Italy has not shortage of beautiful vacation destinations, but the Aeolian Islands are among its most enchanting regions. The eight islands that comprise the Aeolian group are situated in the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north of Sicily. Roughly 200,000 people visit these islands each year making them a popular Italian vacation destination. [Read more…] about Italy’s Beautiful Aeolian Islands
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Seven Stars Galleria :: Milan, Italy
Milan, Italy is home to the first of three current self proclaimed seven star hotels in the world, the Seven Stars Galleria (also known as the Town House Galleria). Located in the heart of the city, this unique and prestigious luxury hotel provides guests with the highest level of service and is the only hotel inside the historic “Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II”. Built in 1876, this remarkable landmark features amazing architecture from extraordinary hand painted vaulted ceilings to large shuttered windows, all preserved and restored to provide guests with one of the most unique environments you can find. Prepare to have your every desire fulfilled and immerse yourself into this historic setting. [Read more…] about Seven Stars Galleria :: Milan, Italy
Venice Film Festival :: Venice, Italy
Founded by Count Giuseppe Volpe in 1932, the Venice Film Festival is the oldest film festival in the world. Taking place every year in late August of early September on the island of the Lido, the festival is one of the world’s most prestigious and is also part of the Venice biennale, an exhibition and festival for contemporary art. The first “Esposizione d’Arte Cinematografica” was held in 1932 at the Hotel Excelsior as part of the 18th Venice Biennale. The 2010 festival takes place from September 1st – 11th and the official lineup will be announced in Rome at the end of July. The festival’s goal is to raise awareness and promote various aspects of international cinema in all its forms. It includes homages and retrospectives to major figures in the industry that have helped raise awareness. [Read more…] about Venice Film Festival :: Venice, Italy
Battle of the Oranges (Carnevale di Ivrea) :: Ivrea, Italy
Ivrea, a town in northwestern Italy is most famous for its traditional carnival celebration. The core of the Carnevale di Ivrea is the famous Battle of the Oranges where thousands of citizens are divided into nine teams who them violently pelt each other with oranges. These orange battles occur on the traditional carnival days of Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Held every year in late February, the celebration revolves around a 12th century legend of a miller’s daughter who refused the local duke’s “right” to spend a night with each newlywed woman in his domain and instead chipped off his head. This refusal lead the commoners in the town revolting against their rulers, they then stormed and burned the palace. Each year a young girl is elected “Mugnaia” and plays the role of Violetta, the miller’s daughter who still today, honored as a local symbol of freedom. [Read more…] about Battle of the Oranges (Carnevale di Ivrea) :: Ivrea, Italy
Villa d’Este :: Tivoli, Italy
Villa d’Este and its amazing Italian Renaissance Garden in Tivoli near Rome are a comprehensive example of Italian Renaissance culture at its most refined. Commissioned by Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este upon his appointment as Governor of Tivoli, the existing villa built in the 13th century for use by the governor was entirely reconstructed to meet the cardinal’s vision of a palatial setting surrounded by an amazing terraced garden. Using nearby Villa Adriana, the palatial retreat of Emperor Hadrian, as inspiration the cardinal created an elaborate garden with a mixture of architectural elements and water features which had a strong influence on European landscape design for centuries to come. In 2001 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list as an outstanding example of Renaissance culture at its peak as well as due to the influence the gardens of Villa d’Este had throughout Europe. [Read more…] about Villa d’Este :: Tivoli, Italy