Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Our last article looked at the museum culture of Italy that is so important for tourism, is a big reason why many people visit the country and is, certainly, something people expect to experience when they visit.

However, the downside is that museums, galleries and cultural attractions can often have long lines and be extremely busy. So, for those who want to take in Italian culture but can't deal with the tourist crowds, we have compiled a list of some amazing museums around the country that have lots to offer without the madness.

The last post discussed Mantua's archaeological museum and a very special exhibition there and the Canova Museum in Possagno and this article will give you some more examples of lesser-known, but special, museums in Italy.

Our last article discussed some of the amazing spa destinations and glamorous getaways that Italy has to offer but any single post on this topic could only dip a toe into the vast thermal waters of the unending list of amazing spa towns that the country has to offer.

While Ischia Island has beautiful scenery and popularity with celebrities to recommend it and Salsomaggiore Terme is home to one of the greatest architectural gems any spa destination in the world can boast and a history of being the spa town of choice of emperors, there are many others to be discovered.

Read on for some more relaxing, beautiful and fascinating spa towns in Italy.

Art, architecture, culture, history, the finer things in life, these are all on offer in Italy in abundance. There is no shortage of museums, art galleries, architectural gems, castles, palaces, churches and other attractions all over the country and many are incredibly famous worldwide. These are things that make it onto bucket lists and can be the single motivating factor for people when deciding to visit Italy. However, for every Uffizi Gallery, Sistine Chapel and Medici palace there are also plenty of outstanding museums that you have probably never heard of. We thought these lesser-known heroes deserved a mention so we compiled a list of museums and galleries where you'll avoid the crazy lines and floods of tourists and will get to experience wonderful highlights of Italian art, architecture, history and culture.

One of the best things about visiting Italy is the difference in the pace of life. Things tend to be a little more relaxed and laid-back than in other parts of the world and, if you're willing to embrace this, it makes for the perfect atmosphere to have a perfectly revitalising holiday where you forget all your worries and enjoy yourself.

Ignore the fact that the grocery store and post office in the town have just closed for three hours at lunch and forget about emails and the office for the duration of your stay in Italy.

Instead, choose one of the beautiful spa towns around the country and soak in natural hot springs, go for a massage and a facial – there is no better way to fully experience the relaxation that can only be found in Italy.

Some buildings are so incredibly beautiful and fantastical that they don't seem to be real and Sammezzano Castle definitely fits into that category. The castle, known for its outlandish moorish inspired architecture, is a bit of a hidden gem located in Tuscany in Reggello, just a twenty minute journey from Florence. The reason it is a lesser-known architectural treasure is that it is not normally open to the public and its future is rather uncertain. Despite being abandoned for decades, however, it remains a stunning testament to the wonders that sometimes arose from the eccentricity and quirky personalities of nobles.

The gardens can still be visited, the outside admired and you can sometimes see the interior but there is a rather long waiting list. Still, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and want to get out of the city, it is worth popping out to the castle, even if you can only gawk at the impressive (but slightly less jaw-droppingly beautiful) facade.