Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

There are plenty of incredible museums that one might not even think of visiting as they may seem too niche or not particularly interesting to oneself at first glance. However, when presented well, any topic can be fascinating! A great example of this, and of a lesser-known museum in Tuscany that many inadvertently skip over, is Le Navi Antiche di Pisa, or the Museum of Ancient Boats in Pisa. A museum dedicated entirely to boats may not seem immediately appealing to many but this astounding institution is truly remarkable as it presents full-sized vessels from the past in an old warehouse space that one can admire and be awed by in person. Described as the, “Pompeii of the sea,” this museum presents ships from a period spanning over a 1000 years that were found perfectly preserved. Eerie, majestic, and singular, this is an extraordinary attraction that is a must-see for any history lover who has been browsing our luxury villas in Pisa and is planning on coming to explore this beautiful and ancient Italian city.

If you are planning on a vacation in Tuscany and you have some kids in your party that are animal-crazy or just anyone who is interested in the great outdoors and getting out and exploring it, then we highly recommend a visit to the Oasi WWF Bosco del Bottaccio, or the Bottaccio WWF Oasis in Capannori. This wonderful natural gem is the last part of the plain woodland that surrounded the Lake of Bientina that remains and is an example of the rich wetlands that once made up much of Tuscany's landscape. With a diverse and important flora and fauna and lots of paths to walk, it is a scenic place to enjoy a rather distinctive and beautiful but lesser-known part of Tuscany and to learn more about the natural world. If you have found a vacation rental in Lucca or a holiday rental in Pisa, it is a must-see.

If you are a nature-lover and have always wanted to visit Tuscany then we recommend a luxury villa in Florence or a luxury villa in Pistoia, as both are urban destinations where you have amazing museums, churches, architectural gems, restaurants, bars, and shops nearby but are also on the doorstep of one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Tuscany's countryside is famously lovely but it is also more varied and interesting than one might imagine, as well. In fact, stretching through the provinces of Pistoia and Florence, from the Valdinievole to Montalbano, you will find Italy’s largest wetland, the Padule di Fucecchio. This marsh is vast, home to a wide range of flora and fauna, made up of impossibly stunning vistas, and a must-see for anyone who is a fan of the great outdoors and who is spending time in Tuscany.

There are some museums that are perhaps too niche for some but absolutely fascinating to others. A great example of this is the Museum of Straw and Straw Weaving (Museo della Paglia e dell’Intreccio) in Signa, which celebrates the long tradition of hat-making in Tuscany and in Signa, in particular. For some, that may seem a little too specific and not particularly interesting but serious fashion-lovers who are interested in the incredible history of clothes-making and of trend-setting and style and the vibrant heritage of crafts that are still very much alive in Tuscany, it is sure to be of interest. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence but you're looking for a great day-trip destination then a visit to the pretty town of Signa is a wonderful idea and if you're one of those fashion-obsessed visitors to Florence, the town's history of hat-making and the museum that is dedicated to this heritage is a must-see while there!

The Domenico Michelacci Museum of Straw and Straw Weaving in Signa is located in the municipal building in town that also houses the municipal library and the historical archive. Signa, of course, is the perfect setting for such a museum as this old artisanal tradition dates back centuries upon centuries in the town. In fact, by the 16th century, the weaving of straw had become so refined and perfected in Tuscany that the Grand Duke Cosimo I is known to have sent examples of locally-made hats as gifts to sovereigns of kingdoms all over Europe. By the beginning of the 18th century, the woven goods and hats of Signa had become so sought after that local farmers began producing wheat that was exclusively grown to create straw for hat-making and not for consumption. As a result, Florence and the surrounding area, including Signa, became the biggest producer of quality straw hats in all of western Europe.

The vast and incredible Renaissance palace that is the Palazzo Pitti in Florence is surrounded by the famous Boboli Gardens and is a truly remarkable architectural gem. However, in addition to being an exceptional tourist attraction and piece of cultural heritage in its own right, the Palazzo Pitti is also home to the Palatine Gallery, the Silver Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art, and several other gallery spaces and exhibitions. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are interested in art, architecture, culture, and history, it is a one-stop shop for some of the richest and most interesting collections in the world.

While Florence is truly synonymous with the Renaissance we do recommend, however, that you take the time to visit the Gallery of Modern Art at the Palazzo Pitti, in particular, and take in some incredible works of art from the 19th century onwards. Located since 1922 on the second floor of the palace in rooms along the façade of the building that were once home to the Medici's library and along the side wings where various rooms were used for the children of the family and retainers, the museum was founded in 1914.