The port city of Genoa is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, born around 1451 and one of the most famous people in world history. What remains of his birthplace home is preserved, although it is in poor condition as it was destroyed in 1684 by the bombing of the French.
Today the house of Christopher Columbus has become a historical museum that collects some passages of his childhood and youth as it was the home where he lived with his father.
On the ground floor, near the entrance of this house, was another door which was the entrance of the workshop where the Columbus' father wove and sold wool.
Autumn is a wonderful time to travel in Italy. Tourist crowds are thinning, prices and temperatures are dropping, and the food is fantastic. Here's a look at what Italy has to offer in fall.
Brunnenburg Castle in autumn, a 13th-century castle in the province of South Tyrol, in northern Italy.
Fall Weather and Climate in Italy
Early fall is still pleasant in many parts of Italy but as the season ends, it's definitely gotten cold.
Autumn is more mild along the coast but colder inland, especially in the mountains. October generally brings crisp, cool mornings and evenings but many sunny days. November is one of Italy's rainiest months, but there are usually still a good number of sunny days. Toward the end of November and into December, snow starts falling in many parts of Italy.
Ripe autumn grapes
Italy has a diverse climate. Most of Italy is surrounded by water of different temperatures, and the Apennines form the spine, and all of this ends up creating a variety of micro climates.
Mediterranean low pressure areas start in the Gulf of Genoa and spread across Italy, bringing rain and thunderstorms inland. Summer thunderstorms in Tuscany can be quite spectacular, especially in August when the sign of them signals a break in the hot and humid weather.
High seasons for the traveler in Italy are the Christmas Season, February school break (for ski resorts) Easter and the whole month of August. August 15th is ferragosto, when practically everything is closed.
Since fall weather can be unpredictable, it's best to pack clothes that can be worn in layers. Even in November there may still be warm days along the coast. One November I was hot in a short-sleeved shirt while hiking in the Cinque Terre. Take a versatile but not too heavy sweater, a rain jacket, sturdy shoes that can be worn in rain, and a good umbrella. In late fall, you may want a heavier coat, too.
Fall Festivals and Culture in Italy
Highlights of fall are All Saints Day, music festivals, and food festivals including truffles, chestnuts, mushrooms, grapes (and wine), chocolate, and even torrone. Opera and theater season starts many places in fall, too. National holidays during fall are All Saints Day on November 1 and Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. On these days, many services will be closed.
Visiting Italy's Cities in Fall
Cities often clear out and restaurants and shops close during August when most Italians take their vacations. In fall, restaurants and shops in cities are open. Although there are fewer sunlight house, earlier sunsets mean more time to enjoy cities after dark. Many cities light their historic monuments at night so strolling through a city after dark can be beautiful and romantic. While you'll find smaller crowds and lower hotel prices most places, Florence and Rome are highly popular in September and October. There are fall music and theater festivals in some cities, including Rome and Florence.
Fall Outside the Tourist Areas
If you're away from major tourist areas, you'll find museums and attractions have shorter hours than in summer. Some things may only be open on weekends. Seaside resorts and camping areas may begin to shut down in late fall and there's less nightlife although cultural events, like theater and opera, are starting up and there are fairs and festivals, especially food festivals.
All Saints Day is celebrated November 1 and is a national holiday in Italy. During November you'll find some music and cultural festivals and performing arts seasons are starting.
Italian Food in the Fall
Autumn is the best time for gourmet food lovers. What can be better than fresh truffles? Visit a truffle fair to taste truffle foods or just enjoy the aroma penetrating the air. There are lots of fresh mushrooms in fall so many restaurants will feature them in special dishes. Wine and olive harvests are in fall.
October is a great month for Italian food festivals, especially mushrooms, chestnuts, chocolate, and truffles. On October weekends, you'll find fall food festivals and wine harvest celebrations all over Italy. Slow Food's big International Food Event is in October and World Pasta Day is the fourth Sunday in October.
Although Halloween is not such a big celebration in Italy, it is becoming more popular and you may find Halloween festivals, especially in the larger cities.
Truffles are a top fall food in Italy and are celebrated with truffle fairs and festivals.
