Archive for 'Localities'

Zuccotto is a delicious semi-frozen, chilled dessert made with brandy, cake and ice cream, said to have originated in Florence, though many Italians have not heard of it before. The name means "little pumpkin" in Italian and is so-called because of the shape of the mould used for making it. Thought to have been inspired by the “Duomo di Firenze”, Florence's main cathedral, topped by a distinctive dome. Another theory says that it was inspired by a cardinal's semi-spherical skullcap or zucchetto.

Originally a “semifreddo” dessert that contained ice-cream, this is now often replaced with fresh cream. Typically, however, you can expect to find semifreddo surrounded by sponge cake. The inside is usually of two colors, a white half, which sometimes has candied fruit or bits of chocolate, and a dark half, to which cocoa is added. Finally, ricotta, sugar and cream are added. It is served cold and can be served with the same liquor used inside the dessert or with a coffee liqueur.

The Abbey of Sant’Antimo, located 9km from Montalcino in Tuscany, is one of the most beautiful of all Romanesque churches in Italy. Local legend attributes its foundation to Charlemagne in the 8th century AD, a miracle that helped cure his army of a plague and a promise to build an abbey on the land where they were saved. Recorded history, however, has a different tale to tell and puts the foundation further back, to the Longobards and the Monastery of St. Savior. The site also is thought to have originally been the location of an ancient Roman villa. The existence of Sant'Antimo, itself, is recorded since at least the 9th century.

As we discussed in the last post, Follonica, or the “Miami” of Tuscany, is a beautiful, vibrant coastal city with plenty to offer visitors. However, one thing that it is particularly abundant in is wonderful beaches. With this in mind, we have rounded up a list of some of the best beaches in the city in a handy guide so that you can visit once you have found yourself the perfect villa with pool in Follonica.

3. Cala Violina

Cala Violina is a nearby beach that is considered one of the best beaches in the entire country and endlessly tops lists that back this claim up. A stunning soft white sand half-moon cove, it is located in the Golfo di Follonica right in the heart of the Riserva Naturale delle Bandite di Scarlino and the Le Costiere di Scarlino Area Naturale Protetta di Interesse Locale.

In our final post in this series, we have some final, more practical, tips on staying cool and enjoying yourself despite the heat in Florence this summer. Once you have found a luxury villa in Florence, you want to be able to enjoy your holiday despite the potential heat waves and tourist crowds. So, in order to avoid having a wonderful trip ruined by discomfort, take note of our tips for making the most of summer in Florence.

5. Take precautions before leaving the house!

Make sure to close all curtains, shutters and windows before you leave your rental property. This stops the place from turning into a greenhouse during the day and will ensure that you have a lovely cool place to return to at the end of a long day of exploring.

Follonica is a coastal city that is often seen as the “Miami” of Tuscany, with its modern, busy city centre that stretches to the shore and the bright colours of the stark white buildings, blue sea, golden sand and colourful beach umbrellas. It has a vibrant nightlife, plenty for the kids to see and do and, best of all, some excellent beaches. Just find a villa with pool in Follonica and discover the wonderful stretches of coast that the city has to offer.

1. Carbonifera

Carbonifera beach is a Bandiere Blu, or blue flag, beach located 5km away from the center of Follonica.