Archive for 'Localities'

The Ospedale degli Innocenti, in Florence, was established in 1419 as the first lay institution in the world dedicated to infancy and childhood thanks to donations from Francesco Datini, “the merchant of Prato”. It became home to children abandoned by their families for various reasons, generally extreme poverty and those children then received the surname Innocenti. The prevalence of this name today indicates the importance and scale of the institution's work. However, the building that was home to this service, so ahead of its time, is one of the city's major attractions for more than its social and historical importance; it is also an architectural gem designed by the great Renaissance master, Brunelleschi. Now, a new museum is also being opened on the premises this summer that looks to both the past and the future. If you are interested in history, social issues, culture and art, this sight is a must-see as it manages to cater to all of these interests. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and you can visit for yourself.     Read More

The Natural Park of the Val d’Orcia is an exceptionally beautiful part of Tuscany with pretty scenery and charming towns but one of the most impressive sights has to be the skyline of Radicofani, which is a typical medieval town topped by one of the most impressive fortresses in all of Italy. The Rocca di Radicofani, or Fortress of Radicofani, is an extraordinary building, steeped in legend and rich in history as it is located on the border between Tuscany and Lazio, had considerable military importance and was an important stop for both pilgrims and travelers. The building itself is fascinating and the views offered from its walls and windows are exceptional, displaying one of the best panoramas over the Tuscan countryside.

If you want to take in a real taste of the landscape of Tuscany, just find a villa with pool in Radicofani and discover this exceptional attraction for yourself.     Read More

Porto Ercole is a stunning port town in Maremma on the Tuscan Coast. It is a vibrant, lively town with one of the best nightlife scenes in the area and is home to high class restaurants, glamorous bars and nightclubs, chic boutiques, pretty beaches, impressive yachts lined up in rows and colourful buildings crowded next to clear blue seas and skies. The town and its locals are quite unlike the typically humble people of Maremma but, instead, are a little more glamorous and interested in luxury. As a result, you'll find yourself walking amongst exceptionally stylish figures and, occasionally, a celebrity looking to experience the joys of Tuscany for themselves. If you want to do the same, just browse our holiday rentals in Porto Ercole.     Read More

Florence's Duomo and its museums are an important attraction for any culture or art-lovers visiting the city and Giotto's bell tower is one of the four principal monuments on the Piazza del Duomo.

At 84.7 metres tall and executed in the most eloquent example of 14th century Gothic architecture in Florence, it is both beautiful and offers beautiful views across the city. While the trek to the very top is a little grueling and not recommended for those with heart conditions or claustrophobia, it is well worth the effort. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views over the other landmarks of the city, its colourful rooftops and the bustling tourist crowds far below.

Just find a luxury villa in Florence and you can embark on this extraordinary adventure for yourself.     Read More