Archive for 'Legends'

  

Monday, November 28, 2016
Nativity
Continuing on from our previous article, here are the rest of the things you should know about Christmas in Italy.

3. The Original Live Crib Is In Greccio

Nativity scenes and, particularly, those featuring actors and live animals, have a long tradition and are said to have been created in Italy. As a result, there are many live Nativities all over the country that are rather famous. One of the most famous, arguably is the one at Greccio in Lazio, which is said to be the very first. To visit this charming event for yourself, just find a vacation rental in Lazio. It is said that the tradition was born as early as the 5th century but gained traction when St. Francis came back from visiting the Holy Land and wanted to reproduce the scene of the Nativity on Christmas Eve in Greccio. He prepared a manger with hay, had an ox and a donkey brought there, and then had a Holy Mass celebrated in front of it, before a large crowd of people who had come from all over the region, it is even said that a vision of the Child appeared on the hay.     Read More
Posted in: Central Italy, December, Events, Food and Wine, Latium, Legends, Liguria, Northeast Italy, Northwest Italy, Recipes, Tourist Attractions, Trentino-Alto Adige

  

Friday, November 25, 2016
Christmas gifts
Christmas is celebrated differently in every country and each country has various different traditions that are unique and special. If you have found a vacation rental in Italy and are planning on spending the festive season there this year, then you might want to learn a little about what you can expect from an Italian Christmas. Here are five things you need to know about Christmas in Italy.

1. Santa is a Witch.

Befana is a good witch whose name comes from the Roman dialect's pronunciation of the Italian "epifania" (or Epiphany). Long ago, the three wise men stopped into Befana's house on their way to Bethlehem. She was such a nice hostess that they invited her to come with them to find the newborn Jesus. She initially declined their offer but changed her mind and packed up some toys that had belonged to her deceased child and set out after them.     Read More
Posted in: Central Italy, Curiosities, December, Events, History, Latium, Legends, Tourist Attractions, Umbria

  

Thursday, November 3, 2016
Casina Vanvitelliana
Once you have found the perfect luxury villa in Campania and are planning what to see and do in the area, you might consider taking a break from busy itineraries of trying to see everything and take a breather by Fusaro Lake.

The lake is one of the most peaceful and stunning spots in the area and is a perfect little paradise that has gone unspoiled and untarnished by time and change.

Not only is it a destination for the nature lovers of the world but it is also a spot that will please culture vultures as there is an architectural and artistic gem on the lake that has gone on to inspire some of the most famous musicians, poets and artists of the world to create further works of art.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Campania, Curiosities, History, Legends, Parks & Gardens, Southern Italy, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Faceless nuns of Torba Monastery
Torba Monastery was originally built in the 5th century as a Roman stronghold against barbarian invasions and was used for military purposes under various rules and guises until it came into the possession of a group of Benedictine nuns in the 8th century. The building was expanded and adapted into a religious complex and the interiors were decorated with elaborate murals and frescoes.

Later still, the monastery fell into disuse as a religious building and was adopted by local farmers with far more practical goals in mind. They decided to cover the paintings with plaster and, in some cases, merely ignored the works, letting them fall into disrepair.

Much was lost, as a result, but some of the works managed to survive, despite the neglect. One particular example that remains has become famous and has led to the creation of lots of legends and rumours.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Churches & Religious Buildings, Legends, Lombardy, Northwest Italy, Tourist Attractions, Unesco World Heritage Sites

  

Friday, October 7, 2016
Juliet's Balcony
The city of Verona is most famous for two fictional inhabitants – the tragic figures of Romeo and Juliet, who were the eponymous doomed lovers of Shakespeare's most famous play. As a result, tourism in the city often plays up to these famous figures and you can find endless businesses named for or with the theme of Romeo and Juliet and attractions “related” to the pair.

However, gross capitalism and consumerism aside, there is a certain romantic air to the city and, as it is within a stone's throw of Venice, it is the perfect spot to spend a honeymoon, in particular.

Just find a luxury villa in Veneto and explore the stunning region and its famously romantic cities as you begin exploring your first days or your new lives together.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, History, Legends, Must See Attractions, Northeast Italy, Tourist Attractions, Veneto