The Villa Borghese is made up of 148 acres of landscaped gardens and building housing some of Rome’s most famous artworks including the Galleria Borghese. It is the second largest public park in Rome and on weekends and public holidays it fills with both locals and visitors who come to enjoy its tranquil environment.
The history dates back to 1605 when work began to convert the vineyard by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V and patron of Bernini, into the most extensive gardens built in Rome. Further development of the garden took place during the early nineteenth century.
Highlights of the park other than the galleria include a large lake which is home to both swans, ducks and geese and is dedicated to Aesculapius. Boat hire is available here and you can row by the Temple of Esculapius. You can also visit the Piazza di Siena, an international equestrian site which was also the home to the 1960 Rome Olympic Equestrian games.
The beautiful and stunning Amalfi Coast, Italy was visited recently by Roger. He has shared this fabulous photo of the town of Amalfi itself, clinging to the cliff-face. I have not met a person who has visited the Amalfi Coast who hasn’t fallen in love with it and long to return…me being one! It offers amazing coastal scenery, quaint villages, history and great wining and dining opportunities – all perfect for a romantic travel destination!
Situated in northern Italy and not far from the Swiss border, Lake Maggiore or more commonly known by the locals at Lago Maggiore, has much to offer as a spectacular travel destination. The lake and surrounding area make it a popular summer destination, attracting visitors from all over.
A number of islands are dotted throughout the lake, with Isola Bella being one of the more significant. The island forms part of the Borromean Islands and has been occupied since well before 1632 by inhabitants of a tiny fishing village. However, during 1632 the construction of the monumental Baroque ‘Palazzo Borromeo’ commenced by Count Carlo III. The Palace contains priceless furniture, tapestries and art collections. The terraced gardens are an excellent example of a seventeenth century “Italian garden”. Isola Bella is easily accessed from the lakeside town of Stresa.
This guest post is by Angela Pearse. Angela is an Auckland-based travel writer who loves Italian travel destinations. Angela has supplied a number of posts for Travel Tips Plus of both Italy and Japan.
Greve in Chianti lies slightly off the well-beaten tourist track between Florence and Siena in the region of Tuscany. Originally just called Greve it was renamed in 1972 after inclusion in the Chianti wine district.
The heart of this market town is the triangular piazza which features a 13th century church and a bronze torso in remembrance of Giovanni da Verrazzano, a local explorer who discovered New York’s harbour. The piazza also houses an impressive collection of specialty shops which sell local products including meat, wine, olive oil and cheese.
The Chianti region is renowned for its wines and extra virgin olive oil while restaurant menus commonly feature wild game such as rabbit, pigeon, venison and wild boar. Both black and white truffles are also a Chianti delicacy.
One great reason to visit Greve in Chianti is to sample prosciutto (and a glass or two of Chianti) in one of the oldest and renowned butcher shops in Italy, Macelleria Falorni.
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The Villa Borghese is made up of 148 acres of landscaped gardens and building housing some of Rome’s most famous artworks including the Galleria Borghese. It is the second largest public park in Rome and on weekends and public holidays it fills with both locals and visitors who come to enjoy its tranquil environment.
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