Archive for 'Florence'

In our final post in this series, here are two more architectural gems that one might make time for when exploring the incredibly rich culture and artistic heritage of the region. Of course, there are many other wonderful examples of great architectural feats all around Tuscany but these are some of our personal favourites and are, largely, somewhat less well-known than the most famous works that every tourist seems to flock to magnetically. Fnd a luxury villa in Tuscany and explore these delightful structures for yourself.

Florence, of course, is packed to the gills with artistic and architectural gems. However, one of the most striking and theatrical is the Laurentian Library. Home to the most important and prestigious collection of antique books in all of Italy and one of the greatest scholarly legacies left behind the Medici family that is still in existence, it was born of the passion of Cosimo the Elder.

As he was an avid collector, it became necessary in 1523 for Pope Clement VII (Giulio de' Medici) to commission a new library to house the massive collection.     Read More

If Italy (and Tuscany, in particular) is known for any single thing, it is art. Of course, fashion and food quickly come to mind upon mention of the country, as well, but it is the art that seems to stick out most in the international common consciousness. As Florence was at the heart of the Renaissance, the wider region of Tuscany was blessed with many great artists and works over the years. As such, there really is an endless list of things to see and do. One particular art form that is especially bountiful is architecture. The region abounds with architectural gems so why not find a luxury villa in Tuscany and explore these delightful structures for yourself? It promises to be a trip of a lifetime.

If you visit the city of Lucca in Tuscany, you should make sure not to miss a charming attraction that is located just outside it: the Acquedotto Del Nottolini. This impressive aqueduct is often mistaken for a remainder of the Roman Empire but is actually a neoclassical gem that is modelled after those older examples and dates to the 19th century.     Read More

Although the built world and interior spaces of Tuscany are beautiful and important, it is good to escape the museums, galleries, libraries, palaces, villas and other architectural gems in order to get a bit of fresh air, stretch your legs and take in the beauty of the region's not-so-natural outdoor spaces. While it may not be common knowledge to many, Tuscany's gardens are as famous as her buildings and are worth exploring. They will delight, stun and surprise at every turn. So, we have chosen some of the best and most beautiful examples for you in order to pencil in some time into your itinerary on your next holiday.

If you are planning on heading to Florence, you might need somewhere to go and take a bit of a break from the bustling tourist crowds and her Rose Garden is a spot that makes for the perfect oasis of calm. It brings together art from Belgian artist Folon, roses and stunning panoramic views across the city and, best of all, it's completely free to visit and is open from morning until nightfall.     Read More

Holidays often involve so much planning, chaos and running around, when you're meant to be relaxing, that it is good to slot in time for taking it easy and enjoying your surroundings.

Particularly on urban getaways, it is good to find some natural space in which to unwind and get a bit of fresh air as you wander and take a breather. So, to help you out, we've compiled a list of some of the most beautiful gardens in Tuscany.

The Boboli Gardens in Florence are located behind the Pitti Palace, which was once the seat of the Medici family.

It is one of the first formal Italian gardens and is made up of fountains, statuary from ancient Rome to the 18th century, semi-private and public spaces, nympheums, temples, plants and grottoes, the largest being a famous work by Buontalenti.     Read More