Archive for 'Churches & Religious Buildings'

Verona is already known internationally as a great city of romance in Italy as it was home to, perhaps, the most famous lovers of all time, Romeo and Juliet. In addition to this incredible claim to fame, the architecture of this charming town in Veneto is impossibly pretty and picturesque, adding to the thoroughly romantic ambiance of the place. Of all the lovely and romantic buildings in town, one of the best examples is the exceptionally charming Church of Sant'Eufemia, or Chiesa di Sant'Eufemia. If you have found a vacation rental in Verona and are spending time exploring the city then we highly recommend popping in for a visit to this wonderful architectural gem.

The Church of Sant'Eufemia is located right in the heart of the historic centre of Verona, over the site of a church that dates back to the 5th or 6th century. Various other buildings were placed over top throughout the centuries, with the foundation of the current church dating to the 13th century, when the ruling Della Scala family brought Augustinian monks to the city to build a monastery in what was then the Captains quarter of the city. Though they were brought to Verona in 1262, the necessary donations and funds had to first be gathered in order to pay for the construction of the new church and monastery. The bequest of Alberto della Scala, in particular, was integral in the funding and completion of the project.

Rome is, understandably, pretty special at Christmastime. As the centre of Catholicism with the presence of the Vatican, Christmas is pretty important and a major celebration in Rome. If you are a passionate fan of Christmas or, particularly, a religious Christian, it is a must to spend at least one Yuletide season in Rome. There is so much to do in the city on a daily basis but even more excitement and lots more interesting festive events around Christmas. From Christmas markets to masses to performances and concerts, there is plenty to keep you entertained. In particular, there are lots of great events for music-lovers as Rome is also home to lots of musical and choir groups, many that are centuries old, and which have honed their talents over generations.

One such group is the prestigious Schola Romana Ensemble, a highly professional group of singers and musicians specialised in Roman Baroque music, who will be performing this year in the stunning church of Santa Maria della Concezione. To experience the magic of their Christmas performance, and much more besides, just browse our vacation rentals in Rome and planning a trip to Rome this Christmas!

Sorrento is a beautiful gem of a town on the Amalfi Coast. Facing out onto the bay of Naples, it is perched atop a cliff, boasting sweeping views over the coast, at the base of which there is a busy marina. This stacking of the town gives it that distinct and picture-perfect look that lots of the towns in the area have: glittering water with bobbing boats topped by rows of colourful buildings. The charming old town is a warren of little streets and alleys that are lined with pretty historic buildings but amongst all of the pretty parts that make up this picturesque town, one of the most charming and unmissable sights and sites is the Chiesa di San Francesco and its lovely cloister. If you have found a vacation rental in Sorrento and you are exploring the town, be sure to duck in for a moment amidst your holiday wanderings and fun and enjoy a spot of tranquillity in the most fairytale-like of settings in Italy.

Located in the historic centre of the town, in Piazza Francesco Saverio Gargiulo, right next to the Villa Comunale Park, this 14th-century church with said iconic cloisters abutting it is famous for its Arabic portico and interlaced arches, which are interwoven with flowers, plants, and ornamental trees. The beautiful space is also often filled with birdsong, particularly in spring, as it is very popular amongst feathered locals.

If you have found a vacation rental in Campania and want to spend some time exploring the city of Naples, you were probably expecting to stay above ground. However, doing so would make you miss out on one of the most extraordinary attractions that the city has to offer, the Catacombs of San Gennaro. These incredible passageways are an astounding sight to behold and a must for anyone who really wants to experience all that Naples has to offer.

Located in the northern part of the city, on the slope leading up to Capodimonte, under the Rione Sanità neighbourhood of Naples, the catacombs can be readily found today by heading to the entrance at the large church of Madre del Buon Consiglio. Spread over two levels, called San Gennaro Superiore and San Gennaro Inferiore, the catacombs are often referred to as the “Valley of the Dead” and date back to the 3rd of 4th century, though are likely built over older pre-Christian burial sites.

If you have found a vacation rental in Naples, there is one museum in the city that you really cannot afford to miss. The Cappella Sansevero, or the Cappella Sansevero de' Sangri or Pietatella, is a chapel located on Via Francesco de Sanctis 19, in the historic center of the city that is home to incredible works of art by some of the leading Italian artists of the 18th century. It is a source of pride of Naples and is stuffed to the gills with some of the most beautiful art pieces and objects that one could ever expect to lay eyes upon. Both church and museum, this little gem is a true reflection of the heritage of extraordinary works of religious art in Italy.

Dating back to 1590, the chapel was originally built by John Francesco di Sangro, Duke of Torremaggiore, as he recovered from a serious illness as a private chapel in the gardens of Palazzo Sansevero, the family's noble residence. It later became a family burial chapel and was connected to the palace until 1888.

Today, the Cappella Sansevero is a public building and home to incredible masterpieces like the famous Veiled Christ, which is famous for the extraordinary tissue-like quality of the marble. Created by Giuseppe Sanmartino in 1753, who was a young relatively unknown Neapolitan artist at the time, it is now the most famous piece and the focal point of the collection, located at the centre of the nave of the chapel. Intensely realistic and emotional, it dramatically evokes the reality of the dead Christ's suffering and body; showcasing a swollen vein still pulsating on the forehead and wounds from the nails of Crucifixion on the hands and feet.