Archive for 'History'

  

Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Sammezzano, sala degli amori
Some buildings are so incredibly beautiful and fantastical that they don't seem to be real and Sammezzano Castle definitely fits into that category. The castle, known for its outlandish moorish inspired architecture, is a bit of a hidden gem located in Tuscany in Reggello, just a twenty minute journey from Florence. The reason it is a lesser-known architectural treasure is that it is not normally open to the public and its future is rather uncertain. Despite being abandoned for decades, however, it remains a stunning testament to the wonders that sometimes arose from the eccentricity and quirky personalities of nobles.

The gardens can still be visited, the outside admired and you can sometimes see the interior but there is a rather long waiting list. Still, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and want to get out of the city, it is worth popping out to the castle, even if you can only gawk at the impressive (but slightly less jaw-droppingly beautiful) facade.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Castles & Palaces, Florence, History, Localities, Must See Attractions, Tourist Attractions

  

Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Burberry bag
The town of Solofra near Avellino, in the exceptionally beautiful region of Campania, is the place to go if you have a fondness for leather goods.

This town is Italy's most prominent area for leather tanning and produces the best leather in the country. It is particularly well-known as the best place to pick up high quality Italian leather jackets.

For the leather aficionado, or someone who has been trying to track down the perfect leather jacket for some time now, it is an absolute must. Just find a vacation rental in Campania and spend a day wandering this charming town and stocking up on wardrobe essentials and far above average souvenirs for those back home!     Read More
Posted in: Activities, Campania, Curiosities, History, Must See Attractions, Shopping, Southern Italy

  

Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Rocca Calascio Town
Rocca Calascio is the name of both a small town and a castle in the province of L'Aquila City. It is located at the top of a mountain, at an altitude of 1, 460 meters above sea level and is the highest town in central Italy. The ancient town sits at the top, capped by the magnificent castle by the same name, and at the foot of the mountain is the modern town of Calascio. Both are located in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park and are set in dramatic, scenic mountainous surroundings.

The town was founded in the Roman era and the castle traces its origins to this period, when a turret was built on the same site. Today, the castle and town are popular tourist destinations that can be visited for free and were part of the backdrop of several famous movies.

If you want to pay a visit for yourself to this extraordinary sight, just find a vacation rental in Abruzzo and spend a day wandering the town, castle and its grounds.     Read More
Posted in: Abruzzo, Architectural Gems, Castles & Palaces, Central Italy, History, Tourist Attractions

  

Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Medieval Village in Turin
The Medieval Village in Turin is a very special tourist attraction, the likes of which cannot be seen anywhere else. While you will find villages, towns and cities all across Italy that have medieval quartres or centres, they have all been altered to some degree by the passing of time and progress. The Medieval Village, placed in Valentino Park, however, is an unchanging glimpse into the past. Built in the 19th century, it may not actually be authentically medieval but it is a very faithful, perfect replica of a 15th century Piedmontese Village and the closest thing you will get to actually travelling back through time and space. For history lovers or those merely intrigued by novelty, the “village” is a beautiful architectural feat in a city of architectural feats that is sure to delight. Just find a vacation rental in Piedmont and you can spend a pleasant day exploring the city of Turin and this hidden curiosity.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Churches & Religious Buildings, History, Museums & Galleries, Northwest Italy, Parks & Gardens, Piedmont, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, August 3, 2016
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!     Read More
Posted in: Central Italy, History, Legends, Tourist Attractions, Umbria