Santa Sofia.

Venice Transportation | Venice Travel Planning Directory

Photo of gondola on Venice's Grand Canal © Martha Bakerjian, licensed to about.com

Once covering 32 acres, the Roman Baths of Diocletian were the largest public baths or thermae in ancient Rome. Although much of the original structure has been destroyed over the years, part of the remains belong to the National Roman Museum. Recently a large hall, displaying ancient tombs, was reopened to the public.

These photos, courtesy of SecretGardensItaly, give us an inside look at the Tombs in Rome's Diocletian Baths.

A Look at Ancient Rome: Roman Colosseum Pictures | Baths of Caracalla | Top Ancient Rome Sites

Photo of Tomb © SecretGardensItaly

Italy has many beautiful and historic destinations well worth a visit. Our Best of Italy has top Italy travel destinations, from famous cities to picturesque hill towns and seaside villages. Use these travel suggestions to help plan your ideal Italy vacation.

If you've already been to Italy's best cities and towns, why not consider an off the beaten track destination? Here are a few places in Italy to get off the beaten track. You might spend less money in these Italian budget destinations, too.

Photo of Piazza Navona, Rome © Martha Bakerjian, licensed to about.com