Archive for 'Localities'

  

Venus of Urbino
Titian was one of the most important artists of the Venetian school during the Italian Renaissance. While he completed lots of different kinds of works across a variety of genres, his lush and idyllic portrayals of female figures are largely what remain in the public imagination today. From early on in his own lifetime, in childhood, the talents of Tiziano Vecellio (known simply as, “Titian,” in English) were considered to be so extraordinary that they were labelled divine. Often compared in his own lifetime and since then to his somewhat older contemporary, Michelangelo, Titian was similarly gifted but, while the former favoured sculpture, Titian worked in painting and, while both were highly in demand, Titian's career faced less frustration and bestowed the artist with all of the worldly success an artist could hope for. He counted the city of Venice, lots of other Italian rulers, the Pope, the German Emperor, and the King of Spain among his patrons and, very quickly, his work became an international success.     Read More

  

Off the coast of Tuscany you will find some incredibly beautiful islands that can feel like a whole different world unto themselves, a little slice of what seems not unlike paradise on earth. Among the cluster of islands that hug Tuscany's coastline, the most famous is, undoubtedly, is Elba Island, the place to which Napoleon was infamously exiled. The second biggest island of the group, Giglio Island, is also well-known, particularly among those who have spent time in Tuscany and on the Tuscan Coast. However, the next largest island of the bunch, Capraia Island, is much less well-known, which is truly a crying shame as it, too, is a rather extraordinary beauty with lots and lots to offer the discerning tourist who finds themselves exploring the region.     Read More

  

As you explore the beautiful landscape of the Chianti region of Tuscany, you are likely to stumble upon all sorts of surprises and incredible hidden gems from pretty old towns that are centuries old to amazing views that look like a postcard come to life to tiny little vineyards producing amazing wines. It is why you should always keep your eyes open and be prepared as you travel around: you never know what you might find!

One such incredible gem that you might discover while exploring Chianti is the Parco Sculture del Chianti, or Chianti Sculpture Park. Located well off the regular beaten path for tourists, in the middle of an oak wood between Pievasciata and Vagliagli, around 10km north of Siena, the park was created by Piero and Rosalba Giadrossi on 7 hectares of wood and opened to the public in 2004 as a parkland and outdoor gallery space that follows the ancient Italian tradition of creating site-specific outdoor artworks.     Read More

  

Garden at Villa Guicciardini Corsi Salviati
Stunning country villas with elaborate grounds and incredible gardens are in no way uncommon in Tuscany but that doesn't mean that each one fails to wow us. Every time we see another example, we are amazed at the ingenuity, design, and beauty. One particularly lovely example that we happened to come across lately is the Villa Guicciardini Corsi Salviati, located in Sesto Fiorentino, an area of Florence that is located on, “the sixth Roman mile,” (ergo the name), or around six miles, from downtown Florence. Florence, in particular, is awash with stunning buildings, palaces, parks, and gardens but this lesser-known gem is a truly picturesque example and an absolute must-see for lovers of historic homes. While a trip to Florence may yet be a little bit away, enjoy these wonderful pictures of this beauty from the comfort and safety of your own home and then pencil in a visit to go and see it with your own eyes once travel is possible once more. For now though, just take a look at this unbelievable stunner...     Read More

  

Spiaggia di Sansone
Tuscany is an incredibly popular and famous tourist and holiday destination but many do not think of, or know much about, her stunning coastline. Tuscany - in addition to being a perfect place for those interested in her history, culture, art, hearty cuisine, and beautiful and verdant landscap - makes for an ideal seaside getaway. The region is home to a long coastline and a cluster of gorgeous islands, all of which boast pretty little seaside towns, perfect beaches, interesting coastal walks, excellent seafood, and plenty of outdoor pursuits, activities, and watersports to keep you entertained. Whether you just want a quiet and relaxing break in which deciding what to eat and taking in the sea air are all that occupies your days, you want to stay active by trying new things and having adventures, you want to splash in the water and make memories with your children, you want to go for romantic strolls along the beach, or you want to photograph the diverse and beautiful landscape, a seaside vacation in Tuscany can offer all that and more.

One particular stretch of the Tuscan Coast that we would recommend, if you're thinking about a holiday in the area is Portoferraio. Portoferraio is a port town on the Tuscan island of Elba, an island most famous as the place to which Napoleon was exiled. The town was enriched by his presence, which drew visitors and made it more of a cultural hub than one might expect. Today, it remains charming, picturesque, fascinating, a little frozen in time, and quite surrounded by truly beautiful beaches including...     Read More