Archive for 'Curiosities'

In the town of Carmignano there is a large public park called the Quinto Martini Park Museum that displays an exceptional and beautiful range of bronze sculptures by the Italian artist, Quinto Martini, which were made between 1931 and 1988.

This lovely outdoor space acts as both a park and open-air museum and is free for anyone to visit. It is the perfect place to spend a little while wandering around, taking in the artworks and getting some fresh air. It is a million miles away from the long lines and stuffier atmosphere of many museums throughout the region and is a little more unique.

Any art lovers planning a trip to Tuscany should find a luxury villa in Carmignano and make time to experience this distinctive art installation for themselves.     Read More

If you are a perfume lover, Florence has an annual event that you will not want to miss, the Boboli Perfume Fair.

Florence is already a destination to go for highly unique cosmetics and perfumes due to one of the world's oldest active pharmacies being located in Santa Maria Novella which is still popular and continues to produce perfumes and remedies. Still located on-site, the pharmacy now also has branches in New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo and much is still made by hand. If you have stocked up on queen-approved cosmetics in Santa Maria Novella then you should head to the Boboli Perfume Fair.

Just find a luxury villa in Florence and treat yourself, and your nose, to a magic experience this May.     Read More

The most famous kind of terracotta in the world is produced in Impruneta, an ancient town south of Florence. Production of terracotta began in the area in the 14th century and has had a major impact on the town since then, affecting the landscape, architecture and economy, and changing it forever.

Seventeen kilns still produce wonderful objects made in terracotta to this day, some even having been set up in recent years, so that the industry is very much still alive and well.

If you've ever found yourself curious about the iconic red roofs which characterise the skylines of Tuscany, then find a holiday rental in Impruneta and learn all about this fascinating tradition and maybe even bring a little bit of Tuscany home with you.     Read More

There are many, many different tours of the historic city of Florence and, with so much to see and do from food and wine-tasting to viewing art to visiting haunted hotspots, there is no shortage of different ways to experience the city. Depending on what you're interested in, what age you are, how fit you are, what language you speak, who you're with etc there are a range of different kinds of tours to choose from and a variety of modes of transport to get around. You can walk, run, take a bus, cycle, go on a segway or, even, take to the Arno River. Tours of an Italian city by water might bring Venice to mind but it is also a viable way to see Florence by cycling along the Arno. How can one cycle the Arno, you might ask? Well, by taking a water bike, of course! Just find a luxury villa in Florence and take this unique tour for yourself – it will be an unforgettable experience.     Read More