Archive for 'Architectural Gems'

We always recommend an incredible stay in one of our vacation rentals in Florence to take in the immense cultural wealth of the city but if you’re after that kind of cultural background as well as the sizzling summers and stunning coastline offered to those who book a holiday rental in Salento then just plan a visit to Lecce. The so-called Florence of the South – a nickname that stuck after the Irish bishop George Berkeley came through Apulia in the 18th century and was struck by the splendour of the city – Lecce is a hub of incredible beauty that is full of things to see and do and is basically one giant, outdoor museum. 

But why exactly has Lecce been labelled the Florence of the South?

Sicily, in particular, is a region of Italy that is full of incredible architectural gems and great architectural cities from the Arab-Norman wonders of Palermo to the ornate and sumptuous Baroque seen in Noto. As such, many of the towns and cities of the island are well-worth simply wandering while keeping your eyes properly open to all of the beauty all around you. Those who find a villa in Syracuse should definitely take this advice to heart as there are ample world-class monuments to visit but the streets, in general, are dotted with gorgeous buildings both famous and little-known that are true architectural wonders. So, seek out the attractions in town but also explore, get a little bit lost, and take in the beauty of this city during a vacation in Sicily. 

Utterly singular, with incredible local traditions, and truly spectacular landscapes, Sardinia offers vacations in Italy but not as you imagine them. The second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and an extremely popular tourist destination, it is one of those places that you will likely have heard about plenty if you haven’t been yourself already. However, don’t come expecting the culture of mainland Italy but, rather, a distinct culinary scene, history, language, and more. Those who book a villa in Sardinia will come to find that there is nowhere else quite like it…

Renaissance architecture is defined by ideals of harmony, balance, and symmetry and saw architects of the period study classical buildings to create idealised structures that are impossibly beautiful. Rome is home to more than her fair share of such buildings but, among them all, one of the most charming and magical jewel-box like beauties is the Tempietto. For architecture and art-lovers who book a vacation rental in Rome and come to explore the impossibly rich architectural heritage of the city, this gorgeous little building is a must-see.

There is no shortage of stunning jewel-box churches in Italy. In fact, most towns have a pretty little church of their own, a surprising number with works by rather famous artists so it is always worth peeking inside to see what you might find – you never know! Italy’s bigger towns and cities, meanwhile, boast even more impressive and bejewelled houses of worship. The romantic town of Verona, for example, is full of architectural gems and beautiful sights, making it a must for those on a day-trip who vacation in Veneto, and among her stunning buildings, the Chiesa di Sant'Eufemia is quite the wonder.