Archive for 'Florence'

Bottega Pecchioli is a highly-regarded family-run winery and vineyard in Carmignano, Tuscany, not far from Florence. If you have found a vacation rental in Florence and are thinking about setting aside a day to go wine-tasting and to learn some more about wine and Tuscan culture, then it is an ideal option.

The history of the winery is long and goes back to when the surrounding area of Poggio alla Malva was a small farming village. The first note of the family institution records the Bottega Pecchioli and its “storage area of salt, oil and wine, corn, candles and coal.” In the second half of the 18th century, it became a precursor to what we know a food store to be today and over the years it has been various kinds of business including a tavern, bakery, milk and butter shop, a post office, and wine bar.

Florence is home to some wonderful eateries, a rich dining and culinary tradition, and some of the most unique and interesting businesses that manage to combine worlds such as the likes of the Gucci restaurant. However, if you want to see two worlds that truly seem incompatible and diametrically opposed and boast tasty treats and perfect beverage, then it's hard to imagine anywhere else that somehow works so unexpectedly well as the Libreria Café La Cité. A bookshop and café that becomes a trendy bar and venue by night it offers very different charms and types of appeal, depending on at what time of day you visit! A really cool spot in the city, it is a must for those who like relaxed vibes and unique venues and bars and who have found a vacation rental in Florence.

Da Vinci's artistic works are featured in museums around the world and Italy, in particular. However, if you are either more or also interested in the archetypal Renaissance man's other fields of interest and practice, then you might want to head to the Museum of Leonardo da Vinci in Florence. Exploring his genius and inventions and gadgets, it is a fascinating space that many will enjoy. Just find a vacation rental in Florence and come pay a visit!

Florence is home to a large and exceptionally beautiful synagogue that can be traced back to the nineteenth century when David Levi, President of the Hebrew University, bequeathed his possessions in order to build a new synagogue for Florence that would be “worthy of the city”. The architectural gem that resulted is a stunning beauty and a must-see for those interested in religious architecture in the city. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and come visit this incredible building for yourself.

Levi had also even provided for the acquisition of a site between the new development of the Mattonaia and Piazza d’Azeglio and the building of the Tempio Maggiore Israelitico di Firenze, or Great Synagogue of Florence, was completed between 1874 and 1882 under the direction of architects Marco Treves, Mariano Falcini, and Vincenzo Micheli.

Florence is one of the fashion centres of Italy, which, as a nation, continues to be one of the trendsetters and fashion leaders. Famous brands such as Gucci, Pucci, Roberto Cavalli, and Ferragamo were all born in the city and it is home to some of the best stores and fashion museums in the world. In addition to this, Florence is known for its high-quality artisanal leather goods. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and you are a fashion-lover spending time in the city, an ideal souvenir, that will last a lifetime, is a Florentine leather bag, pair of shoes, jacket or some other leather item.

If you are in search of such a piece, head to the Scuola di Cuoio, or Leather School. Located on via San Giuseppe, just by the Church of Santa Croce, the school produces and sells every type of leather good, all of which is the highest quality imaginable. In addition to purchasing pieces, you'll be able to see the incredible craftsmanship in action as the leather school’s artisans are sure to be working while you visit.