Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

Tuscany is full of incredible museums but, unlike some places in the world, most have an entry fee. If you want to maximise on the amount of wonderful galleries and cultural institutions that you can visit during your next vacation in Tuscany, why not make sure you plan your holiday to include the first Sunday of the month?

The first Sunday of every month in Italy is “Domenica al Museo” and is when many State museums open their doors to the public for free and is, therefore, the ideal time to hit up those museums that you have been planning on visiting. An initiative sponsored by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, it is an excellent nugget of knowledge for managing a budget during your holidays without missing out. No doubt, crowds will be bigger but, if you're okay with that, you're in for a bargain!

Poppi Castle is a fascinating building in Arezzo that is beautiful and rich in history and steeped in bloody legend. First mentioned in 1169, when it belonged to the Abbey of San Fidele de Strumi, it was likely built over an earlier structure. designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, the architect of Florence's Palazzo Vecchio, it came into the possession of the Conti Guidi in the 1190s and had some alterations over the years. The castle was involved in some important historical events throughout the centuries including two famous Tuscan battles – the Battle of Campaldino and the Battle of Anghiari – and it is this link to the Battle of Anghiari that allowed for a very interesting exhibition in the castle. Find a vacation rental in Poppi to experience it for yourself!

The excellent Palazzo BLU museum in Pisa is frequently home to some of the most incredible exhibitions in Italy and is always a must for art lovers who have found a vacation rental in Pisa. That is as true as ever at the moment with the “Da Magritte a Duchamp” (From Magritte to Duchamp) exhibition that is currently on show in the gallery.

Opened on the 11th of October and running into February of next year, it is the second collaboration with the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris and MondoMostre after 2015's “Modigliani et ses amis” exhibition, which brought over 110,000 visitors to the Palazzo BLU.

In the last post in this series, we are rounding out our spooky Tuscan spots to get you in the mood for Hallowe'en. No matter what time of year you are planning your trip Tuscany – but especially during this creepy time of year – these haunted palaces, fascinating legends and spooky tales will never not be interesting. Here are more of our picks of must-see ghoulish destinations in Tuscany...

7. Brolio Castle's Terrifying Ghost

Brolio Castle, located in the Chianti region, in the province of Siena, is a beautiful architectural gem but is also home to an eerie legend and the ghost of Bettino Ricasoli, a rather fearsome spirit.

Continuing this week's theme of spooky Tuscan spots, we have more must-see locations with creepy background stories. Ghostly events and haunted palaces might not be the first things that spring to mind when you think of the famous Italian region but we can assure you that there are plenty of legends and tales to keep anyone interested in the spookier things in life – who have found a vacation rental in Tuscany – interested. Here more of the spots to pencil in...

5. Vincigliata Castle's Romeo and Juliet Tale

Vincigliata Castle, located near the town of Fiesole in the province of Florence, has a famous Romeo and Juliet legend that dates back to the 13th century and tells the story of Uberto and Bianca. They fell madly in love at first sight and kept their relationship secret until they were discovered. Then, sadly, they were torn apart by their powerful Florentine noble families who were fierce enemies.