Archive for 'Northeast Italy'

The stunning historic centre of Ferrara is enclosed by over nine kilometres of walls, and is a gorgeous Renaissance city, full of lovely buildings, fascinating cultural gems, and plenty of surprises, it is a UNESCO awarded beauty. With its impossibly charming setting and the vast array of things to see and do, this lesser-known gem among international tourists is a wonderful place to head to for day trips of exploring its many attractions and secrets. In fact, the city boasts a lot of the same charms as Florence but without the tourist crowds. Just find a holiday rental in Emilia Romagna and come uncover its appeal for yourself.

Here are ten things to see, do and keep an eye out for on your trip to Ferrara...

1. Visit The Castello Estense

This imposing castle was the result of townspeople turning on the ruling d'Este family during a time of high taxes and poverty in the 14th century.

Some things are so ubiquitous, yet undeniably good, that though they could easily be passed over as a given, they deserve a mention. Bologna's signature dish, its great phenomenon, Bolognese, can now be found on menus the world over. It is a staple dish in households globally and is even easy to make. Yet, despite our familiarity with it, it shouldn't be forgotten. Served as a meaty, tomato ragù served over freshly made egg tagliatelle (which is tradition, rather than the spaghetti is is often associated with), it is wholesome and comforting and tasty.

And it is best enjoyed on a trip to the food-loving capital city of Emilia-Romagna. Just find a vacation rental near Bologna and come try the authentic thing, freshly and perfectly made. Or, if you can't wait, why not try it at home and then get planning your getaway to this beautiful city?

If you have found a villa rental in Padua and are exploring the city, it is unlikely that you will miss Prato della Valle, or “Prà deła Vałe” in Venetian, a 90,000sqm elliptical piazza in the city and the largest square in Italy as it is so vast and exceptionally beautiful. However, just in case, we're warning you: don't miss out on this stunning part of the city or you'll be kicking yourself later!

Before 1635, the area now occupied by Prato della Valle was actually a large and unpleasant swampy terrain, just south of the old city walls. Then, in 1636, a group of Venetian and Veneto public figures and nobles decided to finance the construction of a temporary, but lavish, theatre for mock battles on horseback on the site.

The Tempio della Beata Vergine della Ghiara, or Temple of the Blessed Virgin of Ghiara, also known as Basilica della Madonna della Ghiara, is a stunning church located in the city of Reggio Emilia, in northern Italy. One of the many lovely architectural gems in this lesser-known and lesser-celebrated Italian cities, it is one more reason to find a holiday rental in Emilia-Romagna and head on a day trip to this charming town.

In 1596, a mute boy is said to have recovered his voice before a 14th-century representation of the Virgin painted on a gravel wall (or “ghiara” in italian) by artist Lelio Orsi and when news of the miracle spread, it began to attract lots of pilgrims. As a result, it was decided to erect a basilica on the site, into which the votive fresco was moved.

Italy has birthed many of the world's most famous and popular cocktails such as the Americano, the Negroni and the Bellini. Many of these drinks come from iconic bars in cities like Venice and Florence but, every now and then, culinary gems emerge from lesser-known destinations around the country. One such example is the Hugo.

Not unlike the Mojito, the Hugo is a cocktail that comes from the South Tyrol region in northern Italy and is popular, and readily found, in cafes and bars in southern Germany and Austria as well, particularly during the summer months!