Archive for 'Northwest Italy'

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.

Come and be an onlooker of one of Italy’s most exciting Palio events, the ‘Palio di Asti’. This thrilling annual horse racing event, held on the third Sunday in September is a feast for the eyes! Held in the city of Asti in the region of Piedmont in Northwest Italy, the Palio di Asti attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators from the local area as well as many tourists from far and wide.

For visitors wishing to stay in the area in anticipation of this glorious occasion, there are several lovely holiday villas in Portacomaro, close to the city of Asti.

This historic Palio dates back to the thirteenth century and since 1988, has taken place in the Piazza Alfieri where there is an unusual triangular track which is used to race around.

You will witness not only one, but four exhilarating races to determine the worthy victor representing their contrada. There are twenty one contrade in the Asti region.

A worthy day trip if you're spending your holiday north of Italy is to explore the majestic castles that surround the stunning Lake Como, in the province of Como in Lombardy. It’s regarded as Italy’s favourite lake to visit and is also the deepest one in the country.

There are plenty of vacation villa rentals in Como town to choose from which have breathtaking views of the lake.

The location of this lake, which was beside the main route of trade between central Europe and Rome in ancient times, made it a prosperous place to live. Many castles were built along its edge, most using the stretch of water as a clever protective boundary from frequent invaders.

Fortresses were built on its shores that date from the Middle Ages, through the 19th century and even from the beginning of World War I. Some are open for tourists to walk around and others, which are now hotels or homes in private ownership, can be admired from the hills that surround them.