Archive for 'Northeast Italy'

Salsomaggiore Terme is a town and comune located in Emilia-Romagna at the foot of the Apennines and is a popular Spa town. It was during the reign of Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma and second wife of Napoleon, that Salsomaggiore began to gain recognition as a spa attraction for therapeutic purposes. It then became one of the most celebrated and famous spots for this in all of Europe. Situated in the heart of Northern Italy and surrounded by rolling green hills, Salsomaggiore Terme is only about an hour from Milan and Bologna. It makes the perfect getaway from the madness of modern urban living. Why not find a luxury villa in Emilia-Romagna and see for yourself?

Bologna was first settled by at least 1000BC and, over the years grew and grew as a city. Walls were built in the 5th century to protect the city. More were added in the 11th century and, in the 13th century, a final ring called “La Circla” was built around what is now the historic centre of Bologna.

Much of the walls were destroyed in the 20th century due to war and expansion but the city gates of La Circla still exist. These were once part of great complexes consisting of a captain's house, keep, moat and drawbridge and controlled the coming and going of people to the city as well as imports.

Why not find a great holiday rental in the Emilia-Romagna area and take a day to explore the streets of Bologna?

There may be lots to do in the area but if you find yourself in Bologna, find time to wander the city centre. The town is circular in plan with the iconic Due Torri, or Two Towers, at the centre and streets radiating outwards to what exists of the city walls and twelve medieval city gates. Two interconnected sites in the area, the Piazza Delle Sette Chiese and Corte Isolani, make for an especially nice stroll – just watch out for the cobblestones if someone in your party is wearing high heels!

Explore the stunning town of Riva del Garda on your next trip to the Lake Garda area of Trentino Alto Adige. Situated on the northwest corner of Italy’s largest lake, Riva del Garda has become a bustling tourist town with lots to offer. Framed by mountains and nestled close to the lake’s shore, it was once part of Austrian territory until 1918.

It’s the second largest town in the Lake Garda area after Desenzano. Begin your tour by walking around the pretty waterfront of Riva del Garda and admiring the 13th century clock tower in Piazza III Novembre called Torre Apponale.

The River Po in Italy is a stunning trail to follow across Northern Italy. It springs up from the earth in Po Valley in Piedmont and flows east for several hundred miles before entering the sea through a delta near Ferrara city.

The River Po is the longest in Italy at a length of 682 km and its widest point measures at 503 metres. 141 tributary rivers flow into the River Po along its journey which contribute to its speed and force across the country.

Visit the stunning cities and towns that the River Po flows through including Turin, Piacenza and Ferrara.