Archive for 'Lucca'

  

Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Tuscany, as a region with an unbelievably rich cultural and artistic heritage is, unsurprisingly, home to many palaces, art museums, civic museums, churches, and religious collections that stuffed full of extraordinary works of art from throughout history. However, in addition to the old, the region also celebrates the new in contemporary art galleries and various other kinds of art spaces and the art scene is still very much alive and well. So, if you have found a luxury villa in Tuscany and you are interested in art, then be sure to seek out these newer institutions as well to dive into the current art scene and to experience it in real time for yourself! If you were considering a villa with pool in Lucca, in particular, and you are interested in more recent artistic innovations and practices, then you should definitely head to the ARKAD Foundation.

Located in the town of Seravezza, in an old marble sawmill across from the Medici Palace in town, the ARKAD Fondazione, or ARKAD Foundation, is a wonderful intercultural centre that promotes the creation of art and the spread of culture. Nestled between the Apuan Alps and the Versilia plain, this little town is an impossibly scenic part of the world – think lush hillsides covered in trees, towering peaks, verdant valleys swathed in morning fog, a silver river slicing through the town, and pretty streets lined with stone buildings and palm trees - and it seems fitting, therefore, that it is home to a space producing beautiful and fascinating works of art.     Read More
Posted in: Localities, Lucca, Museums & Galleries, Must See Attractions, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Osteria Tosca, interior
The pretty and historic centre of Lucca is a lovely place to wander and explore if you have found a villa with pool in Lucca and are getting to know the area but, as you stroll around, you may soon find yourself quickly working up an appetite. If you are in need of refuelling while discovering the ancient and picturesque core of the city, then we highly recommend a visit to the charming Osteria Tosca, particularly if you happen to be headed to the nearby Puccini Museum that is a mere stone's throw away from the restaurant.

Osteria Tosca is located right in the centre of Lucca, in the Piazza Cittadella, next to the statue of beloved composer and lauded Lucchese son, Giacomo Puccini, who was born in a house only a few yards away. Cosy and inviting, the restaurant has a small garden area and an intimate interior and serves up the best of the tasty and wholesome home cooking from Lucca. Grab a seat inside in the pretty and romantic interior or relax at a table outside and take in the lovely surroundings and people-watch as typical scenes of Tuscan life unfold before you. Once you have settled in, you can then sit back, unwind, and enjoy a pleasant lunch or a relaxing evening tasting the menu of delicious local classics, paired with some great local wines, all at extremely fair prices.     Read More
Posted in: Food, Food and Wine, Localities, Lucca, Restaurants & Cafés

  

Friday, April 30, 2021
The lands of Tuscany, particularly around Florence, Pisa, and Lucca, were highly contested and fought over by various rulers and factions in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. As a result, many fortified structures remain dotted throughout the already picturesque landscape of the region, making it all the more charming and magical. There are, of course, some that are prettier or better-preserved than others and one of the best and most charming examples of all has to be the lovely Fortezza di Montecarlo, or Montecarlo Fortress, built in four phases between the 12th and 16th centuries and located in a highly desirable strategic position between the valleys of Lucca and Valdinievole. If you have found a villa with pool in Lucca and you are looking to visit one of Tuscany's most magical fairytale castles, then this is an excellent option!     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Castles & Palaces, Localities, Lucca, Pretty Views, Tourist Attractions

  

Thursday, April 29, 2021
Paragliding
Monte Pisano (also known as the Monti Pisano but not to be confused with the Pisan Hills) is a small mountainous area in north-central Tuscany that separates Pisa and Lucca. A beautiful part of the country that is perfect for hiking, biking, photography enthusiasts, and those interested in different outdoor pursuits, it is the spot to head to if you have found a villa in Lucca or a luxury villa in Pisa and you are looking to get active during your holiday in the area.

Taking in stunning views over the picture-perfect landscapes of the surrounding area of Tuscany, there are many panoramic spots to enjoy and capture this gorgeous part of the world if you are exploring the area in and around Monte Pisano. However, probably the best, most exciting, and most impressive way to take in those views is from the air itself. How might one achieve this you may ask? Why, by heading out on a tandem paragliding adventure, of course!     Read More
Posted in: Activities, Curiosities, Flying, Localities, Lucca, Pisa, Pretty Views, Tourist Attractions

  

Thursday, April 15, 2021
Peroni is the Italian beer that is most familiar to those outside of Italy and, while there are more Italian beers that are household names to locals, there is also a craft brewing industry that has become bigger and bigger in recent years, as is the case in many places across the world. Tuscany, in particular, is home to quite a few micro-breweries, brew-pubs, and other small producers of craft and artisanal beers that the foodie and beer enthusiast who has found a villa in Tuscany will be excited to discover. In fact, we have previously written a guide to some of the highest rated craft breweries in Tuscany that can be found here. However, today, we are focusing on one of the region's breweries, La Petrognola Brewery.     Read More
Posted in: Food and Wine, Localities, Lucca, Wineries & Breweries