Archive for 'Architectural Gems'

  

Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Bibbiano Castle
In the last article, we mentioned the especially lovely Tuscan medieval walled town of Buonconvento, which makes for a perfect day trip idea if you have found a luxury villa in Siena and are spending time exploring the wider province and all that it has to offer. If you are already in the area of Buonconvento and also have a particular penchant for the medieval, then we might additionally suggest swinging by Bibbiano Castle to see a lovely example of a Tuscan medieval castle while you are at it.

Bibbiano Castle is located in a particularly scenic part of Tuscany that is also quite removed from mass tourism and the potential madness of crowds and queues. For those interested in a more relaxed type of travelling and a slower pace of life, it is an ideal destination. Named for the “bibbio”, or widgeon, an aquatic bird that lives in the area, the origins of a settlement at the castle date back to 850 when it was home to the Longobard count Guinigi di Reghinari during the time of Emperor Ludovico II. It was in possession of the Guiglieschi and then the Cacciaconti families until the 13th century, when it was handed over to the Republic of Siena and re-fortified under their rule. After this is was destroyed but then rebuilt in the fifteenth century by its new owner the Cardinal Raffaello Petrucci, according to designs by the architect Baldassarre Peruzzi.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Castles & Palaces, Localities, Pretty Views, Siena, Tourist Attractions

  

Friday, November 22, 2019
Chapel of San Michele, Semifonte
If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are looking to delve into, and explore, some of the beautiful Tuscan countryside around the city and if you are interested in abandoned places and history, then you should probably head to Semifonte. Located in the province of Florence, within the modern day comune of Barberino Val d'Elsa, Semifonte was once a grand fortified city that was built during the 12th century. If was destroyed in 1202 in a siege during conflict with Florence and little remains today as the peace treaty brokered with Florence required surviving inhabitants to demolish their own city and prevented rebuilding on the site. In fact, the stones used to build Barberino Val d'Elsa were taken from the destroyed city and repurposed, leaving very little of the city behind today.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Churches & Religious Buildings, Curiosities, Florence, Localities, Must See Attractions, Tourist Attractions

  

Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Tomb of the Winged Demons
We recently discussed the incredible Etruscan heritage of Tuscany and the Tomba Ildebranda, or Tomb of Ildebrando, which is located in the Necropolis of Sovana in what is now called the Città del Tufo Archaeological Park. This park is home to Tuscany's most significant Etruscan tombs and is full of interesting artefacts, sculptural details, architectural elements and more. However, one of the most interesting parts is the Tomba dei Demoni Alati, or the Tomb of the Winged Demons. Featuring creepy sculptures of demons, this intriguing archaeological gem is a must for all budding or hobby archaeologists who have found a vacation rental in Sovana , particularly at this time of year as everything spooky becomes the most pertinent.

While the main attraction of the Città del Tufo Archaeological Park might be the Tomba Ildebranda, another of the four elaborate burial sites in the park is the fascinating Tomb of the Winged Demons, which dates to the second half of the third century BC. As you enter, you will find a roofed enclosure with a carving of a sea demon with huge wings called a scilla that originally crowned the tomb as its centrepiece.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Curiosities, History, Tourist Attractions

  

Friday, October 4, 2019
Castello della Chiocciola
Tuscany is home to lots of extraordinarily beautiful buildings, towns, and landscapes. The lovely medieval walled town of Monteriggioni is a supreme example of all three of these things coming together. Set amongst the rolling hills and lush plains of the countryside of the province of Siena, with the most incredible ringed town that looks like a village pulled right from the pages of a storybook or scene from history, and filled with lots of stunning historic buildings, it is a prime example of a Tuscan town that is preserved and idyllic and what any tourist would like to experience for themselves while exploring the region. The area is also home to a rather special castle that also looks like a fairytale come to life, the exceptionally pretty Castello della Chiocciola.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Castles & Palaces, Localities, Siena, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Tomba Ildebranda
The Etruscans left an indelible mark on Tuscany that is still felt today through museums rich in artefacts and various monuments and buildings left scattered all throughout the landscape of the region. One such monument is the Tomba Ildebranda, or Tomb of Ildebrando, which is located in the Necropolis of Sovana in what is now called the Città del Tufo Archaeological Park. Dating back to the third to the second century BC, it is considered the most important monument of the Etruscan necropolis of Sovana and of the entire Etruria and is a must for all budding or hobby archaeologists who have found a vacation rental in Sovana or a holiday rental in the wider Grosseto Maremma province.

Discovered in 1924 by one of the famous Rosi brothers, the tomb carries the name of Sovana's most famous citizen of all time, Pope Gregory VII (whose name was Ildebrando before becoming pope), but actually has no other connection to Christianity. In fact, it is steeped in mystery and we do not even know who commissioned such a major monument and who was intended to be interred in this incredible tomb.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Curiosities, History, Tourist Attractions