Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

In the last post, we discussed the beautiful town of Asciano in the Crete Senesi, one of the most undoubtedly scenic and picturesque parts of Tuscany. If you have found a vacation rental in Tuscany and are looking for somewhere to spend a day, it is an ideal day-trip location. Or, if you want something a bit more relaxed, why not find a vacation rental in Asciano itself and spend your time surrounded by the most picture-perfect scenery imaginable. Then, if you're looking for things to see and do, why not browse our list of five excellent things to do in Asciano, continued from the last post...

2. Visit her Museums

Speaking of the fine exterior of the Civic Archaeological and Sacred Art Museum is attractive, the collections held inside are also appealing. It houses archeological finds dating from antiquity and art dating from the thirteenth to the eighteenth centuries. Everything inside is from the surrounding area but the sacred art section is particularly noteworthy quality, boasting a wooden crucifix by Giovanni Pisano, the Triptych of Rofeno by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, and the great masterpiece that is the Nativity of the Virgin Mary by the “Maestro dell’Osservanza”, among others. In addition to this, there is the Cassioli Museum, which was established in 1991 with an extraordinary bequest of artworks by the family of artist Amos Cassioli. It is the only museum in the province of Siena that is dedicated entirely to Sienese paintings from the fourteenth century and also boasts excellent graphics and sculpture sections.

The Crete Senesi presents the most iconic and beautiful of Tuscan landscapes, those that one sees on postcards and in travel guides. These are the rolling hills, the hilltop towns made of stone, the long and lonely country roads lined by proud and tall cypress trees, the golden fields of hay, and the broiling fog sweeping over it all in the mornings, only to clear away and reveal infinite vistas across the whole thing by afternoon. These are the images of Tuscany that have captured the minds and hearts of so many over the centuries and continue to do so. If you have found a vacation rental in Tuscany, no matter where you are staying, in the countryside or a city, you should make sure to hop in a car, venture out into that landscape and take the magic perfection of it in for yourself.

The Vernaccia is one of the oldest indigenous vine varieties in Italy and also refers to a wine area that is intrinsically tied to the history of San Gimignano. Brought to the area from Liguria in the 1200s by Vieri de' Bardi and with exact origins unknown, it was an incredibly famous and popular wine in the Middle Ages but, so tied to the fate of the city as it was, it declined in prestige and importance as the city itself became less important. That is, however, until the second half of the 20th century when it was rediscovered by local winemakers who breathed new life into the wine and got it to DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) status in 1966. In fact, it was the first Italian wine ever to get this label and then went on to obtain the DOCG quality assurance in 1993.

Today, Vernaccia vineyards cover over 768 hectares, which are tended by 177 winemakers, producing around 4 million litres (or approximately 5 million bottles) of wine per annum. The Strada del Vino Vernaccia di San Gimignano is a non-profit association that was founded in 1999 in order to promote the local wine-producing area and are also in charge of managing the Wine Museum in Villa della Rocca and it is precisely this museum that makes a vacation rental in San Gimignano such an excellent holiday destination in Tuscany for wine-lovers. For the most perfect setting to sip, savour and learn, this pretty city is hard to beat and the museum means you have wonderful resources right at your fingertips.

La Fabbrica di San Martino is a beautiful vineyard nestled among the lush rolling hills just north-west of Lucca around 5km from the city centre, in an area called the Colline Lucchesi (Lucca Hills), which is a DOC wine region in Tuscany. At the centre of the estate is an 18th century villa and surrounding it are grounds that stretch over 20 hectares and encompass vineyards, olive groves, a forest, gardens and more. The estate, itself, is a stunning place to explore and spend time but it is also home to a vineyard and winery that produce celebrated wines. If you have found a luxury villa in Lucca and are looking for the perfect setting for some wine-tasting, it is an excellent option. Come and sit back and relax, take in the wonderful views, sip some wine, try some local delicacies, and meet the friendly staff members and the cute furry pals that live on the estate.

The charming medieval town of Anghiari, in the province of Arezzo, was of extreme importance during the Middle Ages due its strategic position on a hilltop in Tuscany. In a time where lands changed hands frequently, this positioning was useful in preventing it slipping from your own grip and into another's. It is also here that the famous Battle of Anghiari took place, in 1440 when Florentine troops defeated a Milanese army and gained control of the region. Said scene was famously depicted by Da Vinci, further solidifying the town's place and name in history. Today, it is an exceptionally pretty place with cobbled streets that wind up and down hills, quaint stone buildings draped in plants and flowers, cute restaurants and little stores, and more. It is also where an incredible craft fair takes place each Spring, showcasing extraordinary artisanal goods still made by traditional methods in the surrounding area. If you are interested in taking a step back in time and getting your hands on some truly unique souvenirs, it is a must-see destination. Just find a vacation rental in Anghiari, carve out some time to visit the fair, and be sure to leave some space in your suitcases to bring back the precious spoils of your venture.