Italy is a country possessed of fatal charms. Throughout the centuries it has been spoken of by both its inhabitants and its visitors with such affection it could be mistaken for a lover. There is something unique and beguiling about its landscapes and its culture, which allows the country to take a firm hold of the imagination. Undoubtedly Italy has produced some of the greatest artists ? Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian, Botticelli and Caravaggio to name but a few ? and Italian food has become so universally beloved and familiar it is easy to forget where it originates.
- Italy – A Country with CharmQbic / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA
It is difficult to know what it is about the country which makes it so seductive. Perhaps it is the inherent romance of the place: for example, in the province of L’Aquila, in Abruzzo, central Italy, you can find the spectacular heart-shaped Lake Scanno (Lago di Scanno), reached via serpentine roads which afford stunning panoramic views of the steep, verdant mountain slopes. Lago di Scanno is the largest naturally occurring lake in the region, and has been granted Blue Flag status for several years. Its waters are an almost fantastical colour; a deep cerulean, which is testament to its quality and which makes it a perfect lake for diving. It is a popular draw for tourists in the area, and offers great cycle routes making it a fantastic destination for lovers or families alike. Its depths contain mementoes both of Italy’s modern and its ancient history: along its shores when its water level has dropped, ammunition from World War Two has been discovered alongside artefacts from the turn of the first millennium.
- Lake Scanno, ItlayQbic / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA
Those with an interest in Italy’s history will be fascinated by the medieval walled town of San Gimignano, located in north-central Italy in the province of Siena, Tuscany. Legend, conspiracy and bloodshed are at the foundations of this dramatic settlement, whose towers and vine-strung ruins create an exceptional setting which will leave a lasting impression on its visitors. The area is also well-respected for its wine, in particular its white grape. The hillsides of Chianti are worth seeing for many reasons, but sampling its most famous export must surely rank high on most people’s agenda.
- Chianti, ItalyRenzo Ferrante / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
Surely though, one of the most striking landscapes in Tuscany can be found north-west, in the province of Lucca in the Apennines. While Tuscany is either largely flat or else gently undulating hillsides, in Lucca the Apuan Alps stagger up towards the sky, a magnificent range of rugged, mist-hung mountains. Of these peaks, the most visually commanding is Monte Forato in the Garfagnanna region. Known to most as the mountain with the hole, Monte Forato’s most notable feature is actually composed of a natural arch which joins its two peaks, although the alternative explanation – that the “hole” was created during a violent exchange between the devil and the Saint San Pellegrino – is worth hearing as well. It is a suitably colourful and poetic legend, for such a mythically beautiful part of the world. Those who enjoy hiking must take the opportunity to scale this unique climb, ranked as moderate-demanding in terms of difficulty, not only to reach its twin peak and its stone arch, but to fully appreciate the region as a whole. It truly is remarkable. Those with an interest in folklore may also be interested to pay a visit to “Tana che urla”, or “lair that screams”; an underground river whose rushing into the cave’s mouth creates a rumbling din, once believed to be the screams of the damned, and the cave itself an entrance to hell. Dark imagery, but perhaps in such a sensational landscape the imagination becomes susceptible! The challenge of the trail is certainly worth the rewards.
- Tuscany, ItalyBurgkirsch / Foter.com / CC BY-SA
For those less enamoured with the idea of trekking, Tuscany’s lovely medieval city of Siena boasts every cosmopolitan enjoyment. It’s historic central piazza, Il Campo, hosts a traditional summer horse race between teams from different quarters of the city, the Palio. The race was featured in the James’ Bond movie, Quantum of Solace and the sequence shows off the architecture perfectly. It is considered one of the most remarkable open urban spaces in all Italy, and indeed, it has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
In short, whichever province your villa is situated in you are guaranteed of wealth of visually and culturally stunning surroundings and the only limitation on your enjoyment of this most fantastic country is likely to be the amount of time you are able to spend in Italy; if it is your first visit, it is surely the first of many.
Author: James Coniak is a keen traveller and regular travel blogger from Kent, England. He spends a lot of his time reviewing hotels and destinations. This article was written on behalf of Merrion Charles
