Archive for 'Localities'

Borgo a Mozzano is a town and comune in the province of Lucca, that is located on the Serchio River. It is most famous for an architectural feature located on the river, the Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge), which draws thousands of visitors to the town every year. It is one of two or three dozen ‘devil bridges' found primarily in Europe, most of which date back to medieval times. Thought to have been commissioned by the Countess Matilda di Canossa of Tuscany around 1080-1100, renovated around 1300 and renamed the Ponte della Maddalena around 1500 after an oratory dedicated to Mary Magdalene, it became known as the Ponte del Diavolo because of a popular legend. The legend tells the tale of a master builder who promised to build a bridge and became rather desperate when he realised he could not build it as quickly as he had assured the locals. One evening, while he sat on the bank of the river, the devil appeared to him in the form of a respectable businessman and said he could finish in a single night, if the builder would promise him the soul of the first one who crossed when it was completed.     Read More

One of the most expensive foods in the world are truffles and, arguably, the best in the globe are those that are found in Tuscany. These are the truffles that can cost up to 4,000 euros for a kilo and that people from all over covet.

Locals also love the stuff and are very proud of the regional delicacy. In fact, there are actually several fairs and festivals around Tuscany that are expressly dedicated to the truffle.

Autumn is a wonderful time in this part of the world, with its picturesque scenery and cosy atmosphere, but it is the food that makes it truly special. While there are many dishes and foods that are typical of the area, the truffle is undoubtedly the king. Just check out our vacation rentals in Tuscany and try this delicacy for yourself.     Read More

Good wine is one of the things, along with good food, that really draws visitors to the region of Tuscany and makes them choose it as a holiday destination. Fall, in particular, is a great season to visit the region if you are a foodie in search of a break full of culinary delights.

It is a season when truffles are found, chestnuts are roasted, porcini and pumpkin make their way into pasta dishes and countless towns and municipalities have food and wine festivals to celebrate their local gastronomies.

We have tracked down some of the best of these wine festivals from around the region so all you need to do is choose one of our amazing vacation rentals in Tuscany and get to trying out some of the most famous and best wines that it has to offer.     Read More

When one thinks of Florence, the first things that spring to mind tend to be art, architecture, beautiful public spaces and gardens and a rich historical heritage.

Ghosts probably don't feature too prominently in most people's idea of the city but considering its long and rich history full of political intrigue, conflicts, passion, anger and crime, there are plenty of stories of specters that are said to haunt the streets and buildings, spooky events and unexplained incidents.

With Hallowe'en fast approaching, why not find a luxury villa in Florence and spend All Hallows Eve tracking down ghosts in the city this year.

Read on for some scary stories that we have gathered together about the less well-known side of Florence.     Read More