Archive for 'Curiosities'

  

Thursday, November 19, 2015
Venezia Nuova, Livorno
The pictures here are not of Venice, though that might be what you thought upon immediately seeing them. An understandable and easy mistake to make, they are, in fact, actually of Venezia Nuova (literally meaning “New Venice”) in the seaside town of Livorno in Tuscany. This area is one of the most picturesque and historic parts of the town. The so-called Old Town of Livorno, it retains much of the original town layout and architectural features. If you want to see this mini-Venice for yourself while still enjoying all the perks, food and beautiful scenery of Tuscany as well as the beaches of the town, just find yourself a holiday rental in Livorno. Once you've done that, you'll be free to explore the area by foot and by boat.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Livorno, Localities

  

Friday, October 30, 2015
Sign with Pac-man by CLET
Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, one of the greatest centres of art in the whole world, home to Michelangelo's “David” and countless other masterpieces by some of the most famous artists in history. It is also a city with history written into its very streets. One can barely turn around without seeing a landmark or a remnant of times gone by. In such cities, graffiti is rarely welcome. People see it and are horrified at the vandalising of history. However, even Michelangelo left a tiny piece of street art in the city and, today, another artist is doing the same but in a very respectful, tongue-in-cheek manner.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Florence, Localities

  

Thursday, October 8, 2015
Centre of San Gusmè
San Gusmè is a picturesque fortified medieval village on a small hill which is surrounded by a long, circular wall in the region of Chianti in Tuscany. A charming little town full of pretty buildings and churches, it offers great views across the rolling hills and plains of the typical Tuscan landscape which surrounds. Siena and the profile of Torre del Mangia and the Duomo are even visible in the distance. Unlike other towns in the area, San Gusmè is devoid of major attractions, museums or shops, its charm is in the tranquillity that it offers. Here it seems as though time stopped a long time ago and continues to do so, offering a respite from the craziness of modern life.     Read More
Posted in: Chianti, Curiosities, Localities, Small Towns, Tourist Attractions

  

Monday, August 24, 2015
Vasari Corridor
There are certain things in Florence, as in every great city in the world, that are on almost all visitors' itineraries. When in Florence, most will want to see the Uffizi, David, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Piazza della Signoria and, perhaps, the Duomo, but if you are an art, architecture or history lover visiting the city, there's a hidden gem that you need to know about. Stretching from the Palazzo Pitti to the Uffizi is a long passageway, measuring almost a kilometre. Named the Vasari Corridor after the man who designed it, it is a lesser-known and less accessible attraction in the city. If you want the chance to be one of the few who gets to see it for yourself, find a luxury villa in Florence and drop by!     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Curiosities, Florence, Localities, Museums & Galleries, Tourist Attractions

  

Monday, August 24, 2015
Daniel Craig, the current Bond
There are many reasons to be interested in the quarries and landscape at Carrara. Firstly, and perhaps most obviously, it is visually stunning – rugged and romantic. Then, of course, the marble produced there is still considered the best in the world and was a favourite of that genius, Michelangelo, for his sculptures. One of the less well-known attractions to this distinctive and beautiful corner of the world, is movies. Many have been filmed in the area including Carlo Verdone's comedy “Al lupo, al lupo”, “The Agony and the Ecstasy” with Charlton Heston as Michelangelo and Fabrizio Cattini's critically acclaimed “Maternity Blues- Il bene dal male” in the nearby town of Marina di Massa.     Read More
Posted in: Books and Movies, Curiosities