Archive for 'Curiosities'

There are many ghost towns around Italy, all of which have been abandoned for one reason or another – natural disaster, a bad location, poor foundations or planning, or migration – but one of the most fascinating of all has to be failed Las Vegas of Italy, Consonno in Lombardy.

Although the town had ancient origins, its decline came after it was completely bought up and rebuilt in the 60s. This was a time of economic prosperity in Italy and in the spirit of fast cars, rock 'n' roll and glamorous lifestyles, entrepreneur Mario Bagno took it upon himself to transform the town.

He bought every piece of land in the area and forced locals to relocate before knocking everything down bar the church and a few houses.

The Grotta Mangiapane is one of those tourist destinations that is so far off the beaten track that, while it may be of interest to tourists, it really isn't made for the itineraries of most. It is a bit of a secret that is unfamiliar to anyone but locals.

However, it is well worth a visit. Just find a luxury villa in Sicily and explore this unique site for yourself!

The giant cave, located on the west coast of Sicily, is home to an ancient village, that may date back some 10,000 years and which has remained untouched and untainted for decades. It is the largest of nine Scurati Caves in Custonaci where prehistoric men first settled. For a long time thereafter it was a small town and community. Today, it is abandoned and is now basically a large, open-air museum, dedicated to Italy of the past and which allows visitors to step back in time.

Procida is a small island located in the Bay of Naples in the south of Italy. It is a place where locals make up the vast majority and there aren't many typical or well-developed tourist sights but, as a result, it is all the more authentic and unspoiled. Unlike Capri and Ischia, it is not a buzzing tourist destination and is devoid of large crowds and long lines.

If you are in search of a typical holiday destination with plenty of cultural attractions and things to see and do, it may not be the place for you. However, if you are looking for something a little quieter and more laid-back, where you just enjoy a place and its scenery, then Procida is the destination for you. Just find a luxury villa in Campania, head to Procida and take in the stunning views, try the fresh local food and lay out on the perfect beaches.

If one talks of fjords, it is likely that Norway probably comes immediately to mind, however, Italy can also boast its own fjord.

The town of Furore on the Amalfi Coast is a typical town for the area in almost every aspect. However, it is differentiated from others by one extraordinary feature: its fjord. Find a holiday rental on the Amalfi Coast and you can discover it for yourself.

Located at the mouth of an overhanging valley, the fjord is a sharp recess into the rock and cliffside by the sea and was originally formed by a usually dry stream, the Schiato, that cuts down from the edge of the plateau of Agerola. In times long by it was called Terra Furoris, most likely because of how the thunderous sea slaps through the crack during storms.

Once you have found the perfect luxury villa in Campania and are planning what to see and do in the area, you might consider taking a break from busy itineraries of trying to see everything and take a breather by Fusaro Lake.

The lake is one of the most peaceful and stunning spots in the area and is a perfect little paradise that has gone unspoiled and untarnished by time and change.

Not only is it a destination for the nature lovers of the world but it is also a spot that will please culture vultures as there is an architectural and artistic gem on the lake that has gone on to inspire some of the most famous musicians, poets and artists of the world to create further works of art.