Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

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.

The Phlegraean Fields or Campi Flegrei is an area that encompasses land all along the west of Naples, by the bay. The name means “burning fields” and comes from the fact that the area often smokes and sizzles in a remarkably dramatic and hellish way. This area is volcanic in nature and, while none are technically active, there is plenty of seismic activity in the area and it has been hugely affected by its volcanic history.

Vesuvius may be the only active volcano in continental Europe but the Phlegraean Fields' Solfatara is a good place to see some of the effects of volcanism up close. Here you can actually go inside the crater and see its fumaroles (steam vents), boiling mud and ground that's hot to the touch. Solfatara is, in fact, just one of the extraordinary sights that the Phlegraean Fields has to offer and really has to be seen to believe. If you feel like getting in touch with Dante on your next trip to Italy, just find a holiday rental in Campania and see what the Inferno might just look like.

Rocca Calascio is the name of both a small town and a castle in the province of L'Aquila City. It is located at the top of a mountain, at an altitude of 1, 460 meters above sea level and is the highest town in central Italy. The ancient town sits at the top, capped by the magnificent castle by the same name, and at the foot of the mountain is the modern town of Calascio. Both are located in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park and are set in dramatic, scenic mountainous surroundings.

The town was founded in the Roman era and the castle traces its origins to this period, when a turret was built on the same site. Today, the castle and town are popular tourist destinations that can be visited for free and were part of the backdrop of several famous movies.

If you want to pay a visit for yourself to this extraordinary sight, just find a vacation rental in Abruzzo and spend a day wandering the town, castle and its grounds.

Strombolicchio is the name of a sea stack of volcanic origin that is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, just off the coast of Italy. The name literally means “tiny Stromboli” as it is like a mini-me, positioned just 2km off the coast of Stromboli Island and is thought to have been formed by the same original volcano from which the bigger island was built up. Strombolicchio is a distinct and rather romantic looking landmark. It stands up from the water, tall, slim and rugged and is very clearly visible for miles around. As a result, it has captured, and continues to capture, imaginations for a long time and there are endless photographs of it from every imaginable angle, in every light, at every time of day and in every atmospheric condition.

If you have found a vacation rental in Sicily and are exploring the area, make sure to take a boat trip around the island or merely keep an eye out for it along the coast.

The Medieval Village in Turin is a very special tourist attraction, the likes of which cannot be seen anywhere else. While you will find villages, towns and cities all across Italy that have medieval quartres or centres, they have all been altered to some degree by the passing of time and progress. The Medieval Village, placed in Valentino Park, however, is an unchanging glimpse into the past. Built in the 19th century, it may not actually be authentically medieval but it is a very faithful, perfect replica of a 15th century Piedmontese Village and the closest thing you will get to actually travelling back through time and space. For history lovers or those merely intrigued by novelty, the “village” is a beautiful architectural feat in a city of architectural feats that is sure to delight. Just find a vacation rental in Piedmont and you can spend a pleasant day exploring the city of Turin and this hidden curiosity.