Archive for 'Castles & Palaces'

Supposedly founded by Ancient Greek hero Diomedes after the Trojan war and birth-place of famous Ancient Roman poet Horace, the town of Venosa in the Basilicata region is an architectural and historical gem with ancient origins just waiting to be explored. Why not find yourself a luxury villa nearby and make a day-trip to the quaint town?

The name Venosa apparently comes from a dedication to the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite (Venus to the Romans), to appease her after Troy's defeat in the war. A Roman colony was later established in the area in 291 BC and became inextricably connected to the empire when the Appian Way was extended there in 190 BC.

A visit to the Palazzo Borromeo on Lake Maggiore in Piedmont is a truly unique experience. The palace takes up the entirety of the island, Isola Bella, on which it is located and boasts stunning sights inside and out.

Previously, the island was a barren rock and home to a small fishing village. Construction of the palace was begun in 1632 by Carlo III Borromeo, who named the island after his wife, Isabella, and continued by his sons. The extensive gardens were constructed from earth brought over on boats to cover the rocky terrain and completed by Carlo IV, his nephew.

If you’re spending some or all of your Italian vacation in the southern region of Basilicata then be sure to stop off for a day in the medieval town of Melfi! This quaint place is tucked in at the foot of an extinct volcano in the province of Potenza.

Melfi is enveloped by majestic Norman walls, the only town of this kind in the south of Italy. It was once the Norman capital of Italy’s south when it gained a lot of wealth and importance during the Middle Ages. Without a doubt, the most striking feature of this town is Melfi Castle. This majestic fortress is framed by ten large lookout towers and was the favourite residence of the Roman Emperor Federico II.

The town of Gallipoli on the Apulia coastline literally translates as ‘Beautiful City’ from its original Greek name.

If you come to visit, you’ll see why it’s so deserving of this description! Situated on the west coast of the Salento peninsula, Gallipoli is divided into two parts; the old town centre and the more modern developed section.

Gallipoli is actually built on an island which is connected to the mainland by a 16th century bridge. Historic sites in Gallipoli include the 14th century walls built by the Spaniards which were once reinforced by twelve lookout towers.

Following our introductory article on the small state of San Marino situated between Emilia Romagna and Le Marche, here are some ideas on what to see and do when you arrive. Since the 13th century, the Republic of San Marino has been an independent country which has its own government, currency and cultural traditions.

Probably the most striking sight you’ll meet first are the three ancient towers that rise above the jutted rock of Mount Titano. Situated at the foot of this majestic mountain is the historic city centre of San Marino. These towers served the state well for soldiers to spot the oncoming attacks of the Malatesta of Rimini and prepare their strategies of defence and attack in good time.