My Italian Link - Issue #09 My Italian Link Issue #09 | Page 18

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UNIQUE &
unusual sights
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Each issue, My Italian Link offers you a list of geological
mysteries, architectural oddities, and historical uniquities!
These strange and unusual places will add an extraordinary
sense of intrigue to your holiday in ‘the Boot’.
STRA – VENETO REGION
A NINE-LAYER LABYRINTH
Near Venice lies the Villa Pisani in the
town of Stra. In the villa’s immaculate
gardens, you’ll find the Doge’s labirinto;
a circular maze with nine repeating
patterned paths lined by hedges,
surrounding a small tower. Free gelato
for the first one to find the centre!
www.villapisani.beniculturali.it
LANGHIRANO – EMILIA ROMAGNA REGION
MUSEUM OF PROSCIUTTO
Parma Ham is serious stuff
– especially in Parma! The Museo
di Prosciutto di Parma not only offers
demonstrations and exhibitions on
prosciutto, but there are also tastings.
If you’re still not satisfied, visit the
restaurant and eat your heart out!
turismo.comune.parma.it
CURON – TRENTINO-ALTO ADIGE / SOUTH TYROL REGION
A SUBMERGED VILLAGE
In 1950 it was decided to combine Lago di Resia and Lago di Curon to feed
a hydroelectric plant. This meant the flooding and evacuation of a small town,
then known as Curon Venosta. Despite protests by the locals, the town was
flooded beneath almost 120 million cubic metres of water! All that can be seen
today is the bell tower of the 14 th -century church, peeking up like an iceberg
from the lake’s surface, but asleep for all eternity. It’s a beautiful, truly unique
sight, and in winter, when the lake freezes over, you can skate right up to it!
www.vinschgau.net
ROME – LAZIO REGION
HOUSE OF THE OWLS
The Casina delle Civette (the Owl House),
on the grounds of the Villa Torlonia,
is aptly named given its woodland-esque
surroundings. Once the home of
Prince Alessandro Torlonia the younger,
it features an enchanting melange
of architecture. You’ll feel like you’re in
a fairytale! www.museivillatorlonia.it
PANTELLERIA – SICILY REGION
RENT A DAMMUSO
Dammusi are traditional homes unique
to Isola di Pantelleria. They were built
centuries ago by the Arab civilisations
and locals that inhabited the island.
Each dammuso is carved into and
built with the island’s natural stone.
A truly distinctive getaway!
www.ildammuso.com
ROME – LAZIO REGION
DINNER IN A TOWER
MILAN – LOMBARDY REGION
Head to Ristorante Il Fungo to dine on
delicious local cuisine at the elegant
Quattordicesimo Piano restaurant
or the Piano Zero bistro at the top
of a mushroom-shaped tower with
a panoramic view. Built in the ‘60s,
the tower was once a water store.
www.ristoranteilfungo.it
WES ANDERSON’S BAR LUCE
Venture inside the Fondazione Prada near the Torre, and you’ll come upon this hidden
gem of a bar, designed by famous director Wes Anderson. Bar Luce recreates the
atmosphere of a typical Milanese coffee house. The furniture, veneered wooden panels
on the walls and the floor all recall Italy in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Enjoy a relaxing tipple
while you take in some of the original Neoclassical artwork from the era, and muse on
the space itself as Wes Anderson’s idea of comfort and luxury as an experience.
www.fondazioneprada.org/barluce
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