Architecture

13 Jun Discover the charm of Villa Lante – a new highlight in our Great Gardens of Italy tour

Posted at 07:12h in Architecture, Destinations, Gardens by Italian Tours

Image by Jeff from Sacromento, CA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

In 2024, we were thrilled to include the enchanting Villa Lante in our Great Gardens of Italy tour for the first time. Nestled in Bagnaia, near Viterbo, Villa Lante is a masterpiece of Renaissance garden design, celebrated for its remarkable blend of architecture, sculpture, and landscape art.

A Glimpse into History
Villa Lante was conceived in the late 16th century and primarily designed by the renowned architect Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola. Commissioned by Cardinal Gianfrancesco Gambara, the villa and its gardens were intended as a grand statement of the cardinal’s status and taste. After Gambara’s death, his successor, Cardinal Alessandro Montalto, further enhanced the estate, adding his personal touch to the gardens and buildings.

The villa itself comprises two nearly identical small palaces, or casini, known as Gambara and Montalto. These buildings are adorned with frescoes and intricate architectural details that reflect the Renaissance love for classical antiquity and humanist themes.

The Gardens: A Symphony of Water and Art
The gardens of Villa Lante are a testament to the artistry and engineering of the Renaissance period. Designed to delight and surprise, the gardens feature a series of terraces that cascade down a gentle hillside, each level revealing a new marvel of design. Water is a central theme, ingeniously integrated into the landscape through fountains, cascades, and water chains.

At the heart of the garden lies the Quadrato, a perfectly square parterre enclosed by high box hedges. Here, you will find the magnificent Fontana dei Mori, a complex fountain featuring life-sized statues of Moors holding the heraldic symbols of the Montalto family. This fountain is a focal point, surrounded by meticulously sculpted boxwood and ornate stone decorations.

Another highlight is the Fountain of the Lamps, a circular, multi-tiered fountain where water jets mimic the flickering of oil lamps. This playful use of water continues with the Cardinal’s Table, a long stone table with a central water channel designed to keep food and wine cool during outdoor feasts.

The upper terraces of the garden showcase even more water features and grottos, culminating in the Fountain of the Deluge, a dramatic representation of the biblical flood, complete with sculpted river gods and a water chain that symbolises the rejuvenating power of water.

Experience Villa Lante with Us

In 2025, come to Italy and visit Villa Lante, a place where art, nature, and history converge. These visually stunning gardens are not just a feast for the eyes, but also rich with symbolism and historical significance, making your visit a truly immersive experience.

For more details and to secure your spot, visit our website and download the full itinerary of our popular Italian garden tour. Take advantage of this extraordinary journey into Italy’s botanical treasures!

We are in the process of finalising our 2025 tour programme, so keep an eye on our website, as we are constantly adding new tours.

If you’ve been eyeing a particular tour from our 2024 lineup, please send us an email, and we’ll give you the latest updates on our plans for that tour in 2025.

13 Jun Italy’s Quiet Masterpieces: Some lesser known museums in Rome, Milan and Venice

Posted at 07:12h in Architecture, Art, Destinations by Italian Tours

If you’re a lover of history and art or simply curious about these cities’ rich heritage, we’ve assembled a selection of museums that provide a unique glimpse into Italy’s vibrant past. Away from the usual hustle, these spots offer a more tranquil and rewarding visit.

Be sure to add these spots to your trip plan!

Rome

Centrale Montemartini
Address: Via Ostiense, 106, 00154 Roma RM
Located in the Ostiense district, about a 15-minute metro ride from the Colosseum, Centrale Montemartini is a unique fusion of industrial architecture and classical art. Once a power plant, this museum now houses an impressive collection of ancient Roman sculptures, dramatically set against a backdrop of old machinery. It’s a fascinating contrast that brings history to life in a truly unexpected way.

Palazzo Altemps
Address: Piazza di Sant’Apollinare, 46, 00186 Roma RM
Tucked away near Piazza Navona, just a 5-minute stroll from the bustling square, Palazzo Altemps is a Renaissance palace that houses a collection of ancient Roman and Egyptian artifacts. The museum is a quiet oasis where you can admire beautifully preserved sculptures and frescoes in an opulent, historic setting. It’s a perfect stop for those seeking art with a touch of grandeur.

Milan

Poldi Pezzoli Museum
Address: Via Alessandro Manzoni, 12, 20121 Milano MI
Located in the stylish Brera district, just a 5-minute walk from the Teatro alla Scala, the Poldi Pezzoli Museum is an elegant former residence turned museum. It houses an eclectic collection of Renaissance paintings, decorative arts, and armour. This museum offers a quiet, refined atmosphere where you can appreciate art in a beautifully curated setting.

