Archive for 'History'

It looks like lasagna but it isn't lasagna; at least not in name. Vincisgrassi is a typical dish, and one of the most eaten regional dishes, of the Le Marche region of Italy and while it is very similar to lasagna: don't call it that! Vincisgrassi has its own distinct history and is an important symbol of Le Marche cuisine together. There are countless variations from all over the region and from household to household but, no matter what variation you manage to get your hands on, if you have found a vacation rental in Le Marche and are exploring this scenic and fascinating region, you cannot leave without tasting a portion of Vincisgrassi! Like a lasagna but richer and with more ingredients, it is the perfect comfort food to give you the energy to traverse the region.

The origins of the dish are, however, swamped in a bit of mystery. There are two legends about how it was created and both are passionately disputed to this day. The first story actually also has two versions, both of which date back to the period of Napoleonic rule, when the region had been taken over by Napoleon's troops.

The Last Supper is da Vinci's other great masterpiece and one of the most famous paintings in the history of the modern world. However, due to experimental techniques used in its making, the centuries past, damage in WWII and poor restoration in the 19th century, it is a shadow of its former self and in severe danger of disappearing forever.

Twenty-two years of restoration were undertaken in the 20th century and finished in 1999 and while this helped prolong the life of the work, the damage is severe. Despite this, viewers still come and some even return and the fascinating, beautiful work continues to capture hearts. Even if you're in Milan for just the one day, it is worth seeing – just read on for tips on planning your visit.

If you have found a vacation rental in Milan, one of the must-see attractions that almost everyone will pencil into their visit is a trip to see The Last Supper for themselves. One of the most iconic works in the history of art, it has influenced generations of art and pop culture for centuries now and is something that most have seen at some point in their lives. However, like all things, it is a different experience entirely to see something with your own eyes and in person.

The Museo Egizio in Turin is the only museum, other than the Cairo Museum, in the entire world that is dedicated solely to the display of, and informing the public about, Egyptian art and culture. It has one of the largest collections of Egyptian antiquities in the world, with over 30,000 pieces in the collection, and receives close to a million visitors each year. One of the most unexpected and intriguing attractions in Italy, it is one more reason to find a vacation rental in Piedmont and make your way to the charming city of Turin.

Italy is inundated with endless incredible art collections, an infinite amount of amazing tourist attractions and, particularly, lots of excellent museums. With so many wonderful museums to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to go so we've compiled a list of some of the best museums around Italy to help narrow it down for you. Pencil these in for your next trip to Italy and you won't be disappointed.

8. Brera Picture Gallery

The Brera Picture Gallery, or Pinacoteca di Brera, is Milan’s main public art gallery. Consisting of a rich collection of artworks that represents over six centuries of European art, the museum is home to works by famous artists such as Rubens, Titian, Correggio and Anthony Van Dyck. The building was originally a 14th century monastery that was later redesigned by the renowned architect Giuseppe Piermarini and is also surrounded by a picturesque botanic garden. So, therefore, in addition to being one of Italy’s most important art institutions, there is also much to see and do on the grounds of the building itself.