Bologna’s historic porticoes, a pervading symbol of the city’s hospitality, have been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. We join novelist and Bologna resident Tom Benjamin for a guided tour of his highlights. (1) The heart and soul of Bologna is Piazza Maggiore, Bologna’s main square, and the porticoes of Renaissance ‘PAVAGLIONE’ prettify what might otherwise […]
A travel guide to the Italian region of Tuscany… Tuscany remains the most popular of Italian regions and is loved by tourists and would-be property buyers for many reasons, not least because of its beautiful countryside and cities laden with Renaissance treasures and historic monuments. But while property prices remain high, the allure does not […]
Dreamily perfect countryside and gem-like cities stuffed with art make Tuscany a perennial favourite for visitors and homebuyers in Italy. Properties here make a rock-solid investment, says Fleur Kinson At a glance… The Region: When we think of Tuscany we think of verdant rolling hills dotted with centuries-old farmhouses radiating late afternoon sunshine – much […]
All you need to know when planning your trip to Italy’s Puglia: Read our Puglia travel guide… Puglia dips its heel into both the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The climate is reliably sunny, and hot and dry in the summer, with low rainfall year round. The land away from the coast’s golden sands offers wide […]
Amy McPherson discovers the healing power of nature in the mountains and ancient forests of Trentino Images by Amy McPherson unless otherwise stated It has just rained. Soft, dense and moist autumn leaves cushion our steps, and I have the urge to pounce beneath the leafy heaps like a cat, to dig my paws into […]
The best way to see the wealth of sumptuous palaces in Venice is by water, says Sara Scarpa Images by Iain Reid The Grand Canal, Venice’s main artery, is where the most illustrious Venetian noble families lived and where the most prestigious palaces still stand. These palazzi have been the homes of artists, writers, musicians, […]
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite Italian castles, so if you’re looking for a memorable day out or a place to stay that’s oozing with history, you’ll find the perfect destination here, says Jenny Oldaker. Italy is so liberally sprinkled with castles, it’s difficult to choose just a few favourites. From solid medieval stone […]
Discover how the finest treasures of Pompeii found their way to Naples with Joe Gartman Images by Patricia Gartman Let’s say you’re a well-connected citizen of Pompeii back in about 80 BC (don’t worry, it’s another century-and-a-half before Vesuvius is set to blow) and you’re invited to dinner at the most luxurious house in town. […]
The Palazzi dei Rolli are a living showcase for the wealth and power of certain 17th-century Genoese families The lavish Palaces of the Rolli were the ultimate display of familial affluence, influence and splendour during Genoa’s Renaissance and Baroque periods. To see one such building survive to this day is remarkable, yet this port city […]
Find some of the best places to stay, visit or eat while staying around Majella with Val Nicastro’s guide to the highlights of the area… What to see and do Hike the spiritual trail The Majella National Park offers visitors a vast network of fantastic hiking routes, including the fascinating Spiritual Trail, which runs for […]