Archive for 'Central Italy'

Bucatini all'amatriciana, or alla matriciana (in Romanesco dialect), is a traditional Italian pasta dish made with a famous sauce based on guanciale (cured pork cheek), pecorino cheese, tomato, normally, onion. It is now one of the best known pasta sauces internationally and originates from the town of Amatrice in the mountainous Province of Rieti in the region of Lazio. The dish has origins that stretch to a recipe called gricia, which came from the name that Romans (of modern, rather than ancient history) had for bread sellers.

Acquacotta is a traditional dish originating in the coastal region of Tuscany known as Maremma. Literally translated the name means “cooked water” and accurately represents its origins as a peasant dish. It is an old and historic dish that comes from the colliers, or charcoal burners, farmers and shepherds of the area, who were the poorest of people. Despite such humble origins, like many other dishes that were once peasant foods, it remains enduringly popular to this day.

If you have found a luxury villa in Umbria and are spending time exploring the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region, tasting its delicious cuisine and seeking out adventures, make sure to set some time aside to enjoy the great natural beauty of the region as well. In particular, there is one lake that may not have the brand appeal of Lake Como or Lake Garda but it well worth checking out: Lake Piediluco. With its own charms, great natural beauty, wonderful location and impeccable boating facilities, the lake assures more than one or two good days out for those who go in search of it.

Troubled, gifted and dramatic, Caravaggio is as intriguing as his groundbreaking work. The great Baroque artist was lost to history for a while but was incredibly famous in his own lifetime and is now considered one of the greatest artists of his age once more. While he was born in Milan and spent his relatively short life all over the country (a portion of it on the run), Rome remains one of the best places to see his work. Despite his controversial life, the Church was a big supporter and important patron throughout his career and, as such, much of his work still exists in Rome. Just find a holiday rental in Rome and seek out these examples.

1. Boy with a Basket of Fruit, c.1593

Located in in the Galleria Borghese, this work dates to when Caravaggio was newly arrived in Rome. The model was his friend, the Sicilian painter Mario Minniti, who was around 16 years old at the time. A kind of genre painting, it displays Caravaggio's ability to paint everything from flesh and hair to fabric and fruit.

The last post focused on some stunning historic interiors but this article will focus, instead, on some of the chicest and coolest contemporary interiors that will make design and décor enthusiast giddy, particularly all of the minimalists in the house. Read on for some of our most stylish and elegantly decorated vacation rentals in Italy.

6. Poggibonsi Si Itc829

This rental has that lovely and catchy name because it is just one of several properties on Poggibonsi, a farm-complex consisting of a farmhouse (originally a lookout tower from the 15th century), a small church from the 18th century, a former barn and two independent rural buildings. This rental, specifically, is the converted barn and is an independent property. It has undergone an attentive and skillful restoration work and, like the other rentals on the grounds, has been excellently decorated in a sleek, minimalist style that has been executed to absolute perfection.