Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Padernello Castle, located in Brescia in Lombardy, looks like it has been pulled from the most beautiful storybook you ever read as a child. Set in lush green surroundings with crumbling reddish orange walls and an emerald coloured moat hugging its edges, it is colourful and picture perfect. Despite its romantic and somewhat dilapidated appearance, the castle is very much a part of local contemporary life through educational programs with local schools, public events, exhibitions and a popular farmer's market which is hosted by the castle. If you want to experience the Italy of movies and perfect photographs in travel guides, this sight is sure to deliver.

The story of Pompeii is somewhat familiar to most. It was one of two flourishing Roman towns (the other being Herculaneum) at the foot of the volcano, Vesuvius, when it erupted in 79AD. The towns were covered in ash and lava and buried under the earth until they were properly excavated from the 18th century onwards. From that moment onwards, Pompeii, in particular, became the object of international fascination as it saw the preservation of life thousands of years ago. Not only was the architecture, art and lifestyle of the time frozen but an instant in time remained paused for later generations to view and learn from. Unique and captivating, the two sites continue to draw millions each year.

The cathedral of Amalfi is located in the city's main square. As with many churches in Italy, it has ancient origins but has been rebuilt or renovated countless times throughout the centuries. This building, however, is one of the most memorable churches you will visit in the country. Approached by a sweeping stone stair and with a polychromatic Arabic-inspired exterior, which speaks to the heritage of the area, it has an immediate impact on the viewer. If you are a fan of architectural gems perched by the sea, then Amalfi is just the place for you.

Find a holiday home on the Amalfi Coast and have you breath taken away by the sights and surroundings.

St Mark's Basilica in Venice, is the city's cathedral. The original church was built inside the complex of the Doge's Palace in 828 to house the relics of St. Mark the Evangelist which had supposedly been stolen by Venetian merchants from Alexandria. It was burned to the ground in 976 during an uprising and rebuilt twice. By the time it was to be rebuilt for the second time, the Venetian Republic had become a much greater power and, to symbolise its growing power and wealth, a new basilica complex was built and consecrated in 1094. This is the building that we know today. First, it was only used as the doge's private chapel and became the city's cathedral in the nineteenth century.

A very special monument is perched on the top of Mount Grappa in Treviso. This is the Military Memorial Monument of Mount Grappa, or the Sacrario Militare Del Monte Grappa, which is one of the most important military ossuaries of WWI. It was built in 1935, and was designed in collaboration by Giovanni Greppi and Giannino Castiglioni. Its distinctive architecture is inspired by military fortification and the striking form rises up against the skyline, large and austere. The result is rather dramatic. If you're a WWI buff or fond of dramatic 20th century architecture and landscapes, this is the perfect spot for you. Find a luxury villa in Veneto and spend a day trekking the mountain with the view of the area and the monument as your reward.