Archive for 'Castles & Palaces'

  

Arco Castle
Trentino is a northern region of Italy, set amongst Alpine backdrops, lush valleys, rolling hills, wide pastures, and little villages that is, undoubtedly, utterly picturesque and completely lovely. However, there are particular corners of Trentino that are especially beautiful and magical and that should be sought out by anyone who has found a vacation rental in Trentino and is thinking about exploring the region. One of those little gems is Arco Castle, a romantic ruin that sits majestically atop a cliff and surveys the surrounding landscape. Come and stretch your legs by hiking to the castle, admire the incredible panoramic view from the top, and explore this stunningly lovely ruin.

Perched over the plain of the River Sacra, just at the point at which it widens, Arco Castle (Castello di Arco) dominates the skyline of the area and is an iconic structure in the landscape. It is the symbol of the town of Arco and a beloved memento of times past. While its exact origins are somewhat steeped in mystery, we know that it existed at least after the year 1000 AD. The area has been inhabited since before the Middle Ages and it is thought that the castle was originally built by the people, only to be later taken over by the local nobles.     Read More

  

Vineyard
La Vigna di Leonardo (Leonardo’s Vineyard) in Milan is, as you may have guessed from the name, a vineyard that used to be owned by Leonardo da Vinci. Given to da Vinci by Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, in 1498, during the artist's tenure in the city and while the Duke was his main patron, it was very precious to him and something he maintained even after leaving the city. Da Vinci actually came from a family of winemakers and was a haven that he returned to after long days of working on projects such as the last Supper in the nearby convent of Santa Maria della Grazie. Today, it is open to be toured by the public and provides a fascinating insight into the great Renaissance man's private life. If you have found a vacation rental in Milan, it is a wonderful and unique attraction to make time for in your itinerary.     Read More

  

Estense Castle
The stunning historic centre of Ferrara is enclosed by over nine kilometres of walls, and is a gorgeous Renaissance city, full of lovely buildings, fascinating cultural gems, and plenty of surprises, it is a UNESCO awarded beauty. With its impossibly charming setting and the vast array of things to see and do, this lesser-known gem among international tourists is a wonderful place to head to for day trips of exploring its many attractions and secrets. In fact, the city boasts a lot of the same charms as Florence but without the tourist crowds. Just find a holiday rental in Emilia Romagna and come uncover its appeal for yourself.

Here are ten things to see, do and keep an eye out for on your trip to Ferrara...

1. Visit The Castello Estense

This imposing castle was the result of townspeople turning on the ruling d'Este family during a time of high taxes and poverty in the 14th century.     Read More

  

Palazzo della Pilotta
The Palazzo della Pilotta is a palace and complex of structures that is located between the Piazzale della Pace and the Lungoparma in the historic centre of the lovely Italian city of Parma. Vast but incomplete, the palace was built for the Farnese family in the 16th and 17th centuries, at the order of Duke Ottavio Farnese and then under Duke Ranuccio I. Built around a preexisting Visconti stronghold and a church, it was designed as a headquarters for the court and state services – such as stables, store rooms, arms rooms, theatre, barracks and more – rather than as a residence.     Read More

  

Sea view in Bosa
Bosa is an incredibly picturesque town on the west coast of Sardinia. It is a colourful seaside resort that is defined by the stacked pastel-coloured houses and buildings that rise up a steep hillside from the beachfront to the town's 12th century castle. Featuring a wide bay, filled with bobbing fishing boasts, a river that is lined with palm trees and winds back into the town, pretty little streets, and plenty to see and do, it is a charming gem and one of Sardinia’s most attractive towns. Just find a vacation rental in Bosa and come discover its many charms for yourself...

The town is ancient and was established by the Phoenicians before thriving under the Romans. Visually, the town still largely reflects the rule of the Tuscan Malaspina family in the 12th century, with their castle overlooking the whole town and the pretty Medieval Quarter of the town spreading out from its base.     Read More