Archive for 'Northwest Italy'

The Medieval Village in Turin is a very special tourist attraction, the likes of which cannot be seen anywhere else. While you will find villages, towns and cities all across Italy that have medieval quartres or centres, they have all been altered to some degree by the passing of time and progress. The Medieval Village, placed in Valentino Park, however, is an unchanging glimpse into the past. Built in the 19th century, it may not actually be authentically medieval but it is a very faithful, perfect replica of a 15th century Piedmontese Village and the closest thing you will get to actually travelling back through time and space. For history lovers or those merely intrigued by novelty, the “village” is a beautiful architectural feat in a city of architectural feats that is sure to delight. Just find a vacation rental in Piedmont and you can spend a pleasant day exploring the city of Turin and this hidden curiosity.

The Church of San Pietro is a stunning little church, exceptionally popular for weddings, that is perched picturesquely on the tip of the promontory of Portovenere, surrounded by craggy rocks and cliffs and blue seas.

Once the site of a Temple to Venus (Venere in Italian), after whom the town of Portovenere was named, an early Christian building made of black marble was then built there in the 6th century.

In the 13th century a campanile and Gothic extension clad in bands of black and white stone were added to the earlier structure.

Small and a little rugged but very striking and framed by perfect scenery, it is a building that has captured imaginations for centuries and which continues to do so.

Portovenere is one of the most picturesque seaside towns in all of Italy. Located on the coast in Liguria, this elegant vacation and resort destination is a wonderful combination of brightly painted houses against blue skies, beautiful sea views, a lively port, winding streets and tiny alleys, architectural gems and a relaxed atmosphere. It is incredibly pretty but is also full of things to see and do in both the immediate and surrounding area.

The area is connected to the gods and ancient legend, legendary poets like Byron and writers like the Shelleys and kings of old and is home to one of the prettiest churches in the country, a majestic castle and much more besides. If you are looking for a dreamy little seaside getaway in Italy where there is also plenty to keep you occupied, look no further.

Just find a villa with swimming pool in Liguria and fall in love with this exceptional little town.

The Ducal Palace of Mantua was once the main residence of the Gonzaga family and was subsequently the home of various leaders of the city under various regimes throughout the centuries. It was built, as such buildings often were, in numerous phases of building as it was altered and extended over time.

Work was begun, however, in the 13th century for the Bonacolsi family before being taken over by the famous Gonzaga family who were hugely important rulers and patrons in the Renaissance and hugely altered the shape and character of the city. With this year being Mantua's turn as Italian Capital of Culture, there has never been a better time to visit this exceptional city and building. Why not find a vacation rental in Lombardy and explore the palace for yourself?

In February 2007 there was an archaeological discovery made in the village of Valdaro, just outside of Mantua, which quickly captured the attention and the imagination of scientists and romantics alike the world over. A pair of Neolithic corpses were found buried together, entangled and facing each other, prompting Shakespearean references aplenty. This was only heightened by the fact that the nearby Mantua was the site of Romeo's exile in that iconic blueprint for tales of romance and tragedy. Today, they still remain together, on display under one case. If you have a soft spot for romance be sure to find a holiday rental in Lombardy and stop by to pay the lovers a visit.