Archive for 'June'

San Gimignano, also known as “Town of the Fine Towers”, is a village right out of a children's storybook, set on a hilltop in Tuscany. Famous for its medieval architecture, it is well-preserved and provides wonderful examples of Romanesque and Gothic secular and religious buildings. Its historic town centre is so highly regarded that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It makes for the perfect setting of an annual festival called the Ferie Delle Messi, or Ferie Messum. This medieval re-enactment of food, games, competitions and culture has been taking place since 1993 and celebrates the cavalier tradition and the Battle of Montaperti in 1260 and Capaldino in 1289.

Each summer, the picturesque city of Cortona in Tuscany has a calender of events re-enacting medieval traditions through May and June. At the centre of these is the Giostra dell'Archidado, or the Archidado Joust, which takes place on the second Sunday of June. Existing since the Middle Ages and created officially in 1397, it commemorates the wedding of Francesco Casali, Lord of Cortona, to Antonia Salimbeni, a noblewoman from Siena. During the festival, the city streets are decorated with banners and flags and are given a medieval flare. The music of trumpets and drums resounds and stalls selling food, drink and crafts are set up. Medieval markets are also present on certain days.

Every year in the evening of the second last Saturday of June and the afternoon of the first Sunday of September, the town of Arezzo in Tuscany holds an event called la Giostra del Saracino, or simply il Saracino, or The Joust of the Saracen in English.

Born in Medieval times as a military training exercise, it is now a great festival in the city which brings together tradition, history, food, music and costumes.

Stay in a nearby luxury villa with a pool and enjoy this exciting festival, full of events for the whole family!

A precursor to soccer called il calcio storico fiorentino is played annually during the third week of June in Florence. Quite unlike the game that we are all familiar with, calcio storico is a brutal, violent sport intimately interconnected with the city's history, rivalries and codes of honour. It is more like a blend of soccer with rugby and boxing.

Not for the faint of heart, players often refuse to invite their families to games as they find it too difficult to watch. For the sports enthusiast however, it offers a unique experience. Why not book into a luxury villa nearby and come experience it for yourself?

If you’re wandering through the scenic province of Massa Carrara in Northwest Tuscany then be sure to spare a few hours to explore the charming walled town of Fivizzano! It was part of the Republic of Florence during the 15th century which helped it to get a steady foot in play for the important area of Lunigiana which was a thriving place of trade via land and sea.

There are lovely attractions to see during your visit to Fivizzano. Begin your tour in Piazza Medicea where there is a superbly designed fountain in the centre. Visit the intriguing Fivizzano museum of printing located inside Palazzo Fantoni Bononi which honours the ground breaking work of Jacopo da Fivizzano.