Archive for 'Florence'

  

Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Rose
Those who have found a luxury villa in Florence will have no shortage of museums, famous works of art, architectural gems, incredible palaces, stunning churches, historic attractions, and more to visit and, while these are all truly fascinating must-sees, we also recommend delving into the beautiful outdoor spaces that also exist in Florence. We have often mentioned the famous gardens of Florence, many of which are holdovers from the time in which nobles with incredible townhouses featuring extravagant grounds filled with flowers, statues, grottoes, fountains, and more ruled over the city and great swathes of Tuscany but there are also some parks that were specifically created as urban spaces for residents and visitors to relax and enjoy the outdoors. One particularly lovely example of this latter type of garden in Florence is the Giardino delle Rose, or Rose Garden.

Located in the Oltrarno district of Florence, just below the Piazzale Michelangelo, the position of the Giardino delle Rose means that it boasts a rather impressive and lovely panorama over the city. Created in 1865 by the Florentine architect Giuseppe Poggi (who had also designed the Piazzale above), in the year that the capital of Italy had been moved from Turin to Florence, as part of a commission by the municipality of Florence to develop the left bank of the Arno River, the garden was designed as an attractive outdoor space that would befit the new capital city. About 1 hectare in size, the space was once part of the Podere San Francesco (San Francesco farm), which was the property of the order of the Oratorian Fathers. It was then redesigned and transformed into a terraced garden by Attilio Pucci and it was under his guidance that a rose collection was first planted and established.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Florence, Localities, Must See Attractions, Parks & Gardens, Pretty Views, Tourist Attractions

  

Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Peaches
Italy is famous for her food and for her food festivals. No matter where you go in the country or when you visit, you're bound to stumble upon a food festival if you look around for a bit. These festivals can celebrate specific local produce, local dishes, harvests, feasts, saint's days, other holidays, historic events, and more. And whether any sort of festival or event is specifically about food or not, food is always central to Italian celebrations! If you're looking for excellent, authentic, inexpensive dining experience while you holiday in Tuscany, these are the places to go!     Read More
Posted in: Concerts & Festivals, Events, Florence, Food and Wine, Localities, Products & Specialities, September

  

Thursday, July 9, 2020
If the English-speaking world has Shakespeare then the Italian-speaking world has Dante Alighieri, a name familiar to many worldwide in connection to his most famous work, his so-called, “Divine Comedy,” as it is referred to in English. One of the defining works of literature throughout history, this incredibly important and influential piece is a beloved tome around the globe and many Dante-lovers hope to one day visit Tuscany and see many of the things and places that he described in his great tale of an epic journey through the afterlife. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and you are an admirer of Dante's then there is one attraction that is, without a doubt, an absolute must-see: the Museum of the House of Dante Alighieri.

The Museum of the House of Dante Alighieri, or the House of Dante, is a medieval building located in one of the oldest parts of the historic core of the city on the street of Santa Margherita. This building, while not actually the house in which he was born, is located in the area between the Church of Saint Martino and the Piazza dei Donati that documents note was where the Alighieri family lived at the time, in the 13th century, and, though it had to be restored from a somewhat dilapidated state at the beginning of the 20th century when the museum was first planned, it largely maintains its appearance from Dante's lifetime. It was, therefore, decided upon as the best place to house a museum dedicated to the Father of the Italian Language, and is now one of the most important literary museums in the city.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, Florence, Localities, Museums & Galleries, Must See Attractions, Tourist Attractions

  

Tuesday, July 7, 2020
The view from the Forte di Belvedere
Those who have found a luxury villa in Florence and who are exploring the city and all that she has to offer will find themselves with no shortage of things to see and do. Like so many of the world's capitals of art and culture, those who seek out Florence will quickly find that one would need endless lifetimes, resources, and free time to see even a fraction of the innumerable beauties, attractions, works of art, views, and more that can be found in the city. Therefore, it is inevitable that there are choices to be made and itineraries to be carefully considered and planned. There are also highlights that most find themselves choosing to visit such as the Uffizi, the Duomo, the Bargello, the Boboli Gardens, and more. However, one of the other highlights that we personally recommend is a visit to the Forte di Belvedere, named for the truly beautiful sweeping view (“Belvedere,” means, “beautiful view”) that it affords over all that Florence has to offer. And, hey, if it was good enough for the wedding of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian (no matter what your opinion on either party may be), you know it's got to be something rather special, indeed. So, should you be planning a trip to Florence and Tuscany, be sure to set aside time for a visit to this fascinating building and to take in those famous views it boasts over the city.     Read More
Posted in: Architectural Gems, Florence, Localities, Pretty Views, Tourist Attractions

  

Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Italy is not a famous beer-producing country, unlike many of its neighbouring European counterparts further north. If you are planning a holiday in Tuscany, you are likely to be thinking of evenings spent sipping wine on a terrace, meals accompanied by excellent vintages and wonderful local wines, and day-trips to some of the region's incredible wineries and vineyards both small and intimate and massive and famous (read about some of our favourite Tuscan vineyards here). However, despite this long history of wine production and this reputation for being excellent producers of wine over beer, a craft brewing scene has developed in Tuscany in recent years, as it has in many far flung places the world over. If you're planning a trip to Tuscany and like wine well enough but can't quite give up your beer (and who can blame you; does anything hit the spot quite like a cold brew when you're on holidays?), then never fear! Read on to our guide to some of the must-see and must-sip craft beer spots that can be found in Tuscany.

Today, in fact, there are over 100 craft breweries in Tuscany alone! Despite the restrictions and intense specifications that are enforced in the production of craft beers in Italy, the industry has flourished in the region. The oldest example of one such establishment dates back to 2006...     Read More
Posted in: Central Italy, Chianti, Florence, Food and Wine, Localities, San Gimignano, Tuscan Coast, Tuscany, Wineries & Breweries