Archive for 'Localities'

Ted Jones, the author of 'Florence And Tuscany: A Literary Guide for Travellers', was kind enough to write this introduction to his book. We highly recommend the book for all literary-minded travellers.

Perhaps no other city contains so many visual treasures than Florence. Painting, sculpture, architecture, gardens – a gilded gallery of a city so stunning it can cause visitors to collapse in their hotel rooms, not from exhaustion, but from inspiration overload.

In the midst of this mind-bending beauty, it is easy to forget that Florence is also the birthplace of modern literature. Dante Alighieri, in the 14th century, created the Italian language while writing what is probably the most iconic post-Homer poem in human history – The Divine Comedy.

If Helen of Troy was the “lady who launched a thousand ships,” Florence is the city that captivated legions of writers – John Milton, Charles Dickens, E.M. Forster, Mary Shelley, D.H. Lawrence, T.S. Eliot, Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Oscar Wilde, and countless others.

And why not?

Art lovers who admire the work of Leonardo da Vinci may wish to think about visiting the beautiful village where he grew up, Vinci. There are numerous holiday  rentals nearby Vinci to choose from, allowing you to visit the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci and tour the surrounding olive groves and vineyards.

This small town is located not too far away from Florence, in the northern area of Tuscany. Although the town is comprised of only a gift shop, a museum, 4 houses, a church, and a restaurant, it is well worth taking half a day to visit if you want to reflect on Leonardo's work and learn more about the man and his life. Many of Leonardo's scientific designs were centuries ahead of his time, including a war tank designed way back in 1500. You can view many of his sketches in the fascinating museum dedicated to him here.

He was born back in 1452, in a farmhouse located just outside of town. You can visit this Casa di Leonardo as well as the Leonardo Museum. The Church of Santa Croce is another sight to see, built in the 13th century.

Those looking for a hidden gem off the beaten tourist path will appreciate the quaint charms and Etruscan ruins of Sovana.
This tiny dot on the map is located in the heart of southern Tuscany, known for its sparse landscape with rolling hills and fields. Sovana is a beautifully preserved small town, filled with a rich history inside of its medieval architecture.

This architecture is perfectly preserved, which you can't help but notice as you stroll down the main street and take in the gorgeous luxury villas and central square. The town is Etruscan in origin, before being taken over by the Romans and later the Lombards.

Near Sovana lies the Tomb Ildebranda, the largest Etruscan mausoleum that has been found to date. It was decorated with 12 columns, and contained two imposing stone staircases as well as one underground leading to the internal funerary chamber.

Dating back to medieval times, Castello di Volpaia is a fortified village behind a circular defense wall. It's notable not only for allowing visitors to see some remarkably well-preserved architecture despite repeated devastation, it also is home to the winery that produces the famous Chianti Classico wine.

Volpaia is a delightful day trip for those who wish to taste Chianti in its home, while learning more about the history of this interesting castle and fortified village.

Although parts of it have crumbled due to battles throughout history, you can still see the ancient chain of walls and many remains of this fascinating castle.

One of the leading highlights of the Castello di Volpaia is the tower church, which is dedicated to Saint Eufroino.