Archive for 'Localities'

There are lots of different wineries that one can choose to visit while on vacation in Tuscany but if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are looking for a pretty, respected, and nearby winery to head to on a day trip out of the city then few options could be as ideal as Castello di Nipozzano. Located high on a hillside in the municipality of Pelago in the Chianti wine region, near Florence, overlooking the towns of San Francesco and Pontassieve and the ancient Roman road, the Cassia Vetus, it has long been a point of strategic importance in guarding the city of Florence. It has also been long recognised as a rather special architectural gem and has been a winery that is opened to the public and a foodie destination since the 20th century. A truly magical and utterly beautiful place to sample some delicious local wines, it is a must for wine-lovers who are spending time in Florence.

The skyline of Florence is one of the most beautiful in the world as it has remained relatively untouched by time and is dominated by distinctive and stunning buildings such as the Duomo. Thankfully, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence, you will quickly discover that there are lots of buildings, outdoor spaces, and viewing points from which to enjoy incredible sweeping views over the city and the skyline. There are several gardens, most of which were once the private outdoor spaces of the nobility of Florence, in particular, that boast exceptional panoramas over the city from the Rose Garden of Florence to the Boboli Gardens. However, one of the best views of all over Florence, and one of the most scenic settings from which to take it all in, is boasted by the Giardino Bardini, or Bardini Garden.

Only opened to the public in recent years, the gardens of the Villa Bardini are located atop the hilly part of Oltrarno and look down over Florence, affording incredible views over most of the city. However, in addition to offering great panoramas of the city and framing them beautiful with trees and flowers, the garden itself is quite the looker. One of the loveliest gardens in all of Italy, it is well worth a wander.

The Palazzo Vecchio is the beautiful and historic (and haunted) old town hall of Florence. Located right at the centre of the historic core of the city, it is one of many fascinating architectural gems in the area. However, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are interested in the history and heritage of the capital of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance then a visit to the Palazzo Vecchio to learn more about the origins of the city and how it developed up to the present day, who ruled over the lands, how the city has expanded and physically changed, important citizens throughout the ages from princes to artists to scientists, and more is a definite must. However, while you are exploring the building and being given context on the history of the city by your tour guide, be sure to pay attention to one room, in particular: the Salone dei Cinquecento, or Hall of the Five Hundred.

If you are a nature-lover and have always wanted to visit Tuscany then we recommend a luxury villa in Florence or a luxury villa in Pistoia, as both are urban destinations where you have amazing museums, churches, architectural gems, restaurants, bars, and shops nearby but are also on the doorstep of one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Tuscany's countryside is famously lovely but it is also more varied and interesting than one might imagine, as well. In fact, stretching through the provinces of Pistoia and Florence, from the Valdinievole to Montalbano, you will find Italy’s largest wetland, the Padule di Fucecchio. This marsh is vast, home to a wide range of flora and fauna, made up of impossibly stunning vistas, and a must-see for anyone who is a fan of the great outdoors and who is spending time in Tuscany.

Tuscany has produced some of the most famous cakes and breads in Italy with the likes of the beloved spicy Christmas treat that is Panforte coming from Siena, as well as the less well-known Panpepato; Castagnoli, Amaretti di Carmignano and Cantuccini biscuits coming from Prato; and the zesty Schiacciata alla Fiorentina and ancient ice-cream cake that is Zuccotto coming from Florence. While these baked treats can now be found all over Tuscany and Italy and all throughout the year, many were originally very localised and made to celebrate specific events and religious festivals such as saints days, Christmas, and Easter.

Dark brown in colour, with a glossy finish due to the sugar and egg glaze applied to the crust, the Buccellato sweet bread from Lucca is soft inside and is sweet, flavoured with aniseed and the sultana raisins that are stirred into the mixture. It is a must-try for any self-respecting foodie who has found a luxury villa in Lucca, particularly if you are visiting in the Fall, as it is an excellent and seasonal treat that is perfect comfort food to enjoy as temperatures drop and everyone looks forward to cosy nights in. As the locals say, “Chi viene a Lucca e non mangia il buccellato è come non ci fosse mai stato” (“Whoever comes to Lucca and doesn’t eat buccellato can't say that they've been here").