Archive for 'San Gimignano'

We have been counting down some of Tuscany's strangest and most extraordinary attractions in a bid to help you plan an itinerary that is a little less ordinary. Just find a luxury villa in Tuscany and then add these final sights to your list!

8. Medieval Torture Museum, San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a walled medieval hill town in the province of Siena in Tuscany. It is most well known for its many medieval tower houses and historic city centre. In this pretty centre there is a Medieval Torture Museum that is not merely a grisly and macabre tourist attraction but also an educational tool used to inform visitors about contemporary human rights abuses. Certainly a unique outing idea for any tourists in the town, it combines historic interest with modern awareness in a captivating and fascinating manner.

One of the things many people have in mind when planning a trip to Tuscany is trying the delicious ice-cream, or gelato (though there is a little bit of a difference between the two), that Italy is so famous for. If you are one of those people, then check out our picks of key places and shops that you need to check out.

If you feel like eating the best ice-cream in the world, you're going to need to find a luxury villa in San Gimignano. Located in the central Piazza della Cisterna, known all over the world and visited by a large number of celebrities is the Gelateria Dondoli or Gelateria di Piazza. The gelateria has won countless awards, invents flavour combinations that attract gourmet-lovers to the town on a regular basis and has made it World Champion on two occasions. Arguably, this is one of the best places in the entire world to try some ice-cream and is consistently mentioned in the most important travel and food guides. Produced daily with very fresh, dutifully selected ingredients, the quality of the product is beyond compare. Additionally, (and surprisingly) this gelateria happens to be one of the cheapest in all of Tuscany.

For those who trust Queen Bey in all things, you stop by Edoardo's once you have found a luxury villa in Florence. Beyoncé and Jay-Z documented visiting the parlour while in Florence in May 2015 and their recommendation is only one of many reasons why to choose it. Edoardo's uses natural ingredients and has a focus on quality, artisanal products. They are also the first certified organic gelateria in all of Tuscany. Designed to give off an old-school 1940s atmosphere from the ice cream in the carapina ice cream boxes, to the walnut furniture, to the counter full of drawers, to the vintage cash register and down to the retro clothing of the staff, it is a cool and photogenic spot that serves up good ice-cream.

Another spot worth visiting in Florence is Perchè no! (meaning “Why not!”) Located between Piazza della Signoria and Piazza della Repubblica, it is near many of the main museums and attractions in the city, which is handy, but it is the artisanal gelato made using all natural ingredients that really sells it. It even provides vegan and soy options which means everyone can enjoy their tasty ice-creams! With both complex and simple flavours, from matcha green tea to chocolate, there really is something for everyone.

So, next time you visit Tuscany, you know where to go!

The Duomo di San Gimignano, also known as Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta (Collegiate Church of the Assumption of Mary),is a Roman Catholic Collegiate Church and the cathedral of San Gimignano. It is most famous for its incredible murals and paintings, which include works of famous artists such as Taddeo di Bartolo, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Lippo Memmi. In fact, the building is only one of many celebrated buildings that make up the ‘Historic Centre of San Gimignano’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just find a luxury villa in San Gimignano and visit this amazing cathedral and the astounding historic centre in which it is located. There are few towns so picture-perfect as this and it is well worth exploring.

Continuing on from our last post, here is the next batch of our "Ten of Our Most Romantic Villas In Tuscany".

4. Cosimo

Cosimo is a small, elegant and perfectly formed apartment, built for two, located in the heart of Florence. Situated on the third floor of an historical building in Piazza della Signoria, it is just few steps from the likes of the Palazzo Vecchio and Uffizi. Decorated in a classical Florentine style, it is comprised of a welcoming entrance, living room and kitchen area with high end appliances, a beautiful double bedroom, and elegant bathroom. A perfect balance between warm and luxurious, this apartment is ideally located to explore the city. With one bedroom and sleeping up to three, it is available from €154 per night.

In the past few articles, we have listed many different kinds of activities that families can enjoy while visiting Tuscany.

From exciting and educational trips to the aquarium to terrifying and electrifying outings descending into caves, viewing the beautiful Tuscan landscape from a zipline to unique water bike tours of Florence, the capital, there is a wide range of outdoor pursuits, adventures and educational experiences that are child-friendly and will ensure everyone in the group has a good time.

We have another article that lists some more activities so that you can make sure you have the perfect holiday once you have found the perfect holiday rental in Tuscany.