Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Built between 1196 and 1307, the pink marble Baptistery of Parma is one of the most distinctive and memorable buildings in the entire city. It is also one of the most highly regarded and well-known of all medieval structures and is a clear example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic art in Italy. Octagonal in shape, built out of pink Verona marble and standing tall, made of four tiers of open loggias topped by a row of blind arches and crowning pinnacles, it is a striking and impressive building. While the exterior is harmonious and elegant, inside is a riot of colour with painted frescoes and elaborate embellishments. The result is a deeply fascinating building with plenty to take in. If you've found the perfect vacation rental in Emilia Romagna, then be sure to visit Parma and stop by the Baptistery.

Palazzo del Te is a 16th century villa in Mantua though the title of “palace” does seem more accurate as it is unbelievably grand and combines aspects of palace and villa architecture and function. It has also been called the “greatest of all Mannerist villas”. This astounding building was designed by Giulio Romano, the most gifted of Raphael's students, for Federigo Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, son of the famous Isabella d'Este and famous in his own right as one of the most cultured and learned off all Renaissance patrons of the arts. A villa suburbana, it was built in the countryside close to the city to take advantage of the fresh air and more rural pursuits without having to venture too far away. Why not find a holiday rental in Lombardy and pay a visit to Mantua and the villa for yourself?

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.

Italy is well-known as a Catholic nation and, due to its long history of Catholicism, has given rise to a large number of saints. With so many saints, not everyone can be patron saint of obvious causes which has lead to the creation of some rather strange ones including a Patron Saint of Cranky Children (St Sebastian). One of the most unusual is, perhaps, St Clare of Assisi. Assisi has had a long history of religious affiliations, with St Francis being intimately connected to the area, but another saint hailing from the town is St Clare, Patron Saint of Television. You read that right, television. Why not find a vacation rental in Umbria and spend a day in the city of Assisi, learning all about this strange saint?

Castel del Monte is probably one of the most memorable castles and buildings that you will ever see. Its distinctive appearance, architectural brilliance and historical importance have meant that it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site (one of 50 in Italy). The building, located in Apulia, near Bari, was commissioned by Frederick II of Swabia in the 13th century and sits on a hilltop, surveying the beautiful surrounding landscape. Whether you're interested in history or not, this sight is well worth a visit for the views that it offers and its dominating octagonal structure which seems like something plucked right from the pages of Game of Thrones or some other grand fantasy novel. Just find a luxury villa in Apulia and head to the castle one day to explore, admire and learn.