Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Come and see the famous ceiling of Siena city’s Cathedral known as "Porta del Cielo", and spend a wonderful few hours exploring one of the most decorated religious buildings in the world! This magnificent ceiling is a breathtaking spectacle and demonstrates beautifully the artistic talents of those who constructed and adorned it in the 13th century. Within the city and further out in the pretty Tuscany countryside are many apartments, holiday villas and rental accommodation available to stay in that are close to this popular tourist attraction.

After many years of intense renovations, this majestic cathedral is now open for the public to tour around its grand vaults.

Visitors can enjoy climbing the tall spiral staircase within the two huge towers built on each side of the front of the building and see a spectacular view of the city of Siena from the roof. From the grand roof of Siena’s Duomo, the visitor will see great views of the Basilica of St. Domenico, the Medici Fortress, the dome of the chapel of St. John the Baptist and glimpses of the rich Tuscan hilly landscape in the distance.     Read More

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Tuscany are the historic churches. While there are many churches to visit and experience firsthand, there are three in particular that are some of the most photographed buildings in the world. Whether you enjoy photography, history, or impressive architecture, there is something for just about everyone.

San Galgano Abbey is one of the more unique churches thanks to its enormous roofless Gothic cathedral. Although it was originally built with the roof, 836 m high Bell tower collapsed in 1786 and took a huge portion of the churches roof with it.

This open air feel gives the church an atmosphere that is unlike any other religious building in the world. The unique style has made the church a popular backdrop for a wide variety of events.     Read More

Amongst the colourful southern Tuscany countryside beside the village of Vitaleta, lies a charming little house of praise called the Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta. One of the most photographed churches in Tuscany, this mystical building used to be the home of a Renaissance statue of the Madonna sculpted by the artist, Andrea della Robbia in 1590. Built in the middle of a hill, this spectacular tourist attraction was restored in 1184 by the architect Giuseppe Partini and was recently classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Dotted across this magnificent countryside are many peaceful holiday villas and luxury accommodation to stay in and soak in the undisturbed natural beauty of the area.     Read More

In the beautiful hilltop village of Montalcino you will be gifted with the sight of colourful hills, valleys of red and yellow flowers, ripening olive trees and delicious sunshine as you look at the beauty and peace that surrounds this place. Only a short drive along a winding road outside the fortified walls of Montalcino stands the breathtaking Sant’Antimo Abbey. This 12th century Benedictine monastery, famous for its architecture and the many legends which encase it seems perfectly situated in its isolation.

Surrounded by the fruits of nature, this majestic Abbey will evoke a sense of awe and wonderment among any visitor who encounters it. There are many picturesque villas and other types of accommodation here to rent and enjoy the picturesque countryside all around.

One of the most popular legends enveloping the Abbey says that it was founded in 781 by Charlemagne, a famous Frankish leader also known as the ‘Father of Europe’. He and his army were travelling back from Rome when he noticed his men falling ill with a mysterious virus. They stopped to rest and Charlemagne had a vision of an angel telling him to make a drink infusion using a local herb and to give it to his soldiers to drink. The cure worked and as a token of his gratitude, Charlemagne ordered a church to be built on this site in honour of this miracle.     Read More