Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

Pisa is most famous for its iconic and globally-renowned Leaning Tower but, as one might imagine, there is far more to any city than its most well-known attraction. The beautiful and historic city of Pisa, in particular, has lots to offer the discerning tourist that looks past its most obvious feature. So, if you have been considering holiday destinations in Tuscany, why not choose a villa with pool in Pisa and discover these other great reasons to spend time in the city...

1. The neighbouring buildings of the Leaning Tower are also stunning and fascinating

While there is, in fact, more to Pisa, we still recommend visiting the Leaning Tower. However, while you're in the area, you should also check out the gorgeous neighbouring architectural gems that are part of the major religious building complex in the Piazza dei Miracoli including the Cathedral, Baptistery, and the Campo Santo. Combined tickets can be purchased that allow you to enter some or all of the buildings and you will quickly discover that these other incredible gems are just as fascinating (and also lean a bit too due to the nature of the site on which they were built).

Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and is a major art and cultural centre that produced some of the most talented and innovative artists, architects, writers, and thinkers of all time, as well as some of the most exceptional masterpieces. Art-lovers who want to vacation in Tuscany should definitely browse our luxury villas in Florence as the city is the perfect place for those who want to dive into an endless supply of museums, architectural gems, works of art, and more. Once you find yourself in the city, you'll be faced with the unenviable task of having to choose which attractions and cultural institutions to go and see as there are enough in the city for a lifetime of vacations. This is why we recommend a visit to the Palazzo Pitti, a lush Renaissance palace that was built for Luca Pitti but later purchased by the Medici and which went on to become their primary residence. It is today a state-owned gem that is home to several different museums including the Palatine Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, and several other gallery spaces and exhibitions. With so many great cultural institutions under one roof (or in one area), it is an ideal place to get a real taste of the incredible artistic heritage of Florence.

Florence is one of those incredibly beautiful cities and holiday destinations in holiday in Tuscany where there are hidden gems and surprises around every corner. While those who have found a villa with a swimming pool in Florence may spend plenty of time seeking out the city's world-class museums, attractions, architectural gems, stores, bars, restaurants, and more, we also recommend plenty of time spent just wandering around and soaking up the stunning scenery and unique atmosphere of the wonderful birthplace of the Renaissance. As you do so, you may take a little while to go and explore the impossibly lovely Horticultural Garden of Florence.

If you are a movie-lover, then the cinematic beauty of Tuscany is very appealing and makes it a perfect place for a vacation but so, too, does its history as a destination where famous films have been set and made. Fans of Roberto Benigni's beloved 1997 Oscar-winning masterpiece, “La Vita è Bella,” can head to a villa in Arezzo to see many locations from that movie, those who have always wanted to see the heavenly land from the end of the Russell Crowe vehicle, “Gladiator,” can wander it themselves with a vacation rental in the Orcia Valley, and Hannibal can be followed around Florence. In fact, we have a whole section of articles based around films and books set and made in Tuscany that you can browse and use to plan all sorts of adventures and holidays in Tuscany. However, if you have been considering a luxury villa in Florence, in particular, but are in search of somewhere to actually go and see some films while you are on holidays, then you will find yourself very much in luck. Florence happens to be home to a rather exceptionally beautiful and special cinema called the Cinema Odeon Firenze that any self-respecting movie buff will tell you makes for a magic place to relax and see a film while on vacation.

Tuscany is home to some exceptional old palaces that were once the elegant dwellings of the wealthy and the nobility of Italy in the past but are now open to the public to explore and are also home to some important and fascinating museums, venues, and other cultural institutions. One particularly great example of this is the Palazzo Chigi-Saracini, also known as the Vestri Palace, which is located in the stunning historic centre of the city of Siena. If you have found a luxury villa in Siena and are spending some time wandering and exploring this very charming Tuscan town, then stopping into the Palazzo Chigi-Saracini to have a look around this exceptional beauty and the, not one, but two incredible cultural gems housed within it is an absolute must.

Built in the 12th century, the Palazzo Chigi-Saracini is an architectural gem that was first erected by the aristocratic Marescotti family of Siena on top of the site of a castle that they owned in Siena. So central were the Marescotti to public life in Siena that before the eventual construction of the Palazzo Pubblico, this building was even used as a seat of the Council of the Republic of Siena. Of this earlier form of the palace, only a tower that stands next to the present palace still exists. Reconstructions, alterations, and additions that came later eventually created the Gothic beauty that is the present Palazzo Chigi-Saracini on the Via di Città in the Terzo di Città, which is composed of two floors: a ground floor in stone and a first floor in brick, with two orders of trifore windows. On the façade, a reminder of the Marescotti family remains in their emblem of an eagle with outstretched wings that is visible on these windows.