Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

The production of textiles has been a historically important industry in the Tuscan city of Prato for over 800 years. This remains the case and it makes sense that there is a museum dedicated to the history of textiles in the city. The Prato Textile Museum, or Museo del Tessuto, is located in a former trimming factory called Campolmi within the medieval city walls of Prato and has been open for four decades. It is continuously listed as one of the best museums in Italy for fashion and textile history and is the only museum in Italy which is expressly dedicated to the art and technology of textile production, from pre-columbian textiles to the industrial manufacturing of the 20th century. If you have a passion for fashion or dress history, find a vacation rental in Prato and visit this very special museum for yourself.

Orbetello Lagoon is one of the best preserved, most unspoiled natural areas in all of Italy as well as Tuscany. This coastal lagoon consists of 1500 hectares of marshland which is separated from the sea on the west and east by two 6km strips of land and by the Argentario headland. The town of Orbetello sits on a third strip of land that stretches into the centre of the lagoon and a bridge connects Orbetello to Mount Argentario, dividing the lagoon into two parts. This all adds up to a visual treat which is both highly unique and supremely beautiful.

With so much to see in this eden-like natural reserve, it's the perfect spot for holidaying nature-lovers. If you happen to fall into that category, just find a holiday rental in Orbetello and get exploring the lagoon.

We've already discussed the Christmas markets in Florence over the festive period but there is plenty of other stuff that you can do if you are going to be in the area during winter. One of the best of these things is a little unexpected; Florence Winter Park is a winter activities park just outside of the city. While you may normally associate that great city with museums and cultural gems and Italian winter sports with the Alps, Florence Winter Park offers the chance to skip the history, heritage and culture for the day in favour of some fun. It also means that a city break can also become a ski holiday – a two-for-one, so to speak! Don't miss out on this opportunity! Once you have found a luxury villa in Florence, be sure to drop by the Winter Park.

Each country that celebrates Christmas has different and unique tastes, traditions and characters. In the case of Italy, there is a very particular tradition and character that you won't see in the context of many other Christmases; a witch. Something you probably associate with Hallowe'en instead, right? However, Befana (that's her name) is quite and important figure for children in Italy at Christmas. She is actually a good witch and kind to children and you can even meet her in local towns the way you might line up to see Santa Claus. There are places all over where you can visit her so just find a luxury villa in Tuscany this Christmas and pay a visit to this unique figure of Italian winter festivities!

In our last post, we discussed a very special exhibition of Italian Renaissance tapestries which is currently taking place at the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

However, there is actually a second unique exhibition that is being housed in that great Florentine institution at the moment which is really rather different. In fact, one could say that it is the opposite.

While the tapestries represent the pinnacle of craft and design of the past and the work of European Old Masters, this new exhibit is characterised by an example of fine art by a great American master of the present.

Placed next to the copy of David outside the entrance to the building, is Jeff Koons' Pluto and Proserpina. Be quick to find a villa with internet in Florence so you can see this contemporary masterpiece in the unexpected surroundings of the epitome of the Italian Renaissance!