Archive for 'Northeast Italy'

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!

The Palazzo della Pilotta is a palace and complex of structures that is located between the Piazzale della Pace and the Lungoparma in the historic centre of the lovely Italian city of Parma. Vast but incomplete, the palace was built for the Farnese family in the 16th and 17th centuries, at the order of Duke Ottavio Farnese and then under Duke Ranuccio I. Built around a preexisting Visconti stronghold and a church, it was designed as a headquarters for the court and state services – such as stables, store rooms, arms rooms, theatre, barracks and more – rather than as a residence.

If you have always wanted to explore a Disney palace for yourself, then the Ducal Palace in Sassuolo, a Baroque villa located in the town of Sassuolo, near Modena, is one of the closest things to one in real life that you will find. Just find a vacation rental in Emilia-Romagna and spend a day wandering around!

Built on the site of an earlier castle from the medieval period, it came into the ownership of Niccolò III d'Este from the Della Rosa family in the 15th century and was rebuilt under Borso d'Este in 1458. In the early 17th century, the Duke Francesco I d'Este commissioned what is now the present structure and it was designed by architect Bartolomeo Avanzini.

There are few things more perfect and precious that architectural models and miniatures, in general. While it's hard to put one's finger on just why this is the case, there is something simply satisfying about seeing something perfectly replicated...but tiny. The skill expressed in doing and the feeling of being a giant are just joyful, childlike things that kids and adults alike can enjoy.

If you found yourself nodding along just then and you have been looking at booking a vacation rental in Rimini, then there is a perfect attraction for you: Italia in Miniatura!