Archive for 'Localities'

San Gimignano, also known as “Town of the Fine Towers”, is a village right out of a children's storybook, set on a hilltop in Tuscany. Famous for its medieval architecture, it is well-preserved and provides wonderful examples of Romanesque and Gothic secular and religious buildings. Its historic town centre is so highly regarded that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It makes for the perfect setting of an annual festival called the Ferie Delle Messi, or Ferie Messum. This medieval re-enactment of food, games, competitions and culture has been taking place since 1993 and celebrates the cavalier tradition and the Battle of Montaperti in 1260 and Capaldino in 1289.

Each summer, the picturesque city of Cortona in Tuscany has a calender of events re-enacting medieval traditions through May and June. At the centre of these is the Giostra dell'Archidado, or the Archidado Joust, which takes place on the second Sunday of June. Existing since the Middle Ages and created officially in 1397, it commemorates the wedding of Francesco Casali, Lord of Cortona, to Antonia Salimbeni, a noblewoman from Siena. During the festival, the city streets are decorated with banners and flags and are given a medieval flare. The music of trumpets and drums resounds and stalls selling food, drink and crafts are set up. Medieval markets are also present on certain days.

A precursor to soccer called il calcio storico fiorentino is played annually during the third week of June in Florence. Quite unlike the game that we are all familiar with, calcio storico is a brutal, violent sport intimately interconnected with the city's history, rivalries and codes of honour. It is more like a blend of soccer with rugby and boxing.

Not for the faint of heart, players often refuse to invite their families to games as they find it too difficult to watch. For the sports enthusiast however, it offers a unique experience. Why not book into a luxury villa nearby and come experience it for yourself?

Tuscany, land of Renaissance splendour, fine wines and majestic landscapes!

Legacies of great civilisations like the Etruscans and Romans have left their mark in the form of old castles, hilltop towns and a varied collection of fascinating artefacts on show in museums here.

Tuscany encompasses the ingredients for any type of vacation you desire; be it a seaside holiday along the coast or relaxing in a peaceful villa with a pool in the rolling countryside hills further inland.

Spend a fascinating few hours in the welcoming town of Calci in Pisa province. The origin of the town’s name comes from the Latin terms ‘calx’ and ‘calcis’ meaning lime. This mineral is abundant in stone quarries around Calci town.

Choose from a wide range of stunning Tuscan luxury villas or peacefully located vacation rentals with a pool in the Calci area.

This quaint little commune is tucked in the amphitheatre shaped Val Grazioso at the foot of the Pisa Mountains. Calci is surrounded by olive groves, chestnut forests and fragrant pine woods which make it look like a perfect scene out of a fairy tale!