Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

Florence is known for her museums and the Medici, in particular, were instrumental in building, and leaving behind, the extraordinary wealth of priceless artworks that live in the city today. However, in addition to their collecting of art, they also assembled a vast selection of natural specimens such as fossils, animals, minerals and plants. These examples and a large collections of books are held today in the Museum of Natural History.

Opened to the public in 1775 by Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo, it was originally comprised of several natural history collections housed within the Palazzo Torrigiani on Via Romana. It has grown immensely over the centuries and is now one of the finest collections in the country.

Textile production has been an important industry in Prato for over 800 years and has an excellent museum dedicated to the history of textiles in the city called the Museo del Tessuto (or Prato Textile Museum). Located in a former trimming factory called Campolmi within the medieval city walls of Prato, the museum has been in existence for four decades and is one of the best museums in Italy for fashion and textile history.

The collection contains over 6,000 objects, including archaeological textiles, medieval vestments, embroidery from the 15th-20th centuries, and equipment for every part of textile production. A permanent exhibition in the museum is organized by theme: the heater room, the room of antique textiles, the raw material and its processes, Prato, the city of Textiles, Prato and Fashion, and an area dedicated to modern material and a room for temporary exhibitions.

The Uffizi Gallery, in Florence, is one of the most extraordinary museums in the world and we have published various posts on the gallery itself, tips on visiting it and lists of highlights of the collections. However, there are also singular highlights, specific works, from the collection that deserve more of a word count and more consideration. One such piece is Artemisia Gentileschi's “Judith Slaying Holofernes”. One of the rare female painters of her time, a gifted artist and a fascinating person, she is an intriguing (and often overlooked) figure and this work, in particular, is intertwined with her life story and, thus, especially interesting. Just find a vacation rental in Florence, visit the gallery and make a point of seeking out this wonderful work of art.

We have been discussing Italian fashion on the blog all this week, introducing new brands to all of those fashion lovers who are planning vacations in Tuscany. However, there is one thing that all fashion fans can agree makes everything better – a good bargain! Fortunately, Tuscany is actually one of the better regions to holiday in if you are after a bargain. There are several outlet centres located around Tuscany and they are lovely places to shop. The word “outlet” can evoke depressing images of unorganised bargain basements but these outlets are nothing like that. They are pretty, well-designed, well-stocked and well-organised.

One of the finest examples is the Barberino Designer Outlet in Barberino di Mugello, which is the original outlet village in the McArthurGlen Designer Outlets group. The centre itself is incredibly charming. Located just off the motorway, 30 minutes from Florence and a couple minutes from the small town of Barberino di Mugello, it consists of over 100 stores and brands and is built to look like a picturesque Tuscan village.

One of the best things about Tuscany – besides the food, wine, culture, history and art – are the views. Tuscany has a distinctive, beautiful countryside and charming and historic towns and cities that really deserve moments where you stop running around from attraction to attractions and just take it all in. To help you out in doing so, we have compiled a list of some of the best views and places to take them in. Here are a couple more to check out on your vacation.

5. The Walls of Lucca

The walls of the Tuscan town of Lucca have always been one of the most recognisable features of this charming town. They now attract tourists and locals alike who admire their construction and design and who also make use of them as a place to walk, jog and cycle. For leisure, exercise or getting to know the layout and atmosphere of the city, the walls are the best place to start.