Archive for 'Curiosities'

Poppi Castle is a fascinating building in Arezzo that is beautiful and rich in history and steeped in bloody legend. First mentioned in 1169, when it belonged to the Abbey of San Fidele de Strumi, it was likely built over an earlier structure. designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, the architect of Florence's Palazzo Vecchio, it came into the possession of the Conti Guidi in the 1190s and had some alterations over the years. The castle was involved in some important historical events throughout the centuries including two famous Tuscan battles – the Battle of Campaldino and the Battle of Anghiari – and it is this link to the Battle of Anghiari that allowed for a very interesting exhibition in the castle. Find a vacation rental in Poppi to experience it for yourself!

I don't know about you but my first instinct upon seeing a Christmas cake wouldn't be to throw it! However, in Pienza that's exactly what they do in an annual festive tradition involving Panforte, a typical Tuscan confectionary made at Christmas time. If you're into mad, food-based sporting traditions, then just find a vacation rental in Tuscany, or a vacation rental in Pienza, in particular, and come witness the city's annual Gioco del Panforte.

In the heart of Valdarno, spreading into parts of Pergine Valdarno, Montevarchi and Terranuova Bracciolini, is the Valle dell’Inferno and Bandella Nature Reserve, a natural gem located along the river Arno, between the Romito, the Acqua Borra and Buriano bridges. A protected wildlife area of marshland, waterways and gullies, it is a beautiful place where nature reigns supreme and man gets to just pay fleeting visits. Varied and lovely, it is perfect for wandering, hiking, picnicking, birdwatching and escaping into the peace and quiet of nature. If you have found a vacation rental in Arezzo or a luxury villa in Florence and want to do some of that aforementioned escaping, it is ideally located as a spot for a day trip.

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Covering an area of 1300 acres, this marshland was formed in the 1950s around lakes created by the dams that were built to provide electricity to the entire surrounding area. At the centre is the marshy area of Bandella, which is home to numerous species of birds, like herons, kingfishers, mallards and egrets, and is a bird watcher's dream.

There is also a woodland that is ideal for hiking and exploring and is home to a diverse fauna of its own like hares, pheasants, porcupines, deer and wild boars. The Monticello Visitors' Centre and the Ponte a Buriano Visitors' Centre organises hikes and excursions and the Grande Escursione delle Riserve dell'Arno (Great River Arno Nature Reserve Hike), in particular, is a muse; a trail that begins at Acqua Borra, passes through Bandella, Ponte Romito and the ancient fortifications of Rondine and Penna, before finishing at Ponte a Buriano. Beautiful, with footpaths purposefully cut into the trail, it is a charming a peaceful route that passes bubbling streams, little waterfalls and all sorts of charming sights.

For whatever reason, Tuscany is full of torture museums to choose from – I guess because of a long and rich history...? – but one of the best and one of the most appropriately located has to be the Museum of Torture in Volterra. The walled medieval town looks as though little has changed since those acts of torture were perpetrated and this adds to the creepy atmosphere. If you are interested in history and in the more morbid side of humanity, this fascinating museum is sure to intrigue. Just find a vacation rental in Volterra and come discover the twists and turns of this interesting Tuscan gem.

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In the last post in this series, we are rounding out our spooky Tuscan spots to get you in the mood for Hallowe'en. No matter what time of year you are planning your trip Tuscany – but especially during this creepy time of year – these haunted palaces, fascinating legends and spooky tales will never not be interesting. Here are more of our picks of must-see ghoulish destinations in Tuscany...

7. Brolio Castle's Terrifying Ghost

Brolio Castle, located in the Chianti region, in the province of Siena, is a beautiful architectural gem but is also home to an eerie legend and the ghost of Bettino Ricasoli, a rather fearsome spirit.