Archive for 'Florence'

Most likely, anyone who has found a luxury villa in Florence and is planning a trip to the city has already made plans to visit the Palazzo Pitti and pencilled it into the itinerary. However, if we might, we would make a suggestion. Take a whole day for the excursion, take your time and make sure to set some aside for the Gallery of Modern Art.

The Palazzo Pitti is a vast and elaborate Renaissance palace in the city of Florence. It was originally the luxury home of a wealthy banker called Luca Pitti but was later bought by the Medici family in 1549 and became their primary residence.

Today it belongs to the state and is open to the public. The palace itself is an important and intriguing tourist attraction and the surrounding Boboli Gardens are also well worth a visit, however, that is not nearly where the cultural and historic riches of the building end: it is also home to the Palatine Gallery, Silver Museum, Gallery of Modern Art and several other gallery spaces and exhibitions.

It is probably readily apparent to anyone interested in Italy or anyone who reads this blog regularly that there is no shortage of museums in Florence and rich art collections, in particular, are abundant. However, we are keen on tracking down attractions that are a little off the beaten track, a little less obvious and devoid of the intense tourist crowds that can plague other parts of the city.

With this in mind, the Horne Foundation Museum seems like a perfect alternative to the likes of the Uffizi for those who have already been, can't stomach the crowds or who merely like going to places that are a little less commonly visited. Just find a luxury villa near Florence in Florence and drop by for yourself.

The Horne Museum was the last will and testament of Herbert Percy Horne, a London architect and educated gentleman who had far-reaching interests across a range of cultural exploits from literature to music.

The Brancacci Chapel is one of the chapels within the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence. In fact, it is the shining jewel of the building as much was lost in an 18th century fire, leaving the church otherwise very plain.

Miraculously, this great artwork survived and is even often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Early Renaissance” due the wonderful frescoes that adorn its walls. Just find a luxury villa near Florence and you can discover these extraordinary paintings for yourself!

In 1424, frescoes were commissioned by Felice Brancacci, a wealthy Florentine merchant and statesman, to decorate the chapel and to illustrate the life of St. Peter. They were designed by Masolino da Panicale and he was aided in their production by his pupil, Masaccio. Masaccio then took over in 1428 but, sadly, passed away that very year at just 27 years of age.

In our final post in this series, we have two more of our most beautifully decorated vacation rentals in Tuscany. Both of these properties are historic beauties with interiors plucked right from a period movie.

9. Rocca di Cetona

The noble residence "Rocca di Cetona" is set majestically atop of a hill with commanding views over the Chiana Valley, surrounded by the historic town of Cetona. The property has Etruscan roots as three towers, one of which remains. This tower is incorporated in a later 17th century villa and is surrounded by 2 acres of parkland. It is a true architectural gem with more than two thousand years of history but has been carefully restored to ensure a comfortable stay today.

“Pan di Ramerino” or rosemary bread is a soft and sweet traditional bread made of dough, raisins and rosemary. Somewhat similar to hot-cross buns in composition, they are also traditionally associated with Easter and are usually eaten on Holy Thursday. On this day, in particular, and around the Easter period, you will find bakeries selling the bread, after having it blessed in nearby churches, all across Florence and Tuscany. Just find a luxury villa near Florence and try it in person for yourself, or if you fancy trying out baking a different snack, why not use the following recipe and give it a go at home? Then, as you enjoy this Tuscan delicacy, you can map out your trip.