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| Romantic hotels, charming country inns, Italy hotels |
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| Travel to Italy and stay in romantic hotels, small and luxury hotels - special holiday accommodations from which to get to know the beautiful country of Italy, with its art, world class monuments and varied regions. Whatever your reasons to travel to Italy, be it a romantic getaway, a cultural tour, or the thrill of staying at a small luxury hotel, Secretplaces will you help find the perfect spot. |
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Welcome to one of the most alluring countries in the world. Everything you have ever heard about Italy seems to ring true.
Yes, it is a treasure trove of perfectly preserved monuments, blessed by the genius of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, et al: a veritable open-air museum where you are liable to miss something if you blink. But beyond producing some of the most beautiful art and landscapes ever seen, it remains a distinctly traditional country with strong family values and much to surprise the traveller.
Notwithstanding those places that seem to roll off the tongue, Tuscany, Venice, Pisa, etc, all visitors will discover something unique to them in its unmatched combination of hospitality, gastronomy, scenery and seemingly limitless man made wonders. |
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We’ve all heard of Venice, Florence, Siena, Pisa, Verona but these places, beautiful as they may be are only the tip of a very big iceberg. There are literally hundreds of beautiful towns to discover, some of which are even hardly know outside their respective region. Even the smallest village seems to have a work of art of history attached to it.
San Gimignano
"San Gimignano delle belle Torri" is situated in Tuscany, 56 km south of Florence. It served as an important relay point for pilgrims on the Via Francigena to and from Rome. The patrician families, who controlled the city, built some 72 towers (up to 150 feet high) as symbols of their wealth and power. Only 14 have survived but San Gimignano has retained its feudal atmosphere and appearance. The city also contains masterpieces of 14th and 15th-century Italian art.
Pienza
It was in this Tuscan town that Renaissance town-planning concepts were first put into practice after Pope Pius II decided, in 1459, to transform the look of his birthplace. He chose the architect Bernardo Rossellino, who applied the principles of his mentor, Leon Battista Alberti. This new vision of urban space was realized in the superb square known as Piazza Pio II and the buildings around it: the Piccolomini Palace, the Borgia Palace and the cathedral with its pure Renaissance exterior and an interior in the late Gothic style of south German churches.
Verona
The historic city of Verona was founded in the 1st century BC. It flourished particularly under the rule of the Scaliger family in the 13th and 14th centuries and as part of the Republic of Venice from the 15th to 18th centuries. Verona, a city of culture and art, has preserved a remarkable amount of monuments from antiquity and the medieval and Renaissance periods, and represents an outstanding example of a military stronghold.
Ferrara
Ferrara, which grew up around a ford over the River Po, became an intellectual and artistic centre that attracted the greatest minds of the Italian Renaissance in the 15th and 16th centuries. Here, Piero della Francesca, Jacopo Bellini and Andrea Mantegna decorated the palaces of the House of Este. The humanist concept of the 'ideal city' came to life here in the neighbourhoods built from 1492 onwards by Biagio Rossetti according to the new principles of perspective. The completion of this project marked the birth of modern town planning and influenced its subsequent development.
Modena
The magnificent 12th-century Cathedral at Modena is a supreme example of Romanesque art, the work of two great artists (Lanfranco and Wiligelmo). With its associated piazza and the soaring tower, it testifies to the strength of the faith of its builders and to the power of the Canossa dynasty who commissioned it.
Siena
Siena is the embodiment of a medieval city. The whole town, built around the Piazza del Campo, was devised as a work of art that blends into the surrounding landscape. Over the centuries, it has preserved Gothic appearance, acquired between the 12th and 15th centuries. During this period the work of Duccio, the Lorenzetti brothers and Simone Martini was to influence the course of Italian and, more broadly, European art
Florence
Built on the site of an Etruscan settlement, Florence, the symbol of the Renaissance, rose to economic and cultural pre-eminence under the Medici in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its 600 years of extraordinary artistic activity can be seen above all in the 13th-century cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore), the Church of Santa Croce, the Uffizi and the Pitti Palace, the work of great masters such as Giotto, Brunelleschi, Botticelli and Michelangelo.
Venice
Everybody knows about it but we just couldn’t leave it out. The whole city is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest building contains works by some of the world's greatest artists such as Giorgione, Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and others.
Crespi d’Adda
Crespi d'Adda in Capriate San Gervasio in Lombardy is an outstanding example of the 19th- and early 20th-century 'company towns' built in Europe and North America by enlightened industrialists to meet the workers' needs. The site is still remarkably intact and is partly used for industrial purposes, although changing economic and social conditions now threaten its survival.
