Archive for 'Castles & Palaces'

Looking for some interesting places to visit on your next vacation to Tuscany? Then take a look at the following FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) 2012 short list of Tuscan hotspots that people voted to have renovated and repairs to last for many generations to come.

Read more about the great work of this excellent Italian Trust and some of the places in Tuscany that have so far made it into the 2014 list of potential winners.

Choose from a lovely selection of villas in Manciano where one of these venues is listed. Enjoy a visit to it for a few hours as well as several other charming attractions in the area.

Sammezzano Castle is located in Reggello, around forty kilometres south of Florence in Tuscany. Stay in a stunning villa rental in Reggello where you can easily visit this mesmerising place!

Situated on a scenic hilltop and surrounded by luscious oak forests Sammezzano castle is an extravagant example of fine Italian architecture. It was built in 1605 and became home to many members of royalty including the king of Italy, Umberto I in 1978.

After World War II the castle was transformed into a luxury hotel that offered golfing and spa amenities that attracted the rich and famous until its unfortunate closure in the 1990s.

Although Sammezzano Castle had some restoration work done in 1999, it was not enough to deem it safe for public opening and so had to be completely closed down except for rare occasions. And what a great pity this was! Designed with elaborate Moorish style, this castle is a haven of stunning colours, shapes and patterns within its 365 rooms, one for each day of the year! Each room has its own name and is unique in its design.

Visit the picturesque town of Sorano, a medieval hilltop settlement built from volcanic rock and overlooking the River Lente in Grosseto province. Born of Etruscan origins, Sorano is an interesting town with several interesting attractions to offer tourists.

Book your stay at a picturesque villa rental in Sorano and experience the many attractions available in the surrounding area.

Begin your day of discovery in Sorano by visiting the impressive Orsini castle. This 14th century fortress is considered a very important example of Renaissance military architecture at its finest. Walk around its two giant bastions, sealed with tall thick walls.

Montalcino is a pretty hill town in Tuscany that’s famous for its production of Brunello di Montalcino red wine. This delicious drink is produced by many vineyards around the town which visitors can visit and learn more about if they come here. In 1980, it was the first Italian wine to win the prestigious DOCG Italian wine quality award. Today it is one of the most popular and expensive wine to be exported from the country!

Book a stunning villa rental in Montalcino to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Chill out by the pool after a few hours of touring around this fascinating wine producing area.

The picturesque walled town of Larciano is the perfect spot for tourists to come and explore for a few hours! Situated on a hilltop in the Pistoia province of Tuscany, this ancient town, complete with its very own castle has so much to offer by way of history and culture.

Close to the towns of Cecina, Montecatini, Monsummano and Montalbano, this little town would be an ideal stop off point on a day trail of the Valdinievole area .

Stay in a gorgeous villa in Borgo San Lorenzo with great customer reviews which is close to Larciano. Admire the stunning views that surround this lavish holiday rental and enjoy exploring the surroundings for a few days.