Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

When one thinks of the city of Pisa or considers a villa in Pisa and holiday in this famous destination, it is hard not to immediately first think of the city’s iconic Leaning Tower. However, as it is an ancient and storied city in Tuscany, there is a rich and vibrant artistic and cultural history that goes far beyond just one building. Those who have found a villa with pool in Pisa and are taking the time to see all that she has to offer will quickly discover many more wonderful architectural gems, fascinating churches with incredible frescoes and art objects, museums, and, even, a famous mural by the beloved artist Keith Haring.

This work, “Tuttomondo,” was painted in 1989, shortly before the artist died prematurely in 1990 due to complications related to HIV, the work was made in collaboration with the students of Caparol Center, the suppliers of an acrylic tempera paint. Based on themes of peace and harmony in the world, it is painted on the wall of the former convent of S. Antonio and makes for a striking message of hope and possibility as this bright and colourful and unmissable thing of sheer beauty created by a gay HIV positive artist on the side of a Catholic building. Free to visit whenever you wish and located across from the Keith Café, admirers can sit for a spell with a bite to eat or a coffee or both and examine the work more closely. It is a true must-see for art-lovers and Haring fans on vacation in Pisa!

Florence is a city famous for its museums, galleries, churches, and palaces that are beyond gorgeous and stuffed full of incredible works of art but it is not merely the interiors of this incredible place that are utterly beautiful. The piazzas, the streets, the Arno with all of the bridges crossing over it, and the views over the skyline dotted with its landmarks that can be taken in from various rooftops and panoramic spots are all examples of the great appeal of the outdoor spaces of Florence.

Then, of course, there are also the gardens and parks. Like many of the great cities of Europe, Florence has endless wonderful parks to explore. Many of these parks are not large expanses in which one can walk their dog or play sports or bring children to a playground but, rather, exquisitely manicured gems full of rare blooms, perfectly tamed lawns, arches grown over with fragrant flowers, sculptures by some of the most famous artists in history, amazing fountains, and all sorts of whimsical follies and surprises. These parks or public gardens or gardens attached to museums may now be available to all but they were once the private gardens of the city’s richest and most privileged residents. Thankfully, most can now be enjoyed by everyone! So, whether you want to take in the extraordinary sculptural details of the Boboli Gardens, see the impressive collection of different varieties of roses in the Rose Garden, or the lush and rare plants from all around the world at the garden of the Stibbert Museum then be sure to plan a garden crawl once you have found a luxury villa in Florence. 

This week we have already looked at Arezzo, a city of gold and a place in which goldsmithing has gone on from the Etruscans to the present day. Workshops of artisans still dot the medieval core of the city and thousands of jewellery and gold businesses operate throughout the surrounding area. Museums display incredible works from throughout history and shops sell the latest iterations to the magpies among those on vacation in Tuscany who are after rather more special and precious souvenirs. There is also a roaring trade in both jewellery and artisanal goods to appreciate if you have found a luxury villa in Florence, nearby. However, the birthplace of the Renaissance is, in its own right, one giant jewellery box full of incredible gems from architectural masterpieces to museums stuffed with incredible works of art to churches painted and gilded meticulously. And, among all of the stunning buildings and institutions filled with astounding things made by human hands, one of the lesser-known but most extraordinary has to be the Opificio delle Pietre Dure.

The Opificio delle Pietre Dure, literally meaning the Workshop of Semi-Precious Stones, is an institution run by the Italian Ministry for Cultural Heritage that is based on Via degli Alfani, not far from the Cathedral or the Galleria dell’Accademia, in the centre of Florence. In addition to the museum that most visitors head to, the building is also home to one of two Italian state-run conservation schools (the other being the Istituto Superiore per la Conservazione ed il Restauro), a specialist library, an archive, and a scientific laboratory in which research into the latest and best preventive and conservation techniques is undertaken. A global leader in the field of restoration, the institution is also home, as one might imagine, to a wonderful collection of well-preserved and incredible objects. 

The picturesque medieval town of Arezzo is one of Tuscany’s most beloved destinations as it is a serious looker, steeped in culture, boasts a very pretty historic centre that is almost frozen in time, hosts several fascinating festivals and events throughout the year, and has some incredible little boutiques, bars, cafes, and restaurants. However, one of the things about the city that the magpies among those looking to vacation in Tuscany should definitely take note of is that it is home to an ancient and rich jewellery and gold-crafting heritage. As a result, those who have found a villa with pool in Arezzo will be able to seek out some rather special, unforgettable, and very precious souvenirs while in the area. In fact, perhaps some of the most beautiful and incredible examples of craftsmanship in the entire region of Tuscany can be discovered while on holiday in Arezzo. So, plan your next trip and be sure to set aside a budget for purchasing something truly special that you can pass down through your family or with which you can simply remember your holiday for the rest of your life...

Lonely Planet is a name that is long and well-associated with all things travel and a key touchstone that many turn to when planning trips and thinking about future holiday destinations. As such, people tend to sit up and listen to what they have to say when they produce their famous annual, “Best In Travel,” guide and use it for inspiration when looking ahead to their own upcoming adventures. In the recently published 2022 edition of the guide, they have once again named some of their key travel destinations for the coming year and there was one Italian city that made the cut this time around – Florence! We, of course, are already well familiar with the various attractions and appeals of a vacation in the city and offer some incredible luxury villas in Florence but it is good to be reminded once more just how brilliant Florence well and truly is.