Codevigo 601

The Villa Pisani at Stra was built in the 18th century for the wealthy Venetian Pisani family to celebrate the election of Alvise Pisani as Doge (ruler of Venice). Designed by Francesco Maria Preti, though commissioned from Girolamo Fringimelica, work was begun in 1735. It is much more formal and imposing than most Venetian villas and presents an extraordinary façade rich in elaborate ornamentation with festoons, caryatids, putti and statues. The property did not spend long in the hands of the Pisani family; it was bought by Napoleon in 1807 and given to his adoptive son, the Viceroy of Italy. After a period in the possession of the Savoy family, it became the property of the Italian state.

When one thinks of Venice, they think of canals – bodies of water made for transport and access, romantic boat journeys, a range of pretty bridges linking the various districts to one another, a constant battle against marshy lands attempting to reclaim the city – but there is more to the waters of the city beyond the manmade. If you look past the canals, you get to the sea and the beaches. Many somewhat forget it but Venice is not merely a city break destination, it is also a coastal city with lots of the charms that go along with that, including an area that boasts some exceptional beaches to play on, the Lido di Venezia. If you’re planning a city break and have found a vacation rental in Venice, why not also set aside some time to go and explore this less often praised part of the city? Visit the famous museums and churches, enjoy the unique charm of the canals, wander the pretty squares, go on the gondola rides, and then head to the beach for some seaside fun, too, while you’re at it!

The Lido di Venezia is an 11-kilometre-long sandbar in Venice that is famously where the Venice Film Festival takes place each September. At least half of the Adriatic side of the island is one long sandy stretch of beach that is divided into smaller, largely private beaches. However, the northern and southern ends of the island are home to two enormous public beaches. By public water bus, the Lido is only a few minutes from the city centre of Venice and, as such, is a handy place to visit and spend a few hours or a day. It is a popular Adriatic seaside resort and for good reason, with pretty beaches, warm and clean waters, lots of eateries and bars, cute boutiques and shops, and much more besides.

Ca' Rezzonico, is a Venetian palace designed by Baldassare Longhena and located in the Dorsoduro district. It is one of the grandest of the palaces on the Grand Canal. A seventeenth and eighteenth century building, it is owned by the City of Venice and is home to the Museo del Settecento Veneziano (Museum of Eighteenth-Century Venice), which is understandable, as it is a truly stunning example from the period.

Filled with collections of period architecture and art, boasting ceilings frescoed by Tiepolo, the last home of poet Robert Browning and a one-time home to the studio of painter John Singer Sargent, it is a multi-faceted and fascinating space that has a long history and lots to offer. It is also probably one of the only places to experience a Grand Canal palazzo's interior outside of the Biennale festival. If you're an interiors lover or have been to Venice plenty of times, it is a perfect spot to spend some hours wandering around in awe. Just find a vacation rental in Venice and drop by to go back to the 18th century.

In our last article, we outlined the unique nature and particular charms of the Italian interpretation of Christmas markets, before outlining some of the best of the best around the country. In addition to those examples in Rome, Florence and Milan, we have compiled a list of some more of the finest Christmas markets around Italy, should you have found a vacation rental in Italy and be planning on spending the festive season there.

Verona is a very famous Italian city and UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site best known for its connection to Shakespeare's most tragic of lovers. However, come Christmas, it gets a German makeover when a large Christkindlmarkt opens in Piazza dei Signori. Made up of wooden stalls with over 60 exhibitors selling handicrafts, decorations, regional foods, and German specialties, it usually opens late November through to December 21st.