Archive for 'Localities'

The charming and historic town of Arezzo makes for an idyllic holiday destination to enjoy the unique culture and atmosphere of Tuscany while staying a little off the more well-trod tourist path. If you're looking to enjoy a key location in the region but you're less interested in bigger cities or more world-famous spots, then a villa with pool in Arezzo is just the thing for your next vacation in Tuscany. In this extraordinary gem of a place, visitors will encounter a picturesque Old Town that has remained largely untouched by time and is so cinematically lovely that it was featured in Benigni's beloved and Oscar-winning, “Life is Beautiful”, stunning churches and palaces often stuffed full of incredible works of art (like Piero della Francesca's astounding Renaissance fresco cycle that covers the walls of the Bacci Chapel), little museums that may not hold familiar works but are fascinating all the same (including a wonderful jewellery museum and the rich Diocesan Museum), pretty little shops selling local crafts and delicious regional treats, and more. Then, around the town's boundaries, you will also find a rather stunning part of the Tuscan countryside with some of the region's iconic and impossibly scenic, lush, rolling hills dotted by old farmhouses, majestic and ancient villas once occupied by ruling lords, and endless vineyards producing some of Tuscany's celebrated local wines.

We have previously written about the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence on many occasions and there are plenty of reasons to plan a visit to this historic gem if you have found a villa in Florence. The former town hall of Florence, this impressive fortress is an influential architectural work, steeped in the history of the city, home to incredible examples of Florentine works of art and craftsmanship from throughout the centuries, it is an excellent museum, and it is (supposedly) frequented by some intriguing ghostly figures. However, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and you are coming to visit this highlight of the city, there is one other great reason to come: it is one of the best places to take in an incredible panorama over the stunning skyline of Florence.

Located in the Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio is a rusticated stone-faced castellated palazzo and a truly impressive and imposing solid mass of a building that is punctuated by two rows of two-lighted Gothic windows (and some other openings). On top of the building, a clock tower looms overhead. This clock tower is one of the most imposing of the medieval towers that still remain in Florence and it is named the Torre d'Arnolfo after the building's architect, Arnolfo di Cambio, who also designed Florence's Duomo and the Church of Santa Croce. At a height of 95 meters, it is the highest civic symbol in the entire city and boasts sweeping views over the city and the surrounding valley in which Florence is located. While you should definitely take the time to explore the rest of the building, heading up to the tower is a must. You can also decide to just visit the tower rather than go through the museum and there are separate entrance fees for both.

The Chianti region of Tuscany is the most famous wine region of Italy and is home to countless incredible wineries producing delicious Tuscan wines. However, if you have found a villa in Florence or a villa in Siena and are looking for a nearby winery in Chianti to visit, then one that we recommend and one of the most picturesque and charming that you could possibly hope to visit is in the region is the Villa Spoiano. Browse our amazing villas in Chianti and get planning a foodie trip to Tuscany that includes plenty of delicious local wines and a wine-tasting session to help you learn more about the history and production of wine in the region in this special gem of a winery.

The pretty town of San Miniato is famous among foodies who vacation in Tuscany as it is home to both wonderful wineries and is one of the best places to find some of the best truffles in Italy and in the globe. Located along the via Francigena that connected northern Europe to Rome during the Middle Ages, it has been entertaining visitors with its beautiful sights, delicious treats, wonderful hospitality, rich artistic heritage, and range of festivals and events for centuries. Positioned in a strategic location on a gentle hill set into the lush and rolling green landscape of the province of Pisa, not far from the city of Pisa, this charming town is an excellent day-trip destination for those who have found a villa with pool in Pisa and are planning days out in the area.

There are certain works of art that most of the world has grown up seeing all their lives. Many of these works come from the Renaissance and are still to be found in the so-called birthplace of the Renaissance itself, Florence. So, for anyone with even somewhat of an interest in European art, a luxury villa in Florence and a trip to the city at least once in their lifetime is an absolute must. In addition to enjoying the many other charms of Tuscany, a vacation in Florence ensures that you can see those so familiar works of art with your very own eyes and see how they stack up by comparison to what you imagined. One of the most iconic of all of these works in Florence and one of the definite must-sees has to be Michelangelo's idealised male form, his David.