Archive for 'Localities'

There are about 50 dive centers in Tuscany, located along the 270 kilometers of coastline between Livorno and Argentario, with 15 on the Island of Elba and 10 in Argentario and on the Island of Giglio. This stunning coastline and the seven islands of the Tuscan Archipelago are both beautiful and well-preserved and are perfect for diving. Discover the many different species of fish and other underwater creatures that inhabit the area, as well as the beauty, shape and oddities of the reefs, beaches and bays, all clearly visible through the crystal clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and largely protected Tuscan Coast. Just find a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast and start exploring it for yourself.

The Grotta del Vento, or the Cave of the Wind, is a system of caves situated in the province of Lucca, in the Apuan Alps regional park. Named for the strong air currents that flow through the cave, it has been known to locals since at least the 17th century, when records show that is was used to keep food cold due to the lower temperature inside. Beginning in the 20th century there was more exploration and systematic study of the caves and in 1966 it was opened up to the public. Since then, many developments have been made in preserving the natural state of the caves to the best of their ability, while making it safer and more readily accessible to tourists – a difficult balance that has won the caves awards in the past and that makes it one of the best caves in the world to visit.

An amazing underworld of caves and tunnels is revealed upon entering the caves and can be explored via three different guided tours – revealing the incredible stalactites and stalagmites, alabaster walls, small lakes and underground streams – and are all relatively easy routes that most people will be able to tackle without a problem.

As mentioned in the last two posts in this series, the Bargello is one of the best and most important art museums in Florence and is really a rather exceptional institution. A sculpture museum, it is home to a large variety of pieces, including early works by great masters of the Renaissance such as Donatello and Michelangelo, as well as lesser-known but equally important artists such as Giambologna and Cellini.

It is a must-see art museum so art lovers who have found a luxury villa in Florence should be sure to set aside time to visit! Here are our final picks of highlights of the collection.

As mentioned in the last two posts in this series, the Bargello is one of the best and most important art museums in Florence and is really a rather exceptional institution. A sculpture museum, it is home to a large variety of pieces, including early works by great masters of the Renaissance such as Donatello and Michelangelo, as well as lesser-known but equally important artists such as Giambologna.

For art lovers who have found a luxury villa in Florence and are planning on exploring the city, this museum should not be missed!

6. Giambologna's Birds

Speaking of Giambologna, there is another, really rather intriguing group of works by the artist located in the Bargello's collection.

For art lovers who have found a luxury villa in Florence and are planning on exploring the city, there are plenty of things to see and do. However, the Bargello is one of the best and most important art museums in Florence and should not be missed! As mentioned in our previous post, this is an excellent sculpture museum that is home to a large variety of pieces, including early works by great masters of the Renaissance such as Donatello and Michelangelo.

3. Donatello's Attys

Speaking of Donatello, the Bargello houses his Attys, a bronze work from c.1440 that has been named but not definitively identified. The young male figure bears multiple iconographical details but none have allowed for certain identification. Guesses have included Priapus, Mercury, Perseus, Cupid, Harpocrates, Mithra, Ebrietas, and the guardian figure Genius. However, none fit perfectly.