Archive for 'Castles & Palaces'

Rocca Calascio is the name of both a small town and a castle in the province of L'Aquila City. It is located at the top of a mountain, at an altitude of 1, 460 meters above sea level and is the highest town in central Italy. The ancient town sits at the top, capped by the magnificent castle by the same name, and at the foot of the mountain is the modern town of Calascio. Both are located in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park and are set in dramatic, scenic mountainous surroundings.

The town was founded in the Roman era and the castle traces its origins to this period, when a turret was built on the same site. Today, the castle and town are popular tourist destinations that can be visited for free and were part of the backdrop of several famous movies.

If you want to pay a visit for yourself to this extraordinary sight, just find a vacation rental in Abruzzo and spend a day wandering the town, castle and its grounds.

Vieste is a small but perfectly formed town that is located right on the very tip of the spur of Italy's boot. Positioned on the most eastern part on the Gargano peninsula of Italy, in the Puglia region, it is a charming little fishing village that offers stunning views and where you will find a surprisingly long list of things to see and do. Whitewashed buildings crowd up from the soft sand and blue seas of two beaches and the town is strategically placed atop the steep Pizzomunno cliffs.

The result resembles a cross between Naples and Dubrovnik and is at once Italian and a little more exotic. Outdoor pursuits and water sports, in particular, are on offer here for those who seek adventure but there are plenty of quieter and calmer activities as well. As such, it is a location that can cater for families, groups of friends and couples alike. For a dreamy seaside holiday in Italy, all you need to do is browse our vacation rentals in Vieste.

Trani is a town in the south of Italy that is often known as the “Pearl of Puglia” and it is easy to see why it draws comparisons to precious materials.

The beautiful town is made up of whitewashed buildings against impossibly blue waters and skies that turn vibrant pinks and oranges as the sun sets.

It is a sophisticated and elegant place that attracts tourists used to the good life who sit in the marina-side bars and gaze across the yachts and fishing boats after spending days wandering the historic centre, past the palazzi, stone streets and mediaeval churches.

If you want to get a taste of it for yourself, just choose one of our vacation rentals in Puglia and spend lazy days in this stunning seaport town.

Portovenere is one of the most picturesque seaside towns in all of Italy. Located on the coast in Liguria, this elegant vacation and resort destination is a wonderful combination of brightly painted houses against blue skies, beautiful sea views, a lively port, winding streets and tiny alleys, architectural gems and a relaxed atmosphere. It is incredibly pretty but is also full of things to see and do in both the immediate and surrounding area.

The area is connected to the gods and ancient legend, legendary poets like Byron and writers like the Shelleys and kings of old and is home to one of the prettiest churches in the country, a majestic castle and much more besides. If you are looking for a dreamy little seaside getaway in Italy where there is also plenty to keep you occupied, look no further.

Just find a villa with swimming pool in Liguria and fall in love with this exceptional little town.

The Ducal Palace of Mantua was once the main residence of the Gonzaga family and was subsequently the home of various leaders of the city under various regimes throughout the centuries. It was built, as such buildings often were, in numerous phases of building as it was altered and extended over time.

Work was begun, however, in the 13th century for the Bonacolsi family before being taken over by the famous Gonzaga family who were hugely important rulers and patrons in the Renaissance and hugely altered the shape and character of the city. With this year being Mantua's turn as Italian Capital of Culture, there has never been a better time to visit this exceptional city and building. Why not find a vacation rental in Lombardy and explore the palace for yourself?