Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Florence is the Renaissance capital and a city stuffed to the gills with history, culture and, in particular, art. There are endless works of art to see and stumble upon in the streets, palaces, churches, public buildings and the many excellent museums and galleries around the city. One of the best of these museums has to be the Galleria dell'Accademia, which, amongst other things, is home to Michelangelo's exceptionally famous “David”.

The incredible Accademia adjoins the academy of Fine Arts of Florence and was founded in 1784 by the Grand Duke of Tuscany at the time, Pietro Leopoldo. It is also home to wonderful works of art by many other famous artists besides Michelangelo, such as Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Paolo Uccello and endless other artists and Renaissance Masters, in particular.

Just find a luxury villa in Florence and discover the masterpieces within for yourself!

Michelangelo fans who have found luxury villas in Florence would probably already be headed to the Basilica di San Lorenzo to visit the Medici Chapel, where his monumental tombs designed for Lorenzo il Magnifico and Giuliano dei Medici are housed.

However, there is another reason to stick around and try and befriend any groundsmen you might come across: hidden beneath the chapel is a secret room that has walls covered in drawings by Michelangelo.

The incredible sketches in the room are said to have been created in 1530, while Michelangelo was hiding from the Pope, a Medici. One of those who grew weary of the iron fist that the Medici were ruling the city with, Michelangelo stood up against the powerful family by working to help fortify the city walls against them and, as a result, was forced into hiding for three months!

The Casa Martelli Museum in Florence (or, simply, Casa or Palazzo Martelli) is a Florentine palace that was opened as a civic museum, displaying the remains of the original family's valuable art collection in situ and the original frescoed rooms, in 2006. It is an excellent insight into a noble Florentine home and filled with delightful little surprises around every corner.

Prior to being made into a museum, it always remained within the same family and is the only museum-house in Florence that has not been refurbished by later owners, making it all the more valuable and intriguing. For a glimpse into how the well-to-do of this great artistic city lived, just find a luxury villa in Florence and pay a visit to the Casa Martelli.

A family of bankers who came into wealth and power in tandem with the Medici, the Martelli family originally purchased a property on Via Zanetti in the 15th century and it expanded over the years, until it reached its current dimension in the mid-18th century, getting to the point where it took up almost the whole block.

The Palazzo Medici Riccardi, named for the family that built it and the family that expanded it, is a Florentine Renaissance palace that is the seat of the Metropolitan City of Florence and is also opened to the public (in part) as an exhibition space that offers a program of temporary exhibitions.

Originally, these were largely dedicated to the major protagonists of modern and contemporary art but has recently been more focused on creating greater understanding of the historic and artistic context of the palazzo.

Furthermore, there is a stunning frescoed chapel that is an attraction in its own right. As such, the palace is a fascinating sight for many reasons and, in particular, a wonderful peek into one of the most opulent homes that the city has ever seen. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and visit this wonderful architectural and cultural gem for yourself.

One of the best things about Tuscany – besides the food, wine, culture, history and art – are the views. Tuscany has a distinctive, beautiful countryside and charming and historic towns and cities that really deserve moments where you stop running around from attraction to attractions and just take it all in. To help you out in doing so, we have compiled a list of some of the best views and places to take them in. Here are a couple more to check out on your vacation.

5. The Walls of Lucca

The walls of the Tuscan town of Lucca have always been one of the most recognisable features of this charming town. They now attract tourists and locals alike who admire their construction and design and who also make use of them as a place to walk, jog and cycle. For leisure, exercise or getting to know the layout and atmosphere of the city, the walls are the best place to start.