Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Florence is full of famous and lovely works of art, buildings, parks and gardens. There are also many lesser-known beauties and hidden gems, many gardens among them, in particular. The Torrigiani Garden is seventeen acres of spectacular hidden gardens, located right in the heart of Florence.

It is also the largest privately owned garden in Europe situated within city boundaries. If you have found a vacation rental in Florence and are looking to enjoy its incredible atmosphere and manmade and natural charms, while staying away from regular tourist crowds, it is an ideal attraction in which to spend some peaceful hours wandering around.

The garden became renowned in the 16th century for its botanical garden (and remains celebrated for this) but largely reflects 19th century additions and alterations.

The Puccini Festival is an annual summer opera festival that is held in the town of Torre del Lago in July and August. Celebrating, commemorating and presenting the work of the famous Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, the festival showcases four or five performances of up to four operatic productions each season. Attracting around forty thousand spectators to the town's open-air theatre, it is one of the most popular opera festivals in the country and is the ideal place to experience opera in Tuscany. If you have found a vacation rental on the Tuscan Coast, or a vacation rental in Viareggio (which is located just 4km away from Torre del Lago), make sure to check it out!

If you have been planning a trip to Tuscany, why not consider the lovely medieval walled town of Monteriggioni? Located near Siena, this already historic and beautiful town is transformed into a festive gem each summer with its famous Monteriggioni Di Torri Si Corona festival. Just find a vacation rental in Monteriggioni and you can take part in the celebrations and get a real taste of the authentic Tuscan experience this summer!

The festival takes place over two weekend in July each year and is one of the oldest medieval festivals in Italy, which evokes Dante’s famous quote about the town that praises its round surrounding wall, crowned by towers: “Monteriggioni che di torri si corona“.

Palazzo Casali is a palace located in the Tuscan town of Cortona that was built by the Casali family, who ruled over the town in the 13th century. It was only a family residence until 1409 and, thereafter, became the Palazzo Pretorio, which was occupied by the city’s Florentine captains. Today, it houses the City Museum and, on the first and top floors, the library and museum of the Accademia Etrusca. A beautiful building and an excellent and historic museum, it is a worthwhile little visit to pop into your itinerary if you are a culture vulture that has found a vacation rental in Cortona.

The façade that is visible today can probably be attributed to Filippo Berettini and was executed at the beginning of the 17th century and the rear façade, looking onto Via delle Carceri, is particularly lovely. From the main Palazzo Casali entrance, you pass through a 17th century carved doorway, into a large atrium that is decorated with coats of arms and opens into a courtyard. Particular architectural elements to take note of are the two staircases and the 16th century sandstone fountain commissioned by Bettino Ricasoli.

If you are an art lover that has found a vacation rental in Florence, you may be headed directly to the Uffizi Gallery and it is certainly a highlight of the city for any aficionado. However, don't forget the Palazzo Pitti, which is home to several excellent museums, including the Palatine Gallery. A well-preserved historic private collection that was opened to the public, it reflects older collecting practices, tastes and methods of display, all within the beautiful palace. As a result, it is a unique, must-see art experience in the city and we have picked some of the best bits to make sure and track down when you visit. Here are more of our picks of highlights of the Palatine Gallery.