Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Throughout the Renaissance, as new ideas and concepts spread across Italy, different cities expressed more universal notions in their own ways. Each city, state, town or region had unique identities, traditions and heritages and this informed their expression of the ideas of Brunelleschi, Alberti, humanism and the Renaissance at large. Usually this embodiment was not all that different to the prevailing styles but regional quirks or differences are apparent in some centres. Venice, in particular, is a good example of this.

The city is highly unique in many ways, both in its physical and cultural aspects. Built on a lagoon, the city is made up of a series of 72 confini – a very unusual plan which dictated how its buildings might be constructed. The geographical placing of Venice also affected her culture and influences. Here, East and West came together in a unique way and the dual influence of these cultures shaped the culture and architecture of the city.

Lecce, often known as the “Florence of the South”, is a stunning Baroque city with an incredibly preserved and lovely historic centre that is located in Apulia, in the south of Italy. It is a cultural and artistic gem that has to be seen to be believed. Just find a luxury villa in Apulia and visit it for yourself.

In the previous article, we noted some of the wonderful religious Baroque buildings that can be admired in the city and while there are dozens more that one could mention, there are also many other types of structures and works to be seen, beyond those used for worship.

However, in saying that, it would be remiss of us not to, at least, mention the church of Santa Croce Church; one of the most famous and extraordinary buildings in the entire city, with its iconic Hellenistic façade and rose window.

Lecce is a beautiful and historic city in Apulia, in the south of Italy. While it is over 2,000 years old, with origins dating to before the Trojan War, it is mainly known as a Baroque city,. Defined by the many Baroque architectural monuments that dot the city, it has been lent the nickname, "The Florence of the South". Home to a malleable, golden type of limestone that is perfect for carving and sculpture, the Baroque of Lecce is florid and exuberant and incredibly stunning. One of the loveliest cities in Italy, it is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts. Just find a luxury villa in Apulia and come explore this magical city for yourself.

While tracing the exact origins of any stylistic movement is practically impossible, Bishop Luigi Pappacoda's arrival to the city in 1639 can be considered a key moment in the establishment of Lecce's flourishing Baroque period.

In the last post of this series, we really have saved the best for last. Italy is a beautiful holiday destination and is a country rich in art and culture and fine cuisine but it also has a stunning landscape that perfectly facilitates adventure. If you are a fan of extreme sports, in particular, it is an ideal destination and these are some more of the places you need to check out.

5. Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is a town and comune on the coast of the Valle d’Itria, Apulia that is perched atop a 20m limestone cliff, overlooking the Adriatic. It is also often home to one of the legs of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series and was again this year on the 23rd of July. The cliffs are a huge part of the identity of the town and make the perfect place for the competition. Athletes dive directly from a private roof-top terrace and must proceed through a private living room in order to reach the platform, set 27m above the Adriatic Sea.

If you are a thrill-seeker that is planning a trip to Italy, you may be looking forward to the relaxation, great food and culture but you might also want to squeeze in some adventure as well and, in that case, you have chosen the right destination! Italy's varied and beautiful landscape makes it the perfect place to enjoy many different extreme sports that are bound to get your heart racing. From tall cliffs to snowy peaks and raging rivers to deep seas, the ingredients for an adventure are all over Italy. Continuing on from our last post, here are some more of the extreme sports and incredible experiences that await in Italy.

4. Marmore Falls

Marmore Falls is a man-made waterfall in Umbria that was created by the ancient Romans in 271 BC. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in Europe and the tallest man-made waterfall in the world. There are plenty of routes for hiking and walking in the area and these are recommended for taking in the fairytale-like beauty of the falls.