Archive for 'Curiosities'

  

Female ghost
Continuing this week's theme of spooky Tuscan spots, we have more must-see locations with creepy background stories. Ghostly events and haunted palaces might not be the first things that spring to mind when you think of the famous Italian region but we can assure you that there are plenty of legends and tales to keep anyone interested in the spookier things in life – who have found a vacation rental in Tuscany – interested. Here more of the spots to pencil in...

5. Vincigliata Castle's Romeo and Juliet Tale

Vincigliata Castle, located near the town of Fiesole in the province of Florence, has a famous Romeo and Juliet legend that dates back to the 13th century and tells the story of Uberto and Bianca. They fell madly in love at first sight and kept their relationship secret until they were discovered. Then, sadly, they were torn apart by their powerful Florentine noble families who were fierce enemies.     Read More

  

Ghost Dogs
This week, given the time of year, we have been talking about the spookier side of Tuscany. While Autumn is a wonderful time to plan a trip to Tuscany, as the seasonal foods, beautifully colourful landscape, and smaller crowds are all enticing, there is also a rich history that has resulted in a rather large ghost population that makes it all the more intriguing as an October holiday destination. Read on to learn more about Tuscany's spookiest spots...if you dare.

3. Poppi Castle's Ghastly Tales of Murder And Ghosts

Poppi Castle is a beautiful building located in Casentino, a valley famous for nature, art and history, and food and wine tourism, but underneath the charming exterior is a bloody history.     Read More

  

Borgo a Mozzano
Tuscany might not be the most obvious Hallowe'en destination or spot for spooky adventures but, given how steeped in history and legend it is, it should be no surprise that it actually is quite a fun and fascinating place to spend the season. From creepy legends to haunted castles, there are spooky attractions and sites at every turn. So, why not discover some of the creepiest spots in Tuscany and get planning a vacation for Hallowe'en or, if you're always in the mood for such an adventure, any time throughout the year...

1. The Devil's Bridge and Hallowe'en Celebrations in Borgo a Mozzano

Located in the province of Lucca, this Tuscan town is most famous for the Ponte del Diavolo (or Devil's Bridge).     Read More

  




Truffles; you've probably heard of them before, right? But what are they, why are they such a big deal in Tuscany, how can you get your hands on them, and how can you best enjoy them?

What are they?

Truffles are described as “the fruiting body of a subterranean Ascomycete fungus, predominantly one of the many species of the genus Tuber.” Essentially, they are a type of mushroom that are found in France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain, Sweden, New Zealand, Australia, Chile and South Africa. However, the most famous truffles in the world tend to be those from Italy and the area around San Miniato, in Tuscany, in particular.     Read More

  

monteferrato
The Area Naturale Protetta di Interesse Locale del Monteferrato, or the Monteferrato Protected Area of Local Interest, is a stunning protected swathe of the Tuscan landscape that lies within the hilly-mountain system in the Florence-Prato-Pistoia plain. Named for the mountain complex of Monteferrato, it is a stunning area to hike, explore, get some fresh air and well and truly escape from daily life for a moment. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence or a holiday rental in Pistoia, it is a perfect place to go and spend a day of your vacation in Tuscany.     Read More