Archive for 'Localities'

Upon arriving in Pisa, you might be momentarily blinded by the iconic Leaning Tower and the many photo opportunities it provides. If you look a little further, you might venture towards the church next door, lured by the sound of beautiful singing. If you look yet a little closer still, you'll see the Camposanto (literally meaning “holy field”), or Monumental Cemetery, which is the final resting place of important and famous individuals and wonderfully combines stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes.

Constructed in 1278, using sacred dirt brought back from Golgotha during the Crusade, it was later decorated with extensive frescoes and was the burial place of the Pisan upper classes for centuries. For those who have found a holiday rental in Pisa, it might not be the most obvious tourist attraction but it is well worth a visit.     Read More

Bibbona is a Tuscan town, located not far from the coast in Livorno. It has an exceptionally pretty and picturesque historical centre and old town that is centred around the parish church of Sant'Ilario and a preserved medieval appearance. Built on a unique plan, it is formed by a set of concentric circles that are connected by narrow streets and steps.

The result is charming and evokes the long and rich history of the area. The surrounding area of the town is rich in natural delights, such as nature reserves and stretches of agricultural land that produces delicious wine and olive oil, and is peppered with equally captivating little hamlets such as the seaside resort of Marina di Bibbona.     Read More

Napoleon was very famously temporarily exiled, after his forced abdication in 1814, to the island of Elba, the idyllic Tuscan island that is the third largest in Italy – hardly what most would call a “punishment”! In fact, he lived very well on the island and even had two different dwellings for the 300 days that he spent there. Villa dei Mulini was one and the other was Villa San Martin. Villa dei Mulini, also known as Palazzina dei Mulini (Palace of the Mills), is located in Portoferraio and was chosen by Napoleon as his state residence.     Read More

Castello di Ama is a famous winery located in the medieval Tuscan village of Ama in the Chianti region. The setting is picturesque, perched on a hilltop surrounded by vines and black cypress trees, with views across the surrounding landscape. The village, itself, is a charming collection of buildings largely dating to the 18^th century and is almost entirely owned by Lorenza Sebasti and Marco Pallanti, the couple who run the winery. Once you venture through the village and on to the winery, you will find a unique experience that combines art and wine in an engaging way. When you arrive, brightly-coloured paving, mirrored walls and other oddities will catch your eye which heralds what sets this winery apart from others; over the past 15 years, some of the worlds preeminent artists have been invited to contribute works to the estate. If good art and even better wine are your thing, then finding a vacation rental in Chianti and planning a visit to the estate during your time in Tuscany is a must.     Read More