While there is no shortage of stunning buildings and architectural gems all across Italy, there are some rather special buildings among their number. These buildings and architectural ventures may be great works of art but they have aspects to their design, usage, ornamentation or origin stories that are fascinating, unique and rather bizarre. Continuing from our last post, here are some more of the strangest architectural feats in Italy.
The Renaissance gave birth to an endless list of extraordinary architectural gems and outstanding garden designs, such as the Villa Demidoff. Located about seven miles north of Florence, the gardens are home to many different sculptures, fountains and various other delights. The highlight, however, has to be the Appennine Colossus. Measuring about 35 feet tall, the Colossus is a personification of the Apennine mountain ranges, and is depicted as a blend between mountain and man, its smooth skin emerging out of the surrounding mountainous setting.
The Renaissance gave birth to an endless list of extraordinary architectural gems and outstanding garden designs, such as the Villa Demidoff. Located about seven miles north of Florence, the gardens are home to many different sculptures, fountains and various other delights. The highlight, however, has to be the Appennine Colossus. Measuring about 35 feet tall, the Colossus is a personification of the Apennine mountain ranges, and is depicted as a blend between mountain and man, its smooth skin emerging out of the surrounding mountainous setting.
Created by the great Giambologna is actually even more fascinating than it appears at first glance; it is also a building, with chambers hidden inside, and a water feature. It even has a room designed to house an orchestra inside its head.
Find a luxury villa in Florence and make time to visit the gardens of Villa Demidoff to go in search of this exceptional gem.
Another unusual Italian architectural structure is the Pyramid of Cestius, a pyramid located in the middle of Rome. It was built as a tomb for a wealthy Roman with the money to entertain extravagant dedication to current trends.
We know very little about the man who was once buried there, as the tomb was ransacked long ago and so much has changed and been lost since it was built.
Find a luxury villa in Florence and make time to visit the gardens of Villa Demidoff to go in search of this exceptional gem.
Another unusual Italian architectural structure is the Pyramid of Cestius, a pyramid located in the middle of Rome. It was built as a tomb for a wealthy Roman with the money to entertain extravagant dedication to current trends.
We know very little about the man who was once buried there, as the tomb was ransacked long ago and so much has changed and been lost since it was built.
Once located far outside the city centre, it is now right in the middle near a major train stop. The Pyramid of Cestius is made from brick and cement and faced in white marble. If you're intrigued by Egypt but looking to holiday in Italy, find a holiday rental in Rome and visit this strange sight for yourself.
Read on to our next and final article for more intriguing buildings you will want to track down in Italy!
Read on to our next and final article for more intriguing buildings you will want to track down in Italy!
Photo credits
picture 1: Valerio Orlandini / CC BY-SA 2.5;
picture 2: Joris van Rooden / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Valerio Orlandini / CC BY-SA 2.5;
picture 2: Joris van Rooden / CC BY-SA 3.0