Archive for 'Castles & Palaces'

Vincigliata Castle, located in Fiesole, Tuscany has a long and intriguing history as well as the most picturesque setting and appearance that you could imagine. Find a tuscan luxury villa nearby and you could see this storybook castle for yourself!

The first mention of the castle comes from 1031, when it was property of the Vinsdomini family. After this the castle passed from owner to owner as it was bought, sold, inherited and gambled away. As a result of its mistreatment, the lovely medieval building was almost destroyed and fell into ruin. However, even as a ruin it captured the attention and hearts of many a passer-by.

The picturesque town of Sorano may have Etruscan roots but it is characterised by its medieval historic town centre and dominated by the great Orsini Fortress and Castle, a perfect example of Renaissance military architecture.

This structure has evolved and changed over the years into the complex which exists today. Its history is rich and complex and it makes a wonderful place to visit.

The complex of buildings now includes a hotel, museum, chapel, the theatre of Count Niccolo IV Orsini and a secondary school specialising in languages.

Feeling energetic this summer? Why not find yourself a luxury villa in Tuscany and pay a visit to the Torre Guinigi, or Guinigi Tower, in Lucca?

You will have quite the climb ahead of you, with over 200 steps to the top, but I can assure you that it will be well worth the effort!

Lucca, famous for its medieval architecture and intact city walls was once home to many tall towers, precursors to skyscrapers. Of the 250 towers like this that once existed in the city, the Torre Guinigi is sadly one of the very few that still stands there today.

The pretty commune of Cantagallo lies about fifteen kilometres north of Prato town and offers a delightful array and things for tourists to see and do.

Stay in a comfortable villa rental in Barberino Di Mugello which is only twenty minutes drive from Cantagallo.

It’s such an interesting place to visit because it encompasses 21 tiny villages and hamlets including Trairio, Fossato and Gavigno which emanate a great history and character of the area.

Visit historic sites in Cantagallo such as the medieval bridge in the village of Cerbaia and the thrilling adventure park in Gavigno.

Montignoso is a big town in the province of Massa Carrara that’s actually made up of a cluster of tiny hamlets including Cinquale and Renella. Over ten thousand people live in the commune of Montignoso and when you arrive here for a visit, you can see why they love it here so much! Browse our stunning holiday villas in Montignoso area and reserve your favorite for your stay.

This charming town was founded on a hilltop overlooking the Tuscan coast and is dominated by the magnificent Aghinolfi Castle. Its strategic position allowed a close view of the Tyrrhenian coast that stretched from the Gulf of La Spezia to Livorno.