Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Lots of kids are interested in animals and lots of adults have fond memories of childhood visits to zoos so, whether you are travelling in Tuscany as a family with children among your number and are looking for something that they'll definitely enjoy doing or you simply want to know where you can go to see animals in Tuscany, then we recommend a day trip to the Zoological Gardens of Pistoia, or Pistoia Zoo.

This rather special 7-hectare zoo in Pistoia is home to more than 400 animal species and is especially dedicated to conservation and education. Created in 1970 thanks to Raffaello Galardini, Pistoia Zoo was established in a wooded area in the beautiful hills around the city of Pistoia and inaugurated on the 19th of April. There are around 600 animals living in the zoo and, among them, there are about 65 species of mammals, 40 species of birds and 30 species of reptiles. Some of the residents are more common animals often found locally that will be familiar, such as pigs, guinea pigs, oxen, donkeys, horses, goats, cows, rabbits, and other domesticated animals but other residents are from much further flung places and are not commonly found in Italy or Europe such as jaguars, polar bears, Rothschild's giraffes, Zebras (including baby Jordy who was born last year!), rare Madagascan ring-tailed lemurs, red pandas, penguins, elephants, lions, tigers, ostriches, Kookaburras, wallabies, meerkats, otters, pygmy hippos, monkeys, reindeer, crocodiles, pythons, turtles, tortoise, vipers, iguana, emus, flamingos, and more.

Titian was one of the most important artists of the Venetian school during the Italian Renaissance. While he completed lots of different kinds of works across a variety of genres, his lush and idyllic portrayals of female figures are largely what remain in the public imagination today. From early on in his own lifetime, in childhood, the talents of Tiziano Vecellio (known simply as, “Titian,” in English) were considered to be so extraordinary that they were labelled divine. Often compared in his own lifetime and since then to his somewhat older contemporary, Michelangelo, Titian was similarly gifted but, while the former favoured sculpture, Titian worked in painting and, while both were highly in demand, Titian's career faced less frustration and bestowed the artist with all of the worldly success an artist could hope for. He counted the city of Venice, lots of other Italian rulers, the Pope, the German Emperor, and the King of Spain among his patrons and, very quickly, his work became an international success.

Off the coast of Tuscany you will find some incredibly beautiful islands that can feel like a whole different world unto themselves, a little slice of what seems not unlike paradise on earth. Among the cluster of islands that hug Tuscany's coastline, the most famous is, undoubtedly, is Elba Island, the place to which Napoleon was infamously exiled. The second biggest island of the group, Giglio Island, is also well-known, particularly among those who have spent time in Tuscany and on the Tuscan Coast. However, the next largest island of the bunch, Capraia Island, is much less well-known, which is truly a crying shame as it, too, is a rather extraordinary beauty with lots and lots to offer the discerning tourist who finds themselves exploring the region.

As you explore the beautiful landscape of the Chianti region of Tuscany, you are likely to stumble upon all sorts of surprises and incredible hidden gems from pretty old towns that are centuries old to amazing views that look like a postcard come to life to tiny little vineyards producing amazing wines. It is why you should always keep your eyes open and be prepared as you travel around: you never know what you might find!

One such incredible gem that you might discover while exploring Chianti is the Parco Sculture del Chianti, or Chianti Sculpture Park. Located well off the regular beaten path for tourists, in the middle of an oak wood between Pievasciata and Vagliagli, around 10km north of Siena, the park was created by Piero and Rosalba Giadrossi on 7 hectares of wood and opened to the public in 2004 as a parkland and outdoor gallery space that follows the ancient Italian tradition of creating site-specific outdoor artworks.

Stunning country villas with elaborate grounds and incredible gardens are in no way uncommon in Tuscany but that doesn't mean that each one fails to wow us. Every time we see another example, we are amazed at the ingenuity, design, and beauty. One particularly lovely example that we happened to come across lately is the Villa Guicciardini Corsi Salviati, located in Sesto Fiorentino, an area of Florence that is located on, “the sixth Roman mile,” (ergo the name), or around six miles, from downtown Florence. Florence, in particular, is awash with stunning buildings, palaces, parks, and gardens but this lesser-known gem is a truly picturesque example and an absolute must-see for lovers of historic homes. While a trip to Florence may yet be a little bit away, enjoy these wonderful pictures of this beauty from the comfort and safety of your own home and then pencil in a visit to go and see it with your own eyes once travel is possible once more. For now though, just take a look at this unbelievable stunner...