Archive for 'January'

Turin is one of the most fascinating and beautiful cities in all of the north of Italy. It is absolutely full of immense, grand, classicising buildings, open squares, arcaded walkways, greenery and a wide range of attractions and sights.

Whenever you visit, you are sure to enjoy its beauty and find plenty to see and do, but if you find a vacation rental in Piedmont and decide to visit the city over the holiday season, you are sure to fall immediately in love.

Turin is particularly stunning during Christmastime and this is largely down to the incredible Christmas lights that you will find there. They are no normal Christmas lights but, rather, something altogether more unique and interesting.

Luci d’Artista is an outdoor exhibit of Contemporary art that reinvents the streets and piazzas of Turin by illuminating them with striking light installations. It takes place from late October into January of each year and sees pieces contributed by internationally famous artists.

Visit the smallest region in Italy, Aosta Valley! Tucked into the north-west of the country, between France and Switzerland, this little gem is often overlooked by holiday makers but it has a lot to offer by way of sporting activities, natural beauty and charm. A mountainous land, Aosta Valley is home to Mont Blanc which is the highest mountain in Europe!

Stay in a cosy holiday rental in Aosta Valley where you can base a fantastic exploration of this northern region.

Challenge yourself to many types of mountain climbing travels throughout the year or simply head up in a cable car at the ski resort of Courmayeur to see the magnificent snow tipped peaks of Aosta Valley.

La Befana is a big party for all the Italian children and it is celebrated on the day of Epiphany, a religious holiday which occurs on January 6 and commemorates the visit of the three kings to baby Jesus.

The Three kings- Melchior, Balthasar and Caspar - departed from different countries, maybe Nubia, Godolia and Tharsis, to bring their gifts to Jesus: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
They met near Jerusalem, and although they spoke different languages​​, they understood eachother and they realized to have the same goal so they continued the journey together.
Once arrived at the cave they offered their gifts to Jesus, they worshiped him and they returned to their countries.

Now what has La Befana got to do with the Three Kings ?

When the Three Kings departed to bring their gifts to Jesus, they crossed many countries led by a star and in every place they passed, people flocked to meet them and join them. There was only one old woman who at first wanted to go, but at the last minute changed her mind and refused to follow them.