Archive for 'Legends'

In a little village tucked into the marble mountains of Carrara near Lucca city, a little baby girl was born. Her name was Zita and she grew up happily in a humble peasant home, as content as if it were a grand castle! She and her parents worked hard but at times there was not always enough food to eat and poor little Zita would go hungry. But her father Giovanni Lombardo and her mother Buonissima made their home rich with love and she grew up a good and happy child.

When Zita was twelve years old, she prayed to God to help her find some work as a hand maiden so her parents wouldn't have to work so hard to put enough food on the table. And her wish soon came true as she got a job working as a maid in a noble family home in Lucca city.

During the Middle Ages in Florence when times were very turbulent with the frequent seizure of neighbouring lands and family feuds; the sound of clashing arms was quite the norm! The sons of proud family dynasties were raised to learn the skills of sword fighting and lancing from a young age. Defending family honour was a must and many tales were woven of bloody encounters between enemies which became immortal when written into family histories.

Men were taught to seek revenge for their wounds and repay evil with evil. Forgiveness was simply not an option, it was a sign of weakness. This is most surely why the legend of the Merciful Knight of Florence shines out from the rest!

The story begins with the birth of two boys, Giovanni and Hugo of the great Gualberto family of Florence. They were raised and trained to become brave knights or high ranking soldiers of an army as well as loyal followers of Christianity.

Tucked into the province of Lucca in Tuscany is the charming little town of Borgo a Mozzano. This peaceful riverside town is most famous for the impressive arched bridge that crosses the River Serchio here. Known by two names, the first is Ponte della Maddalena which translates as the bridge of Mary Magdalene. The second name has a much darker association as it is called Ponte del Diavolo meaning Devil’s Bridge.

Stay in a delightful vacation rental in the Borgo a Mozzano area where you can explore all the attractions of this peaceful place.

The Amiata region of Tuscany is a vast kingdom of nature! It’s brimming with meandering streams, forests and beautiful lakes.

Gaze upon the majestic height of Monte Amiata and challenge yourself to a scenic trek through these lands.

Enjoy a mesmerising stay in the Amiata area by booking a superb five star villa with swimming pool in Buonconvento. Here you can easily explore the area which the following legend talks about!

The Amiata region is a perfect setting for a legendary story of two lovers which goes as follows. It begins with the story of a gentle young woman called Gherarda, the countess of Cana who frequently came to this area and stayed with the monks of the abbey of San Salvatore. She loved going out on rides through the nearby forests and immersing herself in the peacefulness of nature.

The art haven of Tuscany is without a doubt, the stunning city of Florence! Many days of cultural entertainment can be sought from this ancient and beautiful place.

But why not explore the more mysterious and eerie stories that surround this enchanting city? Seek out hidden doorways, secret corners and see things that you may not have noticed otherwise!

Why not book into a stylish holiday rental in Florence where you can base your mysterious explorations!


Walking along the Piazza della Signoria beside Palazzo Vecchio in the historic centre of Florence may appear to be a perfectly beautiful place full of charm and welcome. But this was once the sight of mass murder over the centuries!

One such victim of a brutal death here was a mercenary captain called Baldaccio d’Anghiari. He was brutally murdered here in 1441. But a strange story that followed over 500 years later may have you thinking twice about who’s watching you in Florence!