Lucca
We will let Henry James do the describing of this gem of a place “Lucca...a compact and admirable little city, the very model of a small pays de Cocagne, overflowing with everything that makes for ease for plenty, for beauty, for interest and good example." All that can be added is that Lucca is a jewel of a town, less well known than Florence and Pisa perhaps, but just as beautiful. The cathedrals of San Michele and San Martino make two of the finest Gothic and Romanesque on offer in northern Italy. |
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Italy is one of the great wine producing countries in the world and there is hardly an inch of the country which is not geared up to wine production. The best Italian wines, many of which are not well known to the outside world, rival the best of what France has to offer. With one of the most varied climates in Europe from the Alps in the extreme north through the rolling hills of Tuscany and on to sun-rich vine-growing areas of Sicily, there is something for everyone’s taste in Italy.
Amarone (Veneto, northern Italy)
Amarone (or, more precisely, Amarone della Valpolicella) comes from Veneto in the North of Italy using a particular winemaking technique, where grapes are shrivelled on mats for a long period after harvest; for this reason, the wine is rich in alcohol (more than 14%). Having aged for over two years, this red wine is dry, soft and continues to age well.
Barbaresco (Piemonte, northern Italy)
Barbaresco together with Barolo is the most important wine of Piedmont (in the Northern part of Italy). This wine come from Nebbiolo grape and is aged for at least two years (four years for the "riserva"). Barbaresco tastes dry, warm and quite tannic. It is an excellent companion to game and seasoned cheese.
Barolo (Piemonte, northern Italy)
One of the greatest Italian red wines. Coming from the Langhe area in Piedmont, it taste dry, full bodied, austere, tannic and quite sapid. Its scent, above all a long aging time, is powerful and recalls faded rose, violet and liquorice. The origin is from the Nebbiolo grape and needs at least three years aging time (five years for the "riserva”). Ages well.
Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany, northern Italy)
Brunello di Montalcino originates from the town of Montalcino in Tuscany. It comes from a variety of Sangiovese grape (Sangiovese Grosso or Brunello), and ages over four years (five years for the "riserva") in oak or chestnut barrels. The colour is dark red and the scent is of blackcurrant and liquorice. The taste is dry, warm (at least 12.5% alcohol), full bodied, tannic and sapid.
Chianti (Tuscany, northern Italy)
Chianti is one of the best known Italian wines hailing from an area of Tuscany, divided into eight smaller areas: the best known is Chianti Classico (protected by special laws). This wine is made from a majority of Sangiovese with a small part of Canaiolo Nero. Chianti normally has a fruity scent and a dry, soft taste. The quality of this wine varies a great deal according to the house.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (Tuscany) comes from Sangiovese grapes. It ages for approximately two years (three for the "riserva") in wood barrels. The wine carries scents of blackberry and faded rose and has a full-bodied taste rich in tannins. |
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| Much of Italy is covered by mountains. The Dolomite mountains which extend across northern Italy are part of the Alps mountain range. The Apennine mountains cut down the centre of Italy, stretching from north to south and forming the backbone of the country dividing the east and west coasts. |
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Roughly 10% of Italian territory is protected by state and regional laws. There are currently 20 National Parks and more than 130 Regional Parks that are part of the national system of protected areas. In addition, the Italian peninsula is scattered with National Reserve areas (some 150 territories protected by state laws), Regional Reserves (a total of 270 valuable areas protected by regional laws), and 16 Marine Reserves. Places of rare beauty protected for future generations.
Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso (Aosta Valley and Piedmont)
The Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso was the first national park established in Italy. It includes a vast territory of high mountains including the 4,061 metre high peak of the Gran Paradiso. Larch and fir woods, wide alpine grasslands, rocks, and glaciers offer beautiful scenery for the life of a rich diversity of fauna.
Parco Nazionale Dolomiti Bellunesi (Veneto)
The Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park was created in order to protect this very precious area. The Peaks of Feltre and Mount Serva were already very famous for their flora in the 18th century. The presence of rare species and the amazing variety of environments are mainly due to the geographical location. The park is situated in the south-eastern region of the Alps.
Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre (Liguria)
The National Park of the Cinque Terre is classified as a Unesco world heritage site and has some stunning environmental and geological features: overhanging coasts over the sea with bays and small beaches, thousands of kilometres of dry-stone walls enclosing the terraces where vineyards are cultivated, characteristic farms, medieval quarters, sanctuaries all interconnected by a network of beautiful walking paths offering spectacular views over the Mediterranean. Adding further excuses to plan a trip to this area are the precious Ligurian wines, fresh fish and the traditional architecture. A step back in time to a more beautiful, more honest period. |
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Italy serves up numerous world famous and world-class festivals. Almost all of Italy’s towns commemorate a local historic or religious event and we provide below just a few of the most notable. Please note dates may vary from year to year, so it is always best to check beforehand.
