Archive for 'Castles & Palaces'

In our last article, we introduced you to the incredibly beautiful Padernello Castle in Brescia, Lombardy. Stunning to behold, set in the charming little village of Padernello and with a rich history and abundant legends such as that of the Dama Bianca, it's a site that is steeped in Italian culture and tradition. However, it is not some outdated relic of the past but, rather, has become an important part of local contemporary life through educational programs with local schools, public events, exhibitions and by hosting a popular farmer's market. We have already covered the past but the castle's present also merits discussion, in particular, the culture of engaging the public with art and food in the castle.

Padernello Castle, located in Brescia in Lombardy, looks like it has been pulled from the most beautiful storybook you ever read as a child. Set in lush green surroundings with crumbling reddish orange walls and an emerald coloured moat hugging its edges, it is colourful and picture perfect. Despite its romantic and somewhat dilapidated appearance, the castle is very much a part of local contemporary life through educational programs with local schools, public events, exhibitions and a popular farmer's market which is hosted by the castle. If you want to experience the Italy of movies and perfect photographs in travel guides, this sight is sure to deliver.

The town of Balestrino in Liguria is comprised of two parts, the city in which people currently live at the base of a hill and an abandoned town atop it. Abandoned since 1953, the mysterious ghost town of Balestrino is eerily beautiful and utterly captivating. Very little is known about the original city's history and origins, only adding to the grand sense of mystery and intrigue that surrounds this most famous of Italian ghost towns. It is one of the most visited and popular ghost towns in the country with thousands of visitors and explorers coming to see it each year. However, with plans to redevelop the area on the cards, time could be running out to visit. If this sounds like something you would be interested in doing, find a luxury villa in Liguria and drop by.

Erice is a historic town located on top of Mount Erice in Sicily. Primarily medieval in appearance, it, in fact, has much older origins. The ancient Greek name, Eryx, is associated with a Greek hero of the same name who was said to have been king of the town.

However, the town was actually established by the Phoenicians. It was destroyed in the First Punic War and declined in importance thereafter. After this it was ruled by the Aghlebids, Arabs, Normans until it became involved in internal struggle over lands by Italian kingdoms up to the Risorgimento.

In the lovely little town of Sirmione, right on Lake Garda, there stands a rather unique building. A rare example of medieval port fortification, Scaliger Castle, or Castello Scaligero, was begun in 1277 by Mastino della Scala and work was continued in three phases into the fifteenth century.

Why not find a vacation villa rental on the Garda lake and spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the grounds of this magnificent structure before descending into the historic centre of Sirmione below and grabbing something to eat in a local restaurant?