Archive for 'Florence'

The Bargello is one of the best and most important art museums in Florence and is set inside one of the oldest buildings in the city. 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. If you have a particular fondness for sculpture, especially early works by great masters such as Donatello and Michelangelo, this is just the museum for you.

Lago di Bilancino, or Bilancino Lake, is an artificial fresh-water lake, and the largest, in Tuscany. Not only does it ensure water reserves for the citizens, it is also somewhere to go and enjoy the scenery and water-sports and activities. Just off the motorway exit for Barberino di Mugello, it is a little oasis of beauty and calm just a stone's throw from many of the major towns of Tuscany, a mere hour's drive from Florence and close to Pisa. There are beaches, a nature reserve, water-sports, fishing, great places to eat and much more to do, all in beautiful surrounds.

Find a luxury villa in Florence and spend a lovely day with your family or friends by the lakeside.

The Giardino Bardini, or Bardini Garden, is a Renaissance garden in Florence which has only been opened to the public in the past few years. Less well-known than other Renaissance gardens in the city such as the Giardini di Boboli, it is still a bit of a well-kept secret devoid of crazy crowds of tourists. Though relatively small it is a rich gem with beautiful canals, fountains, flowers and sculptures dotting the whole garden. It also has exceptional views over the city. If you're looking to spend a few pleasant hours strolling the gardens with a loved one or lost in your thoughts and the peace and quiet, this is just the place for you. Find a luxury villa in Florence and you could grab lunch and then lazily walk off the meal in one of the prettiest parts of the city.

You can, of course, get ice-cream – or should we say “gelato” - all over Florence and Italy rather easily. However, now that you're visiting Florence, you don't want just any old ice-cream, you want to be surprised, delighted, you want to have your socks knocked right off! Basically, you want gelato so good that you're ruined for the ice-cream back home.

Or is that just us? If you're on the same page when it comes to gelato, though, read on and take note.

Why not find a luxury villa in Florence and visit all of our suggestions? Your taste-buds will thank you later.

There are certain things in Florence, as in every great city in the world, that are on almost all visitors' itineraries. When in Florence, most will want to see the Uffizi, David, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Piazza della Signoria and, perhaps, the Duomo, but if you are an art, architecture or history lover visiting the city, there's a hidden gem that you need to know about. Stretching from the Palazzo Pitti to the Uffizi is a long passageway, measuring almost a kilometre. Named the Vasari Corridor after the man who designed it, it is a lesser-known and less accessible attraction in the city. If you want the chance to be one of the few who gets to see it for yourself, find a luxury villa in Florence and drop by!