One of the jewels of Italy, Venice is known throughout the world for its stunning architecture and miles of canals. Consisting of 117
separate islands linked by a series of historic bridges, canals and pavements, Venice is visited each year by many thousands of tourists.
Home to some of the world most stunning buildings, impressive museums and art galleries, and a large selection of top restaurants, Venice has much to offer and rarely disappoints.
Central Venice consists of six main regions, Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, Santa Croce, San Polo and San Marco, each full of local charm and appeal. One of the most famous landmarks in the city, San Marco Square is the only public square in Venice and offers a rich heritage, with the magnificent buildings of Doge's Palace and the Basilica San Marco nearby. Castello is the most historical area of the city and is known for its Arsenale ship-building yard.
On the northern side of Venice, Cannaregio contains the Santa Lucia Railway Station, with nearby Santa Croce linking the city to Italy's mainland. The smallest area of the city is the San Polo district, which offers many local eateries and inns. On Venice's southern side you will find the district of Dorsoduro, which contains the notable 17th-century Dogana da Mar.
Transport in Venice:
Ponte di Rialto
Central Venice is easy to traverse on food, being generally well pedestrianized. Popular methods of transport include inexpensive water buses and more pricey motorboat taxis, both of which offer a convenient and extremely scenic way to travel around the canals. Connected by rail to many large cities in both Italy and Europe, Venice stands on the A4 Autostrada.
The city is home to a large and busy airport, which is located around 8 miles / 13 km from the centre and caters for many international airlines. Venice's Marco Polo International Airport is easy to reach by a range of transportation, such as buses, cars, taxis, boats and rail.
Venice Tourism:
No trip to Venice would be complete without a trip in a traditional gondola and the city is geared up towards the tourist trade, with many must-see sights and attractions. Some of the most popular things to see in Venice include the numerous palaces and historic structures, such as the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), the Palazzo Mocenigo, the Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and a host of churches. The city is also home to countless trendy shopping areas, which are lined with local boutiques and specialist shops, together with a number of colourful markets.
Some of the most outstanding art galleries and museums in the city include the Marciano Museum, the Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico), the Accademia Gallery and the Contini Gallery. The watery city of Venice is also home to a surprising number of green spaces and parklands, such as the Royal Gardens (Giardinetti Reali) and the Giardino Giusti. Nearby Venice you will find a many interesting and appealing towns worth a visit, such as Burano, which is just a short trip by ferry and is known for its lace making.
Throughout the year, many major events are held in the Venice area and consist of religious festivals, cultural events and sports. Events not to be missed include seasonal carnivals, the Festa di San Marco at the end of April, the Festa Medioevale del Vino Soave Bianco Soave each May, the Vogalonga rowing regatta in May, the Venice International Film Festival at the end of August, and also the New Year's Eve masses in the city's Catholic churches.
Venice Shopping:
Full of elegant and trendy boutiques, independent shops and vibrant markets, the city could be called a 'shopper's paradise' and offers plenty of genuine bargains. The best shopping areas in Venice are around the San Marco region, the Mercerie and also close to the Calle dei Fabbri. Also, regular fish markets are held alongside the Grand Canal and are popular with both locals and visitors to the city.
Venice Restaurants:
With a vast selection of restaurants, cafes and eateries, Venice offers many traditional Italian dishes, which include freshly made pizzas, pastas, paninis, cheeses and salads. Many other types of cuisine are also available aimed at tourists visiting the city, such as fast-food outlets and bars. Al fresco dining is particularly popular in the city and around the San Marco area, known locally as the 'Piazza San Marco'.
For those who ever dreamed of staying in a real castle but have yet to find royal blood in your ancestry, your dream may be closer than you think. Of course, not everyone can afford to buy a castle, but that doesn't mean you can't rent one. At least for a night or two. In Italy, some of the most spectacular ancient castles in the world have been transformed into hotels.
Below is a list of five enchanting Italian castle hotels that will finally allow you to live your dream while at the same time living history!
