Archive for 'Florence'

Montaione is a stunning Tuscan village in the Province of Florence that is, potentially, the most beautiful town in all of Tuscany; a rather big claim, we are aware, but not a baseless one. Perched up high on a hill, accessible only by winding mountain roads snaking through thickly wooded surroundings, this lesser-known gem is wildly picturesque, though, perhaps, not the most happening spot in the world. However, if you are looking to well and truly get away from it all for a while, why not find a luxury villa in Florence and spend a day in the stunning surroundings of this incredibly peaceful hamlet?

Far off the typical tourist route, away from long queues and bustling crowds and steeped in preserved natural beauty and cultural gems, the town has more to offer than first meets the eye. While the town does not have its own vineyards, which is a reason that many of its young people have left for elsewhere and more job opportunities, it is located in the Elsa Valley.

As mentioned in the last two posts in this series, the Bargello is one of the best and most important art museums in Florence and is really a rather exceptional institution. A sculpture museum, it is home to a large variety of pieces, including early works by great masters of the Renaissance such as Donatello and Michelangelo, as well as lesser-known but equally important artists such as Giambologna and Cellini.

It is a must-see art museum so art lovers who have found a luxury villa in Florence should be sure to set aside time to visit! Here are our final picks of highlights of the collection.

As mentioned in the last two posts in this series, the Bargello is one of the best and most important art museums in Florence and is really a rather exceptional institution. A sculpture museum, it is home to a large variety of pieces, including early works by great masters of the Renaissance such as Donatello and Michelangelo, as well as lesser-known but equally important artists such as Giambologna.

For art lovers who have found a luxury villa in Florence and are planning on exploring the city, this museum should not be missed!

6. Giambologna's Birds

Speaking of Giambologna, there is another, really rather intriguing group of works by the artist located in the Bargello's collection.

For art lovers who have found a luxury villa in Florence and are planning on exploring the city, there are plenty of things to see and do. However, the Bargello is one of the best and most important art museums in Florence and should not be missed! As mentioned in our previous post, this is an excellent sculpture museum that is home to a large variety of pieces, including early works by great masters of the Renaissance such as Donatello and Michelangelo.

3. Donatello's Attys

Speaking of Donatello, the Bargello houses his Attys, a bronze work from c.1440 that has been named but not definitively identified. The young male figure bears multiple iconographical details but none have allowed for certain identification. Guesses have included Priapus, Mercury, Perseus, Cupid, Harpocrates, Mithra, Ebrietas, and the guardian figure Genius. However, none fit perfectly.

The Uffizi, the Accademia and the Duomo are probably the biggest artistic centers that most people head for right away upon finding a luxury villa in Florence. However, the Bargello is one of the best and most important art museums in Florence and should not be missed! Dating back to 1255, it was originally the headquarters of the Capitano del Popolo and later of the Podestà. In the sixteenth century, it became the residence of the Bargello (head of the police) and was used as prison during the whole 18th century. The building became a National Museum as of the mid-19th century and today it is an excellent sculpture museum, especially for early works by great masters of the Renaissance such as Donatello and Michelangelo.

1. Donatello's David

Donatello's name is one of the most enduringly famous of all Italian Renaissance artists.