Archive for 'Apulia'

Lecce is a city famous for its stunningly ornate Baroque architecture in its charming historic centre. Among the beautiful buildings that account for this distinct Baroque heritage, the Basilica of Santa Croce stands out as one of the most strikingly lovely examples. A master class in sculpture with an elaborately appointed exterior and a grand interior, it is a place where you could easily spend hours walking around and taking in all of the detail. Certainly, for those who book a villa in Apulia and who are exploring Lecce, it is a must-see attraction that will reward visitors with truly breath-taking beauty and a fascinating history.

The origins of the Basilica of Santa Croce go back to the 14th century, when Walter VI, Count of Brienne, founded a monastery on the site. In 1549, construction of the church began, making use of neighbouring sites that had been acquired, including from the homes of Jewish inhabitants who had been ousted from the city 39 years previously. The building was not finished, however, until 1695, almost 150 years later, with various parts completed piecemeal. 

We always recommend an incredible stay in one of our vacation rentals in Florence to take in the immense cultural wealth of the city but if you’re after that kind of cultural background as well as the sizzling summers and stunning coastline offered to those who book a holiday rental in Salento then just plan a visit to Lecce. The so-called Florence of the South – a nickname that stuck after the Irish bishop George Berkeley came through Apulia in the 18th century and was struck by the splendour of the city – Lecce is a hub of incredible beauty that is full of things to see and do and is basically one giant, outdoor museum. 

But why exactly has Lecce been labelled the Florence of the South?

For those who might be dreaming of a perfect vacation in Apulia, it would be rather hard indeed to beat the truly lovely Trullo Brenda. Combining incredible modern comfort and luxury with local flavour, charm, and tradition, the property is comprised of a historic trullo building unique to the region with a modern extension added to it for additional space and comfort as well as a separate annex building. Nestled amongst the greenery and olive groves of the peaceful countryside of Alto Salento, near San Vito dei Normanni, this incredible luxury villa in Apulia is ideal for those who want to get away from it all and relax and is also well located for exploring the region. Accommodating up to 8 guests in four en suite bedrooms, there is the option to host 2 additional guests (children or teens) upon request, for a total of 10 guests.

For a true luxury experience that is undeniably specific to Apulia, Masseria Isaia is the perfect way to go. A historic masseria, a type of fortified farmhouse estate typically built in Apulia in the 16th century, this incredible property is spacious, lovely, and abounds in character and style. Located minutes from the gorgeous coastline and the famous, “white city,” of Ostuni, right in the Piana degli Ulivi Monumentali, a large expanse of the region that is cultivated with olive trees, the villa is surrounded by centuries-old and thousand-year-old trees, with the glittering city and sea visible in the distance. It would be hard to imagine a dreamier location for a holiday in Apulia!

In search of a perfect vacation rental in Italy? Well, we are constantly recommending and highlighting our remarkable villas in Italy for all sorts of reasons – special amenities, incredible locations in the centre of key destinations or in impossibly beautiful settings, types of properties from historic gems to luxurious large villas, et cetra – but maybe you don’t want to just take it from us. Perhaps, instead, you are seeking out more impartial opinions. 

Our reviews from our guests who have experienced holidays in the properties themselves are always a good place to go for the most honest and helpful reflections on various rentals and today we have compiled some recent five-star reviews to help you find the best of the best among our listings. Discover some of the best-reviewed properties on our website and then book one if it catches your fancy in order to have your own perfect vacation with Italy Villas!