Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

  

Thursday, May 20, 2021
Statues of Villa Palagonia
One of the most appealing and visited architectural gems is the endlessly fascinating Villa Palagonia, located in the town of Bagheria, 15km from the capital of Sicily, Palermo. Left in a dilapidated state, it is open to the public to be visited and while not all of it is currently accessible, it is nonetheless hauntingly beautiful and intriguing. If you have found a villa in Sicily or vacation rental in Palermo and you are interested in the island's rich and unique architectural and cultural heritage, then this is definitely a must-see to pencil in during your vacation in Italy.

Famous for the monstrous statues that decorate the garden, the so-called Villa dei Mostri (or Villa of the Monsters) was built in the 18th century according to the designs of Tommaso Napoli with the help of Agatino Daidone. An early example of the unique and richly intriguing Sicilian Baroque, the Villa Palagonia first gained international interest and attention when Grand Tour travellers exploring the area began to record and write of it and the series of grotesques on the grounds, in particular, in the 18th and 19th centuries. The likes of Henry Swinburne, Patrick Brydone, John Soane, Goethe, the Count de Borde, artists such as Jean-Pierre Houël or Alexandre Dumas, surrealists like André Breton, contemporary authors such as Giovanni Macchia and Dominique Fernandez, and more are all known to have noted, been inspired by, and reported about the villa.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Castles & Palaces, Main Islands, Must See Attractions, Sicily and Sardinia, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Naviglio Grande
For many, the novelty of simply having the time and freedom to sit out and watch the world go by while enjoying a meal or a coffee or a glass of wine is one of the best parts about being on holiday. While seeing famous landmarks and trying out new and interesting activities is all well and good, truly relaxing and having some proper down time to unplug and unwind is key to a good vacation. There are, of course, particular spots that are especially well-suited to this kind of leisurely relaxation such as markets, town squares, seafront promenades, and more. Or, if you have found a vacation rental in Lombardy, along an impossibly picturesque canal lined with restaurants and bars.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Food and Wine, Lombardy, Must See Attractions, Northwest Italy, Pretty Views, Tourist Attractions

  

Monday, April 12, 2021
Boxer sculpture
Sardinia has been touched by all of the different civilisations and occupants that have made their home on this beautiful island and, as a result, it is dotted with stunning churches, incredible castles, ancient temples, pretty palaces, striking landmarks, and much more besides. However, if you have found a vacation rental in Sardinia and you are interested in her most intriguing historical gems, then you definitely need to pay a visit to the Giants of Mont'e Prama.

The Giants of Mont'e Prama are a series of massive, ancient stone sculptures that remain from the time of the Nuragic civilisation, which was a civilisation on Sardinia that lasted from the 18th century BCE (or during the Bronze Age) until the Roman colonisation of the island in 238 BCE (though some claim the civilisation actually lasted until the 2nd or, even, the 6th century AD). Named for the nuraghe, or tower-fortresses, that they built across the island, the Nuragic civilisation has left us no written records. What does remain, however, are some impressive monuments, including some 7,000 of the towers for which they were named and the fascinating Giants of Mont'e Prama, among other intriguing reminders.     Read More
Posted in: Main Islands, Museums & Galleries, Must See Attractions, Sicily and Sardinia, Tourist Attractions

  

Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Exterior
Liguria is home to the Italian Riviera, a stretch of the coast that boasts some of Italy's most beautiful beaches and, as a result, it is an especially popular holiday destination. However, in addition to having lots of options for days of fun and sun at the beach, a villa in Liguria also means enjoying incredible fresh seafood and plenty of delicious local specialties including mushroom pie and mussels stuffed with cheese and herbs; visits to exclusive holiday resorts such as the luxurious and star-studded Portofino; wonderful walks and hiking routes along the coast where you can enjoy the scent of the sea and endless lemon groves that permeates the air or in the Ligurian Alps where you'll take in some of the most extraordinary views in the world; wandering the picturesque towns of the famous Cinque Terre; trips to villages famous for witch trials, inspiring Monet, annual carnival celebrations, and more; and, of course, time exploring the stunning and elegant capital of the region, Genoa. Genoa is an incredibly beautiful gem with an old town full of pretty winding little streets among tall old buildings, palaces, museums, and architectural feats. Among all of the wonderful things to see and do in the city, however, if you have found a villa in Liguria and are spending the day in Genoa, then a visit to the Palazzo Reale is a must.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Castles & Palaces, Liguria, Museums & Galleries, Must See Attractions, Northwest Italy, Tourist Attractions

  

Friday, March 26, 2021
Molveno
While many are attracted to the coastal areas of Italy for her beaches, sun, fun, and excitement or the major cities for their endless list of things to see and do and cosmopolitan delights or the countryside for peace, privacy, and relaxation, there is another major and popular kind of holiday destination: the mountains. And though there are mountainous areas throughout the country, the Alpine region that stretches in a band across the most northern part of Italy is the most popular among them. Here you get hearty comfort food, snowy winter wonderlands, excellent Christmas markets, long ski seasons, that chalet lifestyle, and all sorts of winter fun. However, during the warmer months, the mountains also make for an excellent holiday destination as they boast wonderfully fresh air, incredible views and surroundings, great hiking options, water sports on the mountain lakes, and lots of different outdoor pursuits. If you like your vacations active, wholesome, healthy, and scenic, this is the type of destination for you. Browse some of our villas in Trentino and get planning a perfect mountain getaway in Italy today!     Read More
Posted in: Activities, Hiking, Lakes, Localities, Must See Attractions, Northeast Italy, Pretty Views, Tourist Attractions, Trentino-Alto Adige, Water Sports