The photos range from a haunted house, which is down the road from where our home once was, through to a lovely one of the amazing seaside town of Chioggia, a miniature version of Venice, on an early spring morning.
Unfortunately, the ghost who often appears at the upper windows of the haunted house( so people say) doesn't seem to appear in our photo. Although at least a dozen people have written to me saying they see it in the photo in one of the the windows at the top....mmm...I'm not convinced. What do you think?
People
say that if you go closer, on a night when the full moon is starting to
rise, you are assured of seeing it. I have never been brave enough. After reading about the horrible end so many people have met with that
haunted castle in Venice (read about it here)
I think you'll also stay well away.
Besides the ghost, a favorite of mine are the two last photos of a little town in Liguria I love. It is a town that is typically Italian and not far from the Cinque Terre.
Arsiero
Arsiero offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Dolomite Mountains, it's the gateway to all that the mountains can offer.
You'll pass through the town on the way to mountain villages like Posina (where my dad came from—more about that further down under the Posina section) and to the mountain sights and the scenic trails that wind through verdant forests and alpine meadows.
Arsiero is also home to fascinating historical sites, including ancient churches, quaint chapels, and well-preserved medieval architecture. Here's more about the town.
Piovene Rocchette is a lovely little town that many of my family members have lived in for many decades, although most of them originally moved down here from the mountain village of Posina after the end of World War II.
I no longer live in the town; however, my brother and many of my aunts, uncles and cousins are still here.
The old town, with its lanes leading up to the huge and lushly forested hill above, is the highlight.
What is Piovene Rocchette most famous for?
Well, they once made great beer here, they produced high quality wool and chocolates too (in the next-door town of Santorso). All of these have long gone. What's left to boast about? Well, the Asterix mural, a tribute to the artist who drew the Asterix comics, Alberto Uderzo, who grew up in France but had family roots in Piovene Rocchette.
The photo of this haunted Italian villa, known as Palazzina Fraccaroli, was taken by me in Piovene Rocchette - the ghost is normally at the top windows! This villa was owned by one of the richest families in the town; it was built for their son and his new wife, but, at least according to legend, they decided to move to Austria instead. The villa was never completed and was left abandoned in the mid-19th century. It was bombed in the Second World War and it has been left to decay ever since.
The Mountain Village of Posina
My father was born in a little hamlet in the mountains outside of Posina and this little village will always hold a special place in my heart. It is truly a beautiful place, an escape, and a place to find peace. There's lots to see here too and, tucked away next to a mountain stream, is a little restaurant that serves the best gnocchi you will ever taste. Here is everything you need to know.
Elsewhere in Veneto
Chioggia Fish Market
Chioggia is a miniature Venice, and there are few tourists here either, which makes it a real joy to explore and a great experience for visitors to Italy who want a genuine experience of the real Italy. Here's everything you need to know about Chioggia.
Liguria
One of our favorite spots in beautiful Liguria is Varigotti. It's a quaint little seaside village where the cottages are painted pretty colors, and lanes meander through them and onto the beach. Click for this and other Ligurian getaways!
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This is how the rich & famous of 16th century Venice Italy enjoyed there weekends and summer breaks. With a boat trip from Venice along the Brenta canal.
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Piovene Rocchette: a lovely little Veneto town with an interesting old town that meanders its way up the slopes of the legendary local mountain, Monte Summano.
If you've been to Venice and Verona you'll know it's true, these cities are irresistible. Click through and spend 5 minutes with us and you'll see why.
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Soave dates back to Roman times, one of the best preserved medieval villages in Italy with a towering castle, ancient city walls and vineyard covered hills.
Padova is not only worth visiting; it is a must-see destination. City of bicycles, city of canals, city of medieval wonders Padova is all of this and much more.
Perched on ancient cliffs is one of the Veneto's and indeed Italy's most impressive sights. This is the sixteenth century Madonna della Corona.
More Travel Tips:
Book your tickets to museums and other attractions in advance on Tiqets.com
Book your accommodation. Booking.com and Agoda help you to book accommodation in advance
Book your excursions. Wherever you go, make the most of your time! Excursions with professional guides will help you do this - choose a location and the best option for yourself on Viator or Getyourguide
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