Archive for 'History'

  

Thursday, June 2, 2016
Cloisters of Camposanto
Upon arriving in Pisa, you might be momentarily blinded by the iconic Leaning Tower and the many photo opportunities it provides. If you look a little further, you might venture towards the church next door, lured by the sound of beautiful singing. If you look yet a little closer still, you'll see the Camposanto (literally meaning “holy field”), or Monumental Cemetery, which is the final resting place of important and famous individuals and wonderfully combines stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes.

Constructed in 1278, using sacred dirt brought back from Golgotha during the Crusade, it was later decorated with extensive frescoes and was the burial place of the Pisan upper classes for centuries. For those who have found a holiday rental in Pisa, it might not be the most obvious tourist attraction but it is well worth a visit.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Churches & Religious Buildings, History, Localities, Pisa, Tourist Attractions

  

Monday, May 30, 2016
Bibbona is a Tuscan town, located not far from the coast in Livorno. It has an exceptionally pretty and picturesque historical centre and old town that is centred around the parish church of Sant'Ilario and a preserved medieval appearance. Built on a unique plan, it is formed by a set of concentric circles that are connected by narrow streets and steps.

The result is charming and evokes the long and rich history of the area. The surrounding area of the town is rich in natural delights, such as nature reserves and stretches of agricultural land that produces delicious wine and olive oil, and is peppered with equally captivating little hamlets such as the seaside resort of Marina di Bibbona.     Read More
Posted in: Beaches, History, Landscape, Localities, Tourist Attractions, Tuscan Coast

  

Friday, May 27, 2016
The View from Villa dei Mulini
Napoleon was very famously temporarily exiled, after his forced abdication in 1814, to the island of Elba, the idyllic Tuscan island that is the third largest in Italy – hardly what most would call a “punishment”! In fact, he lived very well on the island and even had two different dwellings for the 300 days that he spent there. Villa dei Mulini was one and the other was Villa San Martin. Villa dei Mulini, also known as Palazzina dei Mulini (Palace of the Mills), is located in Portoferraio and was chosen by Napoleon as his state residence.     Read More
Posted in: History, Important People, Islands, Localities, Museums & Galleries, Tourist Attractions

  

Thursday, May 5, 2016
Terracotta Figures, Impruneta
The most famous kind of terracotta in the world is produced in Impruneta, an ancient town south of Florence. Production of terracotta began in the area in the 14th century and has had a major impact on the town since then, affecting the landscape, architecture and economy, and changing it forever.

Seventeen kilns still produce wonderful objects made in terracotta to this day, some even having been set up in recent years, so that the industry is very much still alive and well.

If you've ever found yourself curious about the iconic red roofs which characterise the skylines of Tuscany, then find a holiday rental in Impruneta and learn all about this fascinating tradition and maybe even bring a little bit of Tuscany home with you.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, History

  

Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Bishop's Palace
The Diocesan Museum, recently renamed the Mudas Museum, is home to important paintings of the fifteenth-nineteenth centuries, three large and rare wooden crucifixes, a fresco by Bartolomeo della Gatta and an important collection of works by Vasari.

Located in the Bishop’s Palace of Arezzo, it has a rather exceptional little collection and is a must-see for art-lovers who have found a vacation rental in Arezzo and are spending time exploring the city.

The museum embodies the great history and wealth of artistic and cultural heritage in the city, particularly the Church's involvement in the funding and creation of art.     Read More
Posted in: History, Museums & Galleries, Tourist Attractions