Archive for 'Castles & Palaces'

Forte Belvedere is the second largest fortress in Florence city! It began construction in 1590 under the guidance of architect Bernardo Buontalenti by order of the rich and powerful Medici family.

During the 16th century, Florence was flourishing and Forte Belvedere was a testament of that power and prosperity.

Choose from a range of vacation rentals in Florence, many close to the city where you can easily visit Forte Belvedere and the many other cultural attractions of the city

It’s located high up on a hill within the grounds of the Boboli gardens beside the Medici residence, the Pitti Palace. It overlooks the River Arno and was purposely built here to strengthen what was believed to have been one of the weak points of the walls that once entirely enveloped Florence.     Read More

There are many stunning fortress remains and walled towns of the Mediavalle area of Tuscany that are most certainly worth visiting on your next vacation to Lucca province. Stay in a peaceful villa in Lucca where you can relax and unwind after a few days of cultural enrichment.

The walls of Barga still have two of the original gates hanging within it that both open into Piazza del Fosso. A moat once surrounded the outer wall as an added defence and entry could only be gained via a drawbridge. Whilst you’re in the charming town of Barga, be sure to visit the stunning duomo of St. Christopher and Palazzo Pretorio.     Read More

Come and explore the beautiful Central plains of Tuscany and stop off at some of these historic spots along the way. Stay in a pretty villa rental in Lucca for a few days where you can easily commute around these nearby locations.

Begin your journey of historical discovery with a visit to the fortified town of Nozzano Castello located in the Serchio valley. Close to Lucca city, this quaint little town has been beautifully restored and offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.

From here tourists can see the castle of Castiglione and the striking Torre dell’ Aquila.     Read More

Come to the Versilia coast where you can find some fascinating old castle ruins and ancient walled towns to walk around and learn about. Stay in a fabulous villa with a swimming pool in the Versilia area of Tuscany for a few days to soak up some sunshine and culture!

Close to the fortressed town of Camaiore in the Versilia area of Tuscany is the partially restored castle of Montemagno.

It was built in the middle ages beside a village of the same name. It overlooked a section of the pilgrim road to Rome, the Via Francigena, running through Lucca into the Versilia plains.

Estimations have the castle dating as far back as 1099 and the private owner of the castle today had it wonderfully restored to include the original walls and the façade of the adjacent San Bartolomeo church.     Read More