Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

The glorious Villa Chigi Saracini in Castelnuovo Berardenga was completely rebuilt and designed in the early 19th century by its wealthy owner, Galgano Lucherini Saracini. He envisioned a large grand house for his family to happily live in for years to come. It is rectangular in shape with three grand floors. Parts of the original castle walls which stood here were actually torn down to allow for the villa’s design to be completed in the vision of its stylish owner.

Stay at a peaceful holiday villa in Castelnuovo Berardenga where you will also be very close to the famous Chianti wine making region of Tuscany!     Read More

In a little village tucked into the marble mountains of Carrara near Lucca city, a little baby girl was born. Her name was Zita and she grew up happily in a humble peasant home, as content as if it were a grand castle! She and her parents worked hard but at times there was not always enough food to eat and poor little Zita would go hungry. But her father Giovanni Lombardo and her mother Buonissima made their home rich with love and she grew up a good and happy child.

When Zita was twelve years old, she prayed to God to help her find some work as a hand maiden so her parents wouldn't have to work so hard to put enough food on the table. And her wish soon came true as she got a job working as a maid in a noble family home in Lucca city.     Read More

If you’re planning a delightful vacation to Tuscany during the months of November or December then be sure to check out some of these incredible fairs and festivals! Stay in a charming villa rental in San Miniato where you can take part in the following food festival.

The ‘La Sagra del Tartufo Bianco’ which is the infamous white truffle fair in San Miniato attracts hundreds of visitors each year. It takes place across the last three weekends of November where tourists can indulge in a whole range of truffle related activities! San Miniato produces around 25% of Italy’s white truffles which has helped greatly to make it a prosperous town.     Read More

Sammezzano Castle is located in Reggello, around forty kilometres south of Florence in Tuscany. Stay in a stunning villa rental in Reggello where you can easily visit this mesmerising place!

Situated on a scenic hilltop and surrounded by luscious oak forests Sammezzano castle is an extravagant example of fine Italian architecture. It was built in 1605 and became home to many members of royalty including the king of Italy, Umberto I in 1978.

After World War II the castle was transformed into a luxury hotel that offered golfing and spa amenities that attracted the rich and famous until its unfortunate closure in the 1990s.

Although Sammezzano Castle had some restoration work done in 1999, it was not enough to deem it safe for public opening and so had to be completely closed down except for rare occasions. And what a great pity this was! Designed with elaborate Moorish style, this castle is a haven of stunning colours, shapes and patterns within its 365 rooms, one for each day of the year! Each room has its own name and is unique in its design.     Read More