Archive for 'Pretty Views'

  

Palazzo Casali
Palazzo Casali is a palace located in the Tuscan town of Cortona that was built by the Casali family, who ruled over the town in the 13th century. It was only a family residence until 1409 and, thereafter, became the Palazzo Pretorio, which was occupied by the city’s Florentine captains. Today, it houses the City Museum and, on the first and top floors, the library and museum of the Accademia Etrusca. A beautiful building and an excellent and historic museum, it is a worthwhile little visit to pop into your itinerary if you are a culture vulture that has found a vacation rental in Cortona.

The façade that is visible today can probably be attributed to Filippo Berettini and was executed at the beginning of the 17th century and the rear façade, looking onto Via delle Carceri, is particularly lovely. From the main Palazzo Casali entrance, you pass through a 17th century carved doorway, into a large atrium that is decorated with coats of arms and opens into a courtyard. Particular architectural elements to take note of are the two staircases and the 16th century sandstone fountain commissioned by Bettino Ricasoli.     Read More

  

Streets
The lovely town of Grosseto, located in the heart of the Maremma area of southern Tuscany, is a lesser known beauty that is filled with architectural gems and more attractions and things to see than one might imagine.

If you're looking for a charming destination off the beaten track that will appease all of your artistic and cultural yearnings, while keeping you far from the regular tourist crowds of Tuscany, just browse our incredible vacation rentals in Grosseto.

Situated around 14km from the coast on a flat plain, the town is a collection of beautiful and fascinating religious, civil and military buildings, all surrounded by a hexagonal wall that wraps around the historic centre of Grosseto. Architecture-lovers take note because there is a lot to see in this lovely town and here are some of our highlights.     Read More

  

View from Giardino Bardini
There is much to see and do in Florence. It is positively stuffed with tourist attractions and cultural gems. In between the mad dash from museums to churches to sculptures to famous square and streets and more, be sure to take a moment to pause and take the city in as a whole. Florence is many things but it is also, undoubtedly, a city with a very pretty skyline. Taking in her views is a must for anyone visiting Florence so browse our beautiful luxury villas in Florence and, when you visit, make time to take in some of the best views in Florence. Luckily, we've been compiling a list of some of the ultimate spots to take in said views so take note and get planning your trip.

5. Giardino Bardini

The Giardino Bardini, or Bardini Garden, is a Renaissance garden that is still a bit of a well-kept secret devoid of crazy crowds of tourists. Filled with beautiful canals, fountains, flowers and sculptures, it also boasts some exceptional views over the city.     Read More

  

Rose Garden
Florence is a city with a pretty skyline and is home to many distinctive buildings and, as a result, taking in views across all of its majesty is a must for anyone visiting Florence – especially if it is your first time! Just browse our beautiful luxury villas in Florence, find the right one for you and yours and get to planning a trip. Then, while planning said trip, be sure to carve out some time to check out some of the following spots, which are great places to take in some of the best views in Florence.

3. The Rose Garden

The Rose Garden in Florence is the perfect oasis of calm and brings together art from the Belgian artist Folon, roses and (most importantly) some truly stunning panoramic views across the city. Free to visit, it is open from morning until nightfall year round. A little-known gem, it is home to a collection of 400 different varieties of roses, 1000 botanical varieties, lemons, and other plants, a Japanese garden, and a sprinkling of sculptures by Folon.     Read More

  

Uffizi, view
We've been talking about Florence a bit this week and, if you think about the city, what comes to mind: particular sights or attractions, specific restaurants or bars, certain works of art or buildings? Most likely, it is some sort of combination of all of the above, within the setting of the city itself, with its incredibly rich and beautiful historic centre.

Taking in as much of the city as possible, its pretty skyline, and many distinctive buildings, is a must for anyone visiting Florence – especially if it is your first time!

Just browse our beautiful luxury villas in Florence, find the right one for you and yours and then get to planning a trip.

While you're planning, here are some of the best spots to take in the best views of Florence.     Read More