Archive for 'Localities'

  

Church of the Ognissanti
The Church of the Ognissanti, or Church of the All Saints, in Florence is one of the earliest Baroque examples in the city and dates to the first half of the 17th century. It is, perhaps, due to this that it is not a particularly flamboyant example of the Baroque. It is, however, a grand and beautiful building.

This great beauty and historic merit is enhanced by the presence of works inside the building by Ghirlandaio and Botticelli. Off the beaten tourist trail and very much a hidden gem, this is where you should head if you've found a luxury villa in Florence and want to take in some of her art and architecture without lining up for hours to get into a museum     Read More

  

An 1891 poster for the Moulin Rouge by Lautrec
Toulouse-Lautrec is a French artist of the nineteenth century who worked in similar circles to the Impressionists such as Monet. Even if his name is new to you, it is unlikely that you are unfamiliar with his works as they have become hugely iconic. The so-called “soul of Montmartre”, he captured the streets, lights, music and atmosphere of the bohemian Montmartre district in the late nineteenth century. He was an illustrator and engraver and is best known for the posters that he designed for establishments such as the Moulin Rouge. This key figure of Parisian art history is being showcased in a fantastic exhibition not in Paris but in Pisa at the Palazzo Blu which has become more and more well-known for its world-class exhibitions. Any serious art-lovers who are thinking of holidaying in Tuscany will want to find a luxury villa in Pisa and drop by before the exhibition closes in February.     Read More

  

View over Florence
Florence is a perfect holiday destination as there is an unbelievable and undeniable wealth of things to see and do. However, for the little ones that might be in your party, the endless parade of museums and churches might become a little tiresome after a while. Why not reward them by pencilling in some activities just for them? We've rounded up just three of the many things kids will love about Florence and these little things are perfect for keeping them engaged and happy. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and then explore away, knowing that everyone is going to have an absolute whale of a time!     Read More

  

Pieta, Van Gogh
If you have found the perfect luxury villa in Florence and are spending time in that great city, you will never want for art to see or exhibitions to check out. As the centre of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is home to countless museums, galleries and even street art from the likes of Clet. However, there is a particularly interesting exhibition happening in the Palazzo Strozzi at the moment. Typically, religion is something that one rarely connects with modern art. Yet, the exhibition at the Palazzo Strozzi, entitled, “Divine Beauty from Van Gogh to Chagall and Fontana” highlights modern sacred art from the middle of the 19th to 20th centuries.     Read More

  

Orbetello Lagoon at sunset
Orbetello Lagoon is one of the best preserved, most unspoiled natural areas in all of Italy as well as Tuscany. This coastal lagoon consists of 1500 hectares of marshland which is separated from the sea on the west and east by two 6km strips of land and by the Argentario headland. The town of Orbetello sits on a third strip of land that stretches into the centre of the lagoon and a bridge connects Orbetello to Mount Argentario, dividing the lagoon into two parts. This all adds up to a visual treat which is both highly unique and supremely beautiful.

With so much to see in this eden-like natural reserve, it's the perfect spot for holidaying nature-lovers. If you happen to fall into that category, just find a holiday rental in Orbetello and get exploring the lagoon.     Read More