An 11-minute train ride from Milan Centrale, the Royal Villa of Monza offers a stately visit with sculpted gardens, vast lawns and, of course, the magnificent palace! Home to over 4,000 varieties of roses as well as an orangerie, you can be sure that the air is sweet-smelling and the gardens are picture-worthy.

Sitting on the banks of the Lambro river, and at the foot of the hills of Brianza, the English-styled gardens were designed by Giuseppe Piermarini and feature extensive topiary and manicured bushes. The palace is just as impressive with 700 rooms, all decorated in opulent fashion of the time. With an ambitious U-shaped layout, the Royal Villa of Monza is striking to say the least. When visiting, be sure to seek out the small court theatre as well as Appiani’s rotunda, which is located next to the orangery.

With sweeping architecture (26 arched south-facing windows), the orangery makes a romantic statement as it faces the the main courtyard. Added to the original structure in 1790, the orangery housed various kinds of citrus trees, exotic plants and rare botanical collections. Today, the space is home to a museum and is frequently rented out for exhibits, shows and galleries.

Built between 1777 and 1780, the Royal Villa served as a vacation home for the Archduke Ferdinand of Habsburg, gifted to him by his mother, the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. Not only was the location a picturesque one, but it was strategic as well; positioned along the Milan-Vienna route, the palace complex hosted various royalty and dignitaries visiting Italy throughout the centuries.

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Hidden deep in the crevice of a cliff range in Italy, the Valle dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills) sits in beautiful ruins. A haunting oasis secluded from the rest of the world, the abandoned buildings are covered in vibrant moss and vines, beckoning to be remembered.

The gaping crack in the rock (created by the Campri Flegrei eruption 35,000 years ago) was the perfect place for the Sorrentine people to build a mill, as they took advantage of the river at the bottom of the valley. In the 13th century, stone flour mills were successfully established to grind grain, then later a sawmill for the cabinet-makers, and a wash-house for women to do laundry.

The mills were the beginning of a flourishing industrial village, though their existence wouldn’t last long. At the end of the 19th century, flour milling was mostly moved to the nearby pasta mills, putting an end to the industry in the Valle dei Mulini. With villagers moving out to find work, the crevice town became obsolete by 1940.

Since the abandonment, aggressive vegetation has slowly taken to the crumbling buildings, creating a mystical and eerie atmosphere. The city of Sorrento has voted to restore the mills, making it temporarily inaccessible to hike down into the canyon. The village can be viewed from the above Viale Enrico Caruso.

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The largest landscaped park in Rome, Villa Doria Pamphili is a stately 17th-century villa with lush adjoining gardens. Wander through the estate, admire the meticulously trimmed hedges, and find yourself lost in a dreamworld of luxury in Italy’s capital. Constructed by the noble Roman Pamphili Family in 1630, the property has expanded over the centuries, growing in grandeur and status.

The first stop you’ll make as you head into the estate is at the entranceway; the “Arch of the Four Winds” stands in all its blush-colored glory with carved archways and statues for stylistic representation. This grand entrance commemorates the former Villa Corsini which used to stand in its place before the french bombardment in which it was destroyed.

Moving into the property itself, visitors have much to explore. The Casino del Bel Respiro (“small villa of good breath”) sits comfortably in its baroque elegance; white washed walls with powder blue shutters, this country residence has an angelic aura amidst the landscape.

The grand villa stands adjacent to the Secret Garden, a lush manicured garden with swirling hedges and treasured embellishments. Look for the fountains, statues, chapel, and carved architecture to peak your curiosity. If you’re still longing for adventure, follow the gentle waterfalls that lead from the picturesque pond and stop at every fountain on the property; there are seven!

With a heritage of nobility and status, the Villa Doria Pamphili has the history, beauty, and character that is both charming and significant to the Monteverde area.

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One of Tuscany’s most famous monasteries lies in beautiful ruins: the San Galgano Abbey. Sitting in a golden field with cypress trees dotting the property, the Abbey of San Galgano holds onto its Italian Gothic-Cistercian architecture, if only by the bones. With soaring archways and sweeping views, this ancient monastery is a picturesque spot to explore and reimagine history.

As history tells, Italy’s noble knight Galgano Guidotti left his life of wealth to live as a Cistercian monk in 1180, following a series of dreams and religious visions. To signify the abandonment of his status, Guidotti struck a rock with his sword, creating a real-life Excalibur. The sword-in-rock is preserved in a chapel at the nearby Montesiepi hermitage. Four years after his death, Guidotti was named Saint Galgano for his life of charity.

