Archive for 'Architectural Gems'

For fashion lovers and fans of the first movie, the release of the Devil Wears Prada 2 this month loomed large in calendars as a major film event of the year. With a good portion of the plot taking place in Milan, one of the oldest and most celebrated fashion capitals in the world, those planning their summer stay at a villa in Lombardy or a vacation rental in Milan might want to take note of some key locations to add to their travel itinerary.

Set two decades after the original film, this sequel sees Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs return to Runway as their new features editor after every member of staff at her former newspaper is laid off. In need of a job and recently having gone viral for a speech on the continued importance of journalism in the current era, she takes the new role and must once again dive into the world of fashion and face off against Meryl Streep’s formidable Miranda Priestly. 

The great art cities of Italy hold untold numbers of extraordinary masterpieces from sculpted pieces brought to life by Michelangelo in astonishing anatomical detail, to crumbling experimental frescoes by da Vinci, to iconic characters painted by the likes of Botticelli, and much more besides. Every medium and subject can be accounted for, millennia of art movements are represented, influence from all over the world can be felt. This is no more true in any other place than Ravenna, where you will find several churches that are like the most beautiful jewellery boxes, adorned with utterly breath-taking mosaics. So, if you book a vacation rental in Emilia-Romagna be sure to visit this stunning and unique art city in Italy to take in her astounding artistic heritage and dazzling works…

For those who find a vacation rental in Rome, a visit to the Colosseum is likely already going to be part of your itinerary and, as a new area is about to be opened to the public for the first time, there is even more reason to head to this renowned attraction whether you have been there before or not! Opening to the public on the 27th of October 2025 is a tunnel underneath the iconic landmark that was once only used by Emperors. So, if you want to walk in the footsteps of the rulers of Ancient Rome, it is a perfect time to plan a holiday in Italy…

There are lots of famous sights to take in and sites to visit if you book a vacation rental in Rome but beyond the most familiar spots that everyone has in mind to at least see once with their own eyes, we have some particular details that we think you should savour. So, if you’re in the Eternal City, pause in your darting around to see it all and make the time to really take these wonders in...

Lecce is a city famous for its stunningly ornate Baroque architecture in its charming historic centre. Among the beautiful buildings that account for this distinct Baroque heritage, the Basilica of Santa Croce stands out as one of the most strikingly lovely examples. A master class in sculpture with an elaborately appointed exterior and a grand interior, it is a place where you could easily spend hours walking around and taking in all of the detail. Certainly, for those who book a villa in Apulia and who are exploring Lecce, it is a must-see attraction that will reward visitors with truly breath-taking beauty and a fascinating history.

The origins of the Basilica of Santa Croce go back to the 14th century, when Walter VI, Count of Brienne, founded a monastery on the site. In 1549, construction of the church began, making use of neighbouring sites that had been acquired, including from the homes of Jewish inhabitants who had been ousted from the city 39 years previously. The building was not finished, however, until 1695, almost 150 years later, with various parts completed piecemeal.