Archive for 'Northwest Italy'

Located in the stunning Piazza Castello in the historic centre of Turin, Italy, the Teatro Regio is both a beautiful building, worth visiting for its architecture alone, and home to a prominent opera company.

Operas were held in multiple venues across the city up until the 18th century, when it was decided to build a dedicated opera house for Turin. Planning for the building began in the first quarter of the century under the architect Juvarra but work was not actually begun until after his death. The inauguration was in 1740 after just two years of building.

The Shroud of Turin is a mysterious object which has been drawing pilgrims to Turin, Italy for centuries. Much debate has always surrounded the Shroud with people wondering where it came from, how the markings on it were made, if it is Jesus Christ who is depicted and how old it is. We will, perhaps, never know the answers to some of these questions. The Shroud, however, is still fascinating for those interested in history, faith, religion and science alike. If you want to see it for yourself you could find a vacation rental nearby and make a trip to view it this year. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime trip as the Shroud is being shown in a rare exposition.

If you ever happen to find yourself staying in a vacation rental, in Turin, make sure you take the time to visit the Piazza Castello, known as the heart of the city. The Palazzo Reale dominates the piazza but it also houses the Palazzo Madama, Teatro Regio di Torino (Opera House), Biblioteca Reale (Royal Library) and the Torre Littoria (a leftover from the fascist era). Concerts and public events are often held in the square and it connects neatly with the nearby shopping districts.

The Piazza Castello was established in the 14th century by princes of the House of Savoy who wanted a space near the city walls and castle that could host dynastic events.

Located centrally in the regal city of Turin, the Palazzo Madama (or Palazzo Madama e Casaforte degli Acaja), sitting in Piazza Castello and surrounded by the likes of the Palazzo Reale, is a must-see. Not only is it a fascinating structure in its own right but it houses curiosities that really make the experience. If you're staying in a holiday rental nearby, make it a point to stop by.

The two towers above the building pre-date Christianity and the foundations in the basement and the remains of the praetorian door are Roman. Four turrets project from the current structure which are the remnants of the castle that was built there in the 14th century.

If you are a music-lover looking to holiday in Italy this summer, this might be the perfect thing for you. The Stresa Festival, or Festival Settimane Musicali di Stresa, founded in 1961 by Venetian lawyer Italo Trentinaglia de Daverio, is being celebrated for the 54th time this year. Running in July and August, it takes place in the town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore in Piedmont, as well as in some of the surrounding areas.

Held annually, the Stresa Festival is one of Europe's most important international classical music festivals. The festival also plays host to very popular open-air jazz concerts in addition to classical music today.