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In honor of Saint Galgano, the Cistercian monks built the Abbey of San Galgano in Siena, which was later devastated in 1300 by Giovanni Acuto’s troops. By the end of the 14th century, the abbey was the only structure left of the monastery.

Today, with it’s roofless walls and 13th-century style, the abbey is a breathtaking piece of architecture. From the tall nave with its soaring windows to the addition of the rose window still standing, the ancient structure is a vista to behold.

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On the banks of the Po River, Borgo Medievale Turin transports visitors to the days in Piedmont of drawbridges, courtyards, and knights in shining armor. As an open-air museum, and nestled within the Valentino park, families can wander through the gardens, along the decorated alleyways, and into a world not far from a fairytale.

The Medieval Village was originally created for the Italian general exhibition in 1884; it sought to recreate the atmosphere of a Piedmontese town in the 15th century. Within the fortified walls, the narrow streets are lined with artisan shops and the occasional restaurant to explore; both have animated workers ready to explain their craft and its relevance to the history of the region. From the paper mill to the farrier’s laboratory, from the bakery to the church, there are so many nooks to find!

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The focal point and main attraction of Valentino park and Borgo Medievale Turin is the grand fortress. With a paid ticket, you can head up the hill, and into the castle to view the armor, weapons, and furnishings that were common of the Medieval times in Italy. From there, head to the “Garden of Delights,” where you will find lush flowering plants, medicinal herbs, and aromatics that will make your senses swirl with delight!

Depending on your pace and how much time you like to spend in noticing the fine details and craftsmanship of the quaint village, families could easily spend a full day within Valentino park. With so much to do within the incredible architecture, don’t forget to meander down to the Po for a restful retreat with a riverside view.

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Existing in part as early as the 8th century, the Venetian Arsenal is a vast complex of shipyards and armories now open to the public for exploration. Featuring outdoor spaces and a walking bridge, possibly the most interesting feature on the grounds is the Piraeus Lion statue at the main gate. With a perplexing inscription and intimidating 9-foot stature, this lion demands the attention of all who question the naval power of the republic of Venice.

Spanning about 110 acres (or about 15% of Venice), the Venetian Arsenal was the largest industrial complex in not only Italy, but the entirety of Europe before the Industrial Revolution. The trading vessels built here generated a large portion of Venice’s wealth and power throughout the centuries. The main gate “Porta Magna” was created around 1460 as one of the first works of Venetian Renaissance architecture.

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Later in 1687, two white marble lions were plundered in Athens and brought to Venice to stand guard next to the main gate, giving the name “Porto Leone” or Lion Port. One of the sculptures, known as the Piraeus Lion, was displayed as a symbol of Saint Mark, Venice’s patron saint. Originally created around 360 BC, the lion was defaced by Scandinavian mercenaries in the 11th century. With runes carved in a dragon-like scroll on the shoulders of the lion, many have tried to decipher the meaning. Take a look for yourself; what is the Lion of Saint Mark telling you?

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The Villa Cimbrone Gardens are a culmination of prestige, beauty, and the rich history of Ravello’s golden era. Earning its name from the jagged cliff on which it’s perched, the lush estate offers guests sweeping views over the Mediterranean sea as well as a peek into the ornate architecture, marbled statues, and flowering greenery of coast of Campania.

Originally belonging to the aristocratic Acconciajoco family in the 11th century, the property has passed hands several times over the centuries. It was extensively renovated in the early 20th century by British nobleman, Lord Grimthorpe, and is now a public historical sight.

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The botanical garden sits adjacent to an exclusive 5-star hotel that shares its name, and is often used for weddings and receptions due to its stunningly romantic atmosphere. The Terrace of Infinity is perhaps the most breathtaking spot on the premises; the long patio parallels the horizon and is dotted with marble busts along the rim. Where sculpture meets coastline, and water meets sky… that is where magic happens.

The Ally of Immensity is the main walkway through the estate and features a wisteria-covered pergola in summer. Within the gardens, visitors will find temples and statues, pottery and stonework, as well as a cloister and crypt: all pointing the the artistry that has been so meticulously preserved.

With its classical styling and aura of days gone by, the Villa Cimbrone Gardens are recognized as an important cultural heritage site that all who visit the Amalfi Coast shouldn’t miss.

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