Archive for 'Localities'

Continuing on from our previous post, here are some more bizarre and wonderful attractions in Tuscany that are absolute must-sees. Once you have found your perfect luxury villa in Tuscany and are looking to explore the region, be sure to look past the obvious and find the weird and fascinating that is hiding in plain sight.

4. Tuttomondo by Keith Haring, Pisa

Art and Italy are somewhat synonymous and there is no shortage of artworks to be found in Tuscany, in particular. However, most of these are housed in galleries, inside churches and palaces and in typical enclosed or public spaces. Keith Haring's “Tuttomondo” mural, meanwhile, is located out in the open, on the side of a church in Pisa.

Italy is known for her culture, her art, her good food and the good life but, like anywhere, it has its strange and bizarre sides as well. Tuscany is no exception, though it can often seem like an idyllic paradise. We have rounded up some of the strangest, silliest and most fascinating attractions that Tuscany has to offer so why not find a luxury villa in Tuscany and begin uncovering her more unique attractions?

1. Antro del Corchia Caves, Lucca

The Antro del Corchia is part of the cave system of Monte Corchia in the Apuan Alps Regional Park and is the largest cave system in Tuscany and one of the biggest in Europe. It is made up of over 60km of galleries which go down to a depth of 1200m into the earth. Exploration of the cave began in the 19th century but it was not opened to the public until 2001.

We have mentioned many different spas in Tuscany before and there is no shortage of wonderful destinations to choose from. However, one of the lesser-known examples is the Equi Terme in Lungiana, under the province of Massa Carrara, and it is a bit of a hidden gem. If you are looking for a quiet, scenic location to get away from it all and truly relax and unwind, there could be no better location for you to choose. Just find a vacation rental in Massa and then leave your worries at the airport as you enjoy this delightful town and spa in Tuscany.

The little-known town of Chiusi in the Siena province of Tuscany is a bit of a hidden gem that offers stunning scenery, pretty buildings and a rich history. If you have found a vacation rental in Chiusi and are looking for a unique day out that is a little bit off the beaten track, it really is a perfect destination.

Between the 7th and 5th centuries BC, the area was one of the most important towns in the Etruscan Dodecapolis (league of twelve cities) and was where one of their most powerful kings called Porsenna is said to have been buried in an elaborate tomb within a complex labyrinth in an Etruscan burial site. In his Naturalis Historia, Pliny the Elder tells that the legendary Etruscan king Porsenna was buried in a majestic tomb inside an unfathomable labyrinth, with his sarcophagus laid to rest in a golden carriage that was guarded by golden statues of twelve horses, a brood hen and five thousand chicks, all also made of gold.

Finishing off this series, here are the last of our picks for 10 of Our Best Luxury Villas in Tuscany. While there are many more wonderful examples across our website, these ten are some of the best of the best. Be sure to browse the rest of our luxury villas in Tuscany and find one that suits you!

9. La Terrazza Dei Frati

La Terrazza dei Frati is a magnificent 13th century stone farmhouse and is part of an ancient farm complex that dates back to the late Middle Ages, once used as a resting spot by Camaldolese Friars during their visits to the Romanesque parish church at Dicomano. Recently refurbished, the villa is furnished with great care and taste.