Archive for 'Campania'

Once you've found the perfect holiday rental in Naples and are exploring the city, you might spend some time visiting any one of her many historic and beautiful castles. During these visits you're likely to learn all about the history, architecture and art of the buildings. However, there are a few that have particularly juicy histories and stories to tell which seem less like a lesson from school and more like the plots of soap operas. One of the lesser known, but rather important, castles among their number is Castel Capuano.

Ravello is a southern Italian town on the famous Amalfi Coast, perched high above sparkling azure seas and with stunning views across the water. It has long captured the hearts of many and is often included in lists of best holiday destinations, lesser-known Italian gems and beautiful towns. In fact, many of the town’s biggest fans have been artists and writers, such as D.H. Lawrence and Virginia Woolf, who became so enamoured with the place that they have spent extended periods in the town or have lived there. Why were they so taken by the town? Well, it offers the perfect mix of culture, relaxation, delicious food, luxurious accommodation and stunning views. In fact, Gore Vidal once described the panorama here as “the most beautiful in the world.” If you want to take in the most beautiful panorama in the world for yourself, just find a vacation rental in Campania and spend some time in the stunning town of Ravello.

The San Carlo Opera House in Naples was built in the 18th century by King Charles of Bourbon who wanted his capital city to have a state-of-the-art theatre. A large and luxurious space with majestic architecture and perfect acoustics, it became known far and wide. Sadly, it was destroyed in a fire in 1816 but was rebuilt under the direction of architect Antonio Niccolini, who created the opulent building which stands on the site today. The San Carlo Opera House is among the oldest continuously active public opera houses in the world and puts together a dazzling season of opera, ballet and performances each year. If you feel like getting dressed up and experiencing the magic and luxury of a show at the theatre, or merely tour the stunning building, just find a holiday rental in Naples and stop by!

This article began as a recipe. However, research made it apparent that this is a dish that only the most talented of bakers should attempt, lest the be completely bested and frustrated by the undertaking at hand. It is, of course, possible to make sfogliatelle at home but your best bet to enjoy this delicious pastry is just to find a vacation rental in Naples and pop into a bakery in the morning where you'll find the Neapolitan delight fresh, perfect and probably still warm from the oven! Sounds much more enjoyable than potentially fruitless slaving away in the kitchen, right?

Pastiera is a cake which comes from the city of Naples in Campania. It was originally made and consumed during the pagan celebrations of the return of the Spring time. The modern pastiera, however, was probably invented in a Neapolitan convent. An unnamed nun wanted to make a cake with the aroma of the flowers of the orange trees which grew in the convent’s gardens and added this ingredient into the ancient recipe. Her recipe brought together wheat, ricotta, eggs (symbol of new life and resurrection), some water which had the fragrance of the flowers, candied citron and aromatic Asian spices. The dish took off and the nuns began to make the cakes for rich families in the area.

Eventually, it entered wider production and became available from bakers and shops and now can be purchased all over the city. Find a holiday rental in Naples and you can try it while wandering the historic treats. However, if you can't wait until then, try it out first using this recipe.