Archive for 'Churches & Religious Buildings'

Italy is not short of tales of miracles. In fact, it's hard to find a town that doesn't have some site of a miraculous event. However, some tales are more extraordinary than others. Furthermore, they sometimes hide in plain sight in the most understated of places. A good example of this is the Chiesa Sant Ambrogio, or Church of Saint Ambrose, in Florence. Among the gilded Medieval, intensely classicising Renaissance and dramatic Baroque churches of the city, this little building does not particularly stand out. In many ways, it is a very underwhelming church but it doesn't hint at the unbelievable wealth of cultural and artistic treasures inside, including a miraculous chalice and works of art by some of the greatest Renaissance artists. Find a luxury villa in Florence and discover this hidden gem for yourself.     Read More

In our last post, we discussed the Basilica della Santissima Annunziata (the Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation) in Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, one of the most beautiful piazzas in all of Florence which is home to several architectural masterpieces. This church is an exceptional building which was designed by some of the most famous architects of the Italian Renaissance, such as Alberti and Brunelleschi, and is home to artworks by some of the most famous artists of the Italian Renaissance, such as Ghirlandaio and Bronzino. However, it is most famous for one particular work of art and the legend which surrounds it. Find a villa with internet in Florence and you could visit this extraordinary building for yourself.     Read More

While there is no shortage at all of beautiful buildings and churches, in particular, to visit once you've found a luxury villa in Florence, there is one that we would definitely recommend making some time for while in the city. This is the Basilica della Satissima Annunziata (the Basilica of the Most Holy Annunciation) which is located in the Piazza della Santissima Annunziata, one of the most beautiful piazzas in all of Florence and worked on by some of the greatest architects of the Italian Renaissance. The square alone is worth the visit but the church is like a magical little jewellery box full of art, beauty and fascinating stories, just waiting to be discovered.     Read More

Cortona is a charming medieval hilltown in Tuscany which is an important artistic and cultural centre. Within the walls of the town, it can sometimes seem as though time has stopped long ago and everywhere you turn, you will see historic architectural gems. However, some of the real highlights of the town and its surrounding area are its churches. The Church of Santa Maria Nuova, in particular, as a centralised square-plan Renaissance church, is a prime example of an important principle of Renaissance construction. Santa Maria Nuova was built by Giorgio Vasari in 1554 and is an example of one of that great architect’s later works. If you’re an architecture lover and have found a luxury villa in Cortona, be sure to stop by and check it out.     Read More