Archive for 'Small Towns'

If you'd like to immerse yourself in some authentic Tuscan culture then why not take a day to tour around some of the most charming towns in the Arezzo region of Tuscany?

A day or two spent exploring the tourist attractions in and around these beautiful communities and tasting some exquisite food and wine will undoubtedly provide you will many treasured memories of your vacation here.

There is a fantastic selection of tuscany holiday rentals in Montebenichi, Pergine Valdarno, Castiglion Fiorentino, Subbiano and Sestino for you to choose from if you’d like to base some or all of your holiday in the Arezzo province.

Begin your day of adventure with a tour around the ancient town of Montebenichi. The town square is part of an old 'castelletto' which made up part of the medieval fortress that once defended Montebenichi from frequent attacks by power hungry provinces like Florence and Siena.
This beautiful structure was restored at the beginning of the 20th century and attracts many visitors. The views from this hilltop town are superb; it’s surrounded by green trees and looks to be in perfect harmony with nature.

Tourists will find a lovely selection of cafes and eateries to choose from where they can sit out in the sunshine sipping a lovely espresso or enjoying a delicious Tuscan pasta dish for lunch.

If you decide to spend a few exciting days in the Versilia region of Tuscany, it would be worth your while to visit the picturesque town of Camaiore, situated at the foot of the Apuan Alps. Visitors have a choice of beautiful tuscany holiday rentals with swimming pools in Camaiore and all around the stunning Versilia region.

Begin a day of exploring Camaiore with a visit to the museum of Sacred Art here, filled with exquisite painting and artefacts. Stroll around some of the town’s oldest buildings, including the Collegiata di Santa Maria that dates back to the early 13th century and is in the shape of a Latin cross.

For a fulfilling break packed with exciting activities to do, historical sites to visit, cultural events to take part in and exquisite food to try then the Casentino region in Tuscany could be the perfect place for you to base a few days of your holiday!

There is a wonderful range of vacation rentals in Casentino to relax in and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The breathtaking landscape is thankfully not too overcrowded with people and is sure to be an interesting exploration.

The River Arno passes through this picturesque region on its way from Mount Falterona down to the city of Florence. Casentino is almost of oval shape in a forested valley surrounded by tall mountains. The tallest of these is Mount Falco which stands majestically over the valley at over sixteen hundred metres.

If you want to spend a few days exploring the attractive Casentino area then the large town of Bibbiena is a perfect base for you to embark on your adventures! There are a great variety of holiday villas in the area available for rental where you can enjoy your stay.

This charismatic town is home to the church of St. Lorenzo where two spectacular paintings by Andrea della Robbia called ‘Adoration of the Shepherds’ and ‘Deposition’ can be admired inside. Only two kilometres outside of this town is the monastery of San Maria del Sasso dating back to the 15th century where more of Andrea della Robbia’s work can be seen.

This stunning chapel is the perfect example of Renaissance architecture and decorative Florentine artwork as the frescos are painted all around the walls and the windows are stained in rich colours.

If you are staying in or even passing through the Casentino valley in Tuscany, a worthwhile visit would be one to the town of Chiusi della Verna. The sanctuary of La Verna, founded by St. Francis of Assisi, is located near the top of Mount Penna above the town of Chiusi della Verna. It is said to be one of the most peaceful places to be on earth.

There are many visitors to these parts because this is where St. Francis of Assisi lived for his final years in solitude with his fellow Franciscan monks. The nearby Basilica Maggiore contains terracotta sculpture by the famous Andrea della Robbia. Also to be viewed by the tourist is the Chapel of Relics which contains possessions of St. Francis when he was alive. There is a tablecloth, some crockery and a walking stick.

The most unusual artefact found is a ‘disciplina’, an iron handle whip used in a common Christian practice of ‘Mortification of the Flesh’, where monks would routinely whip their own flesh in penance for their sins. A relic of the saint’s blood staining a linen cloth can also be seen here. It’s carried around Chiusi della Verna during holy celebrations. After a visit to this sanctuary, a half hour of hiking would bring you to the summit of Mount Penna where the views are breath taking!