Archive for 'Lombardy'

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?

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.

Palazzo del Te is a 16th century villa in Mantua though the title of “palace” does seem more accurate as it is unbelievably grand and combines aspects of palace and villa architecture and function. It has also been called the “greatest of all Mannerist villas”. This astounding building was designed by Giulio Romano, the most gifted of Raphael's students, for Federigo Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, son of the famous Isabella d'Este and famous in his own right as one of the most cultured and learned off all Renaissance patrons of the arts. A villa suburbana, it was built in the countryside close to the city to take advantage of the fresh air and more rural pursuits without having to venture too far away. Why not find a holiday rental in Lombardy and pay a visit to Mantua and the villa for yourself?

Monte Isola is a town and commune in Brescia, Lombardy. However, it is a little bit different to a lot of towns in Italy and a little more special as it is an island on Lake Iseo. In fact, it is actually the largest lake island in Europe. The town and its setting are both beautiful and this area is less swamped by tourist crowds than many of the other lake districts in Italy. Little known outside Italy, it’s smaller than the likes of Lake Como but is quieter and more charming. If you’re looking for a holiday full of lakeside pursuits, water sports, beautiful surroundings and the chance to get well and truly away from it all, then Monte Isola is the place for you! Just find a holiday rental in Lombardy and spend some time exploring this hidden gem of a town.