Archive for 'Architectural Gems'

The House of Andrea Mantegna is a 15th century building in the city of Mantua that is a vibrant art centre where temporary exhibitions and cultural events take place.

It is also a museum that collects, documents and researches the evolution of its namesake's art: Andrea Mantegna.

Mantegna was an Italian painter who went on to have one of the most important print workshops in Italy. The House of Andrea Mantua was built by the artist as his home and is the ultimate expression of his ambitions and how he wanted to be seen as a person and artist.

Built on a piece of land donated by Ludovico II Gonzaga, one of the most influential patrons in Italy at the time and part of the ruling Gonzaga family of Mantua, the house is expressed across two floors on a square plan with a central circular courtyard around which all of the rooms are arranged.

There is no shortage of beautiful towns and villages in Italy. Picturesque towns that look like something ripped right from the pages of a storybook or like a postcard come to life are scattered all across the country.

Made up of historic buildings, winding streets, great views and scenic surroundings, these little gems are the perfect place to well and truly get away with it all and experience the unique culture of Italy. One of the most beautiful among all of these lovely towns is the village of Novara di Sicilia in Sicily.

Located around 70 kilometers from Messina, the town is steeped in legend. Built where the Nebrodi mountains and the Peloritani mountains meet, it is fabled to have been inhabited by the Cyclops. Today, sadly, there are no mythological creatures to be found but there is still plenty to discover in this incredibly pretty town.

Mantua is a city in Lombardy, in the north of Italy, that is a serious Renaissance gem of a place but remains a little-known holiday destination outside of its homeland. However, with its pretty buildings, rich cultural history, scenic and lush surroundings and status as well and truly off the beaten tourist path, it makes for an excellent vacation destination! Just find a vacation rental in Lombardy and come explore this stunning city.

One of the crowning jewels of this beautiful town is the Bibiena Theatre, also known as the Scientific Theatre, as it was intended for the Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts and designed to accommodate performances, scientific experiments and scientific doctrinal expositions.

Today, it remains an important educational centre and is a museum and a venue that is used for music festivals, concerts and important conventions.

While there aren't all that many traditional tourist sights or monuments on Ponza, Italy there are things to see and do on this beautiful island. A long time favourite holiday destination of Romans, it has a lot to offer and makes for a wonderful spot to vacation. Just find a holiday rental in Latium and then spend even just a day discovering this gem for yourself.

One of the things that is most attractive about the island is the selection of stunning beaches and there are some seriously great ones to choose from such as Chiaia di Luna, a pretty pale crescent of sand lapped by aquamarine waters and Lucia Rosa with its incredible sunsets.

The whole island is a perfect seaside destination where there are a wealth of diving companies to choose from and a seabed lined with ancient Roman ships, sunken World War II steamship remnants and a diverse wildlife to discover.

The coastal city of Bari in the region of Apulia, is a lively and beautiful city in southern Italy. Divided into two main quarters, the old town and the modern part of the city, it is a pretty and cultured city with lots to see and do. If you have found a luxury villa in Apulia and are planning a trip to the city, make sure to check out the Palazzo Fizzarotti, which is a stunning architectural gem in this cultural hotspot of a destination.

Palazzo Fizzarotti is, surprisingly, a Venetian Gothic style building but it is located on the opposite side of the country on the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, in the historic center of Bari. It was built in the late 1800s and early 1900s and was designed by architects Bernich and Corradini.