Archive for 'Pretty Views'

The Castello di Gorizia, or Castle of Gorizia, is an 11th century beauty located on a hill that both boasts an amazing panoramic view over Gorizia and is positioned close to the heart of its centre. First recorded in a document from 1001, the castle grew in size and power over the years. Today, the building largely reflects enlargements and changes made between the 13th and 16th centuries. However, during World War I the castle was bombed and badly damaged, leaving little more than a ruin and was actually rebuilt in 1934-37, following its original 16th century design. This was effectively executed and the castle still retains an authentic medieval appearance.

Ravello is a southern Italian town on the famous Amalfi Coast that is perched high above the ocean and boasts a panorama that Gore Vidal once described as “the most beautiful in the world.” It is a refined, polished town that has Roman and Medieval roots and reflects a diverse range of historic styles in its architectural identity. However, one of the town's most beautiful buildings is a far more recent addition.

Maiori is a fishing town and peaceful bathing resort on the Amalfi Coast that boasts one of the largest beaches in the area, a colourful nightlife, great restaurants, cute shops, and plenty of pretty buildings. Once the Republic of Amalfi's principal port, with streets lined with stunning patrician palazzi, in the Middle Ages King Filippo IV even declared the town the Città Regia.

Located at the mouth of the valley of Tramonti, the town is said to have been founded by the Etruscan Lucumone Reghinna, though there is debate about whether the Romans, Etruscans or Greeks were the actual founders.

Its ancient name is Reghinna Major, in contrast to the nearby town of Reghinna Minor (called Minori today). Reghinna Major and Reghinna Minor were actually the names of two rivers, with Maiori having been built at the mouth of the Reginna Major river.

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.

Narni in Italy is an old and beautiful hill-town that is located in the central Italian region of Umbria and is often better known by its ancient Roman name of Narnia.

The town is not the snowy wonderland from C.S. Lewis' famous series of books but it did inspire the author in his creation of that beloved fictional universe. He never visited Narni but knew of the town from reading Roman history and writers such as Tacitus, Livy, and Pliny the Elder.

Lewis' former secretary also noted that had specifically told him that the name on the atlas had inspired him in the writing of his Chronicles.

Located about 50 miles north of Rome, it is a place that any fans of Narnia will find interesting if they have found a vacation rental in Rome and are planning for day trips during their stay.