Archive for 'Umbria'

There is absolutely no lack of things to see and do in Italy. The food is almost universally delicious, the shopping is great, it is home to some of the best beaches in the world and natural delights, and is rich beyond belief in historical, cultural and artistic gems. However, it is also home to many strange and incredible sights that could be called the “Wonders” of Italy. Here are just seven that we have picked out. Here are the Seven Wonders of Italy.

The Temple of Valadier doesn't look real but like something from a fantasy novel. Perched just inside the Frassassi mountain caves in Genga, Le Marche with views across an amazing landscape, it seems like a mythical temple or the home of some magical creature. It is actually a neoclassical church which was built in 1828 for Pope Leone XII, set inside the fantastical Frassassi cave system, which is made up of crags, stalagmites and stalactites, and has a theatrical and breath-taking appearance. To visit just, find a holiday rental in Le Marche and spend a day exploring this special place.

In the Municipality of Montefalco you will find a rather incredible place; the Complex of San Francesco. This a complex of buildings made up of a Franciscan church, convent, museum and picture gallery, wine cellars and crypt and is, unexpectedly, one of the best little cultural institutions that you have never heard of before.

The heart of the complex is the Church of San Francesco, which is homes to 16th century frescoes painted by Benozzo Gozzoli, in the chapel of San Girolamo and in the apse, including scenes from the life of St. Francis.

These are among the most important and well-maintained painting of the cycles of the Renaissance and, as such, are a must-see for art lovers visiting the area. The church itself was built between 1335 and 1338 by the Friars Minor on a rectangular plan and it is composed by a central nave ending in a pentagonal apse.

Christmas is celebrated differently in every country and each country has various different traditions that are unique and special. If you have found a vacation rental in Italy and are planning on spending the festive season there this year, then you might want to learn a little about what you can expect from an Italian Christmas. Here are five things you need to know about Christmas in Italy.

1. Santa is a Witch.

Befana is a good witch whose name comes from the Roman dialect's pronunciation of the Italian "epifania" (or Epiphany). Long ago, the three wise men stopped into Befana's house on their way to Bethlehem. She was such a nice hostess that they invited her to come with them to find the newborn Jesus. She initially declined their offer but changed her mind and packed up some toys that had belonged to her deceased child and set out after them.

Città di Castello is an ancient town in the Tiber Valley that is still largely surrounded by town walls dating back to the 16th century. It has a long history of being attacked, destroyed, rebuilt and being passed from ruler to to ruler.

Yet, despite this, it is still a historic and pretty town where many stunning buildings have been preserved such as the Palace of the Podestà, with its baroque facade dating back to 1686; the Town Hall, built in the Gothic style with an elegant portal and windows with two lights; the Gothic Cathedral, built on the site of a Roman temple; and St. Mary Maggiore, dating back to the Gothic era but adorned by a Renaissance facade.

The Municipal Pinacoteque, meanwhile, is home to works of art by Raphael, Signorelli and Domenico Ghirlandaio, as well as many other works by artists of the Umbrian, Tuscan and Marche schools.

Many of us go on holidays in order to ensure our sanity remains in tact. However, if you feel rather confident about the state of your mental health, Gubbio has a unique and interesting attraction that will allow show this fact off to your party.

Gubbio is a charming, small medieval city in central Italy with ancient origins and a beautiful historic centre. In this centre there are a number of lovely town squares, impressive palaces and pretty churches but the most fascinating of all these monuments is a fountain.

A 16th century fountain known affectionately as the “Fountain of the Madmen” it is steeped in local tradition and legend. If you're interested in getting a true taste of Italian life, culture, heritage and tradition, finding a holiday rental in Umbria and paying a visit to Gubbio and her mysterious fountain is a must!