Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

Apulia is truly awash with grand architectural feats varying from towns featuring skylines filled with the conical roofs of the large number of remaining traditional trulli houses, to grand and sumptuous Baroque cities and beyond. However, one of the most iconic buildings in the entire region, even amongst these many wonderful contenders, has to be the magical Castel del Monte.

Located not far from the town of Bari, this UNESCO-awarded 13th century wonder was commissioned by Frederick II of Swabia. Perched in a strategic position atop a hill, it boasts astounding panoramic views over the surrounding landscape. Like something plucked right from the pages of some epic fantasy novel, this extraordinary octagonal fortress is a must-see for those who find a villa in Apulia and who come to dive into the region’s rich cultural and artistic heritage on vacation.

The stunning Villa del Balbianello is already an impossibly beautiful architectural gem that is well worth exploring should you find a villa on Lake Como but in addition to being an important historical and artistic attraction, it has also been the filming location for some famous films.

It is no wonder that the Villa del Balbianello has caught the eye of location scouts multiple times – its good looks are truly cinematic! Perched prettily over Lake Como with blooming manicured gardens that directly overlook and flow down to the water, a lovely example of 18th century architecture, and filled with incredible works of art and furniture from all over the world, it is exquisite and utterly romantic. 

Many destinations in Italy are best enjoyed if you have access to a car in order to get out and explore stunning landscapes and to visit famous destinations and tourist attractions all over the country. Plenty of people enjoy getting out and seeing as much of the country as they can during one holiday in Italy – from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to the city or Rome to the famously romantic canals of Venice. 

If you find a villa in Campania and you are a fan of palaces and unbelievable architectural gems, then a visit to the incomparable Royal Palace of Caserta is a must. Located in Caserta in Campania, this massive and beautiful building is a former royal residence that was originally built for the Bourbon kings of Naples in the 18th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a truly breathtaking sight to behold and for those who love to get a little lost in time and spend hours admiring the extraordinary homes of nobles, it is utterly unmissable. The largest palace in Europe, the size alone of the Royal Palace of Caserta is awe-inspiring and mind-boggling. However, this in addition to the staggering wealth of artworks, the gorgeous architecture, and the stunning gardens all adds up to a singular experience.

Begun in 1752 under the reign of Charles VII of Naples and designed by Luigi Vanvitelli in close collaboration with Charles, it never actually was his home as he abdicated in 1759 to become the King of Spain. The palace is inspired by the social model of Versailles and in design by the Royal Palace of Madrid, where Charles had grown up, as well as the Charlottenburg Palace. 

For those who are thinking about planning a stay in one of our villas in Tuscany come autumn for an off-season getaway and who love nature and natural beauty, there is one particular area that many international tourists have yet to hear of but that should top your list of attractions. This is the Orbetello Lagoon.

One of the best preserved and most unspoiled natural areas in all of Italy, it consists of 1500 hectares of marshland along the Tuscan coast that is separated from the sea on the west and east by two 6km strips of land and by the Argentario headland. On a third strip of land that stretches into the centre of the lagoon, you will find the town of Orbetello itself and a bridge connecting it to Monte Argentario, creating a dramatic picture overall.