Archive for 'Latium'

Ostia Antica is an ancient Roman ghost town, not unlike Pompeii. However, it has the added bonus of being located just a subway ride from downtown Rome and is normally devoid of the intense tourist crowds that will mob Pompeii year-round. If you're interested in the Romans and that period of history, then this is the place for you, just find yourself the perfect vacation rental in Rome, hop on the subway and head out to Ostia Antica, Rome's fascinating ancient seaport which was abandoned by inhabitants, after the fall of the empire, and by the sea, after gradual silting of the harbour saw the coastline move out 4km.

Villa d’Este, is villa in Tivoli which has one of the greatest Italian gardens in history and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of fountains, nymphs, grottoes and water-driven mechanisms that produce visual effects and play music. The garden at Villa d'Este would go on to become a much-copied model for European gardens in the mannerist and baroque styles. Set within the landscape of Tivoli itself – surrounded by so much natural beauty, art and history with scenery rich in caves and waterfalls and ancient ruins such as Villa Adriana – Villa d'Este leaves an even greater impression on visitors. Just find a luxury villa in Lazio and spend a day at the villa getting a little lost, wandering, grabbing a bite to eat and taking in the incredible surroundings.

So, you're considering leaving all the stress and chaos of the holidays at home this year and going on Roman holiday instead. Once you have found the perfect vacation rental in Rome, you might be wondering what is on offer in that great city over Christmas. You might even be worrying that there will be nothing to see and do, that this very Catholic area might shut down completely over the festive period but, never fear, there is plenty going on! While you plan your Christmas in Rome, read through our festive guide to the city and get ready for a fun, memorable and utterly stress-free holiday this year. In part one of this guide, we're going to discuss when the sights, shops and restaurants are open.

Adding to our last post on Rome at Christmas, which covered when sights, stores and restaurants will be open over the festive season, this article will discuss the special events taking place in that great city over the holidays. The holiday season in Italy begins on the 8th of December and continues through to the 6th of January so, even if you aren't going to be in the city on Christmas itself, you'll still be able to enjoy the lights and festive atmosphere. If you are spending a couple weeks or more in Rome, however, you'll get to enjoy the full festive experience. Just find yourself a holiday rental in Rome and start jotting down your ideas for all the things you want to see and do this Christmas!

Most are probably familiar with Nativity scenes and may have even been part of school productions of the Nativity or put them up in their homes each Christmas. This is a way of commemorating and re-enacting the birth of Jesus by staging and arranging the figures from the event outside a manger. The ones in homes are usually in miniature but churches often have life-size versions. Some even stage outdoor “live” Nativity scenes with real animals and people acting as the figures from the story. This tradition is said to have been created in Italy and, as a result, there are many live Nativities all over the country which are rather famous. One of the most famous, arguably is the one at Greccio in Lazio which is said to be the very first. To visit this charming event for yourself, just find a vacation rental in Lazio.