Archive for 'Localities'

  

Friday, August 4, 2017
Basilica di San Lorenzo
Michelangelo fans who have found luxury villas in Florence would probably already be headed to the Basilica di San Lorenzo to visit the Medici Chapel, where his monumental tombs designed for Lorenzo il Magnifico and Giuliano dei Medici are housed.

However, there is another reason to stick around and try and befriend any groundsmen you might come across: hidden beneath the chapel is a secret room that has walls covered in drawings by Michelangelo.

The incredible sketches in the room are said to have been created in 1530, while Michelangelo was hiding from the Pope, a Medici. One of those who grew weary of the iron fist that the Medici were ruling the city with, Michelangelo stood up against the powerful family by working to help fortify the city walls against them and, as a result, was forced into hiding for three months!     Read More
Posted in: Churches & Religious Buildings, Curiosities, Florence, History, Localities, Renaissance, Tourist Attractions

  

Friday, August 4, 2017
Casa Martelli
The Casa Martelli Museum in Florence (or, simply, Casa or Palazzo Martelli) is a Florentine palace that was opened as a civic museum, displaying the remains of the original family's valuable art collection in situ and the original frescoed rooms, in 2006. It is an excellent insight into a noble Florentine home and filled with delightful little surprises around every corner.

Prior to being made into a museum, it always remained within the same family and is the only museum-house in Florence that has not been refurbished by later owners, making it all the more valuable and intriguing. For a glimpse into how the well-to-do of this great artistic city lived, just find a luxury villa in Florence and pay a visit to the Casa Martelli.

A family of bankers who came into wealth and power in tandem with the Medici, the Martelli family originally purchased a property on Via Zanetti in the 15th century and it expanded over the years, until it reached its current dimension in the mid-18th century, getting to the point where it took up almost the whole block.     Read More
Posted in: Castles & Palaces, Florence, Localities, Tourist Attractions

  

Friday, August 4, 2017
Palazzo Medici Riccardi
The Palazzo Medici Riccardi, named for the family that built it and the family that expanded it, is a Florentine Renaissance palace that is the seat of the Metropolitan City of Florence and is also opened to the public (in part) as an exhibition space that offers a program of temporary exhibitions.

Originally, these were largely dedicated to the major protagonists of modern and contemporary art but has recently been more focused on creating greater understanding of the historic and artistic context of the palazzo.

Furthermore, there is a stunning frescoed chapel that is an attraction in its own right. As such, the palace is a fascinating sight for many reasons and, in particular, a wonderful peek into one of the most opulent homes that the city has ever seen. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and visit this wonderful architectural and cultural gem for yourself.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Castles & Palaces, Florence, History, Localities, Renaissance, Tourist Attractions

  

Friday, August 4, 2017
Crostata di Marmellata
A crostata is an Italian baked tart or pie and they can be traced back to at least the 15th century in their modern form. It is characterised by being a "rustic free-form version of an open fruit tart". Traditionally, a crostata consists of a base of three layers of friable dough but, today, shortcrust pastry is used instead. It is differentiated from a torta by its filling, as a crostata has an inconsistent chunky filling, whereas a torta has a consistent filling made of ingredients that have been blended together.     Read More
Posted in: Florence, Food and Wine, Localities, Recipes

  

Friday, August 4, 2017
Capalbio
One of the best things about Tuscany – besides the food, wine, culture, history and art – are the views. Tuscany has a distinctive, beautiful countryside and charming and historic towns and cities that really deserve moments where you stop running around from attraction to attractions and just take it all in. To help you out in doing so, we have compiled a list of some of the best views and places to take them in. Here are a couple more to check out on your vacation.

5. The Walls of Lucca

The walls of the Tuscan town of Lucca have always been one of the most recognisable features of this charming town. They now attract tourists and locals alike who admire their construction and design and who also make use of them as a place to walk, jog and cycle. For leisure, exercise or getting to know the layout and atmosphere of the city, the walls are the best place to start.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Florence, Localities, Must See Attractions, Tourist Attractions