Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Perched atop a rocky hill with breath-taking views across valleys and out to the coast, Malaspina Castle's picturesque appearance does not belie its troubled past. However, it is this combination of historical interest, morbid fascination and beauty that makes it such a curious place to visit. Find a luxury villa in Tuscany and you could spend a day exploring the castle for yourself.

The first records of this castle in Massa, Tuscany date back to 1084 and, in 1269, the original structure was levelled during a political dispute with the army from Lucca. It was later rebuilt with multiple periods of alteration, additions and redecoration during the fourteenth to the nineteenth centuries.     Read More

Vincigliata Castle, located in Fiesole, Tuscany has a long and intriguing history as well as the most picturesque setting and appearance that you could imagine. Find a tuscan luxury villa nearby and you could see this storybook castle for yourself!

The first mention of the castle comes from 1031, when it was property of the Vinsdomini family. After this the castle passed from owner to owner as it was bought, sold, inherited and gambled away. As a result of its mistreatment, the lovely medieval building was almost destroyed and fell into ruin. However, even as a ruin it captured the attention and hearts of many a passer-by.     Read More

If you're in the artistic centre and birthplace of the Renaissance that is Florence, you're probably planning a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, or Galleria degli Uffizi, in Piazza della Signoria. Should this be the case, there are a few things that you may want to bear in mind first.

One of the oldest and most famous art museums in Europe and the world, the Uffizi was originally begun under Vasari for Cosimo I de' Medici in 1560. The name comes from the Italian word for “offices” which is what the building was intended to house when it was first constructed.     Read More

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the world's most iconic structures and probably the most famous tower in existence. As it is one of the most visited attractions, this article aims to make your experience of it as smooth and as enjoyable as possible. To make your visit even more special, why not find a luxury villa nearby and make it a once-in-a-lifetime trip!

Begun in 1173, the Leaning Tower of Pisa took over 800 years to be completed. Originally, it was intended to act as the bell-tower of the cathedral located close by in the Piazza dei Miracoli, or Piazza del Duomo. However, the ambitious project for such an ornate structure soon presented problems.     Read More