Archive for 'History'

  

Friday, August 19, 2016
View over Siena
Siena is one of the less hyped but most beautiful of all Tuscan cities. While it may not compete with Florence in terms of scale or choice, it is an equally lovely town, blessed still by the looming presence of the Renaissance. By day, there is much to see and do – many galleries, museums, architectural gems and more to visit, restaurants to try out, customs to learn about and much more besides – but, by night, the city takes on a different and rather special charm. The best way to experience this is by checking out “Divina Bellezza – Dreaming Siena”. Taking place in the unfinished Duomo Nuovo, part of Siena’s Duomo complex, Divina Bellezza is an immersive video mapping project that sees huge 3D images projected on the Facciatone and on the other two facades of the Duomo Nuovo and is accompanied by tales of the city in times gone by and more. It is an evocative, special spectacle that is unique to the city and is a must-see for those who have found a villa with pool in Siena and are planning to spend time there.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Churches & Religious Buildings, History, Localities, Must See Attractions, Siena, Tourist Attractions

  

Friday, August 19, 2016
Dinosaur replica
We almost all had that phase where we were completely and utterly obsessed with dinosaurs, right? Some digested encyclopedias of knowledge as if they were a comic book, others smashed plastic figurines together in back yards and some visited every museum in sight while others watched Jurassic Park over and over again. For nineties kids, it was pretty much a rite of passage as a child but everyone can appreciate the might and majestic beauty, as well as the intrigue and mystery, of these long gone and long dead creatures.

Dinosaur skeletons are awe-inspiring and reconstructions fascinating and you'll find both in Pisa for the next few weeks. If you're looking for an activity to please everyone in the group – across all ages – find a villa with pool in the Pisa area and head to the "Terra dei Giganti", or “Land of Giants”, exhibition.     Read More
Posted in: History, Localities, Museums & Galleries, Must See Attractions, Pisa, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Ospedale Degli Innocenti
The Ospedale degli Innocenti, in Florence, was established in 1419 as the first lay institution in the world dedicated to infancy and childhood thanks to donations from Francesco Datini, “the merchant of Prato”. It became home to children abandoned by their families for various reasons, generally extreme poverty and those children then received the surname Innocenti. The prevalence of this name today indicates the importance and scale of the institution's work. However, the building that was home to this service, so ahead of its time, is one of the city's major attractions for more than its social and historical importance; it is also an architectural gem designed by the great Renaissance master, Brunelleschi. Now, a new museum is also being opened on the premises this summer that looks to both the past and the future. If you are interested in history, social issues, culture and art, this sight is a must-see as it manages to cater to all of these interests. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and you can visit for yourself.     Read More
Posted in: Florence, History, Localities, Museums & Galleries, Renaissance, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, July 13, 2016
The Duomo, Florence
Florence's Duomo and its museums are an important attraction for any culture or art-lovers visiting the city and Giotto's bell tower is one of the four principal monuments on the Piazza del Duomo.

At 84.7 metres tall and executed in the most eloquent example of 14th century Gothic architecture in Florence, it is both beautiful and offers beautiful views across the city. While the trek to the very top is a little grueling and not recommended for those with heart conditions or claustrophobia, it is well worth the effort. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views over the other landmarks of the city, its colourful rooftops and the bustling tourist crowds far below.

Just find a luxury villa in Florence and you can embark on this extraordinary adventure for yourself.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Churches & Religious Buildings, Florence, History, Localities, Renaissance, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Piazza dei Cavalieri
The Leaning Tower is one of the first sights people think of when Pisa is mentioned but if you are planning a trip to the city, there are other cultural gems that you should take the time to visit. Pisa is a Tuscan city with a rich historical heritage and was an important artistic centre for a very long time.

As a result, wonderful buildings, monuments and artworks remain from both the distant past and from recent years. Many of these are free to visit (in fact, we've written two articles focusing on things to do for free in Pisa) and some are obscure enough to be devoid of the long lines that often plague Tuscany's cultural hot-spots.

Once you have found a villa with pool in the Pisa area, be sure to stop by these highlights in the city.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Churches & Religious Buildings, History, Localities, Pisa, Tourist Attractions