Archive for 'Architectural Gems'

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A post shared by Giovanni Cmrn (@letsgo_giova) on Jul 9, 2018 at 8:10am PDT

Castello Sonnino, or Castello di Montespertoli, is a stunning castle on a wine estate next to a village called Montespertoli in the Chianti region of Tuscany, 20km south of Florence. Dating back as far as the 13th century, this 150 hectare estate has been the home of the de Renzis Sonnino family since the beginning of the nineteenth century. The arrival of Baron Alessandro and Baroness Caterina de Renzis Sonnino, with their children Virginia and Leone, in 1987, saw the estate transformed into the well-oiled machine that it is today and their conservative renovation work and “commitment to the protection of the historic-cultural heritage and the revival of the winegrowing activity” have made Castello Sonnino one of the most highly regarded wine producers in Florentine Chianti.

While Siena is, arguably, one of the most stunning cities in Italy, it is also not that well-known to many international travellers, which is a crying shame. With lots to offer and a beautiful Gothic veneer, it is a perfect holiday destination and in this and the previous post, we are counting down ten great reasons to find yourself a villa rental in Siena and get exploring the city ASAP!

6. The Stunning Piccolomini Library

Another great architectural gem, this beauty is on the grounds of the cathedral and can be visited at the same time! Just turn left about halfway along the length of the cathedral's aisle and you'll discover the library, built by Pope Pius III (a member of the powerful local Piccolomini family) in memory of his uncle and to conserve the rich collection of manuscripts that he had lovingly collected. Said collection never really made it to the library and the series of frescoes by Pinturicchio and his workshop are now the real stars of the show. Truly stunning and awe-inspiring, this is a must-see space.

In the last post in this series, we are wrapping up our list of ten of the best things to see and do in Milan. There is an endless range of attractions, eateries, bars and more to choose from if you have found a holiday rental in Milan but we have outlined just some of our picks of the best of the best among them and here are more of those picks...

7. Visit the The Brera Picture Gallery

The Brera Picture Gallery, or Pinacoteca di Brera, is Milan’s main public art gallery is home to a rich collection of artworks that represents over six centuries of European art. Works by the likes of Rubens, Titian, Correggio and Anthony Van Dyck are all housed in what was originally a 14th century monastery that was later redesigned by the renowned architect Giuseppe Piermarini. Surrounded by a picturesque botanic garden, it is a stunning museum in a beautiful setting and a must-see.

A post shared by Mirko Raimondo (@mirko.mdr.raimondo) on Apr 20, 2018 at 6:39am PDT

If you are the type of traveller that likes to always have something to see and do, to have endless eateries and bars to choose from, to have plenty of unique stores to browse, and to have a wide range of attractions to visit, then go ahead and find a holiday rental in Milan. Milan, with its rich history and bustling chic and modern history, is the ideal destination for the discerning traveller.

Here are more of our selection of just ten of the must-see attractions in Milan...

Bosa is an incredibly picturesque town on the west coast of Sardinia. It is a colourful seaside resort that is defined by the stacked pastel-coloured houses and buildings that rise up a steep hillside from the beachfront to the town's 12th century castle. Featuring a wide bay, filled with bobbing fishing boasts, a river that is lined with palm trees and winds back into the town, pretty little streets, and plenty to see and do, it is a charming gem and one of Sardinia’s most attractive towns. Just find a vacation rental in Bosa and come discover its many charms for yourself...

The town is ancient and was established by the Phoenicians before thriving under the Romans. Visually, the town still largely reflects the rule of the Tuscan Malaspina family in the 12th century, with their castle overlooking the whole town and the pretty Medieval Quarter of the town spreading out from its base.