Santa Trinita, exterior
Posted in: Churches & Religious Buildings Florence Localities Museums & Galleries Must See Attractions Tourist Attractions

Florence is famous as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance but had long been an immensely important hub of cultural heritage and artistic production before this period and continues to be one to this day. As a result, there is no shortage of galleries, museums, architectural gems, outdoor sculptural displays, incredible examples of city planning, street art, historic gardens, and much more besides to discover. However, those who find one of our Tuscany Villas or a villa with pool in Florence and begin exploring the city will also notice the endless churches throughout the city. As the Church was the most important and powerful patron in the city for much of its long and rich history, art-filled places of worship and temples to the majestic artistic prowess of the city can be found wherever you turn. While many, many examples are well worth seeing and it would be hard to take them all in, one of the most remarkable that is a must has to be the Church of Santa Trinita.

Exterior of the Duomo, Siena
Posted in: Architectural Gems Churches & Religious Buildings Localities Museums & Galleries Siena Tourist Attractions

The benefit of exploring churches throughout the region if you have found a Tuscany villa, no matter your religious affiliation or lack thereof, is that an incredible number of them house spectacular artworks by some of the most famous artists from the region throughout history. This is true of both tiny little churches that might not seem like anything from the outside and, more often of course, of the various town cathedrals throughout Tuscany. If you find a villa with pool in Siena, for example, and are spending time discovering all that beautiful and historic city has to offer, then you will likely see the ornate Gothic façade, rising tower, and central dome of the Duomo (or cathedral) from various points around the city. This might give you pause to consider the building and we highly recommend going one step further and actually planning a visit to this gem while staying in your villa in Siena. With a richly ornamented exterior and a stunning interior that boasts artworks by the likes of Pisano, Donatello, and Michelangelo, it is a wonderful reflection of the artistic heritage of Tuscany and is full of gorgeous objects and pieces of art to admire...

Frescoes, Collegiata
Posted in: Churches & Religious Buildings Localities Museums & Galleries San Gimignano Tourist Attractions
While there is no shortage of beautiful churches in Tuscany to be explored there are some that are especially wonderful architectural gems and full of exceptional works of art. One of the most particularly noteworthy examples among these is the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta in San Gimignano, which is a truly magical gem. Just find a vacation rental in San Gimignano and then come and discover the lush interiors and amazing works of art hidden within the city's spectacular Duomo.

Home to fresco cycles by notable Italian masters including Domenico Ghirlandaio, Benozzo Gozzoli, Taddeo di Bartolo, Lippo Memmi and Bartolo di Fredi, this incredible church is nestled in the very pretty UNESCO-awarded historic centre of San Gimignano and the frescoes themselves are also on the UNESCO World Heritage List and noted as, "works of outstanding beauty".
San Miniato
Posted in: Architectural Gems Churches & Religious Buildings Day Trips Localities Must See Attractions Pisa Pretty Views Tourist Attractions
The pretty town of San Miniato is famous among foodies who vacation in Tuscany as it is home to both wonderful wineries and is one of the best places to find some of the best truffles in Italy and in the globe. Located along the via Francigena that connected northern Europe to Rome during the Middle Ages, it has been entertaining visitors with its beautiful sights, delicious treats, wonderful hospitality, rich artistic heritage, and range of festivals and events for centuries. Positioned in a strategic location on a gentle hill set into the lush and rolling green landscape of the province of Pisa, not far from the city of Pisa, this charming town is an excellent day-trip destination for those who have found a villa with pool in Pisa and are planning days out in the area.
View, San Miniato Cathedral
Posted in: Architectural Gems Churches & Religious Buildings Pretty Views Tourist Attractions
If you have been looking for a lesser-known corner of Tuscany to explore on your next getaway then we highly recommend a trip to San Miniato. San Miniato is most famous for its world-renowned truffle market each year and the surrounding area produces some of the finest white truffles in the globe. It is, therefore, a destination that some foodies may well have heard of before. However, there is more to this charming little town and plenty of other reasons to visit, though if you're a truffle fan then an autumnal getaway in the area is definitely a good idea as it is awash with delicious local products and produce to try during the harvest season. In addition to the good eating, San Miniato also boasts a charming and historic centre that has been largely untouched by time and is perfect for wandering, handmade leather goods made locally, a kite festival each Easter, wonderful panoramic views over the stunning surrounding Tuscan landscape, a small art museum that boasts famous names like Filippo Lippi, Fra Bartolomeo, and Verrocchio, and some stunning architectural gems. One such architectural gem is the town's beautiful cathedral.