Priamar Fortress
Posted in: Castles & Palaces Liguria Museums & Galleries Northwest Italy Tourist Attractions
The Monumental Complex of Priamar (“stone by the sea”), which is often known simply as Priamar Fortress, is a sixteenth-century fortress which is located in the port town of Savona. It stands on the rock that hosted the first Savona settlement and the medieval core of the city. This monumental building has undergone many changes over the years and has been put to use for a variety of purposes. Today, it is an important museum and cultural centre in the city. Art lovers, history buffs, military enthusiasts, kids and architecture fans alike will all take something away from a visit to this attraction. Just find a vacation rental in the Riviera Ligure area and enjoy this stunning structure and the beautiful town in which it is located.
San Carlo Opera House in 1830
Posted in: Architectural Gems Campania Southern Italy Tourist Attractions
The San Carlo Opera House in Naples was built in the 18th century by King Charles of Bourbon who wanted his capital city to have a state-of-the-art theatre. A large and luxurious space with majestic architecture and perfect acoustics, it became known far and wide. Sadly, it was destroyed in a fire in 1816 but was rebuilt under the direction of architect Antonio Niccolini, who created the opulent building which stands on the site today. The San Carlo Opera House is among the oldest continuously active public opera houses in the world and puts together a dazzling season of opera, ballet and performances each year. If you feel like getting dressed up and experiencing the magic and luxury of a show at the theatre, or merely tour the stunning building, just find a holiday rental in Naples and stop by!
Lucedio Abbey
Posted in: Churches & Religious Buildings Legends Northwest Italy Piedmont Tourist Attractions
Lucedio Abbey was built in 1123, when a large area of swampy land was given to Cistercian monks by the Marquis of Montefract. The monks set up a monastery on this site near Trino and made a success of cultivating rice there. However, there were darker events happening beneath the surface of this seemingly ordinary monastery. Lucedio has attracted ghost-hunters, teams of paranormal experts and television crews from all over the world and still has a certain morbid appeal. Believers and sceptics alike will be terrified and fascinated by the tale of the monastery so find a vacation rental in Piedmont and set out to explore this horrifying site.
Arch of Trajan, Ancona
Posted in: Architectural Gems Central Italy The Marches Tourist Attractions
Italy is a land with boundless riches when it comes to cultural heritage. The wealth of art and historical monuments is endless with sites and objects of major international importance dating from pre-history to the present day. One of the periods for which she is most well-known is the time of the Romans. Their control of vast swathes of the world lasted for hundreds of years and their power and longevity ensured that much remains of their life and times, particularly in Italy, their base of operations and homeland. Pompeii, Herculaneum and Rome itself are the most famous sites but other parts of Italy are also imbued with rich sights.
Santa and Mrs Claus
Posted in: Apulia Churches & Religious Buildings Southern Italy Tourist Attractions
The Basilica di San Nicola (or Church of St Nicholas) in Bari, is so beautiful that, once you have found a luxury villa in Puglia you might have been drawn there magnetically anyway. However, the name actually suggests another reason for you to visit this extraordinary building, especially at this time of year. That reason is that the church is dedicated to, and the final resting place of, St. Nicholas of Myra: i.e. Santa Claus. If you're holidaying in Puglia over the Christmas period, it is an absolute must to drop by and pay your respects to the man that has brought such joy to millions of children around the world – maybe don't tell the kids who is buried there, though!