Archive for 'Localities'

Tuscany is home to some exceptional old palaces that were once the elegant dwellings of the wealthy and the nobility of Italy in the past but are now open to the public to explore and are also home to some important and fascinating museums, venues, and other cultural institutions. One particularly great example of this is the Palazzo Chigi-Saracini, also known as the Vestri Palace, which is located in the stunning historic centre of the city of Siena. If you have found a luxury villa in Siena and are spending some time wandering and exploring this very charming Tuscan town, then stopping into the Palazzo Chigi-Saracini to have a look around this exceptional beauty and the, not one, but two incredible cultural gems housed within it is an absolute must.

Built in the 12th century, the Palazzo Chigi-Saracini is an architectural gem that was first erected by the aristocratic Marescotti family of Siena on top of the site of a castle that they owned in Siena. So central were the Marescotti to public life in Siena that before the eventual construction of the Palazzo Pubblico, this building was even used as a seat of the Council of the Republic of Siena. Of this earlier form of the palace, only a tower that stands next to the present palace still exists. Reconstructions, alterations, and additions that came later eventually created the Gothic beauty that is the present Palazzo Chigi-Saracini on the Via di Città in the Terzo di Città, which is composed of two floors: a ground floor in stone and a first floor in brick, with two orders of trifore windows. On the façade, a reminder of the Marescotti family remains in their emblem of an eagle with outstretched wings that is visible on these windows.     Read More

There are plenty of incredible museums that one might not even think of visiting as they may seem too niche or not particularly interesting to oneself at first glance. However, when presented well, any topic can be fascinating! A great example of this, and of a lesser-known museum in Tuscany that many inadvertently skip over, is Le Navi Antiche di Pisa, or the Museum of Ancient Boats in Pisa. A museum dedicated entirely to boats may not seem immediately appealing to many but this astounding institution is truly remarkable as it presents full-sized vessels from the past in an old warehouse space that one can admire and be awed by in person. Described as the, “Pompeii of the sea,” this museum presents ships from a period spanning over a 1000 years that were found perfectly preserved. Eerie, majestic, and singular, this is an extraordinary attraction that is a must-see for any history lover who has been browsing our luxury villas in Pisa and is planning on coming to explore this beautiful and ancient Italian city.     Read More

If you are planning on a vacation in Tuscany and you have some kids in your party that are animal-crazy or just anyone who is interested in the great outdoors and getting out and exploring it, then we highly recommend a visit to the Oasi WWF Bosco del Bottaccio, or the Bottaccio WWF Oasis in Capannori. This wonderful natural gem is the last part of the plain woodland that surrounded the Lake of Bientina that remains and is an example of the rich wetlands that once made up much of Tuscany's landscape. With a diverse and important flora and fauna and lots of paths to walk, it is a scenic place to enjoy a rather distinctive and beautiful but lesser-known part of Tuscany and to learn more about the natural world. If you have found a vacation rental in Lucca or a holiday rental in Pisa, it is a must-see.     Read More

There are lots of different wineries that one can choose to visit while on vacation in Tuscany but if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are looking for a pretty, respected, and nearby winery to head to on a day trip out of the city then few options could be as ideal as Castello di Nipozzano. Located high on a hillside in the municipality of Pelago in the Chianti wine region, near Florence, overlooking the towns of San Francesco and Pontassieve and the ancient Roman road, the Cassia Vetus, it has long been a point of strategic importance in guarding the city of Florence. It has also been long recognised as a rather special architectural gem and has been a winery that is opened to the public and a foodie destination since the 20th century. A truly magical and utterly beautiful place to sample some delicious local wines, it is a must for wine-lovers who are spending time in Florence.     Read More