Archive for 'Localities'

Forte Belvedere is the second largest fortress in Florence city! It began construction in 1590 under the guidance of architect Bernardo Buontalenti by order of the rich and powerful Medici family.

During the 16th century, Florence was flourishing and Forte Belvedere was a testament of that power and prosperity.

Choose from a range of vacation rentals in Florence, many close to the city where you can easily visit Forte Belvedere and the many other cultural attractions of the city

It’s located high up on a hill within the grounds of the Boboli gardens beside the Medici residence, the Pitti Palace. It overlooks the River Arno and was purposely built here to strengthen what was believed to have been one of the weak points of the walls that once entirely enveloped Florence.

Walking along the scenic city walls of Lucca in Tuscany, you will be greeted with the picturesque sight of Palazzo Pfanner and its perfectly landscaped gardens!

Designed for the wealth silk merchant family, the Moricani’s, it was built as a demonstration of their wealth and power within the city.

Stay in a villa with a swimming pool in Lucca province where you can enjoy a few days of relaxation in between your cultural explorations.

Spend a few days at a glorious vacation rental in Pisa and discover all that this wonderful city has to offer! See all of its wonderful attractions including lavish palaces, decorative churches, busy squares and of course the UNESCO awarded Piazza dei Miracoli!

Pisa city is situated at the meeting of the River Arno and the River Serchio which both pour into a lagoon before flowing out to sea. An ancient Etruscan city once stood here dating back to the 5th century.

Due to its perfect sea trading position, Pisa grew massively in size and wealth during the expansion of the Roman Empire.

Its advanced water transport system, both inland via the two rivers or out to sea helped Pisa remain as a powerful city when other once great cities were falling into financial decline.

Situated in the famous Piazza del Campo in Siena is the magnificent Palazzo Pubblico! Building commenced of this giant building in 1297 with the original intention of it being the Republican Government Headquarters. The Palazzo’s façade was specially built with a slight curve to compliment the curve of the world renowned segmented Piazza del Campo.

Book a wonderful stay at a villa in Siena where you can relax and enjoy the sights and attractions of this area at your leisure.

The lower floor of the Palazzo Pubblico was built in stone and the top floors with brick. The Torre del Mangia which rises up the side of the palace was specifically designed to rival the height of Florence’s tallest tower at the time!

It’s a classic example of medieval style architecture with some gothic style blended in. A large mechanical clock was added in the 14th century and it has been since a source of inspiration for campaniles all across Europe.

There are many stunning fortress remains and walled towns of the Mediavalle area of Tuscany that are most certainly worth visiting on your next vacation to Lucca province. Stay in a peaceful villa in Lucca where you can relax and unwind after a few days of cultural enrichment.

The walls of Barga still have two of the original gates hanging within it that both open into Piazza del Fosso. A moat once surrounded the outer wall as an added defence and entry could only be gained via a drawbridge. Whilst you’re in the charming town of Barga, be sure to visit the stunning duomo of St. Christopher and Palazzo Pretorio.