Torre Prendiparte in Bologna Top Place to Stay As Ranked by Lonely Planet

| Mon, 02/24/2014 - 01:45
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Lonely Planet, the largest travel guide book publisher in the world, has published a list of the “Top Ten Extraordinary Places To Stay In 2014.”

Coming in third is the Torre Prendiparte in Bologna, a medieval tower transformed into a B&B, which, we are proud to say, we told you about way before Lonely Planet!

Last year in fact, as part of our “Inspired Stay” series, we published a feature on the tower, which ITALY Magazine visited on more than one occasion, when we had the chance to talk to the owner, who explained everything about the tower's interesting history and current use.

It is indeed a magical place to stay. Lonely Planet describes it this way:

“A medieval high-rise turned romantic hideaway, the Torre Prendiparte is unlike anywhere else you'll ever stay. For you don't just get a room here, you get an entire 900-year-old tower. The 60m-high Torre, Bologna's second tallest, is one of about 20 that remain from the city's medieval heyday.  It was originally built as a refuge for the powerful Prendiparte family, but later became a seminary, and in the 1700s served as a religious prison. The living area is on the first two floors and comprises a snug, classically-furnished living room, mezzanine bedroom, and kitchen. Above this is the former jail where you can still see graffiti left by prisoners on the 2m-thick walls. Further up, a rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views over Bologna's historic skyline.”

You can read ITALY Magazine’s story about the Torre Prendiparte here.

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