Archive for 'Localities'

  

Thursday, November 19, 2015
Venezia Nuova, Livorno
The pictures here are not of Venice, though that might be what you thought upon immediately seeing them. An understandable and easy mistake to make, they are, in fact, actually of Venezia Nuova (literally meaning “New Venice”) in the seaside town of Livorno in Tuscany. This area is one of the most picturesque and historic parts of the town. The so-called Old Town of Livorno, it retains much of the original town layout and architectural features. If you want to see this mini-Venice for yourself while still enjoying all the perks, food and beautiful scenery of Tuscany as well as the beaches of the town, just find yourself a holiday rental in Livorno. Once you've done that, you'll be free to explore the area by foot and by boat.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Livorno, Localities

  

Thursday, November 19, 2015
Sienese landscape
Hidden beneath the medieval streets of Siena, there is another network of passageways. This underground labyrinth, called the “Bottini” and measuring over 25km in total, was created to supply water all around the town. Created between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries, the Bottini were a necessity due to the lack of water which was easily accessible in the town. Now, when the water level is low, the tunnels can be visited and you can take guided tours along two different routes. Though not particularly strenuous a trip, the tight space can be overwhelming, especially for those with claustrophobia. If you think you're brave enough find a villa with pool in Siena and take the tour!     Read More
Posted in: Localities, Siena

  

Thursday, November 19, 2015
Vineyard in Chianti
Lazing away on a beach is not quite everyone's idea of a perfect holiday, some prefer to remain active, not allow fitness slip and to venture out and see more of the area that they are visiting. If you happen to fall into the above category, you might consider finding a luxury villa in Chianti and heading over for the Chianti Eco-marathon in 2016. This annual event combines several aspects which are appealing to proud locals and visitors alike – the beautiful Tuscan landscape, nature, sport, running and food. Taking place in the second half of October, there are several different levels and types of trails so that you can find the perfect one for your level of fitness or holiday preferences.     Read More
Posted in: Activities, Chianti, Events, Localities, October

  

Thursday, November 19, 2015
Russell Crowe in "Gladiator"
Ridley Scott’s Academy-Award winning, "Gladiator" is one of the most iconic films to come out in the past twenty years. Though set in Rome, the movie was filmed in England, Morocco and Malta with reconstructions of Ancient Roman cities and sights made specially for the production. However, two of the key scenes from the film were actually filmed in the Orcia Valley in Tuscany. This beautiful and serene landscape which has inspired poets and artists alike for thousands of years was the perfect setting for idyllic scenes that contrasted the chaos and violence of the gladiatorial battles of the film.     Read More
Posted in: Books and Movies, Localities, Orcia Valley, Tourist Attractions, Unesco World Heritage Sites

  

Thursday, November 19, 2015
Hannibal Lecter
Florence has been home or setting to many novels, films and television shows in the past and continues to inspire the world's writers and creators today. One such writer is Thomas Harris who made Florence one of the locations in his famous tales of Hannibal Lecter which then went on to be adapted into an immensely popular series of movies. In the movie, “The Silence of The Lambs,” Florence is first visible through a sketch done by Lecter which is on display in the prison cell in which he is being held in Memphis. It depicts the skyline over the city as seen from Forte Belvedere.     Read More
Posted in: Books and Movies, Florence, Localities