Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

  

Monday, November 30, 2020
Palazzo Chigi-Saracini
Tuscany is home to some exceptional old palaces that were once the elegant dwellings of the wealthy and the nobility of Italy in the past but are now open to the public to explore and are also home to some important and fascinating museums, venues, and other cultural institutions. One particularly great example of this is the Palazzo Chigi-Saracini, also known as the Vestri Palace, which is located in the stunning historic centre of the city of Siena. If you have found a luxury villa in Siena and are spending some time wandering and exploring this very charming Tuscan town, then stopping into the Palazzo Chigi-Saracini to have a look around this exceptional beauty and the, not one, but two incredible cultural gems housed within it is an absolute must.

Built in the 12th century, the Palazzo Chigi-Saracini is an architectural gem that was first erected by the aristocratic Marescotti family of Siena on top of the site of a castle that they owned in Siena. So central were the Marescotti to public life in Siena that before the eventual construction of the Palazzo Pubblico, this building was even used as a seat of the Council of the Republic of Siena. Of this earlier form of the palace, only a tower that stands next to the present palace still exists. Reconstructions, alterations, and additions that came later eventually created the Gothic beauty that is the present Palazzo Chigi-Saracini on the Via di Città in the Terzo di Città, which is composed of two floors: a ground floor in stone and a first floor in brick, with two orders of trifore windows. On the façade, a reminder of the Marescotti family remains in their emblem of an eagle with outstretched wings that is visible on these windows.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Castles & Palaces, Localities, Museums & Galleries, Must See Attractions, Siena, Tourist Attractions

  

Friday, November 27, 2020
Museum of Ancient Boats in Pisa
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.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Localities, Museums & Galleries, Must See Attractions, Pisa, Tourist Attractions

  

Thursday, November 19, 2020
Villa Martini
In the previous article, we discussed the main attraction to the beautiful spa town of Monsummano Terme in Tuscany, which is the spa resort and cave system with natural hot springs and therapeutic steam of Grotta Giusti. While this is the main attraction and soaking in the waters, going for a facial, having a massage, trying out cave-diving in the thermal waters, and more all are things that anyone who has found a vacation rental in Monsummano Terme must pencil in during their visit, there are some other great things to see and do in town. One of these other wonderful attractions in Monsummano Terme is the excellent Museo di Arte Contemporanea e del Novecento.

The Museo di Arte Contemporanea e del Novecento, or Museum of Contemporary and Twentieth Century Art (also known as Mac, n), is an excellent museum located inside the pretty and historic Villa Renatico Martini in Monsummano Terme. Opened to the public in 2000, the museum hosts a permanent collection, the Civic Collection, that is made up of paintings, other graphic works, engravings, videos, photographs, installations, sculptures, and more, created with different techniques and materials, largely by Italian artists from the 20th century onwards. Artists represented in this collection include Pietro Annigoni, Vinicio Berti, Ferdinando Chevrier, Lamberto Pignotti, Eugenio Miccini, and Ketty La Rocca and there are works by international artists also on display including works from France, Holland, Greece, and more. In addition to this fixed collection, the museum regularly holds temporary exhibitions and events.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Curiosities, Museums & Galleries, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Diving
While lots of people associate a vacation in Tuscany with good eating, architectural gems, picturesque wineries, incredible museums full of world-famous works of art, historic old towns, a pretty and pastoral rural landscape, and holidays full of rest and relaxation, those looking for a little bit of adventure will discover that there is plenty for them to enjoy in the region, as well. From canyoning experiences, to hiking, to horse-riding, and more, there are lots of things to do in Tuscany that will keep you active and offer plenty of excitement. However, for one of the most unique adventures that Tuscany has to offer, you need to head to the spa resort town of Monsummano Terme. You won't be coming for the wonderful spa facilities (although you could always kill two birds with one stone and book in for some spa treatments and time in a natural hot spring while you are in town), though but an one-of-a-kind diving experience. Conveniently located between Florence, Pisa, and Lucca, the town and this unique adventure makes for a perfect day trip if you have found a luxury villa in Florence, a luxury villa in Pisa, or a luxury villa in Lucca or is just one activity that you can pencil in and enjoy during your stay if you have found a vacation rental in Monsummano Terme.     Read More
Posted in: Activities, Curiosities, Spa, Tourist Attractions, Water Sports

  

Monday, November 16, 2020
Bottaccio
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.     Read More
Posted in: Localities, Lucca, Must See Attractions, Parks & Gardens, Pisa, Pretty Views, Tourist Attractions