Archive for 'Localities'

Spending can pile up on holidays and the last thing you want to have to think about is money while trying to enjoy yourself. This is particularly true of popular tourist destinations where the town relies on tourism and, therefore, seems as if they're going to try charging for air next. Pisa is no different. Between the Leaning Tower, museums, transport, food, souvenirs and all those little extras, it wouldn't be long before you've spent your entire budget.

In order to make sure you can make it last and keep money aside for the important things – like eating good food – we've compiled a list of things that you can do free of charge.

The Costume Gallery of Florence is housed in the seventeenth-century wing of Palazzo Pitti, known as the Palazzina della Meridiana. It was founded in 1983 and through both major acquisitions and public and private donations, its collection now boasts over 6,000 objects, making it one of the best, and most important, fashion museums in the whole world. For any serious history or fashion buffs, as well as well-read fashionistas, it's a must-see in one of Italy's most historic fashion centres.

The Bargello is one of the best and most important art museums in Florence and is set inside one of the oldest buildings in the city. Dating back to 1255, it was originally the headquarters of the Capitano del Popolo and later of the Podestà. In the sixteenth century, it became the residence of the Bargello (head of the police) and was used as prison during the whole 18th century. The building became a National Museum as of the mid-19th century. If you have a particular fondness for sculpture, especially early works by great masters such as Donatello and Michelangelo, this is just the museum for you.

In the historic centre of Siena stands a striking and imposing building, set within a small, yet dramatic and towering piazza. Piazza and Palazzo Salimbeni date back to the fourteenth century but their current form is due to nineteenth century restoration. Neo-Gothic, or Gothic Revival in style, it is now home to one of Italy's principal banks as well as a rich art collection.

Though a bank may not naturally be at the top of your list while on holidays, this uniquely beautiful building and all that is inside are well worth a visit. Find a villa in Siena with internet and be sure to make the time to stop by.

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.