Dear adventurers and seekers of the authentic, get ready to explore Palermo like never before. In the heart of Sicily, where the sun kisses ancient facades and markets echo with laughter and chatter, we invite you to dive deep into a truly unique experience, far from the well-trodden tourist paths. Beyond its unparalleled historical and natural beauty, Palermo hides unusual gems waiting to be discovered. Join us as we unveil three unique activities to make your next trip to Palermo unforgettable.

Visit the Puppet Theater (Teatrino dei Pupi)

Step into the magical world of Sicilian puppetry at the Teatrino dei Pupi. This unique form of storytelling, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, brings epic tales of knights, damsels, and dragons to life through intricately crafted marionettes. The artistry and passion behind each performance transport audiences to a time of chivalry and romance. Experiencing a puppet show in Palermo offers not just entertainment, but a glimpse into the soul of Sicilian culture, making it a must-do for any visitor.

Interesting fact: Each "pupo" is a meticulously crafted marionette, often reaching a meter in height, embodying characters from chivalric legends and local folklore. Unlike ordinary puppets, these figures are carved from wood, adorned in elaborate costumes, and require skilled manipulation to bring the epic tales of knights and heroes to life. 

Explore the Catacombs of the Capuchins (Catacombe dei Cappuccini)

For the more daring travelers, the Catacombs of the Capuchins offer an unforgettable journey into the past. This eerie underground cemetery houses thousands of mummified bodies, dating back to the 16th century. Dressed in their time-worn garb, these preserved figures create a solemn gallery of Palermo's historical residents. The catacombs provide a unique window into the city's customs, beliefs, and attitudes toward death, making it a fascinating, if not slightly macabre, destination.

Interesting fact: The Catacombs of the Capuchins in Palermo present a solemn yet fascinating journey into the past, housing over 8,000 mummies.This underground cemetery provides an unparalleled insight into the historical and social aspects of Sicilian life, with the mummified bodies dressed in their best attire, frozen in time. 

Savor the Stigghiola

Embark on a culinary adventure by trying stigghiola, a traditional Sicilian street food that tantalizes the taste buds of the bravest gourmets. These grilled lamb intestines, seasoned with fresh herbs and lemon, are a testament to Palermo's rich street food culture. Enjoying stigghiola from a bustling street vendor not only offers a delicious snack but also an authentic slice of Palermitan life. It's an experience that combines flavor with tradition, perfect for foodies seeking the true essence of Sicilian cuisine.

Interesting fact: Originally enjoyed by the working class, stigghiola has transcended its humble beginnings to become a must-try delicacy for anyone seeking to experience the authentic taste of Palermo's vibrant street food scene.

As your journey through Palermo draws to a close, remember that the true essence of travel lies in the unexpected. The Teatrino dei Pupi, the Catacombs of the Capuchins, and the authentic taste of stigghiola are not just destinations; they are invitations to step into the heart of Palermo's rich tapestry of history, culture, and culinary delight. 

These experiences promise not just memories, but stories to cherish and share, stories of a city that thrives on the harmony of its contrasts. We encourage you to embrace these unique opportunities with an open heart and an adventurous spirit. Palermo awaits to reveal its secrets to those daring enough to venture beyond the ordinary. So, as you plan your visit, consider not just the places you'll see, but the experiences you'll live. Palermo is more than a destination; it's a journey into the soul of Sicily.

Valentine's Day celebration creates a truly unique atmosphere: this day and all the month of February, represent the perfect opportunity to celebrate love and the pleasure of being together with the most special person in our life. To experience a wonderful couple's experience on Valentine's Day, nothing is better than a special holiday: Dimore d'Epoca offers you six amazing hotels for an unforgettable holiday, perfect for creating magnificent memories to share with your loved one.

Relais Monaco Country Hotel & Spa (Ponzano Veneto, Treviso)

A magnificent luxury residence in the Treviso area, just 40 km form Venice, Relais Monaco Country Hotel & Spa offers 79 elegant rooms in a perfect blend of modernity and Venetian style. Various services of excellent quality will give life to a magnificent holiday, an experience that you'll remember with pleasure for a lifetime. The wellness area is a relaxing corner of paradise.

L' Albereta (Erbusco, Brescia)

Set in a large park that even hosts a botanical garden, hidden among vineyard-covered hills, a few kilometers from Lake Iseo and just an hour from the center of Milan, L'Albereta Relais & Châteaux is among the most evocative accommodations in Franciacorta. It offers 57 beautiful rooms, each different and each with its own personality.

Hotel Il Patriarca (Chiusi, Siena)

In the heart of a spectacular park, surrounded by beautiful hilly views, Hotel Villa Il Patriarca is located halfway between Chiusi and the renowned spa town of Chianciano Terme. A few kilomerers from the hotel you can reach and visit, among others, Montepulciano, Pienza, and Montalcino, home of the famous Brunello wine, some of the most famous locations in Tuscany.

Marignolle Relais & Charme (Florence)

Marignolle Relais & Charme is situated among the beautiful hills surrounding Florence. This splendid villa, surrounded by cypresses, brooms, and pines, is the perfect location for those who desire a place of excellence and relaxation with the best available. Marignolle Relais & Charme will offer you a charming stay in the intimacy of a historic residence.

Castello Di Spessa (Capriva del Friuli, Gorizia)

Castello di Spessa stands on top of a small hill, in the heart of the Gorizia Collio, land of great wines. The castle is located in Capriva del Friuli, in the North East of the Country: this amazinf hotel offers a magnificent Italian style garden. Surrounded by vineyards, Castello di Spessa is a beautiful manor of medieval origin that was used for centuries as residence for the lords of local nobility. The quality of the hospitality is excellent.

