Archive for 'Localities'

  

Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Basilica of San Domenico, Siena
Catherine of Siena was a Dominican tertiary, philosopher and theologian. Born in the 14th century, she began having visions of Christ at the age of five or six. At seven, she had decided to devote her life to God. She resisted marriage as a young woman until she was eventually allowed to join the Dominican Order. She was known for helping the sick and poor and launching reform campaigns among the faithful. Catherine even went so far as to become involved in political matters like swaying the loyalties of cities back towards the papal armies. Her writings spread her word further and gained more followers but she also became known for extreme devotion, eventually dying due to her refusal to eat.     Read More
Posted in: Churches & Religious Buildings, History, Important People, Localities, Siena, Tourist Attractions

  

Friday, May 29, 2015
Waters of Pianosa Island
Located in the glimmering Tyrrhenian Sea, off the coast of Tuscany, Pianosa Island is one of the smallest islands in the Tuscan Archipelago. It is also almost entirely uninhabited exception made for wildlife, nature, a handful of humans and the ghosts of the past. So flat that it is barely visible, and often described merely as looking like a darker blue line in the sea, it was most recently home to a prison that is now abandoned. Since its closure, Pianosa Island has become a popular spot for diving enthusiasts as there is a huge variety of saltwater fish and vegetation and dolphins often make appearances. Find a villa with pool on the Tuscan Coast and you could spend a day exploring this fascinating island and its stunning surroundings.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Day Trips, Islands, Localities

  

Friday, May 29, 2015
Gucci Store
In 2011, iconic Italian luxury brand, Gucci opened a museum in the historic heart of the city. Located in the Piazza della Signoria, only metres from the Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio, the Gucci Museo, or Museum, occupies three floors of the Palazzo della Mercanzia. The museum showcases products from the brand from bags to cars and also houses a café, bookshop and giftshop. For any fashion lovers visiting the city, fans of the label or people looking to do something a little different or experience a different kind of museum, it's a must-see.

Find a luxury villa in Florence and complete the whole luxury experience by dropping by!     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Florence, Localities, Museums & Galleries, Tourist Attractions

  

Friday, May 29, 2015
Moses Pavement, Siena Cathedral
Siena Cathedral, or the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, is a 13th century church in Siena, Tuscany. As it houses works by Donatello, Bernini, Michelangelo and Cimabue (among others) and is one of the main sights in the city, chances are that it is already on many itineraries of visitors to the city. However, if you have found a luxury villa in Siena and are making the trip there this summer, there is even more reason to visit the Cathedral.     Read More
Posted in: August, Churches & Religious Buildings, Events, July, Localities, Siena, Tourist Attractions

  

Friday, May 29, 2015
Lake Vagli
Fabbriche di Careggine is a town in the area of Lago di Vagli, or Lake Vagli, in Lucca, Tuscany. You have probably never heard of it before, and for good reason: rather than near Lake Vagli, it would be more correct to say that it is beneath the lake. The medieval town, a long-time home to talented metal-working artisans, was flooded in 1953 in order to create the artificial lake, a hydroelectric basin.

Every decade, the lake is drained in order to perform maintenance and the town emerges from the depths of the water once more, giving rise to its nickname as a “ghost town.” Hundreds of thousands attend every time to watch as it slowly rises out of the lake.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Lakes, Localities, Lucca