Archive for 'Northwest Italy'

The beautiful region of Lombardy located in the north of Italy, is the richest and most populated in Italy, and one of the wealthiest areas in Europe!

It borders Switzerland and can boast to having a nice climate; reasonably mild in winter and warm in summer. There is a superb selection of cosy holiday rentals in Lombardy for tourists to base an exciting stay at!

The region can be enjoyed from two perspectives; one is a picturesque view of nature; from majestic mountains to peaceful lakes like Lake Como. The other is visiting the bustling large towns and cities including the capital city of Milan which is bursting with things to see and do!

Lombardy has twelve lovely provinces which all have something unique to offer tourists. They’re called Bergamo, Brecia, Como, Cremona, Lecco, Lodi, Mantova, Milan, Monza- Brianza, Pavia, Sondrio and Varese.

Situated in the north west of Italy, the region of Piedmont is a beautiful place to visit on your next holiday to Italy. Its name is of Latin origin which means ‘Foot of the Mountains’. It has a population of nearly five million and the capital city is Turin. Why not treat yourself to a stay in a luxury holiday villa in Piedmont where you can relax and take in the stunning scenery?

This picturesque part of Italy is on the border with France, Switzerland and the four regions of Lombardy, Liguria, Aosta Valley and Emilia Romagna. It’s the second largest in Italy after Sicily and almost half of it is mountainous. Piedmont is made up of eight provinces; Alessandria, Asti, Biella, Cuneo, Novara, Turin, Verbano-Cusio-Ossola and Vercelli.

The small mountainous region of Aosta Valley is tucked in the north west of Italy and borders the French Alps, Switzerland. It’s the smallest and least populated region in the country and isn't split into provinces because of its size!

But it does have 74 lovely communes full of pretty towns and villages that have lots to offer the curious tourist. The weather can get bitterly cold here during the winter months and is mild during the summer but be sure to bring warm clothes to protect against a sharp wind blowing down from the alps!

French and Italian are both official languages spoken in Aosta Valley because of its proximity to France. It was conquered by Rome in 25 BC; many new roads and mountain passes were constructed to encourage better communication between the towns and other regions.

A wonderful place to visit if you’re holidaying in the Northwest region of Liguria is the charming town of Ventimiglia, located between the Italian ‘Riviera’ and the Cote d’Azur.

It’s a hugely popular tourist destination because of its stunning coastal views, beautiful historical and cultural buildings and of course, its annual ‘Battle of Flowers’ carnival!

There are several lovely holiday villas in Ventimiglia for the tourist to base their exploration of this glorious town and all it has to offer!

There are two parts to this town, the higher section is the old town and the more modern section is further below on the hill. Places of tourist interest in the town include the majestic Romanesque Cathedral of Ventimiglia which dates back to the 11th century.

If you are planning to enjoy a sunny holiday in the area of Milan in Northern Italy, you can’t pass by the opportunity to visit the famous Santa Maria delle Grazie church and convent in Milan city in which the original fresco of ‘The Last Supper’ by Leonardo di Vinci was painted onto the refectory wall!

Enjoy a welcoming stay in one of many exclusive holiday villas in Milan where you can base a trip to this historical building.

Began in 1463, this seemingly humble building was finished by some of the greatest architects and painters in Renaissance history. Donato Bramante, who was one of the first architects to work on St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, designed the apse and cloister of the church which can still be admired today. But it is Leonardo da Vinci’s famous ‘Last Supper’ fresco that continues to draw thousands of tourists to this church year after year.