Villa Rizzo Resort (San Cipriano Picentino, Salerno)

Halfway between the Amalfi Coast and the Cilento Coast, in a paradise where you can taste delicious local products, stands Villa Rizzo Resort & Spa. We are in the heart of the Monti Picentini Park, a magical place of nature and history. A perfect location for hosting magnificent ceremonies, Villa Rizzo is among the most evocative accommodations in all of Campania.

The Origins of Valentine's Day

Celebrated every year on February 14th, Valentine's Day is universally known as a really special day dedicated to lovers. However, its origins are shrouded in a veil of mystery. Some historians believe that the roots of Valentine's Day go back to the ancient Roman festivals of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February. During these festivities, purification and fertility rites were performed, believed to favor the health and fertility of women. It is believed that the Church established Valentine's Day to "Christianize" the celebrations of Lupercalia. However, there are various legends about who Saint Valentine was. One of the most famous tells of a priest who secretly married Christian couples under the regime of Claudius II, who had banned marriages for young men, believing that bachelors made better soldiers. According to the more canonical Christian tradition, Saint Valentine of Terni was the bishop of the Umbrian city, then a martyr and therefore a saint. The real origin Valentine's Day wil always remain hidden in history, folklore and religion.

Dimore d'Epoca presents a guide to the Design Week 2024, complemented by a series of hotels perfect for experiencing the most important and dynamic week of the year for Milan, the city that sets trends for all of Europe. Get readt for an experience that you'll never forget!

The Carnival of Venice ("Carnevale di Venezia" in Italian language) is one of the most magic events in the world. It takes place in this incredible, antique city rising from the Mediterranean Sea. This annual festival is known for its intricate masks and a long history of tradition and culture. The 2024 edition of the Carnival of Venice will take place from Saturday January 27 to Tuesday February 13.

Dimore d'Epoca offers you a selection of beautiful hotels that will transform your visit at the Carnival of Venice in a dream with open eyes.

Ca' Nigra Lagoon Resort

Located in the heart of Venice, Ca' Nigra Lagoon Resort is an exclusive structure on the famous "Canal Grande". This place has everything you could wish for from a boutique hotel on the Grand Canal. Intimate and cozy, it welcomes you in a historic Venetian palace where you will be surrounded by bright frescoed rooms, with 18th century furniture, authentic floors, objects with an oriental charm and precious Rubelli and Bevilacqua fabrics. Rich breakfast, beautiful rooms and top class service are standard at Ca' Nigra Lagoon Resort.

Venissa Wine Resort

Tenuta Venissa is located in Mazzorbo, an island that together with Torcello and Burano represents the Native Venice: an archipelago of nature, colors, flavors and art. Venissa is a perfect example of a "walled vineyard". The estate is in fact composed of a cultivated area of ​​over 2 hectares and is entirely surrounded by medieval walls rebuilt in 1727. Venissa Wine Resort give you a uniqe point of view in Venezia's Lagoon: a luxury expericence taht you will never forget.

Palazzo Ruzzini

Palazzo Ruzzini hosts one of the most appreciated hotels in Venice. The structure overlooks Campo Santa Maria Formosa on one side and Rio del Paradiso on the other: the perfect pace to reach any corner of Venice in a few minutes walk. It offers its visitors the true essence of the aristocratic Venetian atmosphere of the past in charming and luxurious modern décor.

A truly unique cultural experience

If there is an event that you should see with your eyes at least once in a lifetime, it's the Carnival of Venice. It offers a variety of performances, including music, theater, and dance, all infused with Venetian tradition. These performances provide an immersive experience that allows you to engage with and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Venice. Getting lost in an entire city rising for water surrounded by masks is an expericnece that you can't describe with words.

Incredible masks and costumes

One of the most iconic aspects of the Carnival is the wearing of elaborate masks and costumes. The craftsmanship and artistry put into these masks are unparalleled. They are not only a feast for the eyes but also carry cultural significance, representing different characters and social classes from Venetian history. Some of the costumes you can see at the Carnival are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and require years to be made by expert craftsmen.

Unforgettable gastronomic delights

Italian cuisine is world-renowned: during the Carnival, you'll have the opportunity to taste seasonal and traditional Venetian dishes. This is a perfect chance for food lovers to indulge in some authentic and exquisite Italian fare. Venetian cuisine offers lots of amazing fish recipes.

Carnival of Venice: the origins

The Carnival of Venice has roots that trace back to the 12th century. It began as a celebration of Venice's victory over the Patriarch of Aquileia in 1162 and evolved over time. This festival is a living relic of history, offering a glimpse into medieval European festivities and traditions.

Fairytale atnosphere

The streets of Venice transform during the Carnival. Every cortner is filled with colors, sounds, and an overall magical atmosphere. The blend of historical architecture with the vibrant festivities offers a surreal experience, almost like stepping into another era. Once you visit this event you'll desire to come back your whole life, every year.

A true break from the ordinary

In today’s fast-paced world, the Carnival of Venice offers a chance to escape the machine we are all trapped in. It’s an opportunity to experience something truly unique and to immerse yourself in a world of fantasy and heritage. This is not just a festival: it's a multifaceted experience that offers history, culture, art, and a unique atmosphere. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, an art lover, or just looking for a unique experience, the Carnival of Venice is a must-visit event that promises to be a lifetime expericence.

How to reach Venice

Venice is one of the most popular destinations in the entire world: there are many ways of getting to the City of Canals, including by car, train, coach & plane. Venice’s main international airport Marco Polo (VCE) is one of the busiest in Italy. It is also possible to get to the “Queen of the Adriatic” from Treviso Airport (TSF), which is situated to the north of Venice, approximately an hour away. Venice Santa Lucia Railway Station offers deprtures and arrivals from ​the most important cities of Europe.