Archive for 'Northeast Italy'

The Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro, or the Metrolpolitan Cathedral of Saint Peter, is the cathedral of Bologna in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The present structure largely dates to the sixteenth century but the history of the building stretches back much further than that. The massive emphatically baroque interior is complimented by a stunning red exterior made from brick covered in a pink-toned plaster and accented with marble ornaments. If you have an interest in Baroque architecture or the history of Italy, this is sure to be fascinating to you. Why not find a holiday rental in Emilia-Romagna and spend a few days exploring Bologna's historic centre?

The great painter, Titian, sadly left us very few frescoes by his hand after his death. One of these few examples is a rather well-preserved group in the Scuola del Santo (or “Scoletta”) in Padua which comes from 1511, very early on in his career as an artist. Padua, in Veneto, is actually a city with an extremely rich tradition and heritage of fresco painting.

It is here that we find Giotto's Scrovegni Chapel which cemented the enormous importance of fresco painting as decoration, the tradition of grand fresco cycles and the standard by which all others would come to be measured.

St George's Oratory is a Roman Catholic church built in the 14th century as a family chapel by Marquis Soragna Raimondino Lupi. It is one of the many buildings that make up the rich architectural, artistic and cultural heritage of the historic city of Padua in the Veneto region. Not far from the more famous jewel that is Venice, it is a similarly rewarding place to visit if you are a lover of the arts. Maybe it's time to find a villa with a pool in Veneto and explore it for yourself.

The oratory has a small brick facade and is built on a simple plan of a single nave basilica, topped by a barrel-vaulted ceiling. The interior is like a jewellery box, adorned by frescoes on the walls and ceiling.

The Villa Capra, or “La Rotonda”, is a 16th century structure built according to the designs of the great Andrea Palladio in the Vicenza area. It is known today for its supreme symmetry, scenic location and integration of interior and exterior. Put simply, it is one of the most stunning feats of architecture in the world. If you're an architecture lover, find a luxury villa in Veneto and be sure to pay a visit!

The building was commissioned for Paolo Americo, a priest who retired from a Vatican position and wished to retire to his homeland of Vicenza. It was built on a hilltop in what would now be called a suburban area.

Venice is well-known for her canals but the buildings that sit atop the man-made piles and islands are also one of her most precious gems.

If you're looking for a slightly different way to experience the city, why not follow this quick and easy itinerary of just five of the many buildings you need to see if you ever find yourself in Venice?

While you're at it, find a luxury villa near Venice to do the trip in true style.