Archive for 'Localities'

One of the great beauties of Tuscany is a beach that may have escaped your attention. Cala Violina is one of the best beaches in the 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. As such, this Maremma gem is rather unlike many of Italy's other more built-up beaches in that it is completely unspoiled.

Most beaches in Italy require fees to be paid for their use and the use of their special facilities but Cala Violina is a “spiaggia libera", (literally a “free beach”) a public beach, that is devoid of the rows of bars, sunbeds and parasols that dot other shores.     Read More

Lari is a small hilltop village located around 30 km from Pisa, that is thought to have been founded by the Etruscans. Its most distinctive feature is the castle that sits at the centre of the village and looks out over the whole area. Most of the present day castle dates back to the first half of the 17th century but records show that a castle has stood in the area since before 1200. It was an incredibly important military stronghold of the Pisan Republic and was caught up in the disputes between Pisa and Florence. When the Florentines took over in 1406, it became the residence of the vicars and was installed with a court room, prison and torture chamber. The prison was enlarged in the 18th century and remained in use until 1934. It was only in 1991, that the Municipality of Lari began restoring the castle and it was then opened to the public as a historic tourist attraction.

As one might imagine, a history filled with punishment, crime, death and torture has lead to a history of ghost stories and the town, at large, is also steeped in some spooky tales. Lari Castle is said to be haunted by the spirit of Giovanni Princi, a man who found hanging in his prison cell in 1922 after being jailed for his political views.     Read More

The Brancacci Chapel is one of the chapels within the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine in Florence. In fact, it is the shining jewel of the building as much was lost in an 18th century fire, leaving the church otherwise very plain.

Miraculously, this great artwork survived and is even often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Early Renaissance” due the wonderful frescoes that adorn its walls. Just find a luxury villa near Florence and you can discover these extraordinary paintings for yourself!

In 1424, frescoes were commissioned by Felice Brancacci, a wealthy Florentine merchant and statesman, to decorate the chapel and to illustrate the life of St. Peter. They were designed by Masolino da Panicale and he was aided in their production by his pupil, Masaccio. Masaccio then took over in 1428 but, sadly, passed away that very year at just 27 years of age.     Read More

In our final post in this series, we have two more of our most beautifully decorated vacation rentals in Tuscany. Both of these properties are historic beauties with interiors plucked right from a period movie.

9. Rocca di Cetona

The noble residence "Rocca di Cetona" is set majestically atop of a hill with commanding views over the Chiana Valley, surrounded by the historic town of Cetona. The property has Etruscan roots as three towers, one of which remains. This tower is incorporated in a later 17th century villa and is surrounded by 2 acres of parkland. It is a true architectural gem with more than two thousand years of history but has been carefully restored to ensure a comfortable stay today.     Read More