Archive for 'Localities'

Brolio Castle in the Chianti area of Tuscany is one of the most picturesque castles of the region as well as home to the vineyards from which the Ricasoli family has been distilling their famous wine since the middle ages. Its history, beauty and amenities are unparalleled. Why not find a villa with a pool in Chianti and spend a day exploring it for yourself?

The building has Lombard origins but nothing of the original structure exists today. Due to its strategic location, it was used as a military outpost by Florence, to whom they were affiliated despite the proximity of Siena.

Off the coast of Tuscany there exists an especially beautiful island called Isola del Giglio, or Giglio Island. With Etruscan roots, it has, however, a distinctly medieval appearance of a particularly romantic character. Stone structures and stone houses are dotted across the island which is otherwise rather unspoiled by man. Ninety percent of the territory of Isola del Giglio is uninhabited and flora and fauna of great beauty and interest dominate, especially in springtime, when the island becomes a riot of colour, displaying incredible beauty. Additionally, as it is an island, it obviously has particularly wonderful sea views.

If you're in the artistic centre and birthplace of the Renaissance that is Florence, you're probably planning a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, or Galleria degli Uffizi, in Piazza della Signoria. Should this be the case, there are a few things that you may want to bear in mind first.

One of the oldest and most famous art museums in Europe and the world, the Uffizi was originally begun under Vasari for Cosimo I de' Medici in 1560. The name comes from the Italian word for “offices” which is what the building was intended to house when it was first constructed.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the world's most iconic structures and probably the most famous tower in existence. As it is one of the most visited attractions, this article aims to make your experience of it as smooth and as enjoyable as possible. To make your visit even more special, why not find a luxury villa nearby and make it a once-in-a-lifetime trip!

Begun in 1173, the Leaning Tower of Pisa took over 800 years to be completed. Originally, it was intended to act as the bell-tower of the cathedral located close by in the Piazza dei Miracoli, or Piazza del Duomo. However, the ambitious project for such an ornate structure soon presented problems.

Each year, at the end of October, the medieval town of Lucca is transformed and plays host to Lucca Comics and Games, Italy's answer to Comic-con. In fact, the festival has outdone the numbers of that perhaps more familiar name. Attendance in recent years has reached over 400,000, making it the biggest festival of its kind in Europe and the second largest in the world after Comiket in Tokyo.

The festival was established in 1966 and continues to dominate the city centre of the town for five days each year. Lucca's normal population of 87,000 is massively increased and the streets are flooded by attendees dressed vibrantly.