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Explore the vibrant art and culture of Italy. Visit enchanting works of art and immerse yourself in its thousand year old history

From the archaeological ruins of Rome and Pompeii, or the picturesque villages of Tuscany, Italy is a land rich in art and culture. Immerse yourself in Italian historical sites and its many UNESCO sites, for a cultural journey discovering the homeland of some of the most important painters, sculptors and architects who have left an incredible mark on history.
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Spirituality
Abbey of Chiaravalle

Abbey of Chiaravalle

The Abbey of Chiaravalle, Cistercian jewel and oasis of peace The great concrete strip of the Autostrada del Sole motorway, in one of its busiest stretches, between Fiorenzuola and Fidenza, is not too far away, but the Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba di Alseno, between Piacenza and Parma, remains an oasis of peace, silence and prayer as it must have been in the mind of its founder, St Bernard of Chiaravalle, a charismatic figure of the Cistercian monastic order. Historical landmark At the behest of the bishop of Piacenza, Arduino, in 1135 St Bernard established a community of monks in his diocese that was to have a profound impact on the religious and civic life of the area and on the whole of northern Italy To this day, the jewel of the mediaeval cloister and its austere Romanesque-Gothic basilica are one of the most interesting examples of Cistercian architecture and style in Italy. Contemplation and work in the fields As great builders, through their architecture, the Cistercians gave form and substance to the austere simplicity of their rule, founded on the Benedictine motto of ora et labora, on a contemplative and active life. For centuries, the monks, who returned here in 1937 after being banished during the Napoleonic era, alternating work in the fields with study and prayer, carried out agronomic work; they reclaimed land and raised livestock, leaving a profound mark on the surrounding area that can still be seen today. The mystery of the white dove Among the many myths that swirl around the foundation of the abbey is that of the dove that echoes in its very name. Legend has it that it was a white dove that told the monks, with blades of straw, the location and perimeter of the monastery that was to be built. More likely, however, the dove recalls the Marian theme of the annunciation, so dear to the Cistercians: it is no coincidence that the basilica is also dedicated to St Mary of the Assumption. A jewel of medieval architecture at the centre of historical cultural itineraries, the monastery complex, which is still inhabited by monks, is part of the Charte européenne des abbayes et sites cisterciens, which groups together all the most significant European Cistercian sites, and is also a stop on two important Council of Europe cultural routes: the Via Francigena and the Route européenne des abbayes cicterciennes. The basilica is particularly worth a visit, with its sober lines in terracotta bricks, which illustrates the moment of transition between Romanesque and Gothic, with its three-nave layout that grows extraordinarily high. Also the Chapter House, the "parliament" of monastic life, and the beautiful cloister; built in the 13th century and still intact around the entire perimeter, it is one of the best preserved of its time and recalls a secluded and mystical atmosphere, fuelled by the complex numerical symbolism that governs its architecture. Flower processions, festivals and processions Although it is open all year round, the best time to visit the Abbey of Chiaravalle della Colomba is between May and June, when, according to a thousand-year-old custom, on the occasion of the feast of Corpus Christi, the traditional “infiorata” (“flower parade”) is set up in the central nave of the basilica, with a colourful carpet of flower petals and leaves reproducing paintings and sacred representations. In the week of 20 August, on the occasion of the feast of the patron saint, the customary festival of San Bernardo is held every year in the abbey park. It is an opportunity to sample the flavours of Piacenza's gastronomic delights and watch the arrival of the procession from Fiorenzuola, with the statue of the saint carried by the Knights Templar. An excellent chance to admire such beauty. A word of advice: among the products made by the monks of Chiaravalle, the liqueurs, made from aromatic herbs using age-old recipes, are very popular and can be bought, together with a vast selection of herbal teas, at the liqueur shop. How to get there From the A1 motorway (from Bologna or Milan) or the A21 (from Brescia or Cremona) take the Fiorenzuola d'Arda exit. Continue on road SP462R for one kilometre and merge onto the Fiorenzuola bypass until you reach the Fiorenzuola Est/ Chiaravalle exit. From here continue on Via Emilia Ovest for a kilometre, and then left on Busazza road, after 800 metres turn right, following the signs to Alseno and the free car park at the Abbey. The monastery can also be reached on foot directly from the Chiaravalle lay-by on the A1 motorway via a 600-metre footpath accessed by a revolving gate.
Museums and monuments
Garden of Lords

