Archive for 'Localities'

Once you've found a luxury villa in Lucca and are headed there on a holiday, it might be tempting to stay within the Baroque walls of the beautiful city, especially as there is so much to see, despite its relatively small size. However, venturing beyond these walls is well worth it – not only for the stunning Tuscan landscape which surrounds but also for the villas on the outskirts of Lucca. These buildings were originally largely the summer homes of influential merchants. With frescoed interiors, sumptuous architectural detail and stunning gardens with waterworks ahead of their time, these villas are a treat to the senses, pleasant ventures into the past and historical and artistic gems. One particularly beautiful example is Villa Torrigiani.

Tuscany means culture, art and history, right? Any tourists would feel (and be remiss) if they didn't take in some of the world's greatest landmarks while in the area. However, sometimes, visiting museum after museum, castle after castle or cultural centre after cultural centre can become tiring. This is especially true, both physically and mentally, if you have kids with you on the holiday. The poor things will be exhausted from trying to be respectful and behave themselves! So, now it's time to let your hair down and relax and reward the little ones with some fun. Cavallino Matto, near Livorno, is Tuscany’s biggest amusement park and just what the doctor ordered. Find a holiday rental in Livorno and pencil this into your Tuscan itinerary.

The Orrido di Botri is an impressive gorge, made up of deep steep walls, which looks like a karstic canyon and was created by the eroding of the limestone rock of the Apennines by the Pelago creek. The creek, set between the craggy walls of the canyon, creates a perfectly scenic natural environment of great geological and naturalist interest. This whole area, located near Lucca, is part of a natural reserve which was established in 1971 to protect the unique and beautiful landscape and its inhabitants. It is home to beech, black hornbeam, orniello, leccio, maple and willow trees as well as wild linden and animals such as roe deer, deer, hares, squirrels, marmots, foxes, polecats and martens.

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.

The walls of the Tuscan town of Lucca came into the news in recent years when comic-book fans took to scaling them in order to gain entry to the town for Lucca Comics, a comic-book festival. However, the walls have always been one of the most recognisable features of this charming town. They now attract tourists and locals alike who admire their construction and design and who also make use of them as a place to walk, jog and cycle. For leisure, exercise or getting to know the layout and atmosphere of the city, the walls are the best place to start! Find a villa with pool in Lucca and spend a day strolling or sweating it out on the city's most distinctive feature.