Archive for 'Architectural Gems'

Rome is a city that is very much defined by her architecture. In fact, the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and St Peter's are probably the very first thing to come to mind when one thinks of the city. While defining monuments becoming shorthand for a city is not at all uncommon, Rome has just so many that are incredibly iconic and well-known all over the globe. Here are some of the other architectural gems of Rome that you need to check out once you have found a holiday rental in Rome.

1. Torre Argentina

Torre Argentina is a fascinating architectural gem that is both a historic ruin and one of the largest cat sanctuaries in the whole world.

Continuing on from our last article, we have rounded up even more activities that cost nothing and can be enjoyed while exploring Florence, in order to help your holiday budget stretch a little further and give you one less thing to concern yourself with. Wandering around the city and just taking it all in, alone, is a worthwhile way to pass the time that will leave you satisfied and feeling like you've experienced the best of Florence. However, to add to this and enhance your experience further, here are some places you can stop off and specific areas of the city that you can visit. Just find a luxury villa near Florence and get exploring its hidden nooks and crannies - you're bound to discover the most extraordinary things.

As you wander around, you should also keep an eye out for some charming works of art on the streets. CLET, a French artist living in the city, adds a sense of whimsy and fun to the streets of Florence by transforming ubiquitous city street signs into discrete works of art with his removable stickers.

Holidays can be expensive things, particularly in large European cities such as Florence. Once you have found the perfect luxury villa near Florence to stay in, and have planned out all the big trips and delicious meals, you might find the pot a little light. If you want to enjoy the experience without having to worry about sticking to a budget, why not check out our list of things that you can do in the city for free so you can save a bit of money, without scrimping on the wonderful experiences that Florence has to offer?

Santa Maria del Fiore (the Cathedral of Florence, also known as the Duomo) is the main church and one of the most important buildings in the city. Begun in the 13th century in the Gothic style under the direction of Arnolfo di Cambio, it was not finished until the great Renaissance architect Brunelleschi came to create that famous and trailblazing soaring dome.

Sassari is Sardinia's sprawling second city; a cultured, bustling university town that can seem a little drab or scruffy at first but which is home to some spectacular surprises.

Once you navigate through the areas of urban sprawl with less personality, you'll find lovely spots to eat and drink, galleries and stores you'll find nowhere else and, at the centre, a historic Old Town that charms.

Medieval alleys, busy piazzas that are alive with the sound of daily life, stunning churches and grand palazzi all await. Once you have found a vacation rental in Sardinia and are planning your itinerary for your trip, be sure to include a visit to Sassari.

Genoa is a wonderful beauty, filled with architectural gems and hidden treasures. In fact, the built and historical worlds of Genoa are probably what make it most appealing to residents and tourists alike.

Among the stunning buildings in the Old Town, there are the system of 42 Palazzo dei Rolli buildings that have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and, among these, one of the most interesting is the beautiful Palazzo Bianco.

For sipping on rooftop cocktails at sunset, wandering pretty gardens in the afternoon or taking in famous artworks in the morning, it is a perfect one-stop location with everything you could need for a lovely day out. Just find a villa in Liguria and pay a visit to this extraordinary spot for yourself.