Archive for 'Localities'

  

Friday, October 18, 2019
A silhouette of a witch and two kids at night
About 30km south of Pisa, you will find the pretty little Tuscan village of Lari. With medieval origins, it is dominated by the mighty fortress, the Castello dei Vicari (known as Vicari Castle or Lari Castle in English), which is perched as the crowning glory of the village. However, do not be lead astray by its pretty, if somewhat unusual, appearance, as it hides a long history of horror and hauntings within its walls. If you have found a vacation rental in Pisa and are considering planning a last-minute mid-term break, half-term, or Hallowe’en getaway to the area, then pencil a trip to the Castello dei Vicari into your itinerary. Perfectly spooky and a rare spot in Italy where you can usually find Hallowe’en celebrations, it is the ideal place to head to if you are in Tuscany in or around All Hallows’ Eve.

The first written records that we have of the castle date back to 732AD, though the castle that you see today is a very different building, having been rebuilt many different times throughout the centuries. It has also changed many hands throughout the years, from family to family, and lots of different kingdoms, rulers, and organisations. In the Middle Ages, it was under the control of the Republic of Pisa and then, in 1406, it came into the possession of the Florentine Vicari family, it was a prison, then it was home to Florentine vicars until halfway through the 19th century, then it was a jail again, and, finally, it came into the ownership of the Municipality of Lari, who restored it and opened it to the public.     Read More
Posted in: Castles & Palaces, Curiosities, Legends, Localities, Must See Attractions, Pisa, Tourist Attractions

  

Thursday, October 17, 2019
Ghost
The exceptionally pretty medieval walled hilltop village of Monteriggioni is located in the province of Siena, in the hills of Montagola Senese. Dominating the surrounding landscape, perched atop a peak and overlooking the beautiful countryside of this part of Tuscany, it is considered one of the loveliest villages in Italy and is also called the the "crown of Italy", due to the shape of the ring wall around the hamlet, with its various towers acting like the arches (or points) on a crown. However, within those incredible historic walls and the pretty town there are ghosts of the past that are said to remain and tell a much more disturbing story. So, if you were thinking about planning a last-minute trip, mid-term break, half-term, or Hallowe’en getaway in the area, then this is an ideal spot that combines the picturesque Tuscan setting of your dreams with perfectly spooky legends. Just browse our vacation rentals in Monteriggioni and get planning your trip today!

Founded as an outpost to protect the province of Siena from Florence’s incursions in the 13th century, due to the ongoing struggles between the two states throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, it was considered an impregnable bastion of Sienese power. Years of laborious, continuous, and costly sieges went by without much of an impact on Monteriggioni.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Legends, Localities, Siena, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Elba is an impossibly beautiful island off the coast of Tuscany that is famous as the place to which Napoleon was exiled. It is full of stunning beaches and excellent hiking routes across its lush and characteristic peaks and valleys and there is much to be seen if you have found a luxury villa on the Tuscan Coast and are exploring the island. However, if you don’t quite feel up to a hike or it’s a particularly hot day or you want a more unique experience and a bit of a thrill, then why not head to the Cabinovina Monte Capanne?

The Cabinovina Monte Capanne is a cable car that makes the journey from Pozzatello, just off the centre of the town of Marciana, to the top of Monte Capanne. Monte Capanne is the highest mountain and point on the Italian island of Elba and the lift takes you on an 18 minute journey over the stunning landscape of the area, offering the most spectacular of views along the way.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Localities, Must See Attractions, Pretty Views, Tourist Attractions, Tuscan Coast

  

Friday, October 4, 2019
Castello della Chiocciola
Tuscany is home to lots of extraordinarily beautiful buildings, towns, and landscapes. The lovely medieval walled town of Monteriggioni is a supreme example of all three of these things coming together. Set amongst the rolling hills and lush plains of the countryside of the province of Siena, with the most incredible ringed town that looks like a village pulled right from the pages of a storybook or scene from history, and filled with lots of stunning historic buildings, it is a prime example of a Tuscan town that is preserved and idyllic and what any tourist would like to experience for themselves while exploring the region. The area is also home to a rather special castle that also looks like a fairytale come to life, the exceptionally pretty Castello della Chiocciola.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Castles & Palaces, Localities, Siena, Tourist Attractions

  

Monday, September 30, 2019
As we mentioned in a recent article, Tuscany is a region of the world that is known for her long history and rich heritage of fashion design. However, the region is also famous for its cultural contributions to the world, with theatrical and musical genres, styles, and performances being very important contributions, in particular, in the past. Opera was born in Florence and travelling theatrical troupes litter the pages of the history of the region, for example.

It makes sense then, that the world of stage and clothing were closely intertwined and lots of costumes were born in Tuscany, in order to adorn performances and complete productions. One of the most famous costumiers of all time was Arturo Cerratelli and, luckily, the work of both this man and his industrious company remains housed in an incredible museum that remains to help tell the fascinating story of theatrical dress in Tuscany. One of the more unique and (understandably) theatrical clothing museums, this amazing institution is a must-see for anyone who has found a luxury villa in San Giuliano Terme.     Read More
Posted in: Localities, Museums & Galleries, Must See Attractions, Pisa, Tourist Attractions