Museum of Science and Technology (Leonardo da Vinci)
Address: Via San Vittore, 21, 20123 Milano MI
Found in the Sant’Ambrogio neighbourhood, about a 10-minute walk from the Last Supper, this museum is a haven for science and history enthusiasts alike. Dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci’s genius, it features models of his inventions and exhibits on space, transport, and energy. It’s a fascinating, educational experience ideal for those wanting to delve deeper into the mind of one of history’s greatest thinkers.

Scuole Grande di San Rocco – Photos by Alexandru Ionescu on Unsplash

Venice

Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Address: San Polo, 3052, 30125 Venezia VE
Situated in the San Polo district, just a 10-minute walk from the Rialto Bridge, the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is a hidden masterpiece. This historic confraternity building is adorned with dramatic works by the Venetian painter Tintoretto. Every inch of this grand hall is covered in art, offering a breathtaking glimpse into Venice’s artistic golden age, away from the usual tourist trail.

Fortuny Gallery
Address: San Marco, 3958, 30124 Venezia VE
Nestled in the heart of the San Marco district, a short walk from La Fenice Opera House, the Fortuny Gallery is a lesser-known gem. Housed in a Gothic palace, the museum showcases the work of Mariano Fortuny, a multi-talented artist and designer. From textiles to lighting design, this museum offers an intriguing look at Fortuny’s innovative contributions to the arts.

Visiting these lesser-known museums allows you to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Rome, Venice, and Milan without the usual crowds. Each of these venues offers not only the opportunity to view extraordinary art and artifacts but also to journey back in time, uncovering narratives that are often missed by the typical tourist path.

We hope these recommendations inspire your next Italian adventure. We’d love to hear about your experience if you visit any of these museums!

MAIN IMAGE from the Centrale Montemartini by Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

23 Jan Monza – An undiscovered treasure on the doorstep of Milan

Posted at 07:12h in Architecture, Art, Destinations by Italian Tours

Image by James Steakley, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nestled in the heart of Lombardy, just a short drive from Milan, Monza is a largely undiscovered destination steeped in history and culture. If you’re looking for a day trip from Milan, Monza might be just the thing. This charming city is a treasure trove of historical significance and architectural wonders.

Monza’s history dates back to Roman times, but it truly rose to prominence during the Middle Ages, when it was a more significant centre than Milan.

The city’s crown jewel is the stunning Basilica di Monza, a masterpiece of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. This cathedral houses the Iron Crown of Lombardy, said to contain a nail from the True Cross and to symbolise the unity of the Lombard people. Legend has it that the crown was used in the coronation of Charlemagne in 774 and was definitely used throughout the Middle Ages in the coronations of various Holy Roman Emperors, including Napoleon. The Iron Crown is a circlet made of gold and set with precious gems. Recent scientific studies indicate that its current form can be traced back to modifications made between the 4th and 5th centuries and the 9th century. It is likely a late antique royal symbol, potentially of Ostrogothic origin, passed down to the Lombard kings and eventually acquired by the Carolingian monarchs.

Other things thing to see in Monza:

Chapel of Teodolinda: A chapel set on the northern side of the Basilica di Monza, the Teodolinda Chapel houses the Iron Crown. It contains a beautiful fresco cycle, recently restored, that depicts scenes from the life of Teodolinda, the 6th Century Queen of the Lombards.
Villa Reale (Royal Palace of Monza): Wander through the expansive park surrounding the Villa Reale, a neoclassical masterpiece commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. The palace and its grounds offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Autodromo Nazionale Monza: For racing enthusiasts, visiting the famous Monza Circuit is a must. This historic racetrack has hosted Formula One races since 1922 and is a shrine for motorsport fans.
Arengario Palace: Explore the Arengario Palace, which houses the Civic Art Collections and Contemporary Art Gallery. The palace itself is an architectural gem, and the collections inside showcase historic and contemporary Italian art.
Monza Park (Parco di Monza): Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a bike ride through Monza Park, one of the largest enclosed parks in Europe. The park features lush greenery, charming bridges, and the historic Royal Villa.

Culinary Delights:

No visit to Monza would be complete without trying the local cuisine. Indulge in traditional Lombard dishes at one of the many charming restaurants around the city. Local specialities include Risotto alla Monzese, a creamy risotto featuring saffron, a nod to the Lombard countryside’s agricultural heritage. Another must-try is Cassoeula, a savoury pork and cabbage stew, representing the hearty fare enjoyed during colder months. Also try the local cheese and Brianza salami, which are made in the area just outside Monza.

We visit Monza on our Italian Lakes and Lombardy tour in June 2024.

