Archive for 'Piedmont'

  

Thursday, April 30, 2015
Palazzo Reale, Turin
If you ever happen to find yourself staying in a vacation rental, in Turin, make sure you take the time to visit the Piazza Castello, known as the heart of the city. The Palazzo Reale dominates the piazza but it also houses the Palazzo Madama, Teatro Regio di Torino (Opera House), Biblioteca Reale (Royal Library) and the Torre Littoria (a leftover from the fascist era). Concerts and public events are often held in the square and it connects neatly with the nearby shopping districts.

The Piazza Castello was established in the 14th century by princes of the House of Savoy who wanted a space near the city walls and castle that could host dynastic events.     Read More
Posted in: Castles & Palaces, Museums & Galleries, Must See Attractions, Northwest Italy, Piedmont, Tourist Attractions, Unesco World Heritage Sites

  

Thursday, April 30, 2015
Facade of Palazzo Madama, Turin
Located centrally in the regal city of Turin, the Palazzo Madama (or Palazzo Madama e Casaforte degli Acaja), sitting in Piazza Castello and surrounded by the likes of the Palazzo Reale, is a must-see. Not only is it a fascinating structure in its own right but it houses curiosities that really make the experience. If you're staying in a holiday rental nearby, make it a point to stop by.

The two towers above the building pre-date Christianity and the foundations in the basement and the remains of the praetorian door are Roman. Four turrets project from the current structure which are the remnants of the castle that was built there in the 14th century.     Read More
Posted in: Castles & Palaces, Museums & Galleries, Northwest Italy, Piedmont, Tourist Attractions

  

Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Stresa
If you are a music-lover looking to holiday in Italy this summer, this might be the perfect thing for you. The Stresa Festival, or Festival Settimane Musicali di Stresa, founded in 1961 by Venetian lawyer Italo Trentinaglia de Daverio, is being celebrated for the 54th time this year. Running in July and August, it takes place in the town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore in Piedmont, as well as in some of the surrounding areas.

Held annually, the Stresa Festival is one of Europe's most important international classical music festivals. The festival also plays host to very popular open-air jazz concerts in addition to classical music today.     Read More
Posted in: August, Events, July, Lakes, Localities, Northwest Italy, Piedmont

  

Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Isola Bella
A visit to the Palazzo Borromeo on Lake Maggiore in Piedmont is a truly unique experience. The palace takes up the entirety of the island, Isola Bella, on which it is located and boasts stunning sights inside and out.

Previously, the island was a barren rock and home to a small fishing village. Construction of the palace was begun in 1632 by Carlo III Borromeo, who named the island after his wife, Isabella, and continued by his sons. The extensive gardens were constructed from earth brought over on boats to cover the rocky terrain and completed by Carlo IV, his nephew.     Read More
Posted in: Castles & Palaces, Islands, Localities, Must See Attractions, Northwest Italy, Piedmont, Tourist Attractions

  

Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Cuneo in Piedmont
Spend a magical vacation in Cuneo town and province in the Piedmont region. The stunning variety of landscapes surround this peaceful town are truly astounding. Explore the hills, mountains, valleys, forests and winding rivers that define the beauty of the third largest province in Italy.

Begin your experience of Cuneo with a walk around its iconic central square called Piazza Galimberti. It was named after the famous Italian Resistance hero called Tancredi Galimberti. This Neoclassical piazza took over fifty years to fully complete and its encompassing walls are adorned with memorable quotes from Galimberti.

If you’re holidaying near Cuneo in the winter months you can enjoy a few days of skiing at Limone Piemonte. This is one of the oldest skiing resorts in Italy and certainly one of the nicest! Also worth a walk around is the Church of San Francesco which houses the Civic Museum of Cuneo.     Read More
Posted in: Northwest Italy, Piedmont