Garden of Lords

The Garden of Lords, a haven of peace and silence. Perfect peace reigns in the Garden of Lords, inducing relaxation and moments of meditation. Yet we are in the very heart of Brixen, in the South Tyrol. Tyrol's oldest city reserves the surprise of silence within this verdant jewel, open to the public and with free admission. Atmosphere of yesteryear The Garden of Lords (Herrengarten, in German) is part of the Bishop's Palace, of which it occupies the north side. The construction of the Renaissance-style palace dates back to 1570, but the later strong Baroque influences are evident. Episcopal seat until 1973, after careful restoration it now houses the Diocesan Archive, the Museum of Cribs and the Diocesan Museum. For the clergy of Brixen, this was the place of rest, and still today the dimension is one of pleasant relaxation. The classic Renaissance structure is expressed in the geometrically designed Italian-style garden with four regular flower beds and a precious central fountain with a bronze basin. Herbs and vegetables follow one another in decorative rows, while box hedges display roses and other ornamental plants. Lavender spreads its heady fragrance. To imagine the place as it was originally, one has to refer to the inventories, which hand down 35 orange pots and 100 wooden pots in which to plant the plants. The prince bishops were so fond of their oasis of greenery that in 1631 they granted a coat of arms to the court gardener Paul Schachner. And they were not the only ones who appreciated it. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart also passed through here, giving a concert in the Palace's glittering Theatre Hall. A walk through history, botany and architecture Here you are tempted to sit for a long time, unhurriedly, on one of the many benches, in the company of a good book: no one will bother you. Or you can slowly stroll with your partner or family. Each season offers its own equally fascinating panorama. In spring, the cherry trees surrounding the park are laden with delicate blossoms, in autumn the leaves offer a colourful spectacle. And in winter, the gaze rises to the snow-capped peaks of the mountain range. Whatever the month of your visit, the chance of finding clear skies is very high, as the Brixen area boasts 2,000 hours of sunshine a year – a true record. A historic plantation still exists today at the Garden of Lords. Although not identical to that of the past, it well reflects the overall design. This is the Pomarium, the apple orchard used to supply the bishop's table, once surrounded by walls and first mentioned in 1265. Now you can admire a dense set of rows, composed of different fruit trees, including two varieties of apple trees. A 19th century pergola surrounds the park. A cultural curiosity is the Chinese pavilion and the Japanese tower, also from the 19th century. Here too, as in France, the fashion for exoticism had arrived, expressed in oriental-style decorations, ornaments and architecture. The wealthy curia did not want to be overtaken, showing a willingness to follow new trends. A living herbarium The Garden of Lords features a wide variety of medicinal, aromatic, medical and aphrodisiac herbs. It is, after all, one of the prides of this territory. The advice is to pursue this fascinating topic on a trip, visiting the many farms outside the city that cultivate and market them. You will hear of savoury, dill, marigold, chervil, lemon balm, pimpinella, evening primrose. Herbs also enter the local cuisine, from the traditional to the more modern. The next generation of chefs compose bouquet dishes with a focus on ecology and the preservation of biodiversity. Typical dishes reign in the inns. Nettle dumplings are a delicious first course, in their peasant simplicity, as is herb soup, which to a base of shallot onion can add nettle, rowan, watercress. Among the wines, the Sylvaner, an indigenous grape variety, is worth trying. The exploration of a natural heritage If you want to continue your holiday by immersing yourself in nature, you can still leave the city to discover the surrounding area. The Isarca Valley offers varied agricultural landscapes, from the vineyards and orchards of the Isarco Valley to the chestnut forests of the Middle East. Further up, endless trekking routes in the Dolomites are waiting for you. UNESCO has listed the 530 kilometres of paths in the Val d'Ega, nestling between the peaks of the Catinaccio and Latemar mountains, as a World Heritage Site.
Mountain
chiesa in montagna

