Archive for 'Localities'

If you have been planning a trip to Tuscany, why not consider the lovely medieval walled town of Monteriggioni? Located near Siena, this already historic and beautiful town is transformed into a festive gem each summer with its famous Monteriggioni Di Torri Si Corona festival. Just find a vacation rental in Monteriggioni and you can take part in the celebrations and get a real taste of the authentic Tuscan experience this summer!

The festival takes place over two weekend in July each year and is one of the oldest medieval festivals in Italy, which evokes Dante’s famous quote about the town that praises its round surrounding wall, crowned by towers: “Monteriggioni che di torri si corona“.

Palazzo Casali is a palace located in the Tuscan town of Cortona that was built by the Casali family, who ruled over the town in the 13th century. It was only a family residence until 1409 and, thereafter, became the Palazzo Pretorio, which was occupied by the city’s Florentine captains. Today, it houses the City Museum and, on the first and top floors, the library and museum of the Accademia Etrusca. A beautiful building and an excellent and historic museum, it is a worthwhile little visit to pop into your itinerary if you are a culture vulture that has found a vacation rental in Cortona.

The façade that is visible today can probably be attributed to Filippo Berettini and was executed at the beginning of the 17th century and the rear façade, looking onto Via delle Carceri, is particularly lovely. From the main Palazzo Casali entrance, you pass through a 17th century carved doorway, into a large atrium that is decorated with coats of arms and opens into a courtyard. Particular architectural elements to take note of are the two staircases and the 16th century sandstone fountain commissioned by Bettino Ricasoli.

China Massagli (pronounced KEE-nah Mah-SAH-lee) is a unique Tuscan liquor that was first created in the nineteenth century by a one doctor Massagli, who was the owner of a pharmacy in Piazza San Michele in Lucca. Originally sold as a medicinal beverage during the Malaria epidemic of the 19th century in the city, it is now a local tipple that is a must-try for any foodie that has found a vacation rental in Lucca and is exploring the gastronomy of the city.

One of the main ingredients of the drink, from which it partially gets its name, is China Ginebona Officinalis. Also known as Jesuit's bark, the plant contains quinine, an ingredient used to fight fever and malaria, which is still sold in pharmacies to this day.

While Milan is the crowned fashion capital of Italy, there are lots of other fashionable cities all around the country and Florence is definitely one of them! Birthplace of brands like Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo and Pucci, it has plenty of fashion clout and remains a great place for shopping.

There are lots of beautiful boutiques and flagship stores located around the city. One of the most interesting and well-curated among them is Guya. If you're after the coolest brands and hottest looks, it's the place to go. Just find a vacation rental in Florence and pop in for a visit!

We've written before about Emiko Davies, who is one of our favourite food bloggers in Italy, as part of our round-up of bloggers that you need to follow. Davies is a half Japanese, half Australian ex-pat who is now living in Florence with her Italian husband and daughter. Madly in love with the local cuisine, she has written two cookbooks about traditional Tuscan cooking, “Florentine: The True Cuisine of Florence” and “Acquacotta” and contributes to various publications, as well as running a blog and hosting classes and workshops on cooking and photography.

Bringing to life historic recipes and creating stunning images and dishes is her particular forte and, if you find a vacation rental in Florence, you can attend one of her incredible classes for yourself. Just check out her website for details about upcoming events and try to line one up with your trip!