Archive for 'Northwest Italy'

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.

The idea of festivals in Italy evokes images of fun, music, dancing and great celebrations and while, of course, there are plenty of these all over the country, there are also a large variety of very unique and particular festivals as well. It is these that cater to more specific interests and, if you're someone with a singular passion for something, you're sure to find a corresponding festival somewhere in Italy. If that passion is literature, you need look no further as 2016 Italian Capital of Culture; Mantua has just what you are looking for. Every year, this beautiful and historic city plays host to a literature festival which attracts the finest writers and, even, Nobel Prize winners each year. Just find a holiday rental in Lombardy and you could be rubbing shoulders with some of the greatest literary minds this September.

Portofino is one of those places that seems to be a magnet for the rich, famous and beautiful. Situated on the Italian Riviera, this picturesque seaside village has lots to offer, aside from a bit of potential star-gazing. Once you have found the perfect holiday rental in Liguria, make your way to Portofino and begin exploring its pretty streets, yacht-filled harbour, lush hotel bars, designer shops, churches, castle and underwater statue. Not only is this the perfect place to sit back, relax, luxuriate and forget all about the outside world, there are also countless things to see, do, taste, learn and experience. While it may not be the cheapest destination known to man, it has to be one of the best.

The city of Genoa is an exceptionally beautiful place, a bustling metropolis full of elegant historic buildings, well-planned public squares, dramatic fountains and sweeping thoroughfares. These urban spaces are complemented by the presence of natural oases dotted around the city in the form of public parks. One of these is the park of Villa Durazzo-Pallavicini, a 19th century park in the English Romantic style that is exceptionally beautiful and will completely capture your heart once you step foot inside of it. If you have found a vacation rental in Liguria and are spending some time exploring Genoa, make sure to take a moment for a breather in this beautiful space.

Between 1339 and 1797 the then Republic of Genoa, a state of the Holy Roman Empire, was ruled by the Doges of Genoa. Officially a position one had to earn through a voting system, it was, in reality, an oligarchy. These men resided in the Doge's Palace, a 13th century palace in the city which is now open to the public and houses many different museums and cultural institutions. A striking, large elegant building, it is one of the architectural gems of this exceptionally beautiful city and has been subject to much alteration and addition over the years, reflecting many architectural styles in one structure. The building itself is worth dropping by for a gawk but a cultural mecca is held within, just waiting to be explored. Once you have found a holiday rental in Liguria, be sure to spend a day exploring this extraordinary city and building.