Archive for 'Localities'

If you enjoy browsing around the shops on your holidays then the towns within the Versilia region of Tuscany have everything you could possibly desire! Visitors wishing to stay in the Versilia area for a few days have a plentiful choice of tuscany villa rentals in Forte dei Marmi town to enjoy a pleasant stay, for example

Many artisan shops are scattered across the Versilia area, selling jewellery, marble sculptures, cosmetics, beautiful pottery, ornaments and much more. Enjoy strolling around the winding streets of Pietrasanta and looking at all the beautiful products on display in shop fronts. If you're a huge fan of retail therapy then why not read our article on the best shopping malls in Tuscany to help you plan your fun shopping experience here!

While you’re there, a climb up to the ruins of what was once the majestic Rocca di Sala will provide you with spectacular views of the Apuan Mountains and the winding Tuscan coast.

If you lust for long sandy beaches, picturesque surroundings, exciting tourist attractions, a perfect shopping experience and a superb night life scene then head to the stunning coastal Versilia area of Tuscany to enjoy a thrilling holiday experience!

There’s something here to suit every type of holiday need, from adventure holidays climbing to mountain top towns and villages or relaxing on a lovely beach sipping an ice cold drink!

There is a fine selection of holiday villas in Versilia, including the towns of Viareggio, Torre del Lago, Pietrasanta, Forte dei Marmi and Camaiore for visitors to stay in and explore this exciting area!

For a fulfilling break packed with exciting activities to do, historical sites to visit, cultural events to take part in and exquisite food to try then the Casentino region in Tuscany could be the perfect place for you to base a few days of your holiday!

There is a wonderful range of vacation rentals in Casentino to relax in and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The breathtaking landscape is thankfully not too overcrowded with people and is sure to be an interesting exploration.

The River Arno passes through this picturesque region on its way from Mount Falterona down to the city of Florence. Casentino is almost of oval shape in a forested valley surrounded by tall mountains. The tallest of these is Mount Falco which stands majestically over the valley at over sixteen hundred metres.

If you want to spend a few days exploring the attractive Casentino area then the large town of Bibbiena is a perfect base for you to embark on your adventures! There are a great variety of holiday villas in the area available for rental where you can enjoy your stay.

This charismatic town is home to the church of St. Lorenzo where two spectacular paintings by Andrea della Robbia called ‘Adoration of the Shepherds’ and ‘Deposition’ can be admired inside. Only two kilometres outside of this town is the monastery of San Maria del Sasso dating back to the 15th century where more of Andrea della Robbia’s work can be seen.

This stunning chapel is the perfect example of Renaissance architecture and decorative Florentine artwork as the frescos are painted all around the walls and the windows are stained in rich colours.

If you are staying in or even passing through the Casentino valley in Tuscany, a worthwhile visit would be one to the town of Chiusi della Verna. The sanctuary of La Verna, founded by St. Francis of Assisi, is located near the top of Mount Penna above the town of Chiusi della Verna. It is said to be one of the most peaceful places to be on earth.

There are many visitors to these parts because this is where St. Francis of Assisi lived for his final years in solitude with his fellow Franciscan monks. The nearby Basilica Maggiore contains terracotta sculpture by the famous Andrea della Robbia. Also to be viewed by the tourist is the Chapel of Relics which contains possessions of St. Francis when he was alive. There is a tablecloth, some crockery and a walking stick.

The most unusual artefact found is a ‘disciplina’, an iron handle whip used in a common Christian practice of ‘Mortification of the Flesh’, where monks would routinely whip their own flesh in penance for their sins. A relic of the saint’s blood staining a linen cloth can also be seen here. It’s carried around Chiusi della Verna during holy celebrations. After a visit to this sanctuary, a half hour of hiking would bring you to the summit of Mount Penna where the views are breath taking!