Agrigento
ALMOND BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
First half of February
Folk festival of song, dance, costumes, fireworks
Arezzo
GIOSTRA del SARACINO (Joust of the Saracen)
First Sunday in September
Tilting contest of the 13th century with knights in armour
Assisi
CALENDIMAGGIO (Celebration of Holy Week)
Easter Week
Celebration of spring according to rites dating back to medieval times
Ascoli-Piceno
TORNEO della QUINTANA (Joust of the Quintana)
First Sunday in August
Historical pageant with characters dressed in 15th century costumes
Asti
PALIO - San Secondo
May 2
A 700 year old ceremony with procession in 13th century costume. Flag Throwing Palio.
Third Sunday in September
Ancient festival with 800+ costumed participants
Bari
SAGRA di San NICOLA
May 7
Historic procession in costume.
Cagliari (Sardinia))
SAGRA di Sant' EFISIO
May 1 to 4
One of the biggest and most colourful processions in the world. Several thousand pilgrims (wearing costumes dating back to 1657) accompany the statue of the saint on foot, carts and horses
Firenze
SCOPPIO DEL CARRO (Explosion of the Cart)
Easter Sunday
A pyramid of fireworks in the Cathedral Square is set off by a mechanical dove driven from the Altar during High Mass.
CALCIO FIORENTINO (Medieval Soccer Match)
June 24 to 28
Revival of a 16th century football match in medieval costumes.
June 24th
Fireworks display from the terraced gardens overlooking the city
Foligno
GIOSTRA della QUINTANA (Joust of the Quintana)
Second Sunday in September
Revival of a 17th century joust with 600 knights in costume, historical procession.
Genova
PALIO MARINARO dei RIONI
June 29th
Rowing race in ancient dress
Genzano
INFIORATA (Flower festival)
Corpus Domini
A religious procession along the streets carpeted with flowers in magnificent designs.
Gubbio
FESTA dei CERI (Race of the Candles)
May 15
A procession in local costume in witch tall shrines are carried to the church on the top of Mount
Ingino.
PALIO dei BALESTRIERI (The Palio of the Archers)
Last Sunday in May
Medieval crossbow contest between Gubbio and Sansepolcro with medieval costumes and arms.
La Spezia
PALIO del GOLFO
First Sunday of August
Rowing contest
Marostica (Vicenza)
PARTITA a SCACCHI con PERSONAGGI VIVENTI
(Living Chess Game)
Second weekend of September in even-numbered years
Chess game is played in the town square by living pawns in period costume.
Napoli (Campania)
FESTIVAL of San GENNARO
September 19
A religious ceremony in honour f the patron saint of the city
Nola
FESTA del GIGLIO (The Lily Festival)
Sunday following June 22nd
Allegorical towers are carried in a colourful procession costume
Nuoro
SAGRA del REDENTORE (Feast of the Redeemer)
August 27 to 30
Colourful procession in Sardinian costumes
Oristano
SA SARTIGLIA
February 24 to 26
Medieval procession and jousting of masking knights
Palermo (Sicily)
FEAST of Santa ROSALIA
July 10 to 15
Procession, bands and fireworks in honour of the patron saint of the city
Piana degli Albanesi
CELEBRATION of the EPIPHANY from the BYZANTINE RITE
January 6
Pisa
GIOCO del PONTE (Battle of the Bridge)
First Sunday in June
Medieval parade and contest
REGATTA of the GREAT MARITIME REPUBLICS
The friendly contest and historic regatta in which each of the former maritime republics (Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa and Venice) race for a prize.
Roma (Lazio)
EPIPHANY FAIR at PIAZZA NAVONA
January 5th
A fair of toys, sweets and others presents takes place in the open air among the beautiful Bernini fountains
FESTA DE' NOANTRI
July 19th to 26th
Folklore of Old Rome in Trastevere, including colourful procession for the Vergine del Carmine, folk dances and songs, carnival floats and fireworks
Sansepolcro
PALIO dei BALESTRIERI (The Palio of the Archers)
Last Sunday in May
Medieval crossbow contest between Gubbio and Sansepolcro with medieval costumes and arms.
Sassari
CAVALCATA SARDA (Sardinian Cavalcade)
Next to last Sunday in May
Traditional procession of more than 3,000 people in traditional Sardinian dress
Siena
PALIO
July 2nd and August 16th
Procession and horse race. Participants are members of ancient city districts, competing for the banner (Palio). Colourful medieval pageantry.
Taranto
PROCESSION of the MYSTERIES
Good Friday
Renowned for its costumes and solemnity
Venice (Veneto)
CARNIVAL in VENICE
February/March
Celebrations in costumes and masks, entertainment in streets and squares. Music, mimes and fireworks.
IL REDENTORE (The Feast of the Redeemer)
Third Sunday in July
Procession of gondolas commemorating the end of the epidemic of 1575
HISTORICAL REGATTA
First Sunday in September
Traditional competition between two-oar racing gondolas and procession of ceremonial boats.
Viareggio
CARNEVALE (Carnival)
February/March
Highlight of the Carnival festivities is the procession of spectacular and colourful floats. |
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