Archive for 'Castles & Palaces'

If you find a villa in Campania and you are a fan of palaces and unbelievable architectural gems, then a visit to the incomparable Royal Palace of Caserta is a must. Located in Caserta in Campania, this massive and beautiful building is a former royal residence that was originally built for the Bourbon kings of Naples in the 18th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a truly breathtaking sight to behold and for those who love to get a little lost in time and spend hours admiring the extraordinary homes of nobles, it is utterly unmissable. The largest palace in Europe, the size alone of the Royal Palace of Caserta is awe-inspiring and mind-boggling. However, this in addition to the staggering wealth of artworks, the gorgeous architecture, and the stunning gardens all adds up to a singular experience.

Begun in 1752 under the reign of Charles VII of Naples and designed by Luigi Vanvitelli in close collaboration with Charles, it never actually was his home as he abdicated in 1759 to become the King of Spain. The palace is inspired by the social model of Versailles and in design by the Royal Palace of Madrid, where Charles had grown up, as well as the Charlottenburg Palace. 

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The region of Lombardy is an excellent destination for those who enjoy good food, lush scenery, and visiting incredible palaces and architectural gems. Some of Italy’s most sumptuous buildings exist here and it is an ideal spot in which to plan holidays full of day trips, going out to enjoy that beautiful landscape, potter around little towns, discover delicious local products, and explore some truly magical castles and noble homes. If you are a fan of these sorts of rambling but adventurous kinds of holidays then we recommend finding a villa in Lombardy and coming to discover all that this stunning region has to offer the discerning tourist.

Certainly, if you have found a vacation rental in Lombardy and are near Brescia, you should set aside some time to visit Castello di Padernello. This stunning castle looks like something from a fairytale, can be toured, hosts exciting exhibitions and events right through the year, and has some excellent eateries to keep the foodies in your group happy! Located in a particularly lovely part of Lombardy and in the charming village of Padernello, there is plenty to see and do on a day out at this gem!

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There are plenty of amazing architectural gems located all around Italy that are then further enhanced and complemented by artistic decorations inside the property such as frescoes, sculptures, paintings, and more. As it is Italy and has long been a hotspot for great creative talent it is not uncommon, therefore, to come across two, or many more, wildly famous and world-renowned artists at work in the same great house. This is very much the case at the Villa Barbaro, or Villa di Maser, one of the stunning villas that was formerly the sprawling home estate of the noble stock of Veneto and was designed by the impossibly influential and incredibly gifted architect Palladio. Inside, the talent continues in abundance with truly stunning frescoes by lauded painter Veronese, among other great talents. Those who were considering a vacation rental in Veneto, therefore, who consider themselves fans of beauty, art, architecture, and/or culture should definitely add it to their list of must-see gems in the region as it is a true masterpiece and utterly breathtaking. 

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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.     Read More