Continuing on from our last post, here are some more architectural gems around Tuscany that are well worth a visit if you are interested in art and culture. Once you have found a luxury villa in Tuscany and are planning your trip, be sure to pencil some of these beauties into your itinerary.
Siena's Cathedral is a perfect example. It was built between 1215 and 1263 and was designed by Nicola Pisano. His son, Giovanni, continued the design when more building was undertaken from 1285. The upper half of the facade was not added until 14th century, a time of great wealth and prosperity for Siena. At the time, plans were considered to transform the church into a giant masterpiece that could even rival the mammoth St. Peter's in Rome but this never came to pass.
It is still a stunning building, Gothic in style, and elaborately embellished inside and out. Its anachronistically Romanesque black-and-white striped campanile is particularly iconic.
Siena's Cathedral is a perfect example. It was built between 1215 and 1263 and was designed by Nicola Pisano. His son, Giovanni, continued the design when more building was undertaken from 1285. The upper half of the facade was not added until 14th century, a time of great wealth and prosperity for Siena. At the time, plans were considered to transform the church into a giant masterpiece that could even rival the mammoth St. Peter's in Rome but this never came to pass.
It is still a stunning building, Gothic in style, and elaborately embellished inside and out. Its anachronistically Romanesque black-and-white striped campanile is particularly iconic.
Inside, the building is all soaring height, black-and-white striped pillars and ornate decorations, with works by the likes of Donatello and Bernini.
Brolio Castle, meanwhile, is a famous Tuscan castle in the southern Chianti countryside, a few kilometers from Gaiole. The castle has been property of the Ricasoli family since 1141 and today reflects the Gothic Revival makeover it was given under Bettino Ricasoli in the 1800s. In addition to the very pretty castle, there are lovely Renaissance gardens with typical geometric shaped bushes, the English woods, amazing panoramic views over the Chianti region and a fully-functional vineyard. The castle is also said to be a hotspot for ghosts such as that of Bettino, who has been spotted walking the grounds and out riding on a white horse with a pack of hunting dogs.
Brolio Castle, meanwhile, is a famous Tuscan castle in the southern Chianti countryside, a few kilometers from Gaiole. The castle has been property of the Ricasoli family since 1141 and today reflects the Gothic Revival makeover it was given under Bettino Ricasoli in the 1800s. In addition to the very pretty castle, there are lovely Renaissance gardens with typical geometric shaped bushes, the English woods, amazing panoramic views over the Chianti region and a fully-functional vineyard. The castle is also said to be a hotspot for ghosts such as that of Bettino, who has been spotted walking the grounds and out riding on a white horse with a pack of hunting dogs.
The Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore is located in the beautiful area of Crete Senesi in the eastern part of the Sienese countryside. Founded in 1313 by Sienese citizen Bernardo Tolomei, construction of the buildings that make up this incredibly lovely abbey was not begun until years later and were altered and added to over the centuries. One of the most important buildings is the 15th century church with its 18th century baroque interior and frescoes by Luca Signorelli and Antonio Bazzi. Another key element is the fortified medieval building with a square tower and drawbridge through which the abbey is entered. It is now home to a restaurant and bar with a terrace where you can properly take in your surroundings with a coffee or glass of wine.
Read on to our last post in the series for more architectural gems in Tuscany.
Read on to our last post in the series for more architectural gems in Tuscany.
