Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

Though Italy is famous for a great many of things, one famous attribute that you are less likely to have heard of or associate with the country is its incredible number of caves. In fact, it is one of the countries that has the most caves in the entire world – more than 35,000 in number – and, among them, the largest tourist cave on Earth: the Grotta Gigante. Officially recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records, the main underground chamber of the Grotta Gigante measures 98.5m in height, 76.30m in width and is 167.6m long.

Located near Borgo Grotta Gigante, in the municipality of Sgonico in the lesser-known Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, it has been a popular tourist attraction since it opened to the public in 1908. Seeming like something plucked from the beautifully illustrated pages of a fantasy novel, it makes for an extraordinary sight. Just find a vacation rental in Friuli Venezia Giulia and set a day aside to go explore this underworld kingdom.

The Ca' d'Oro is one of the most famous and most beautiful palaces in Venice and certainly a highlight within the city. It is the most celebrated palazzo on the Grand Canal and an excellent example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Ca' is short for “casa”, meaning house, and all of the great homes of the city were once called this as, in the past, the word “palazzo” was reserved for the Ducal Palace alone.

“D'Oro”, meanwhile, means “golden” and the palace was so named as it once had, and became famous for having, an incredible gilded facade. While said gilded facade is, sadly, no longer intact, the building remains a famous tourist attraction and one of the most celebrated of all palaces in the city, and for good reason.

Once you have found a vacation rental in Venice, be sure to drop by.

In the 14th century, Ferrara was not the town that one would want to live in. A series of incidents including flooding and the raising of taxes to incredibly high levels left the local people in very dire straits indeed and the descended upon the palace of the d'Este family in search of answers and help. Extreme violence ensued and, Tommaso da Tortona, a high official was literally torn apart by the crowds.

This incident gave the ruling family, the d'Este family, pause to think that, perhaps, their home provided insufficient safety and a new structure was built. A new defensive fortress was built on the north side of the Palazzo under architect Bartolino da Novara.

Pre-existing city walls and structures were strengthened and added to and a passageway was added between Este residence and the new fortress, to allow for escape.

The Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, or "Indro Montanelli Public Gardens" were formerly known as the Giardini Pubblici and Giardini di Porta Venezia but were renamed after journalist and writer Indro Montanelli in 2002. A major and beautiful historic city park in Milan, in the Porta Venezia district, it was established in 1784 and is the oldest city park in Milan. The Gardens have grown in size and have had important buildings and institutions added to them over the years, such as the Natural History Museum and Planetarium, and a zoo that has since been closed down. As such, the park is a great tourist destination for the Gardens themselves and the other attractions that now live on the grounds as well. Once you have found a luxury villa in Lombardy and are exploring the city, the Montanelli Gardens really are a must-see.

Cala Goloritzè is one of the most incredibly beautiful beaches in Italy and the entire world. Located on the island of Sardinia, in the Ogliastra area, 9 kilometers north of Baunei, it is a photogenic gem comprised of otherworldly emerald waters, romantic rock formations and pale sands. Added to this is the fact that it is located in a ravine and is unreachable by car or boat, closing it off from the outside world and making it seem even more like one has some how ended up in paradise on earth.

Elected a UNESCO site in 1995, it is officially recognised for its immense beauty and is one of the best places to go snorkeling in the country. If you are a beach-lover or an avid photographer, this beach really has to top the list of those to visit while exploring Italy.

Just find a holiday rental in Sardinia and visit this unbelievable gem for yourself.