Rio di Pusteria

Rio Pusteria - Bressanone: skiing up to 2,500 metres above sea level The Rio Pusteria - Bressanone ski area is located in the Isarco Valley in Alto Adige and boasts some of the longest, most continuous and varied slopes in the Dolomiti Superski. At 2,500 metres above sea level, it is a paradise for hardcore skiers, but the numerous family-friendly sports activities in a setting such as the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, make Rio Pusteria Bressanone the perfect destination for an unforgettable winter holiday. Guaranteed fun in the snow With 95 kilometres of slopes, 25 ski lifts, 2 snow parks, toboggan runs and 40 kilometres for cross-country skiing, variety and fun are guaranteed. The two major local ski resorts are Plose-Bressanone (Brixen) and Maranza-Valles (Gitschberg-Jochtal). These macro ski areas consist of 3 mini resorts, which are Val di Funes, Velturno and Luson, each with a small ski lift. Dreaming of the Trametsch, the longest downhill run in Alto Adige Those who come to ski here can only try their hand at the Trametsch, which is more a legend than a slope. The venue of the Italian Alpine Skiing Championships in 1971, it starts from the Plose Shelter, which is located at an impressive 2,446 metres, and has a total length of 9 kilometres. The view it offers of the Dolomites, the Alpine arc and the surrounding peaks is of unquestionable beauty, while the 1,400-metre difference in altitude is a real test of endurance for heart and legs. Once down you will feel that you have written a piece of skiing history. The thrill does not end there. This is because, if you head for the Maranza-Gitschberg area, you will be faced with a mountain of vast dimensions and a very wide slope with unparalleled views. You are on the red Gitsch slope, which is very steep in places and with sudden altitude changes, which for skiers means guaranteed fun. The piste ends near the Gitschberg chairlift station, but you can choose to continue downhill to the slopes of Kanonenrohr, which is not always open, Gaisraste, Nesselwiese, Wastl Huber and Segerwiese. Everything you need to know about Rio Pusteria - Bressanone On the downhill slopes of this district, you can also ski at night and in almost all cases there is a snowmaking system, which guarantees a skiing season well into April. Among all the tracks, 39% have a low level of difficulty, 38% medium difficulty and 23% are classified as difficult. Tobogganing is also very popular in these parts, with more than 50 kilometres of slopes dedicated to this sport for the whole family. For Nordic skiing, there are around 75 kilometres of slopes and on the Rodengo alp, at an altitude of 1,800 metres, there is a cross-country skiing centre. And after the sport? In the area, it is not difficult to find refreshment in one of the more than 30 mountain huts and shelters. And you can't help but fall in love with it.
Mountain
Plan de Corones

Plan de Corones

Plan de Corones in South Tyrol, where leisure and sport meet ideal terrain The Plan de Corones area, real watershed between the Val Pusteria and the Val di Marebbe is characterised by its varied and evocative natural landscape. Immersed in the extraordinary beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site world heritage site, the area offers various leisure options, from excursions to skiing guaranteeing a holiday dedicated to nature, sport and also culture. Brunico: at the foot of Plan de Corones The first stop we recommend is Brunico, in the heart of the green Val Pusteria. Visiting this city will immerse you in a worldly atmosphere that blends with South Tyrolean authenticity. You will come across historical architecture such as the majestic Castle, which will welcome you from afar. You will pass through a bustle of colourful shops, alternating with renowned boutiques. And then don't overlook wine bars and cafés, scattered along the centre. What will strike you is the quality and tranquillity of life. Mountain Culture: Museums The combination of experiences at Plan de Corones cannot be separated from the true celebration of the mountains that you will find in no less than two museums: the Messner Mountain Museum Corones and the LUMEN. The MMM, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, is the futuristic museum dedicated to traditional mountaineering and will offer you a breathtaking view of the Alps. At LUMEN, the Mountain Photography Museum, you will find an incredible amount of historical and digital mountain shots, on topics ranging from mountaineering to tourism to spirituality. Hiking and ski area: the three nature parks Do you have an active lifestyle? Then this is where you belong. The Plan de Corones holiday region extends in close proximity to no less than three nature parks, where you can indulge in skiing, hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking and more. Be it the wide plateaus of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park with the fairy-tale Lake Braies or the stony plateaus and vertiginous peaks of the Puez-Odle Nature Park or the glaciers and sheer cliffs of the Vedrette di Ries-Aurina Nature Park you will be spoilt for choice. Ladin culture: San Martino in Badia We suggest concluding the tour in South Tyrol with a visit to the village of San Martino in Badia. You can visit the Ćiastel de Tor Museum, housed in the old castle, with its exhibitions on Ladin culture and language. And then the traditional South Tyrolean cuisine is worth the trip, because it preserves Ladin roots even in the dishes. Inviting dishes, with few ingredients, just like in the country tradition. Have some tasty barley soups, turtres, pockets filled with spinach or sauerkraut, and to end on a sweet note, furtaies, spiral-shaped fried sweets.
Mountain
Dobbiaco

