Archive for 'Unesco World Heritage Sites'

  

Thursday, November 19, 2015
Russell Crowe in "Gladiator"
Ridley Scott’s Academy-Award winning, "Gladiator" is one of the most iconic films to come out in the past twenty years. Though set in Rome, the movie was filmed in England, Morocco and Malta with reconstructions of Ancient Roman cities and sights made specially for the production. However, two of the key scenes from the film were actually filmed in the Orcia Valley in Tuscany. This beautiful and serene landscape which has inspired poets and artists alike for thousands of years was the perfect setting for idyllic scenes that contrasted the chaos and violence of the gladiatorial battles of the film.     Read More
Posted in: Books and Movies, Localities, Orcia Valley, Tourist Attractions, Unesco World Heritage Sites

  

Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Pisa's Baptistery
To the west of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo there is a Baptistery which is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Construction began in 1152 but was not completed until 1363. Largely Romanesque and Gothic in style it does, however, display Byzantine and Islamic influences as well. Small and perfectly formed and built to allow for exceptional acoustics, it is a symmetrical architectural gem, only a stone's throw from the more famous Leaning Tower. Why not find a villa with pool in the Pisa area and visit the tower and the baptistery, it's lesser-known but equally fascinating and incredibly beautiful cousin?     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Churches & Religious Buildings, Localities, Pisa, Tourist Attractions, Unesco World Heritage Sites

  

Friday, April 24, 2015
Tuscan countryside
Tuscany, land of Renaissance splendour, fine wines and majestic landscapes!

Legacies of great civilisations like the Etruscans and Romans have left their mark in the form of old castles, hilltop towns and a varied collection of fascinating artefacts on show in museums here.

Tuscany encompasses the ingredients for any type of vacation you desire; be it a seaside holiday along the coast or relaxing in a peaceful villa with a pool in the rolling countryside hills further inland.     Read More
Posted in: Chianti, Localities, Must See Attractions, Tourist Attractions, Travel Tips, Unesco World Heritage Sites

  

Thursday, April 16, 2015
Quarrata town
Spend a delightful few hours in the town of Quarrata in Pistoia province. This town is actually made up of seventeen frazioni including the village of Casini and the hamlet of Olmi.

Stay in a gorgeous villa in Seano which is only four kilometres away from Quarrata.

There are several enchanting attractions in the town including the ideally named ‘Villa Magic’.
This was an ancient castle that dates back to 1320 and in 1583, was acquired by the Medici family.     Read More
Posted in: Events, Localities, September, Small Towns, Tourist Attractions, Unesco World Heritage Sites

  

Tuesday, January 6, 2015
View of Pienza
Siena city in Tuscany is a very popular tourist destination with lots to see and do. If you’re staying at a vacation rental in Siena and want to go on a day trip outside of the city then here are some towns within driving distance worth visiting.

Just over 50 kilometres from Siena is the Renaissance town of Pienza. Situated in the heart of Val d’Orcia, this site was awarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The main sights here are the beautiful cathedral and the Palazzo Piccolomini.     Read More
Posted in: Day Trips, Localities, Siena, Tourist Attractions, Unesco World Heritage Sites