Archive for 'Florence'

  

Palazzo Medici Riccardi
The Palazzo Medici Riccardi, named for the family that built it and the family that expanded it, is a Florentine Renaissance palace that is the seat of the Metropolitan City of Florence and is also opened to the public (in part) as an exhibition space that offers a program of temporary exhibitions.

Originally, these were largely dedicated to the major protagonists of modern and contemporary art but has recently been more focused on creating greater understanding of the historic and artistic context of the palazzo.

Furthermore, there is a stunning frescoed chapel that is an attraction in its own right. As such, the palace is a fascinating sight for many reasons and, in particular, a wonderful peek into one of the most opulent homes that the city has ever seen. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and visit this wonderful architectural and cultural gem for yourself.     Read More

  

Crostata di Marmellata
A crostata is an Italian baked tart or pie and they can be traced back to at least the 15th century in their modern form. It is characterised by being a "rustic free-form version of an open fruit tart". Traditionally, a crostata consists of a base of three layers of friable dough but, today, shortcrust pastry is used instead. It is differentiated from a torta by its filling, as a crostata has an inconsistent chunky filling, whereas a torta has a consistent filling made of ingredients that have been blended together.     Read More

  

Capalbio
One of the best things about Tuscany – besides the food, wine, culture, history and art – are the views. Tuscany has a distinctive, beautiful countryside and charming and historic towns and cities that really deserve moments where you stop running around from attraction to attractions and just take it all in. To help you out in doing so, we have compiled a list of some of the best views and places to take them in. Here are a couple more to check out on your vacation.

5. The Walls of Lucca

The walls of the Tuscan town of Lucca have always been one of the most recognisable features of this charming town. They now attract tourists and locals alike who admire their construction and design and who also make use of them as a place to walk, jog and cycle. For leisure, exercise or getting to know the layout and atmosphere of the city, the walls are the best place to start.     Read More

  

San Gimignano, view
Tuscany is famous for her rolling green hills, vineyards, sleepy villages, medieval hilltowns and cultured cities. The views over this distinctive countryside adorn endless postcards, lockscreens, books and walls across the world and, if you are planning a trip to Tuscany, you probably want to finally see them with your own eyes. Of course, there are some spots in the region that are particularly good for taking these views in and, as such, we have compiled a list of some of the best views in Tuscany to help you out. Here are some more of them!

3. San Gimignano

The medieval town of San Gimignano is famous for its towers, built in Medieval and Renaissance times by wealthy families, adjacent to their homes, to show off their wealth and compete with each other.     Read More

  

View from the Piazzale Michelangelo
If you have dreamed of going somewhere for a very long time, it can be hard to believe, once you're there, that it's actually happening. Tuscany is one of those locations for many. The best way to make it all very real for yourself is to find a great viewing spot and to take in the scenery that you've always seen in books and pictures and your own imagination.

Once Tuscany – be it cities or rolling countryside – is laid out before your eyes, you can truly take it all in and appreciate its beauty. We have compiled a list of some of the best views and panoramic locations in the region to help you experience Tuscany in all her majesty; and maybe even take some excellent shots to make everyone back home jealous.

Two spots in Florence, in particular, offer amazing views over that beautiful Renaissance city. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and make it a point to head to both.     Read More