Masterpieces of sacred art and spiritual places, Italian destinations not to be missed | Agriturismi.it

Spring is approaching, a good time to discover the many wonderful places that our country holds, and why not to take advantage of a sunny weekend to visit fascinating places, full of spirituality, and the masterpieces of sacred art produced through the centuries. Today we’ll review some of the most well-known of these places, with some suggestions for a stay at a relaxing and natural farmhouse.

1) VENETO

A place not to be missed is the city that Shakespeare called “the nursery of arts”, the beautiful Padua, which contains a treasure of sacred art: in addition to the famous Basilica of Saint Anthony, a place of pilgrimage from all over the world, which enshrines the remains of the beloved saint, it is here that we find the Scrovegni Chapel, Giotto ‘s masterpiece. But you cannot miss a short break in Venice, La Serenissima, and the richness of the mosaics of the Saint Mark’s Basilica, with the precious Pala D’Oro.

The Scrovegni Chapel. Photo Rastaman3000

For a relaxing stay, there is the Bed and Breakfast Residence Ai Celtis, near Padua, offering a cozy, completely renovated space, located at the foot of the Euganean Hills Regional Park, a perfect combination of history, modernity, elegance and attention to detail.

Those who prefer to stay in the province of Venice can stop at the the Farmhouse Papaveri e Papere, a family-run organic farm offering a variety of organic products specializing in the farming of chicken, geese, ducks, and turkeys for the creation of dishes typical of the Po Valley.

2) LOMBARDY

The second stopover is Milan, the capital of Lombardy, whose cathedral is a gem of Gothic architecture, and from its richly carved pinnacles you can admire a wonderful panorama over the city and beyond. And it is here that you find Leonardo’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, preserved in the convent adjacent to the sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie. In addition, until April 11th in the House of Manzoni you can visit the exhibition “The rooms of the ex voto”, dedicated to the popular devotion that brings together over 70 small paintings made as a votive offering.

Farmhouse San Lorenzo di Persegno

For a stay among the hills of Pavia there is the Farmhouse Torrazzetta. Its restaurant, reported on many food guides, is based on authentic flavors and traditional recipes reinterpreted with a bit of innovation and creativity with whole wheat flour, homemade bread and hand-made pasta dishes paired with fine wines and champagne from organic farming.

Not far from here we find the Farmhouse San Lorenzo di Persegno, which extends over 12 hectares in the Alto Garda Park. It offers its guests shiatsu treatments, reflexology, energy balancing, crystal therapy and yoga classes.

3) UMBRIA

Farmhouse Borgo Umbro

Let’s go down to Umbria, where a must is Assisi, the hometown of Italy’s patron saint, St. Francis, and we then proceed to discover a myriad of places of worship, such as the monasteries of Montefalco and Cascia, places of great saints, ending in the charming Orvieto Cathedral, whose harmoniously decorated facade, is one of the loveliest of all Italian heritage.

The Farmhouse Borgo Umbro lies on the border between Umbria and Marche, and includes three stone cottages, restored according to ancient tradition, surrounded by a pleasant garden with olive trees and ancient oaks. In its nice restaurant you can taste traditional Umbrian dishes prepared by expert hands of Chef Matteo.

Not far from the town of Orvieto lies Farmhouse Podere Delle Rose, a small oasis of tranquility for guests with the opportunity to participate in activities related to the cultivation of the land, such as the harvesting of grapes for wine-making or that of olives for oil. There is also a small riding school with stables, with the possibility of horseback riding, and a vegetarian restaurant.