05 Jan Five Hidden Gems of the Veneto

Posted at 07:12h in Architecture, Destinations, Food and Wine, Travel Tips by Italian Tours

The Veneto boasts some of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions, like Venice and Verona, but it also contains hidden gems that are often overlooked and underestimated. You can discover these treasures that lie off the usual tourist path, even in popular destinations. Whether it’s the tranquil trattorias and the serene lagoon at Torcello in Venice or the symmetrical and breathtaking Giardino Giusti in Verona, there’s something to captivate everyone.

Here are five lesser-known places you should consider if you visit this extraordinary corner of Italy. We include each location on our The Lands of the Serenissima tour of the Veneto in June this year.

1. The Scrovegni Chapel: A Frescoed Masterpiece

Padova’s Scrovegni Chapel is an artistic jewel housing a series of breathtaking frescoes by Giotto. The chapel was consecrated in 1305 and is renowned for its narrative cycle depicting the lives of the Virgin Mary and Christ. The artist’s masterful use of perspective and emotional depth was celebrated at the time; it revolutionised art and influenced the newly emerging style, which would later be known as the Renaissance. The meticulous preservation of the chapel and its enormous cultural significance make it a must-visit location. Even for those less excited about art, the experience of being part of a small group walking into this space where vivid colours surround you is spellbinding.

2. Prosecco Hills: A Toast to Tranquility

The Prosecco Hills is a stunning landscape of soft green contours in the foothills of the Dolomites. Part of the area features the vine-covered slopes that make its much-appreciated wine. But it’s also an area for cultivating chestnuts, corn and cheese. It has castles, abbeys, and hilltop churches with impressive views and thousands of years of history. At Follina, the Abbey is a quiet witness to the passing years. The Molinetto della Croda, a nearby watermill, was built in the 1700s. Not far off, the Pieve di San Pietro, a historic church, adds its presence to the unmistakable charm of the surroundings. In the Prosecco Hills, the muted atmosphere lets the heritage of the land speak for itself.

3. Marostica: Living Chess and Medieval Charms

Marostica is a small town with a charming medieval feel. It is famous for its twice-a-year chess game, which takes place on a giant chessboard in the town square and is played with live actors in pageant costumes. The town has meandering cobblestone streets and mediaeval walls watched over by the Lower and Upper Castles. It is not on the regular tourist trail, and the atmosphere resembles a typical provincial town, albeit with impressive attractions.

4. Cittadella: A Fortress Frozen in Time

Cittadella is a small walled city. It was built in the 13th century, and its walls remain largely intact, making it a fascinating spot to visit. You can walk along the walls and explore the city’s many towers, gates and other architectural features. The town also boasts several beautiful churches, museums and galleries, and restaurants and cafes serving local cuisine. Cittadella is a charming and picturesque town that offers a glimpse into medieval Italian life.

5. Vicenza: Palladian Elegance

Vicenza holds a remarkable collection of architectural wonders and a deep cultural heritage. The city is an ideal destination for architecture enthusiasts, who can marvel at the Palladian Basilica and the Teatro Olimpico, among other notable landmarks. The charming streets offer plenty of opportunities to take a leisurely stroll and soak up the local atmosphere. Surrounding the city is the natural beauty of the Berici Hills, which is perfect for outdoor activities.

Discover these hidden gems and others on our Veneto tour, Lands of the Serenissima, which aims to reveal Veneto’s unique secrets by including a mixture of culture, scenery, food, personal time and fun.

01 May AND WHAT DO TRULLI HAVE TO DO WITH TAXES?

Posted at 02:03h in Architecture, Destinations by Italian Tours

When people think of Puglia, one of the first images that springs to mind is a vision of quaint whitewashed, dome-roofed, round houses called trulli.

While the trulli architectural style dates back to pre-history, many believe that the passion for more modern trulli construction developed as an early and sophisticated means of tax avoidance. During the middle ages, landlords instructed the farmers to build the dry stones roofs of the trulli with a removable keystone in the middle and the walls without mortar. When the tax inspectors appeared the farmers would pull the keystone out, collapsing the building – thus allowing the landowners to avoid paying any taxes in what some would describe as an enduring Italian tradition!

The largest concentration of these pretty buildings is in Alberobello, but they are also common across the whole of the Valle d’Itria area, a region of farming and agriculture. In their simplest form they are used as farming sheds and are dotted amongst the fields.

The town of Alberobello is undeniably a tourist magnet but with good reason and well worth a visit. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has hundreds of trulli, many of which are original.

Today the charming rounded shapes and conical stone roofs of the Pugliese trulli are so appealing that many of them are used as restaurants and visitor accommodation.

On our The Road Less Travelled tour of Puglia we not only visit Alberobello, but stay in a beautiful hotel in the Valle d’Itria, Masseria Fumarola, where some of our lucky guests get to sleep under these typical conical roofs!

We’re running our Puglia tour later this year in September and again in 2018:

14 – 28 September 2017
14 – 28 May 2018