Archive for 'Localities'

Cetona is a comune and town in the south of Siena, where Umbria and Lazio meet. Its landscape is mountainous and distinctive, providing wonderful vistas across the area. Visitors to Cetona will want to make sure to find time for the Naturalistic Archaeological Park of Belvedere, where they can experience the historical and archaeological heritage of the area alongside its natural beauty. For those who really can't get enough of the area and how lovely it is, they can also trek up Mount Cetona. Topped by a medieval castle, it only heightens the already picturesque nature of the landscape. If you're looking for the ultimate fairytale-style setting for your next holiday, this is just the place. Find a villa near town in Cetona and discover its beauty for yourself.     Read More

The Horti Leonini in the town of San Quirico d'Orcia, Siena, is a late 16th century park. It was created according to the direction of Diomede Leoni (for whom it is named) with funding and the donation of lands by Francesco de' Medici. Built as part of a scheme of renovation in the town after damages caused during wars between Siena and Florence, it is an oasis of beauty. Wonderfully well-preserved, the gardens have maintained their original appearance and provide a perfect example of an Italian style garden. If you are interested in landscape architecture, Italian history or gardens, this is sure to prove both stunning and fascinating. Why not find a luxury villa in Siena and spend some time wandering the grounds?     Read More

Siena has a rich artistic tradition and many fantastic examples of the art produced there during the Middle Ages and Renaissance still remain in the churches, galleries and public buildings. The school of painting in Siena flourished between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries and, at one stage, even rivalled that of Florence in beauty and importance. Unlike Florentine art, however, it favoured the traditional and decorative over the humanistic and forward-thinking. The art there remained somewhat Gothic in style, even throughout the Renaissance.     Read More

Donatello's name is one of the most enduringly famous of all Italian Renaissance artists but most are more likely to be familiar with the work of the Ninja Turtle than the sculptor. In fact, unlike with Da Vinci or Michelangelo, most would be hard pressed to even name a single one of his works which is rather a crying shame. Why not find a luxury villa in Florence and plan a trip to rectify this? Explore the city, see the sights and take note of the following works which are must-sees and a good introduction to the artist and his oeuvre.

An obvious choice is his “David”. Less well-known than Michelangelo's, it was divisive at the time.     Read More