Archive for 'Localities'

We've already discussed Lucca Comics generally before but as it is happening at the end of this month from the 30th of October to the 2nd of November, it seems a good idea to look at some of the highlights of this year's edition of the festival. Lucca Comics is Italy and Europe's biggest comic-book convention and the second biggest in the world and, therefore, attracts some exciting events, guests and performances. If you're passionate about gaming, comics, anime, television or movies, then be sure to stop by – just find a luxury villa in Lucca and you can spend a few days exploring the festival. Here are some of the best bits for the 2015 edition of Lucca Comics.

The small and picturesque town of San Gimignano is currently home to a very special exhibition of a work by Renaissance master, Filippino Lippi. Housed in the Pinacoteca di San Gimignano, or the Picture Gallery (Town Hall), the exhibition displays two tondos of scenes of the Annunciation. This show is a good chance to closely examine these masterpieces by the artist, set inside their restored original frames and alongside supporting documentation. Just find a holiday rental in San Gimignano and drop by the gallery to view the work.

The two tondos tell the story of the Annunciation, when the Virgin Mary was visited by the archangel Gabriel and informed that she had been chosen to be the mother of God's child. The first of the two round paintings features the Angel Gabriel, as he brings that astounding news to the Virgin.

Gorgona Island is the smallest and most northerly of the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, measuring just over 2km² and being occupied by just 300 people. Despite its tiny size, the island has a rich and varied history. Set in the rich blue sea off the Tuscan coast, it rises as a craggy formation from the water, covered in plants. In fact, over 90% of the island is covered in Mediterranean bush and is home to over 400 species of different plant-life. The water is also left untouched by mankind, as the sea around the island is protected, and is particularly clear and vibrant as a result. If you want to visit this little gem in the Ligurian sea, just find yourself a pretty vacation rental in Livorno nearby and take the trip out to Gorgona Island for a day.

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.

Hidden beneath the medieval streets of Siena, there is another network of passageways. This underground labyrinth, called the “Bottini” and measuring over 25km in total, was created to supply water all around the town. Created between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries, the Bottini were a necessity due to the lack of water which was easily accessible in the town. Now, when the water level is low, the tunnels can be visited and you can take guided tours along two different routes. Though not particularly strenuous a trip, the tight space can be overwhelming, especially for those with claustrophobia. If you think you're brave enough find a villa with pool in Siena and take the tour!