Archive for 'Churches & Religious Buildings'

While it might sound a bit strange or macabre, if you have found a vacation rental in Rome and are planning on spending a Valentine's break in the city, then you have to make time to go and see St. Valentine's skull...

Or, what, at least is claimed to have been the skull of St. Valentine. The tricky part is that there were two saints by that name in Italy at the same time (around the 3rd century AD) and a third in North Africa. After the creation of a feast day for St Valentine on the 14th of February by Pope Gelasius I in 496, the stories of the three seem to have merged together and by the 14th century this singular entity had become a patron saint of lovers, who (according to the newly created mythology) had helped early Christian couples marry in secret.

The Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo sul Gargano, or Il Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo, often simply referred to as “Monte Gargano”, is a Catholic church and sanctuary located on Mount Gargano in northern Apulia. A UNESCO-awarded World Heritage Site as part of a group of seven Longobard sites in Italy, it is an old and historic building that is both beautiful and fascinating.

As the oldest shrine dedicated to the archangel Michael in Western Europe, it has been an important pilgrimage site since the early Middle Ages and today it remains of religious importance but is equally of historic and artistic interest to tourists.

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.

The Tempio della Beata Vergine della Ghiara, or Temple of the Blessed Virgin of Ghiara, also known as Basilica della Madonna della Ghiara, is a stunning church located in the city of Reggio Emilia, in northern Italy. One of the many lovely architectural gems in this lesser-known and lesser-celebrated Italian cities, it is one more reason to find a holiday rental in Emilia-Romagna and head on a day trip to this charming town.

In 1596, a mute boy is said to have recovered his voice before a 14th-century representation of the Virgin painted on a gravel wall (or “ghiara” in italian) by artist Lelio Orsi and when news of the miracle spread, it began to attract lots of pilgrims. As a result, it was decided to erect a basilica on the site, into which the votive fresco was moved.

If you need convincing, here are ten great reasons to find a villa rental in Siena and to get planning a trip to the city as soon as possible...

1. The Historic Centre

Incredibly rich and interesting historic centres are not uncommon all around Tuscany. However, the UNESCO awarded historic centre of Siena is one of the best preserved and most beautiful among them all. A Gothic masterpiece that was created in competition with Florence, the city largely reflects the period between the 12th and 15th centuries today. The city had substantial influence on art, architecture and town planning during the Middle Ages, both in Italy and elsewhere in Europe and is a true gem.