Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Bergamo is a stunning city in Lombardy that is surrounded by captivating scenery and stuffed full of architectural and cultural gems. One of the most beautiful buildings in the whole city, however, has to the Cappella Colleoni.

Built between 1472 and 1476, it was constructed as a mausoleum-cum-chapel for the Bergamese mercenary commander Bartolomeo Colleoni. One of the most famous mercenary captains in Italy, he led Venice's armies in campaigns across northern Italy and was known as a fearless soldier.

With a charming exterior and stunningly lovely interior, his chapel is a must-see for visitors coming to the city. Just find a vacation rental in Lombardy and spend time exploring Bergamo and her architectural boons.

The Grotta Mangiapane is one of those tourist destinations that is so far off the beaten track that, while it may be of interest to tourists, it really isn't made for the itineraries of most. It is a bit of a secret that is unfamiliar to anyone but locals.

However, it is well worth a visit. Just find a luxury villa in Sicily and explore this unique site for yourself!

The giant cave, located on the west coast of Sicily, is home to an ancient village, that may date back some 10,000 years and which has remained untouched and untainted for decades. It is the largest of nine Scurati Caves in Custonaci where prehistoric men first settled. For a long time thereafter it was a small town and community. Today, it is abandoned and is now basically a large, open-air museum, dedicated to Italy of the past and which allows visitors to step back in time.

You are likely to be somewhat familiar with Rome and her sights: you've probably seen them on postcards and in books, magazines, films, television shows and documentaries your whole life, as have most of us. It is one of the most famous, beautiful and heavily documented cities in the entire world, with a long, rich and fascinating history.

If you have found a vacation rental in Rome and are visiting the city, there are probably many things you want to see and do and it is one of those places where even the most seasoned and cosmopolitan travellers will find themselves wanting to swing by the touristy spots.

However, if the lines and crowds grow wearisome, there are some lesser-known destinations and attractions that you might consider as well. One of these is the Aventine Keyhole.

Procida is a small island located in the Bay of Naples in the south of Italy. It is a place where locals make up the vast majority and there aren't many typical or well-developed tourist sights but, as a result, it is all the more authentic and unspoiled. Unlike Capri and Ischia, it is not a buzzing tourist destination and is devoid of large crowds and long lines.

If you are in search of a typical holiday destination with plenty of cultural attractions and things to see and do, it may not be the place for you. However, if you are looking for something a little quieter and more laid-back, where you just enjoy a place and its scenery, then Procida is the destination for you. Just find a luxury villa in Campania, head to Procida and take in the stunning views, try the fresh local food and lay out on the perfect beaches.

The Basilica di Santa Croce, or Church of the Holy Cross, is one of the oldest and best-known of Lecce's Baroque buildings.

In a stunning city of architectural and cultural gems, it manages to still stand out as one of the most beautiful. Just find a vacation rental in Apulia and you can explore this gem of a destination for yourself.

Work on the basilica began in 1549, as part of the renewal of the area declared by emperor Charles V in response to the threat of an invasion by the Ottoman Turks. The Battle of Lepanto came and went and, all the while, local artisans, architects and artists transformed the city.

The basilica was the work of Gabriele Riccardi, Cesare Penna and Giuseppe Zimbalo and is a grand project that catalogues mythology, religion and history on the interior and exterior.