Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Peggy Guggenheim's life and career are key to the history of 20th century art and she dedicated half of her life to protecting the art of her time. Today, one of Venice's best museums bears her name. It is based on the collection she established and, eventually, began to open to the public seasonally. She was ahead of her time in her attitudes towards collecting art, and to life and left behind an extraordinary tale and a fantastic museum for Venice. The museum is, of course, a must for art-lovers visiting the city once they have found a holiday rental in Venice. However, it will also be of interest to those taken in by fascinating characters from history as Peggy was exactly that; fascinating.

Ostia Antica is an ancient Roman ghost town, not unlike Pompeii. However, it has the added bonus of being located just a subway ride from downtown Rome and is normally devoid of the intense tourist crowds that will mob Pompeii year-round. If you're interested in the Romans and that period of history, then this is the place for you, just find yourself the perfect vacation rental in Rome, hop on the subway and head out to Ostia Antica, Rome's fascinating ancient seaport which was abandoned by inhabitants, after the fall of the empire, and by the sea, after gradual silting of the harbour saw the coastline move out 4km.

The city of Genoa is an exceptionally beautiful place, a bustling metropolis full of elegant historic buildings, well-planned public squares, dramatic fountains and sweeping thoroughfares. These urban spaces are complemented by the presence of natural oases dotted around the city in the form of public parks. One of these is the park of Villa Durazzo-Pallavicini, a 19th century park in the English Romantic style that is exceptionally beautiful and will completely capture your heart once you step foot inside of it. If you have found a vacation rental in Liguria and are spending some time exploring Genoa, make sure to take a moment for a breather in this beautiful space.

Between 1339 and 1797 the then Republic of Genoa, a state of the Holy Roman Empire, was ruled by the Doges of Genoa. Officially a position one had to earn through a voting system, it was, in reality, an oligarchy. These men resided in the Doge's Palace, a 13th century palace in the city which is now open to the public and houses many different museums and cultural institutions. A striking, large elegant building, it is one of the architectural gems of this exceptionally beautiful city and has been subject to much alteration and addition over the years, reflecting many architectural styles in one structure. The building itself is worth dropping by for a gawk but a cultural mecca is held within, just waiting to be explored. Once you have found a holiday rental in Liguria, be sure to spend a day exploring this extraordinary city and building.

Castello di Petroia is a castle near the town of Gubbio in the region of Umbria. Perched on a hilltop, in a strategic and scenic position, it both offers outstanding views of the surrounding landscape and looks like something plucked right from the pages of a storybook. Now a hotel, this castle is open to the public for meals in the great hall and has wonderful grounds where you can take a stroll after a delicious meal. Located close by both Gubbio and Perugia, it is the perfect distance from either town to make a quick trip one evening for dinner or during an afternoon to grab a coffee and explore the grounds. Just find a vacation rental in Umbria and drop by this stunning, fairytale castle for yourself.