Archive for 'Florence'

  

Monday, August 8, 2016
Sunset over the Arno River
Our last few articles have discussed activities in Tuscany that go beyond the usual trips to palaces, churches, museums, galleries and other cultural institutions. Instead, we focused on activities that you might not have thought of before and that will keep the entire family happy, not just the adults. This article also gathers together some child-friendly activities for you and yours to enjoy once you have found the perfect holiday rental in Tuscany.

If you are getting familiar with the city of Florence, for example, there are plenty of different sorts of tours that you can try, both conventional and more interesting and unique varieties. However, one of the most unique ways to see the city is probably by going on the water bike tour. While it may not be suitable for young kids and ten is the minimum age allowed, it's definitely something that older children and teenagers would enjoy and gets the whole family out and about together for an adventure. The bicycles are standard mountain-bikes which have been transformed into proper water-bikes. Tours depart at either 7pm or 9pm and last for a duration of two hours and an informative, friendly and professional guide takes small groups out, allowing for lots of attention and personalisation.     Read More
Posted in: Activities, August, Cycling, Events, Florence, Legends, Localities, Lucca, Must See Attractions, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Ospedale Degli Innocenti
The Ospedale degli Innocenti, in Florence, was established in 1419 as the first lay institution in the world dedicated to infancy and childhood thanks to donations from Francesco Datini, “the merchant of Prato”. It became home to children abandoned by their families for various reasons, generally extreme poverty and those children then received the surname Innocenti. The prevalence of this name today indicates the importance and scale of the institution's work. However, the building that was home to this service, so ahead of its time, is one of the city's major attractions for more than its social and historical importance; it is also an architectural gem designed by the great Renaissance master, Brunelleschi. Now, a new museum is also being opened on the premises this summer that looks to both the past and the future. If you are interested in history, social issues, culture and art, this sight is a must-see as it manages to cater to all of these interests. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and you can visit for yourself.     Read More
Posted in: Florence, History, Localities, Museums & Galleries, Renaissance, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, July 13, 2016
The Duomo, Florence
Florence's Duomo and its museums are an important attraction for any culture or art-lovers visiting the city and Giotto's bell tower is one of the four principal monuments on the Piazza del Duomo.

At 84.7 metres tall and executed in the most eloquent example of 14th century Gothic architecture in Florence, it is both beautiful and offers beautiful views across the city. While the trek to the very top is a little grueling and not recommended for those with heart conditions or claustrophobia, it is well worth the effort. Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views over the other landmarks of the city, its colourful rooftops and the bustling tourist crowds far below.

Just find a luxury villa in Florence and you can embark on this extraordinary adventure for yourself.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Churches & Religious Buildings, Florence, History, Localities, Renaissance, Tourist Attractions

  

Friday, June 10, 2016
Interior, Marino Marini Museum
The Marino Marini Museum, is a museum located in the centre of Florence, in the old church of S. Pancrazio. Situated between via della Vigna Nuova and piazza Santa Maria Novella, this church was founded before 1000 and deconsecrated in 1809. It was used for numerous different purposes thereafter until the museum was inaugurated in 1988. The museum is dedicated to the life and work of the sculptor Marino Marini, but also houses older works of art and objects from its long past, in the historic and extraordinarily evocative and fascinating setting of this former church. It offers the unique opportunity to experience such a meeting of ancient and modern under one spectacular roof and is sure to impress art-lovers, picture-takers, history-buffs and architecture-fanatics in the group alike. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and be sure to pencil this amazing museum into your schedule!     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Churches & Religious Buildings, Florence, Localities, Museums & Galleries, Tourist Attractions

  

Monday, May 23, 2016
A pink rose
If you are planning on heading to Florence and want to take in the big sights, you might need somewhere to go and take a bit of a break from the large and bustling tourist crowds, queues and warm rooms.

The Rose Garden in Florence is the perfect oasis of calm, quiet and relaxation. 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.

Only open to the public year round for a few years now, it is a little-known gem and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Once you have found a vacation rental in Florence, be sure to check it out for yourself!     Read More
Posted in: Florence, Landscape, Localities, Must See Attractions, Parks & Gardens, Tourist Attractions