Archive for 'History'

  

Friday, May 12, 2017
A segment of the True Cross frescoes
The Cappella Bacci is a chapel located in the apse of 14th-century Basilica di San Francesco, a single-nave building in Arezzo dedicated to St Francis and built reflecting the values typical of the mendicant orders of the day.

Work was begun in the second half of the thirteenth century and completed in the fourteenth, with a campanile added in the sixteenth century. Both exterior and interior are somewhat grave and austere, though the interior is a richer and less intensely pared back place.

The exterior is expressed with a roughly textured stone facade without any real ornamentation, while the interior is accented with niches containing fourteenth-century and Renaissance ornamentation and Gothic chapels.

One among these chapels is particularly famous: the Bacci Chapel, and the reason for its recognition and fame? It is home to a cycle of incredible frescoes by the famous Renaissance painter Piero della Francesca. Just find a luxury villa in Arezzo and drop by to see it for yourself.     Read More
Posted in: Churches & Religious Buildings, History, Important People, Museums & Galleries, Must See Attractions, Renaissance, Tourist Attractions

  

Friday, April 21, 2017
Lari
Lari is a small hilltop village located around 30 km from Pisa, that is thought to have been founded by the Etruscans. Its most distinctive feature is the castle that sits at the centre of the village and looks out over the whole area. Most of the present day castle dates back to the first half of the 17th century but records show that a castle has stood in the area since before 1200. It was an incredibly important military stronghold of the Pisan Republic and was caught up in the disputes between Pisa and Florence. When the Florentines took over in 1406, it became the residence of the vicars and was installed with a court room, prison and torture chamber. The prison was enlarged in the 18th century and remained in use until 1934. It was only in 1991, that the Municipality of Lari began restoring the castle and it was then opened to the public as a historic tourist attraction.

As one might imagine, a history filled with punishment, crime, death and torture has lead to a history of ghost stories and the town, at large, is also steeped in some spooky tales. Lari Castle is said to be haunted by the spirit of Giovanni Princi, a man who found hanging in his prison cell in 1922 after being jailed for his political views.     Read More
Posted in: History, Legends, Localities, Must See Attractions, Pisa, Tourist Attractions

  

Friday, April 21, 2017
Brancacci Chapel
The Brancacci Chapel is one of the chapels within the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence. In fact, it is the shining jewel of the building as much was lost in an 18th century fire, leaving the church otherwise very plain.

Miraculously, this great artwork survived and is even often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Early Renaissance” due the wonderful frescoes that adorn its walls. Just find a luxury villa near Florence and you can discover these extraordinary paintings for yourself!

In 1424, frescoes were commissioned by Felice Brancacci, a wealthy Florentine merchant and statesman, to decorate the chapel and to illustrate the life of St. Peter. They were designed by Masolino da Panicale and he was aided in their production by his pupil, Masaccio. Masaccio then took over in 1428 but, sadly, passed away that very year at just 27 years of age.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Churches & Religious Buildings, Florence, History, Localities, Renaissance, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Pan di Ramerino
“Pan di Ramerino” or rosemary bread is a soft and sweet traditional bread made of dough, raisins and rosemary. Somewhat similar to hot-cross buns in composition, they are also traditionally associated with Easter and are usually eaten on Holy Thursday. On this day, in particular, and around the Easter period, you will find bakeries selling the bread, after having it blessed in nearby churches, all across Florence and Tuscany. Just find a luxury villa near Florence and try it in person for yourself, or if you fancy trying out baking a different snack, why not use the following recipe and give it a go at home? Then, as you enjoy this Tuscan delicacy, you can map out your trip.     Read More
Posted in: Florence, Food and Wine, History, Localities, Recipes

  

Wednesday, April 5, 2017
St Francis by Cigoli
Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most famous and well-known Italian saints. His story is perfectly formed to capture hearts and imaginations: the son of a rich mercantile family, he lived the life of a playboy and was a soldier but, after a being held in captivity as a prisoner of war for a year, he had a big change of heart and renounced his way of life entirely. He dedicated himself to a life of piety and charity and founded the Franciscan order, which is based on poverty and alms.     Read More
Posted in: Churches & Religious Buildings, Cortona, History, Important People, Localities, Tourist Attractions