Archive for 'Northeast Italy'

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 International Museum and Library of Music in Bologna is a rather extraordinary gem. Not only is it home to a rather exceptional and vast collection of books, paintings and musical instruments, but it is also an incredible beauty and a well-run and friendly place to visit and spend time.

People enthuse over everything from the audio guides to the peacefulness of the library, the frescoes to the quality of the collection. Just find a holiday rental in Emilia-Romagna and spend time in this pretty museum, taking in Italy's rich musical history.

Opened in 2004, the International Museum and Library of Music is split between two locations. The museum is located in the Palazzo Sanguinetti, in the city center and the library is located inside the convent of San Giacomo Maggiore, alongside the G.B. Martini music conservatory.

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.

Cemeteries always seem like strange things to recommend as tourist attractions and, yet, many of the world's most famous tourist destinations are tombs, graveyards and catacombs of some description. From the pyramids of Egypt to the Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, there are a great number of iconic burial places around the world. One of the most unique cemeteries in the world, however, is probably not as familiar; the San Cataldo Cemetery in Modena, or rather the fascinating ossuary built there. Its striking appearance is truly incredible and is sure to remain in the memory forevermore. Once you have found a villa with pool in Emilia-Romagna and are exploring the city, make time to see this extraordinary structure for yourself.

Though never completed, construction was begun in 1972 under Italian architect and theorist Aldo Rossi with the focal point of the structure being the central square building, which was created to illustrate a number of abstract concepts Rossi had previously written about.

Continuing on from our last post, here are more of just some of our picks of the best interiors in the vacation rentals in Italy that you can find on Italy Villas. From modern minimalist dreams to cosy Alpine chalets, Mediterranean villas to historic palaces, there are all sorts of properties across the website. No matter where your tastes lie when it comes to interiors, we have it and particularly lovely examples to boot. Just take a look at some of our picks and then feel free to browse through the endless other options that are available, should you be looking for something more specific. If you're having trouble finding something, why not contact us where our team of experts are waiting, 24/7, to help you find the holiday rental of your dreams.

3. Villa Di Montelopio

Villa Di Montelopio dates from the 16th century and still retains the atmosphere of the period, though part has been totally restored in recent years. You still find the cotto floors and the beamed ceilings but with all modern comforts now a bonus.