Archive for 'Florence'

If you are a nature-lover and have always wanted to visit Tuscany then we recommend a luxury villa in Florence or a luxury villa in Pistoia, as both are urban destinations where you have amazing museums, churches, architectural gems, restaurants, bars, and shops nearby but are also on the doorstep of one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Tuscany's countryside is famously lovely but it is also more varied and interesting than one might imagine, as well. In fact, stretching through the provinces of Pistoia and Florence, from the Valdinievole to Montalbano, you will find Italy’s largest wetland, the Padule di Fucecchio. This marsh is vast, home to a wide range of flora and fauna, made up of impossibly stunning vistas, and a must-see for anyone who is a fan of the great outdoors and who is spending time in Tuscany.

The vast and incredible Renaissance palace that is the Palazzo Pitti in Florence is surrounded by the famous Boboli Gardens and is a truly remarkable architectural gem. However, in addition to being an exceptional tourist attraction and piece of cultural heritage in its own right, the Palazzo Pitti is also home to the Palatine Gallery, the Silver Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art, and several other gallery spaces and exhibitions. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are interested in art, architecture, culture, and history, it is a one-stop shop for some of the richest and most interesting collections in the world.

While Florence is truly synonymous with the Renaissance we do recommend, however, that you take the time to visit the Gallery of Modern Art at the Palazzo Pitti, in particular, and take in some incredible works of art from the 19th century onwards. Located since 1922 on the second floor of the palace in rooms along the façade of the building that were once home to the Medici's library and along the side wings where various rooms were used for the children of the family and retainers, the museum was founded in 1914.

Florence is home to some famously beautiful gardens attached to, and surrounding, the stunning former homes of important noble families, as well as lovely public parks and incredible outdoor spaces such as the Giardino delle Rose (Rose Garden). So, if you find a luxury villa in Florence and are a plant lover and a fan of wandering through magical gardens that have been expertly planned and arranged, you will find yourself very much in luck and with lots of extraordinary examples to visit. Another particularly lovely example among these is the Giardino dell'Iris, which is home to a vast array of different breeds of the iris flower, and is a wonderful slice of peace and tranquility in the city.

The Giardino dell'Iris is located on the corner of Viale dei Colli and Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence and is open daily without charge for a period between April and May each year when the flowers are in full bloom. Specialised in the cultivation of iris flowers, the garden is owned and run by the Società Italiana dell'Iris (the Italian Iris Society). Almost entirely devoted to the iris, there are thousands of varieties and even a pond with special aquatic varieties of the iris as well.

Look, it's not like there is any shortage of beautiful towns in Tuscany. The region is famously picturesque and it is not just because of the naturally verdant and lovely landscape, it is also largely because of the charming, historic, and well-preserved towns that are dotted throughout Tuscany. Of course, when one thinks of Tuscany, the likes of Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Lucca all come to mind first but, for many, a visit to the region is all about getting off the beaten path and stumbling upon lesser-known little towns and villages that have lots to offer in their own right; rich histories, incredible little museums with collections of wonderful local artworks or specialised collections of fascinating objects, Mom and Pop eateries where you can eat like a king for a steal, family-run wineries making the best wine and olive oil that you've ever tasted, shops selling authentic locally-made goods and traditional crafts, astounding churches, palaces, and architectural gems, amazing views over the region, and much more besides.

One such town, which is often described as potentially the prettiest town in all of Tuscany, is Montaione. Browse our vacation rentals in Montaione if you're looking to avoid tourist crowds and enjoy a peaceful and authentic getaway in Tuscany or, if you just want to visit this gorgeous gem of a town for the day but stay somewhere with a bit more to offer, then browse our luxury villas in Florence, which is just a stone's throw away.

While the Mercato Centrale is Florence's biggest and most famous market, the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio is a close second in both scale and reputation and is actually preferred by many locals. Local chefs, foodies, food writers, and savvy shoppers, in particular, favour the Mercato di Sant'Ambrogio and if you have found a luxury villa in Florence or a luxury villa in Tuscany and are planning on spending time in the city then it is definitely an excellent place to shop, wander, people-watch, and soak up the unique atmosphere of Florence.