Archive for 'History'

  

Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Donatello's David
Donatello, or Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi, is one of the most famous artists of the Italian Renaissance and one of the most well-known names in art history. An Early Renaissance sculptor and one of the representative artists of Florence, he was born in the city around 1386 and worked prolifically there his entire life, bar a period in which he worked in Padua for the heirs of the recently deceased and famous condottiero Erasmo da Narni. Due to his long life and career and strong connection to his home town, a large body of his works still exists in the city to this day.

Exploring Florence allows one to accurately and closely explore the breadth and width of this great artist's life and career. While his name stands above many other artists in fame, his specific artworks are less well-known and most people would be hard pressed to name one, unlike the ouevre of some of the other big names of the Renaissance, such as Michelangelo and Da Vinci. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and get familiar with the potentially unfamiliar works of this familiar name.     Read More
Posted in: Florence, History, Important People, Localities, Museums & Galleries, Renaissance, Tourist Attractions

  

Monday, March 13, 2017
Medieval Torture Devices
We have been counting down some of Tuscany's strangest and most extraordinary attractions in a bid to help you plan an itinerary that is a little less ordinary. Just find a luxury villa in Tuscany and then add these final sights to your list!

8. Medieval Torture Museum, San Gimignano

San Gimignano is a walled medieval hill town in the province of Siena in Tuscany. It is most well known for its many medieval tower houses and historic city centre. In this pretty centre there is a Medieval Torture Museum that is not merely a grisly and macabre tourist attraction but also an educational tool used to inform visitors about contemporary human rights abuses. Certainly a unique outing idea for any tourists in the town, it combines historic interest with modern awareness in a captivating and fascinating manner.     Read More
Posted in: Events, Florence, History, June, Localities, Museums & Galleries, San Gimignano, Tourist Attractions

  

Friday, March 10, 2017
Labyrinth, Chiusi
The little-known town of Chiusi in the Siena province of Tuscany is a bit of a hidden gem that offers stunning scenery, pretty buildings and a rich history. If you have found a vacation rental in Chiusi and are looking for a unique day out that is a little bit off the beaten track, it really is a perfect destination.

Between the 7th and 5th centuries BC, the area was one of the most important towns in the Etruscan Dodecapolis (league of twelve cities) and was where one of their most powerful kings called Porsenna is said to have been buried in an elaborate tomb within a complex labyrinth in an Etruscan burial site. In his Naturalis Historia, Pliny the Elder tells that the legendary Etruscan king Porsenna was buried in a majestic tomb inside an unfathomable labyrinth, with his sarcophagus laid to rest in a golden carriage that was guarded by golden statues of twelve horses, a brood hen and five thousand chicks, all also made of gold.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, History, Legends, Localities, Siena, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Continuing on from our last article, in which we introduced some of the best cafés in Florence, here are some more locations that are historic, dynamic, cultured, interesting, serve up great food and are perfect for sipping on a perfectly made coffee and just watching the world go by.

Once you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are spending time exploring the city, dashing around from place to place in an attempt to see everything on your bucket list, stop by one of these wonderful institutions and just relax for a little while.

From a historic gem with a long established reputation in the gastronomic and cultural realms of the city to a more recent and experimental venue that combines literature, art, culture, food, coffee and wine, the cafés featured on this list are truly special destinations.     Read More
Posted in: Florence, Food and Wine, History, Localities, Products & Specialities, Restaurants & Cafés

  

Tuesday, February 7, 2017
One of the most enjoyable things about spending time in Tuscany, and Florence, in particular, is enjoying the slower pace of life. Even amidst the slew of tourists that descend upon the city and run around, trying to see it all, the Tuscan way of life remains intact - unhurried, relaxed and intent on enjoying things. Any holiday there should be taken and enjoyed in the spirit of the locals.

Don't just try and see it all but take time to revel in the space you're in and be really present in the moment. One of the best ways to do this is to spend time in the various piazze, sipping on a coffee and watching the world go by.

We've rounded up some of Florence's best, most famous, oldest, newest and coolest cafés for you to choose from so you can do just that. So, why not find a luxury villa in Florence and try living like a local.     Read More
Posted in: Florence, Food and Wine, History, Localities, Restaurants & Cafés, Top 10 Lists, Tourist Attractions