Archive for 'Localities'

Girifalco Fortress in Cortona was built by Gabrio Serbelloni, nephew of Pope IV and Francesco Laparelli. Cortona was an important military town from the establishment of the government of Cosimo I Medici until the subjection of Siena in 1555 and the fort was built in the 16th century to bolster the military strength of the city though the site has much older origins as a defensive structure. However, though the building is fascinating historically and as an example of military architecture, its greatest selling point is probably the view that it offers over Cortona and the entire Valdichiana area from the top of the tower. If you're visiting Cortona, this is the best way to introduce yourself to the town.     Read More

When you visit the city of Lucca in Tuscany, you would be forgiven for misidentifying one of the landmarks in town. An impressive aqueduct, the Acquedotto Del Nottolini, is located just outside of the city and plenty of visitors originally think that it is contemporaneous to many of the other Ancient Roman structures which dot the landscape of Italy. However, it is actually much more modern than that. This neoclassical gem was built for practical reasons and modelled after those older examples but actually dates to the 19th century. Find a luxury villa in Lucca and visit this stunning work of civic architecture for yourself!     Read More

Aghinolfi Castle is a beautiful Tuscan castle perched on a hilltop with stunning view all around the Lunigiana area and out across the Tyrrhenian coast. This position adds to the beauty and romance of the castle but has also made it an optimum strategic location which has made its history dramatic and complicated. It has also meant that the town in which it is located, Montignoso, has also had a much more colourful history than a town its size might normally have had. The town purchased the castle just over a decade ago and have restored it and opened it to the public as a perfect example of a Tuscan countryside palace. If you have a fondness for castles and beyond amazing locations, find a luxury villa in Montignoso and stop by!     Read More

One of the best things about Florence is how every corner, piazza and street seems beautiful and steeped in history. Without even going inside any of the buildings, there is a wealth of culture and history and art all around you. Once you've found a luxury villa in Florence and have arrived for a holiday, it's key to find time to wander her streets and take in the atmosphere of the city. Traipsing all over a city is bound to make your energy dwindle and finding a market to grab some food and sit for a moment, maybe find some unique souvenirs, is key. It's also another part of the city's charms. We've already outlined a couple markets that you should swing by in a previous article but here are a few more.     Read More