Dobbiaco

The gateway to the Dolomites “A splendid place, ideal for regenerating the body and the spirit”: this is how Bohemian composer Gustav Mahler described Dobbiaco. A UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in Alta Pusteria thanks to its artistic and natural beauty, it is considered the gateway to the Dolomites because of the trails that lead from the village to the ski lifts and mountain huts in the area. Walking through the village centre, be sure to stop at Herbstenburg Castle, behind the parish church. In its five 15th-century chapels, the oldest Stations of the Cross in Tyrol is preserved. We also recommend planning a visit to the Grand Hotel, one of the most popular haunts of high society in the last century and now a cultural centre that hosts musical concerts and exhibitions. Other noteworthy events include the Dolomiti Balloonfestival, the International Choir Festival and the Dolomiti Superbike. Lake Dobbiaco, surrounded by two nature parks, the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park and the Three Peaks Nature Park, is a true jewel among South Tyrol’s mountain lakes. You can enjoy a pleasant walk around the whole lake for a couple of hours. Along the trail, you will find eleven learning stations that provide adults and children alike with interesting facts about the local flora and fauna. The lake is well-known among birdwatchers, who can admire rare breeds of migratory birds in spring and autumn. Meanwhile, in summer, you can enjoy an excursion on a rowing boat or pedalo. In winter, you can try your hand at curling or skating on its icy surface. Lake Dobbiaco is also home to the Alta Pusteria cross-country ski track that leads to Cortina.
Theater
Teatro della Concordia

Teatro della Concordia

Teatro della Concordia: a small 18th-century pearl near Perugia Miniature jewel of art, indeed the smallest in the world with 99 seats between boxes and stalls: the Teatro della Concordia rises from the heart of Montecastello di Vibio, in the province of Perugia, not far from Todi, in a town that stands out on the right side of the Tiber Valley. Its name is not accidental and, in the 19th century, the time of its construction, it was intended to draw attention to the ideals of the French Revolution: liberty, equality and fraternity. Did you know that... There are even smaller theatres around the world. One example is the little theatre in the castle of Valvasone (PN). The Concordia theatre, however, is the oldest of those still in operation, unique architectural testimony of the 18th century Italian theatre in Goldonian style. Goldoni imposed strict rules for the construction of the ideal theatre, like using wood as the only element for the boxes and the bell-shaped floor plan for adequate acoustics. In fact, it is the smallest active historical theatre in the world. The Società del Teatro della Concordia, set up to manage the building, is now committed to keeping it open, offering performances and guided tours to the public. The story of this little wonder In the midst of the Napoleonic period, a group of nine illustrious local families set out to bring art to all, without sacrificing the best architectural details and the great artists of the time. Thus, the interior of the Teatro della Concordia in Montecastello di Vibio is particularly precious, enriched by frescoes decorating the boxes and vaulted ceiling: all by Cesare Agretti and his 15-year-old son Luigi. The latter made his mark with his paintings. Celebrities and curiosities The Teatro della Concordia has hosted great artists throughout its history. Think of the young soprano Antonietta Stella from Todi, who performed here in 1929, remembered as one of the best interpreters of Verdi's repertoire. Gina Lollobrigida, who made her debut as a young actress here in 1945 in Santarellina, by playwright Eduardo Scarpetta. The Teatro della Concordia, past to present In 1951, the hall was closed. A few years later the roof collapsed. The inhabitants of the area considered the theatre too important to lose it and thought of self-taxing in order to finance the restoration work, then completed by the Region, thanks to EU funds. In 1993, the restoration was completed and today the theatre is also used for conferences, meetings and civil weddings. From the smallest to the largest In 1997, the smallest theatre in the world twinned with the largest theatre in the world, the Teatro Farnese in Parma, seating approximately 3,000. For more information, the reference website is: www.teatropiccolo.it.
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