Archive for 'Architectural Gems'

The Church of San Pietro is a stunning little church, exceptionally popular for weddings, that is perched picturesquely on the tip of the promontory of Portovenere, surrounded by craggy rocks and cliffs and blue seas.

Once the site of a Temple to Venus (Venere in Italian), after whom the town of Portovenere was named, an early Christian building made of black marble was then built there in the 6th century.

In the 13th century a campanile and Gothic extension clad in bands of black and white stone were added to the earlier structure.

Small and a little rugged but very striking and framed by perfect scenery, it is a building that has captured imaginations for centuries and which continues to do so.

Ostuni is a famously beautiful town in Italy though it is not so well-known internationally and is a bit of a hidden gem. Its key selling point is its architecture, which is a charming example of typical Mediterranean style. The lush green of the surrounding area frames the impressive image made by the rows and rows of whitewashed houses, staircases, roads, alleys and arches that rise up into the sky and look down onto the blue sea below.

This is further accented by the Medieval remnants, in the form of churches and convents, that can be found at every corner of the town.

With its rich history and such a wonderful seaside location, Ostuni has plenty of cultural attractions to see and outdoor pursuits and watersports to enjoy so you'll never be stuck for something to see or do or photo opportunities in this beautiful town.

Portovenere is one of the most picturesque seaside towns in all of Italy. Located on the coast in Liguria, this elegant vacation and resort destination is a wonderful combination of brightly painted houses against blue skies, beautiful sea views, a lively port, winding streets and tiny alleys, architectural gems and a relaxed atmosphere. It is incredibly pretty but is also full of things to see and do in both the immediate and surrounding area.

The area is connected to the gods and ancient legend, legendary poets like Byron and writers like the Shelleys and kings of old and is home to one of the prettiest churches in the country, a majestic castle and much more besides. If you are looking for a dreamy little seaside getaway in Italy where there is also plenty to keep you occupied, look no further.

Just find a villa with swimming pool in Liguria and fall in love with this exceptional little town.

The Ducal Palace of Mantua was once the main residence of the Gonzaga family and was subsequently the home of various leaders of the city under various regimes throughout the centuries. It was built, as such buildings often were, in numerous phases of building as it was altered and extended over time.

Work was begun, however, in the 13th century for the Bonacolsi family before being taken over by the famous Gonzaga family who were hugely important rulers and patrons in the Renaissance and hugely altered the shape and character of the city. With this year being Mantua's turn as Italian Capital of Culture, there has never been a better time to visit this exceptional city and building. Why not find a vacation rental in Lombardy and explore the palace for yourself?

To the far northern end of the historic Italian city of Orvieto, there is a panoramic clearing.

Located near the entrance to the city and close by Saint Patrick's Well, just before Piazza Cahen, this shady area of greenery and pretty pathways is situated on a cliffside with views across the Umbrian countryside and is home to an ancient Etruscan temple.

The Temple of Belvedere is the best conserved monument of Etruscan Orvieto and a visit to the site offers beautiful views, scenic surroundings and a taster of Italian history outside the stuffier and more traditional parameters of a museum setting. If you are interested in history or archaeological discoveries, this is the place for you. Just find a holiday rental in Orvieto and make your way to the northern part of town.