Archive for 'Churches & Religious Buildings'

Isola San Giulio is a beautiful little island located on Lake Orta in the Northern Italian region of Piedmont. Perfectly picturesque, it is a wonderful sight that must be seen with your own eyes to be believed and paints an image similar to the famous island of Bled in Slovenia. If you have found a vacation rental in Piedmont, it is a must-see.

Syracuse is one of the oldest and most influential cities in the Mediterranean and began as the small island of Ortygia when the Greek Corinthians settled the area around 734 BC. Ortygia then grew outwards and developed into the much larger city of Syracuse over the centuries. The small island remains today as its historic heart and soul and a reminder of its origins. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, it is easy to see why it has captured the hearts of so many as it is an utterly picturesque gem; surrounded by the impossibly blue waters of the Ionian Sea, it stretches out into the water as a walled diamond of winding little streets and glittering white buildings.

Wandering the labyrinthine ancient streets is a joy in of itself and getting a little lost (you can't really get lost as a few minutes walk in any direction will get you back to a main street) is half the fun but there are plenty of little delights that you can stumble upon around the district. Among them is the incredible Cathedral of Syracuse that is built on a site dating back to the 5th century BC and which was an ancient Temple of Athena. The Greek Doric columns of the temple are still visible inside the church today.

Bellagio is a unique and charming town located on the shores of Lake Como in Lombardy. Known variously as the “pearl of the lake” and the “most beautiful town in Italy”, it is a popular ferry stop along the lake so, if you're exploring the area, you're likely to find yourself in the town at some point if you have found a vacation rental in Lake Como.

The village is a pretty cluster of winding old cobbled streets and alleys, picturesque houses and sweeping vistas over the lake from the surroundings hills. Bellagio is also particularly famous for its two villas and gardens; Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi. Both are worth visiting for their lovely gardens but the incredibly maintained and grandiose gardens of Villa Serbelloni are an especially great spot to visit as it is perched above the town and offers wonderful views. Visits are by guided tour only and places are limited, so head to the Bellagio Tourist Office to try and get your hands on some as soon as you arrive in town!

Cefalù must be one of Italy's most beautiful seaside towns. It boasts incredible beaches, beautiful Arab-Norman architectural gems and a wonderful scenic setting amongst rocky outcrops and lush greenery. Furthermore, it presents a dreamy palette of honey-coloured stone facades, terracotta roofs, golden beaches and gilded church interiors, rich blue waters and skies, and vibrant greenery.

No wonder, then, that director Giuseppe Tornatore chose it as a location for scenes in his famous and beloved film, “Cinema Paradiso”; it really is like a slice of paradise. If you want to experience it for yourself, just find a vacation rental in Cefalù.

The perfect spot to get well and truly get away from it all, the pace of life is slow, ideal for wandering around and just enjoying yourself. You can simply take in the harbour, with its bobbing brightly coloured boats, hang out on the sandy beaches, get lost in the winding Mediaeval streets, pop into the little shops located all over or you can check out some of the city's various attractions.

One of the most important traditions of Milan during Christmas holidays is the Procession of the Magi, which takes place on the 6th of January each year. A large number of people take part in this incredible traditional procession, starting from the central Duomo and making their way, through the city, to end at the Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio. Featuring vibrant costumes, dancers, singers, a circus and the festive spirit, the whole thing is a wonderful spectacle that is a must for anyone who has found a vacation rental in Milan!