Set in Tuscany's countryside, Castello di Spaltenna Exclusive Resort & Spa is an ancient monastery from the 10th century. While retaining many of its medieval touches, it offers 2 swimming pools, one of which is heated, a restaurant and spacious rooms with Sky TV. Rooms have traditional Tuscan décor and panoramic views over the valley or the courtyard. They all include free Wi-Fi. The outdoor pool has a waterfall and a sun terrace for guests to sunbathe. In the winter months, there's the indoor pool with countryside views. Il Pievano restaurant is situated in the castle's historic hall and offers a large wine list including many wines from the local Chianti region. Candlelit dinners are served out on the courtyard. A sauna, Turkish bath and gym, tennis court and billiard room are also available. Staff can offer suggestions on the many hiking and mountain biking trails in the area.
Castello di Spaltenna Terrace Suite
Castello di Spaltenna Via Spaltenna, 13 - Località Pieve di Spaltenna 53013 Gaiole in Chianti - SIENA Tel. +39 0577 749483
This romantic, 14th-century castle-hotel is worth considering if you've ever dreamed of spending a night in a real castle. The four star hotel offers 7 marvellous junior suites differing from one another in style and character, 7 magical sceneries for a real taste of a faraway times. In each junior suite, the Renaissance style of decorations perfectly
blends with contemporary design and modern comforts including free in-room Wi-Fi. All the charm and
the magic of the Relais Castello Bevilacqua make staying in the hotel a
truly unique experience. Rooms are gorgeous, and the restaurant is excellent, not to mention atmospheric.
Relais Castello Bevilacqua's 7 rooms are air-conditioned and provide minibars, coffee makers, and free international calls. LCD TVs come with digital channels, and the free WiFi keeps guests connected. Bathrooms offer rainfall showers, hair dryers, and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include free long-distance calls, free local calls, and free bottled water.
Start your day off right with a free continental breakfast, served each morning from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Sit down for a leisurely bite to eat at the onsite restaurant, or enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Savor a meal from the comfort of your room with room service, get a quick energy boost at the coffee shop/café, and chat with other guests at the free manager's reception.
Set upon a hill overlooking the green valley between Assisi and Perugia, this 13th century castle was built to protect the strategically important Perugia to Rome road. This historic castle is now a comfortable hotel. Escape the city hustle and bustle and enjoy a tranquil and relaxing environment both inside and outside the castle walls. At Castello Di Monterone you can enjoy peace and quiet in the cosy library, or socialize in front of the fireplace in one of 2 lounges. The hotel's spa includes a sauna, Turkish bath and a swimming pool with jacuzzi. In the evenings, relax under the stars and enjoy the city lights of Perugia's ancient skyline.
Castello di Semivicoli is a 17th century castle located in Abruzzo in the district of Chieti. At an elevation of 1,168 feet above the sea level, the beauty of Mount Majella only 20 km away and the sparkling blue of the Adriatic Sea, only 20 minutes away, can be clearly seen.
The building was the property of Baron Perticone and boasts a fully functional oil mill, built in 1836, and a cellar with huge chestnut casks dating back to the beginning of the nineteenth century AD.
Castello di Semivicoli is the ideal location for business meetings, conventions, wedding parties, wine tastings and gourmet events for any kind of ceremonies and events.
The rooms are all different in style, with antique or modern furnishings. Some rooms have a spa
bath. WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Wine tasting can be requested at the property bar.
The castle is near the ski slopes in Passo Lanciano, about 18.6 miles away. The nearest beach on the Adriatic Coast is 20 minutes' drive from the property.
Enjoy a majestic setting in the Tuscan countryside and relax within the walls of this ancient castle, just 1.2 miles outside the historic walls of Siena.
Castello delle Quattro Torra is a comfortable bed and breakfast. Admire the medieval courtyard. Furnishings include antique objects, exposed wood-beam ceilings, original stone walls and terracotta floors.
Quattro Torra’s main living area is located on the third floor. Here you can choose to stay in the Tower Room, with its 360-degree view of the surrounding countryside, or the very spacious Blue Room, with a view of Siena.
For more independence, book Quattro Torra’s charming apartment, located on the first floor. Here you will have a cosy kitchen, a comfortable living room with fireplace, and a large double room.
Start your day in the impressive breakfast room and enjoy the welcoming, family-run atmosphere and free breakfast. Friendly staff will assist you with booking tours and day trips to nearby sites.
There are cosy lounges, relaxing gardens and children’s play areas. Enjoy free Wi-Fi. Take advantage of the large, free car park.
