Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

  

Chiesa di San Leone, Pistoia
The beautiful medieval town of Pistoia is characterised by colourful iconic buildings such as the octagonal Baptistery and the Duomo. However, just a stone's throw away is the lovely little Church of San Leone. This little gem, sometimes referred to as a “little Sistine Chapel” is a building with origins in the 14th century and a long history of alterations and adornments stretching into the 18th century. Only recently restored and reopened, its not to be missed!

Why not find a Tuscan luxury villa nearby and spend a leisurely day discovering this and the other little secrets Pistoia has to offer?     Read More

  

Garden of Torre Guinigi, Lucca
Feeling energetic this summer? Why not find yourself a luxury villa in Tuscany and pay a visit to the Torre Guinigi, or Guinigi Tower, in Lucca?

You will have quite the climb ahead of you, with over 200 steps to the top, but I can assure you that it will be well worth the effort!

Lucca, famous for its medieval architecture and intact city walls was once home to many tall towers, precursors to skyscrapers. Of the 250 towers like this that once existed in the city, the Torre Guinigi is sadly one of the very few that still stands there today.     Read More

  

Facade of Tempio di Minerva Medica, Montefoscoli
If you find yourself in the Pisa area and have an interest in architecture and history that goes beyond the Leaning Tower, why not find some time to visit the charming little Temple of Minerva Medica, or Tempio di Minerva Medica, (Goddess of Medicine and Wisdom) in Montefoscoli?

The structure was built according to the wishes of the internationally renowned Andrea Vaccà Berlinghieri, a physician at the University of Pisa, and dedicated to his father, Francesco, who also worked as a professor of surgery at the university. It was constructed on the picturesque site where Francesco had intended to build a villa.     Read More

  

Calcio Storico Fiorentino, Florence
A precursor to soccer called il calcio storico fiorentino is played annually during the third week of June in Florence. Quite unlike the game that we are all familiar with, calcio storico is a brutal, violent sport intimately interconnected with the city's history, rivalries and codes of honour. It is more like a blend of soccer with rugby and boxing.

Not for the faint of heart, players often refuse to invite their families to games as they find it too difficult to watch. For the sports enthusiast however, it offers a unique experience. Why not book into a luxury villa nearby and come experience it for yourself?     Read More

  

Tuscan countryside
Tuscany, land of Renaissance splendour, fine wines and majestic landscapes!

Legacies of great civilisations like the Etruscans and Romans have left their mark in the form of old castles, hilltop towns and a varied collection of fascinating artefacts on show in museums here.

Tuscany encompasses the ingredients for any type of vacation you desire; be it a seaside holiday along the coast or relaxing in a peaceful villa with a pool in the rolling countryside hills further inland.     Read More