Archive for 'Lombardy'

Milan is known internationally as an important industrial centre and the fashion capital of Italy. Of course, as it is an Italian city, it is known for its art but doesn't have quite the reputation and glorious past of other cities. However, it does have a rather exceptionally rich tradition in street art.

So much so, in fact, that you can take a specific guided tour around the city in which you will be informed of the history of street art in Milan and be shown some of the most important works.

Even if you don't take the tour, there's something to see around every corner so merely wandering around with an ice-cream or coffee in hand becomes a fantastic activity in its own right.

Find a holiday rental in Milan and discover the art of its streets.

If you're interested at all in contemporary architecture or design or you're just fond of seeing the most unique and unusual things that a city has to offer while on holidays, then Milan has the perfect thing for you. The Bosco Verticale, or Vertical Forest, is a highly unique building in Milan which was only finished and opened last year. It is a pair of high-rise buildings which are made up of 27 storeys with cantilevered balconies planted with 900 trees and more than 2,000 shrubs and bushes. The effect is astonishing, two lush structures emerging from the earth and towering (the taller being 112 metres in height) over the surrounding buildings.

As previously discussed, Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world and, certainly, of Italy. As such, any visit requires a little bit of shopping. If you're looking for a genuine experience of the city and a shopping opportunity that is uniquely Milanese, you're going to want to avoid most of the high streets. Instead, you should wander around the local markets and experience the shopping culture, see the city and find the best bargains.

Find a great accommodation in Milan and you can have the perfect European shopping getaway!

In our last article, we introduced you to the incredibly beautiful Padernello Castle in Brescia, Lombardy. Stunning to behold, set in the charming little village of Padernello and with a rich history and abundant legends such as that of the Dama Bianca, it's a site that is steeped in Italian culture and tradition. However, it is not some outdated relic of the past but, rather, has become an important part of local contemporary life through educational programs with local schools, public events, exhibitions and by hosting a popular farmer's market. We have already covered the past but the castle's present also merits discussion, in particular, the culture of engaging the public with art and food in the castle.

Padernello Castle, located in Brescia in Lombardy, looks like it has been pulled from the most beautiful storybook you ever read as a child. Set in lush green surroundings with crumbling reddish orange walls and an emerald coloured moat hugging its edges, it is colourful and picture perfect. Despite its romantic and somewhat dilapidated appearance, the castle is very much a part of local contemporary life through educational programs with local schools, public events, exhibitions and a popular farmer's market which is hosted by the castle. If you want to experience the Italy of movies and perfect photographs in travel guides, this sight is sure to deliver.