Archive for 'Unesco World Heritage Sites'

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.     Read More

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.     Read More

Cilento is a region of Campania and is part of the national park of Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni along with the Vallo di Diano and the Monti Alburni. The park was actually founded in 1991 in order to protect the territory of Cilento from the area being built up or from being damaged by mass tourism and was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.

One of the most unspoiled and beautiful regions of Italy, it remains largely off the radar for most tourists and is a great spot to explore if you're looking for something a little more relaxed and quiet. Just find a vacation rental in Campania and get a little closer to nature.

Come and explore the wild and rugged Cilento Coast where there are plenty of hidden gems like the incredible Cape of Palinuro. Palinuro is dotted with sea caves and is home to Italy’s most extensive cave system.     Read More