Milan
8
Dec
2021

Follow In Da Vinci's Footsteps Around The City On Vacation In Milan

Posted in: Architectural Gems Churches & Religious Buildings Localities Milan Museums & Galleries Must See Attractions Tourist Attractions

There are endless reasons to find a vacation rental in Milan as it is the fashion capital of Italy, a cosmopolitan gem full of incredible bars and restaurants, home to some rather extraordinary architectural feats both very old and very new, boasts some brilliant museums and attractions, and more. However, for those who are interested in the life and work of one Leonardo Da Vinci there are particular attractions in town that will appeal and a long list of traces of the artist-inventor all over the city that are just waiting to be discovered. One can easily spend a whole holiday just following his trail and seeing how he is still felt all over Milan today.

Why is Milan home to such an array of buildings, monuments, places, artworks, and more that are connected to the Tuscan-born Da Vinci, you may ask? Well, that is because the city was his home for two different periods during his lifetime, from around 1482 to 1499 and then again from 1508 to 1513. While his Last Supper in the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie is, undoubtedly, his most famous extant piece in the city, Da Vinci worked on all sorts of projects while in Milan, particularly for Ludovico Sforza who later became Duke of Milan and to whom Lorenzo de’ Medici sent the Renaissance master as an ambassador. 

—    Colette Fitzpatrick
National Archaeological Museum of Venice
7
Dec
2021

Venice's Archaeological Museum: An Amazing Space, Pieces, & VIews

Posted in: Architectural Gems Localities Museums & Galleries Pretty Views Tourist Attractions Venice

A vacation rental in Venice means a holiday full of stunning surroundings, excellent food, plenty of boat trips, and endless cultural gems to visit, view, and absorb. And, like so many other ancient and great cities, Venice really does boast a truly endless list of incredible architectural gems, wonderful museums, astounding churches stuffed full of amazing works of art, private galleries, temporary exhibitions, cultural festivals, beautiful palaces, and much more besides to discover. Some, of course, are more famous than others but a less celebrated gem located in a very prominent position in the city is the National Archaeological Museum of Venice, which is right on the beloved and iconic Saint Mark’s Square. This brilliant museum is beautiful, boasts truly fascinating and wonderful collections, and affords visitors a prime viewing spot over the often crowded Saint Mark’s Square. You will likely already find yourself in this piazza at some point over the course of your holiday in Venice so be sure to make a point to also set aside some time to go and explore the National Archaeological Museum – you will not be disappointed!

—    Colette Fitzpatrick
Comacchio, canals
27
Sep
2021

5 Reasons To Plan A Vacation In Comacchio

Posted in: Architectural Gems Emilia-Romagna Food and Wine Northeast Italy Pretty Views Tourist Attractions
While the region of Emilia-Romagna is famous for towns like Ferrara, Ravenna, Bologna, and Modena, among others, there are obviously some lesser-known gems that are well worth exploring, particularly if you want to get away from the regular tourist crowds. One such destination is the charming town of Comacchio, known as the, “Little Venice,” of Emilia-Romagna. Located 3km from the coast in the Po Delta, 50 km from Ferrara, 35 km from Ravenna, and 110 km from the actual Venice, a villa in Comacchio offers both the chance to enjoy a beautiful, peaceful hidden gem while still being able to take day trips to some of Italy's most famous and incredible cities and to spend days exploring the wonderful beaches and seaside fun of Emilia-Romagna.

A lagoon town, steeped in history, swathed in sea air blowing in from the coast, Comacchio is now known as the capital of the Po Delta Park and boasts endless architectural gems, seven nearby beaches, and pretty canals. Best visited between April and mid-October, when the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy all of the outdoor and seaside charms of the destination, there is an endless list of things to see and do while on vacation in Comacchio . Here is our guide to some of the highlights!
—    Colette Fitzpatrick
Abbazia di Santa Maria in Cerrate
18
Aug
2021

Admire This Stunning Abbey On Vacation In Apulia

Posted in: Apulia Architectural Gems Churches & Religious Buildings Southern Italy Tourist Attractions
The unhurried and relaxed atmosphere, absence of the largest tourist crowds, beautiful medieval hill towns, perfect beaches, an deliciously sun-ripened food and wine all make finding a vacation rental in Apulia a good idea for those looking to unwind and get away from it all on their next holiday. However, what might be less apparent to those planning a visit to the, “heel,” of Italy is that it is an ideal destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. With countless archaeological museums, Greek and Roman ruins, astounding cathedrals, and imposing castles and fortresses dotted throughout the region, Apulia has an impossible wealth of cultural heritage and history to explore, though it may not get the same kind of coverage in international media or tourist guides. Endlessly fascinating and without the queues that can plague other destinations in Italy, this is an ideal spot to continue that relaxed holiday vibe without interruption, even while trying to check out local attractions and gems. Among said gems is the storied and picturesque Abbazia di Santa Maria in Cerrate...
—    Colette Fitzpatrick
Statues of Villa Palagonia
20
May
2021

Discover The Incredible Villa Palagonia On Vacation In Palermo

Posted in: Architectural Gems Castles & Palaces Main Islands Must See Attractions Sicily and Sardinia Tourist Attractions
One of the most appealing and visited architectural gems is the endlessly fascinating Villa Palagonia, located in the town of Bagheria, 15km from the capital of Sicily, Palermo. Left in a dilapidated state, it is open to the public to be visited and while not all of it is currently accessible, it is nonetheless hauntingly beautiful and intriguing. If you have found a villa in Sicily or vacation rental in Palermo and you are interested in the island's rich and unique architectural and cultural heritage, then this is definitely a must-see to pencil in during your vacation in Italy.

Famous for the monstrous statues that decorate the garden, the so-called Villa dei Mostri (or Villa of the Monsters) was built in the 18th century according to the designs of Tommaso Napoli with the help of Agatino Daidone. An early example of the unique and richly intriguing Sicilian Baroque, the Villa Palagonia first gained international interest and attention when Grand Tour travellers exploring the area began to record and write of it and the series of grotesques on the grounds, in particular, in the 18th and 19th centuries. The likes of Henry Swinburne, Patrick Brydone, John Soane, Goethe, the Count de Borde, artists such as Jean-Pierre Houël or Alexandre Dumas, surrealists like André Breton, contemporary authors such as Giovanni Macchia and Dominique Fernandez, and more are all known to have noted, been inspired by, and reported about the villa.
—    Colette Fitzpatrick