Archive for 'Curiosities'

  

Friday, October 18, 2019
A silhouette of a witch and two kids at night
About 30km south of Pisa, you will find the pretty little Tuscan village of Lari. With medieval origins, it is dominated by the mighty fortress, the Castello dei Vicari (known as Vicari Castle or Lari Castle in English), which is perched as the crowning glory of the village. However, do not be lead astray by its pretty, if somewhat unusual, appearance, as it hides a long history of horror and hauntings within its walls. If you have found a vacation rental in Pisa and are considering planning a last-minute mid-term break, half-term, or Hallowe’en getaway to the area, then pencil a trip to the Castello dei Vicari into your itinerary. Perfectly spooky and a rare spot in Italy where you can usually find Hallowe’en celebrations, it is the ideal place to head to if you are in Tuscany in or around All Hallows’ Eve.

The first written records that we have of the castle date back to 732AD, though the castle that you see today is a very different building, having been rebuilt many different times throughout the centuries. It has also changed many hands throughout the years, from family to family, and lots of different kingdoms, rulers, and organisations. In the Middle Ages, it was under the control of the Republic of Pisa and then, in 1406, it came into the possession of the Florentine Vicari family, it was a prison, then it was home to Florentine vicars until halfway through the 19th century, then it was a jail again, and, finally, it came into the ownership of the Municipality of Lari, who restored it and opened it to the public.     Read More
Posted in: Castles & Palaces, Curiosities, Legends, Localities, Must See Attractions, Pisa, Tourist Attractions

  

Thursday, October 17, 2019
Ghost
The exceptionally pretty medieval walled hilltop village of Monteriggioni is located in the province of Siena, in the hills of Montagola Senese. Dominating the surrounding landscape, perched atop a peak and overlooking the beautiful countryside of this part of Tuscany, it is considered one of the loveliest villages in Italy and is also called the the "crown of Italy", due to the shape of the ring wall around the hamlet, with its various towers acting like the arches (or points) on a crown. However, within those incredible historic walls and the pretty town there are ghosts of the past that are said to remain and tell a much more disturbing story. So, if you were thinking about planning a last-minute trip, mid-term break, half-term, or Hallowe’en getaway in the area, then this is an ideal spot that combines the picturesque Tuscan setting of your dreams with perfectly spooky legends. Just browse our vacation rentals in Monteriggioni and get planning your trip today!

Founded as an outpost to protect the province of Siena from Florence’s incursions in the 13th century, due to the ongoing struggles between the two states throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, it was considered an impregnable bastion of Sienese power. Years of laborious, continuous, and costly sieges went by without much of an impact on Monteriggioni.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Legends, Localities, Siena, Tourist Attractions

  

Thursday, October 10, 2019
If you have found a luxury villa in Umbria or a luxury villa in nearby Tuscany and are planning an Autumn getaway in Italy to enjoy the fertile and lush landscape, pretty towns, and hearty cuisine of the region of Umbria, then you might also be looking for something a little spookier to add to your itinerary as October unfolds ahead of us and Hallowe’en approaches. Italy, as one might imagine of a place with such a long and vibrant history and so rich in well-preserved historic towns, castles, palaces, churches, and other architectural gems, is full of tales of ghosts, goblins, ghouls, witches, demons, and more. There are plenty of supposedly haunted spots to visit, places where witch trials took place or deals with the devil are said to have gone down, and sites of famous superstitious traditions. However, if you are thinking of heading to explore Umbria and are in search of somewhere where you’re guaranteed to see something spooky this Hallowe’en, then look no further than the crypt beneath the Chiesa di Santo Stefano, or Church of St. Stephen, in Ferentillo.     Read More
Posted in: Central Italy, Curiosities, Events, Museums & Galleries, Must See Attractions, October, Tourist Attractions, Umbria

  

Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Elba is an impossibly beautiful island off the coast of Tuscany that is famous as the place to which Napoleon was exiled. It is full of stunning beaches and excellent hiking routes across its lush and characteristic peaks and valleys and there is much to be seen if you have found a luxury villa on the Tuscan Coast and are exploring the island. However, if you don’t quite feel up to a hike or it’s a particularly hot day or you want a more unique experience and a bit of a thrill, then why not head to the Cabinovina Monte Capanne?

The Cabinovina Monte Capanne is a cable car that makes the journey from Pozzatello, just off the centre of the town of Marciana, to the top of Monte Capanne. Monte Capanne is the highest mountain and point on the Italian island of Elba and the lift takes you on an 18 minute journey over the stunning landscape of the area, offering the most spectacular of views along the way.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Localities, Must See Attractions, Pretty Views, Tourist Attractions, Tuscan Coast

  

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