Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

The Villa Capra, or “La Rotonda”, is a 16th century structure built according to the designs of the great Andrea Palladio in the Vicenza area. It is known today for its supreme symmetry, scenic location and integration of interior and exterior. Put simply, it is one of the most stunning feats of architecture in the world. If you're an architecture lover, find a luxury villa in Veneto and be sure to pay a visit!

The building was commissioned for Paolo Americo, a priest who retired from a Vatican position and wished to retire to his homeland of Vicenza. It was built on a hilltop in what would now be called a suburban area.

Venice is well-known for her canals but the buildings that sit atop the man-made piles and islands are also one of her most precious gems.

If you're looking for a slightly different way to experience the city, why not follow this quick and easy itinerary of just five of the many buildings you need to see if you ever find yourself in Venice?

While you're at it, find a luxury villa near Venice to do the trip in true style.

In the lovely little town of Sirmione, right on Lake Garda, there stands a rather unique building. A rare example of medieval port fortification, Scaliger Castle, or Castello Scaligero, was begun in 1277 by Mastino della Scala and work was continued in three phases into the fifteenth century.

Why not find a vacation villa rental on the Garda lake and spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the grounds of this magnificent structure before descending into the historic centre of Sirmione below and grabbing something to eat in a local restaurant?

Sirmione is a small town with a population of less than 9,000 which is located on Lake Garda. However, despite its relatively small size, it is jam-packed with things to see and do, history and architectural gems. The area has been settled since the Stone Age when it was probably home to fishermen who lived in houses on stilts on the banks of the lake.

One such settlement found nearby at Lugana Vecchia is part of the collection of such sites across a variety of countries in the vicinity of the Alps, including Slovenia, Austria, Germany, France and Switzerland and is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Salsomaggiore Terme is a town and comune located in Emilia-Romagna at the foot of the Apennines and is a popular Spa town. It was during the reign of Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma and second wife of Napoleon, that Salsomaggiore began to gain recognition as a spa attraction for therapeutic purposes. It then became one of the most celebrated and famous spots for this in all of Europe. Situated in the heart of Northern Italy and surrounded by rolling green hills, Salsomaggiore Terme is only about an hour from Milan and Bologna. It makes the perfect getaway from the madness of modern urban living. Why not find a luxury villa in Emilia-Romagna and see for yourself?