Archive for 'Lombardy'

There are some places that are so cinematically beautiful and impressive it is hard to believe that they are real, that they haven't been perfectly put together to appear on a screen or page. Imagine, for example, a stunningly pretty Italian palace that looks strikingly like a perfect little doll's house, surrounded by gardens heavy with the smell of roses, filled inside with lyrical sculptural works by Canova, and overlooking the tranquil waters of the beloved and lovely Lake Como...sounds too good to be true, right? And, yet, this is a real description of the utterly idyllic Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina. One of Italy's most charming and wonderful examples of a historic villa (which is saying something as there is no shortage of stunning villas in Italy!), this incredible architectural gem is a must-see for those who have found a vacation rental in Lombardy and who are exploring the most beautiful nooks and crannies of Lake Como.

The Villa Carlotta traces its origins to the rise of the Clerici family from rural origins to successful silk merchants in the 16th century due to the efforts of Giorgio Clerici. His sons then furthered the wealth and status of the family with Pietro Antonio Clerici being made a Marquis and Carlo becoming the owner of several palaces in Milan and Brianza. Carlo's son, also named Giorgio Clerici, was also a marquis and then became a senator in 1684 and was nominated as President of the Senate in 1717. It was he who decided to establish a country estate on ancestral lakeside land at Tremezzo and its first iteration was completed in 1695. His great grandson Anton Giorgio Cerici then completed the villa in 1745 but died with little money left to the estate after sinking major investments into the Palazzo Clerici in Milan. Unusually, we do not actually know for certain who the architect of the villa was.

Italy has inspired, produced, and been the setting of lots of incredible films throughout the decades. In fact, due to a particularly rich period in the 20th century when Italy produced, arguably, many of the best movies ever made, it is a perfect destination for serious cinephiles the world over. From, “The Bicycle Thieves,” to, “The Godfather,” to, “Cinema Paradiso,” to, “Life is Beautiful,” to, “Gladiator,” to “Call Me by Your Name,” the list of incredible films made or set in Italy is endless and, luckily, some of them even have backdrops and settings that can still be visited. So, if you're interested in a whistle-stop film industry virtual tour (for now and hopefully in person sometime soon!) of Italy, read on and discover the perfectly picturesque places in Italy that have graced the silver screen throughout the history of cinema...

As Italy was the birthplace of the Renaissance and has, and continues to, given rise to some of the most famous artists to ever exist, there is an incredible artistic heritage in the country and endless museums, galleries, churches, towns, mural walls, stately homes, temporary exhibitions, and more that are stuffed with outstanding works of art to take in all over the country. However, if, as in moments like this, you can't quite make it to Italy or her exhibitions then fear not! A large number of truly excellent exhibitions and world-class museums and cultural institutions are available online to visitors through virtual tours and other online resources. We've rounded up a list of some great examples that you can visit right now from the comfort of your own homes as we all look forward to adventures in the real thing sometime very soon in the future...

Bergamo may be a famous foodie destination but there is also more to it beyond just all of the good eating that you can expect when you find a vacation rental in Lombardy. For example, there are great hiking spots to take in wonderful views over the city like the incredible Canto Alto peak that we recently wrote about. However, if you are in it for a bit more of a thrill then we recommend a visit to the nearby Adventure Park Bergamo-Roncola.

Lombardy is one of the biggest regions of Italy and is characterised by her varied and beautiful landscape that is home to both Alpine peaks and Italy’s stunning lake district (including Lake Como, Lake Garda, and more). If you are an outdoorsy type or in search of incredible views and backdrops, it is a perfect holiday destination. Just browse our vacation rentals in Lombardy and come explore the impossible beauty and endless outdoor pursuits offered by this amazing part of Italy for yourself!

While there is much to do in the region, many are drawn to Lombardy particularly for hiking and walking. However, there is a wide range in difficulty and distance that different hikers can be looking for. Some may be up for major expeditions but if you’re interested in simply taking in some pretty views and stretching your legs rather than hikes that last hours upon hours, one popular peak that is easily accessed, not too much of a climb, and offers incredible panoramic views over the surrounding area is Canto Alto.