Archive for 'Lombardy'

  

Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Faceless nuns of Torba Monastery
Torba Monastery was originally built in the 5th century as a Roman stronghold against barbarian invasions and was used for military purposes under various rules and guises until it came into the possession of a group of Benedictine nuns in the 8th century. The building was expanded and adapted into a religious complex and the interiors were decorated with elaborate murals and frescoes.

Later still, the monastery fell into disuse as a religious building and was adopted by local farmers with far more practical goals in mind. They decided to cover the paintings with plaster and, in some cases, merely ignored the works, letting them fall into disrepair.

Much was lost, as a result, but some of the works managed to survive, despite the neglect. One particular example that remains has become famous and has led to the creation of lots of legends and rumours.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Churches & Religious Buildings, Legends, Lombardy, Northwest Italy, Tourist Attractions, Unesco World Heritage Sites

  

Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Gypsotheque of the Canova Museum
Art, architecture, culture, history, the finer things in life, these are all on offer in Italy in abundance. There is no shortage of museums, art galleries, architectural gems, castles, palaces, churches and other attractions all over the country and many are incredibly famous worldwide. These are things that make it onto bucket lists and can be the single motivating factor for people when deciding to visit Italy. However, for every Uffizi Gallery, Sistine Chapel and Medici palace there are also plenty of outstanding museums that you have probably never heard of. We thought these lesser-known heroes deserved a mention so we compiled a list of museums and galleries where you'll avoid the crazy lines and floods of tourists and will get to experience wonderful highlights of Italian art, architecture, history and culture.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, History, Lombardy, Museums & Galleries, Must See Attractions, Northeast Italy, Northwest Italy, Tourist Attractions, Veneto

  

Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Casoncelli
We often lump all food from Italy together as “Italian cuisine”. However, considering the complex history and cultural heritage of the country this is hardly accurate. The food of Italy and vary quite a bit from region to region and, even, town to town. For example, there are dozens of types of stuffed pasta which are no longer unique to, but originate specifically from, particular towns or areas. One of these types of stuffed pasta that you're less likely to have ever heard of before is Casoncelli. This stuffed pasta dish originates from Bergamo in Lombardy and is a typical dish of the town. It is a kind of stuffed pasta with a very particular shape, filled with sausage, breadcrumbs, parsley, eggs and garlic. In modern times, cheese and a few other more “noble” ingredients were added too. Casoncelli alla Bergamasca (Bergamo style) are served with a butter and sage sauce and sautéed Italian Speck (or Pancetta). The best place to try the dish is, of course, in Bergamo. However, if you want to try it out as you plan your trip and look for the perfect vacation rental in Lombardy, follow the recipe below!     Read More
Posted in: Food and Wine, Lombardy, Northwest Italy, Recipes

  

Thursday, July 21, 2016
The beautiful interior of the Palazzo Ducale
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?     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Castles & Palaces, Lombardy, Northwest Italy, Tourist Attractions

  

Thursday, July 14, 2016
Lovers of Valdaro
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.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, History, Lombardy, Museums & Galleries, Northwest Italy, Tourist Attractions