Archive for 'Central Italy'

Located in the region of Umbria Passignano and Tuoro sul Trasimeno are known as the Pearls of Trasimeno. Passignano is a popular tourist destination, particularly for those interested in Italian history, as it was the scene of the Battle of Trasimeno.

Visitors can learn more about the events surrounding this important battle by visiting the Battle of Trasimeno Permanent Documentation Centre, as well as taking the Battle of Trasimeno Historic Archeological Walking Tour.

Battle sites are not the only attraction in Passignano. Another popular sight is the Campo del sole, or field of the sun.

This is an open-air museum with a number of sculpted stone columns that form a massive stone sculpture, finished in 1989. If you wish to view some splendid sacred artworks, you can visit the St. Mary Magdalene Church, which features frescoes and a scene painted by Gerardo Dottori in 1949.

Although Todi may be small, it has received many notable distinctions over the past several years. This includes being named as the most sustainable city by an architecture professor from the University of Kentucky, as well as being dubbed the world's most liveable city by the Italian press.

This hilltop town in Umbria is truly a sight to behold! If you decide to visit Todi on your travels, why not choose from a range of apartments and villas throughout the town and the surrounding area.


Todi has managed to reinvent itself over time, sitting at the top of a hill overlooking the river Tiber. This position affords it superb views, while also protecting the city over the years.

Bordering Umbria and nestled in between the valleys of the Potenza and Chienti rivers lies the charming and picturesque small town of Camerino. It is well known for its university, established in the Middle Ages. It also is the site of the ancient Camerinum, who were allies of the Romans. However, all Roman remains lie deep in the earth below Camerino, so there are no ancient buildings that can be seen today.

Roman castles, or Castelli Romani, refers to a group of small villages located to the south-east of Rome, at the feet of the Alban hills in Latium.

This is the region of an ancient volcano, which has now been transformed into a fertile agricultural land around the twin lakes of Nemi and Albano. History tells us that Roman emperors and nobles frequented the area for the fresh and pleasant climate during summer months.

The name 'castles' originated because of the number of papal villas and noble family summer palaces that were prevalent in the region. Tragically the area was ravaged by wars towards the end of the eighteenth century, including the historic Battle of Velletri and the harsh invasion of French troops.

The Mille Miglia is an open-road endurance race that is held in Italy.

The original race was started by Franco Mazzotti Bianchelli and Vount Aymo Maggi di Gradella after their hometown of Brescia lost the Italian Grand Pix hosting bid to the rival city of Monza.

The original track extended from Brescia to Rome in a figure-eight shape. It covered a distance of about 1,500 km, which is equivalent to 1,000 Roman miles. The route and distance of the race changed over the years. The original series lasted from 1927 to 1957.

The race was held 24 times during this period but was terminated subsequently after a fatal crash involving a 4.2 liter Ferrari, and another one with Triumph TR3. The race was again revived in 1982.