Palio di Siena
13
Jun
2022

Palio Di Siena 2022: Plan A Trip To This Famous Event Now

Posted in: August Concerts & Festivals Events July Localities Siena

The famous Palio di Siena is one of the biggest traditional events to take place in Italy each summer and is certainly one of the most exciting. For those who were looking for one more reason to find a luxury villa in Siena or a villa with pool in Tuscany, it is a pretty darn good one and definitely and once-in-a-lifetime experience to tick off your bucket list. Taking place over the course of two days in the summer, the Palio di Siena 2022 dates are the 2nd of July and the 16th of August.


But what is the Palio di Siena?


Maybe you have heard the name before, maybe you have not. Maybe you know what it is, maybe you do not. Never worry either way – we’re here to explain it all for you! In the simplest terms, the Palio di Siena is a traditional horse race that takes place right in the heart of the historic core of the medieval city of Siena, with representatives of the different 17 quarters of the city (though only 10 can actually enter the contest each race) competing to win and bring back the honour of the win to their neighbourhood.

—    Colette Fitzpatrick
Venice
28
Mar
2022

Plan Your Trip To The Arte Biennale 2022 And Find A Villa In Veneto

Posted in: Concerts & Festivals Events Localities Museums & Galleries Northeast Italy Tourist Attractions Veneto Venice

There are plenty of reasons to find a vacation rental in Venice or to find a villa in Veneto and plan day trips into the city as it stands but every second year there is one more excellent incentive to head to the famous city of canals: the Biennale Arte. This is a massive festival of art, design, and performance that sees artists and countries from all over the globe come to exhibit their creations throughout the city, transforming all of Venice into one massive and fascinating art gallery. For serious art-lovers, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to tick off your bucket list or a regular indulgence depending on your inclination and means but it is certainly worth experiencing for yourself if you get the chance. 

—    Colette Fitzpatrick
Circus Maximus
25
Jun
2020

Visit The Stunning And Historic Circus Maximus And Attend Rome Opera 2020

Posted in: Architectural Gems Central Italy Concerts & Festivals Events Latium Must See Attractions Plays & Shows Tourist Attractions
There are few cities with the quantity and quality of incredible landmarks as Rome. It is a truly staggering city to explore, with amazing sights around every corner that show the lingering presence of the grand history and heritage of Rome, living today alongside the hustle and bustle of contemporary life. Some of these landmarks are now cordoned off and require tickets and queuing up and milling along with other tourists on tours to view them but some have been absorbed into the landscape of the city in a more natural way. One such attraction is the famous Circus Maximus, which was once the site of grand chariot races in the time of the Ancient Romans and is now still very much in use by contemporary Romans as a place for performances, concerts, gatherings, and just sitting out, chatting, and enjoying the view that such noble ruins in the storied cityscape that surrounds afford. If you find yourself on
vacation in Rome, it is definitely a spot to pencil in as it is a key attraction, free to visit, and a little less hectic than many of Italy's other famous landmarks.
—    Colette Fitzpatrick
Santa Maria della Concezione
18
Nov
2019

Capuchin Baroque Christmas Concert: What To Do In Rome This Christmas 2019

Posted in: Central Italy Christmas Churches & Religious Buildings Concerts & Festivals Events Latium Tourist Attractions
Rome is, understandably, pretty special at Christmastime. As the centre of Catholicism with the presence of the Vatican, Christmas is pretty important and a major celebration in Rome. If you are a passionate fan of Christmas or, particularly, a religious Christian, it is a must to spend at least one Yuletide season in Rome. There is so much to do in the city on a daily basis but even more excitement and lots more interesting festive events around Christmas. From Christmas markets to masses to performances and concerts, there is plenty to keep you entertained. In particular, there are lots of great events for music-lovers as Rome is also home to lots of musical and choir groups, many that are centuries old, and which have honed their talents over generations.

One such group is the prestigious Schola Romana Ensemble, a highly professional group of singers and musicians specialised in Roman Baroque music, who will be performing this year in the stunning church of Santa Maria della Concezione. To experience the magic of their Christmas performance, and much more besides, just browse our vacation rentals in Rome and planning a trip to Rome this Christmas!
—    Colette Fitzpatrick
Kermits
24
Jan
2019

Attend A Historic Frog Race In Italy This Easter

Posted in: Central Italy Concerts & Festivals Curiosities Easter Events Spring The Marches
There are many interesting traditional festivals that take place all over Italy from foodie delights to heart-in-your-mouth horse races, costumed parades to wild parties. However, among them all, there is one that stands out as, perhaps, the most unique, bizarre, interesting and entertaining. This, of course, has to be the Palio della Rana. Taking place in the town of Fermignano in Le Marche, not far from Urbino, this festival features multiple events and celebrations including an annual race that takes place each year on the Sunday following Easter. While the Palio di Siena is one of the most famous horse races in the world, this is probably the most famous frog race in the world. Yes, you read that correctly, it is a frog race and if you want to experience it for yourself, you need only find a vacation rental in Le Marche and plan to be there on time for the big event!

The Palio della Rana festival was born as a result of the town's independence from the rulers of Urbino in the 18th century, warranting major celebrations and new traditions. Among those new traditions that were created at this time, the frog race emerged. It involves representatives from the 7 contrade of Fermignano (Cà L’Agostina, Calpino, La Pieve, La Torre, San Lazzaro, San Silvestro and Santa Barbara), each clad in traditional clothing and wearing different colours, compete for the title of champion. Specialists inspect the frogs before and after the race to ensure there is no foul play and each frog is placed on a wheelbarrow, underneath a basket.
—    Colette Fitzpatrick