Archive for 'Florence'

Tuscany really is impossibly beautiful. There is just so much to see and do and so much of it is made up of some of the most beautiful galleries, buildings, works of art and views in the world. Of course, there really are endless lists of excellent things to see and do so, in order to help you out, here are more of this author's picks of the most photogenic sights in Tuscany that you'll want to visit and then capture forever.

7. The Uffizi

The Uffizi is one of the leading art galleries in the world and for good reason. It is a must-see for the countless masterpieces that are housed inside of it but it is also quite the photogenic beauty in its own right. There is almost too much to see, which can lead to a bit of sensory overload. When I took a moment to just wander and not try and see everything for a second, I found myself strolling around behind my parents and I got this photograph.

Tuscany is home to some of the most extraordinary buildings, works of art, views and attractions in the world. You are really spoiled when it comes to things to see and do. However, there are some things that are more unusual, special and picturesque than others. Again, many things could have made this list but these are this author's picks of the most photogenic sights in Tuscany. Just bring your camera and capture these attractions and the memories that you make there to have and to keep forever.

3. The concentrated wonder of the Piazza della Signoria

The Piazza della Signoria in Florence is a focal point of the historical part of the city and a place where all tourists will inevitably end up there at some point during their time exploring the city. It is home to the Palazzo Vecchio (the old town hall), the iconic Fountain of Neptune, and the Loggia del Lanzi, a building that is open on two sides and has open arches on its facade that contains important examples of ancient and Renaissance sculptures.

Tuscany is a photogenic place with picture-perfect views and attractions around every corner. From the rolling hills topped by medieval villages and the valleys filled with vineyards, to the ideal Renaissance town of Pienza and staggering architectural gems of Florence, there are all sorts of must-see sights that you'll want to see with you own eyes and then capture on film forever.

Some of these things are well-known and obvious but there are some that you might never heard of before. This author has chosen some of her favourites to share with you; some of Tuscany's most photogenic sights and picturesque spots that you must track down!

1. The hills surrounding Dicomano

I recently wrote about the excellent Agriturismo Frascole, a winery in the Tuscan Apennines, where I had a wonderful day tasting wine with my family.

In the previous post, we highlighted designer Emilio Pucci's extraordinary life up to the end of WWII but his exploits as a soldier and very good friend are only the beginning of the story! Just read on to learn more about this fascinating figure and then find a luxury villa in Florence to trace his footsteps across the city that birthed him.

Pucci first designed clothes for the Reed College skiing team when he was studying there as a young man and he then gained recognition for his ability during is exile in Switzerland in 1947. Pieces that he had designed for a friend were photographed by Toni Frissell, a photographer working for Harper's Bazaar, which lead to him being asked to design skiwear for a story on European Winter Fashion for the winter 1948 issue of the magazine. When his pieces took off, he set up a haute couture house at the resort of Canzone del Mare on the Isle of Capri.

It may be news to some, but Florence is actually where many different fashion brands were born including Ferragamo, Gucci and Pucci. In previous posts, we've looked at the history of the former two but, as of yet, had never discussed Pucci at length. As the brand is one of the most iconic in Italy and the man behind it is so fascinating, it is worth delving into it, as well. If you are a fashion lover, it is a must to find a luxury villa in Florence and make a pilgrimage to the pertinent spots from his life and career and the flagship store on Via dei Tornabuoni.

While our Pucci is the most famous of recent decades, the name has been an important one for centuries as it is one of Florence's oldest noble families. Born in 1914, Emilio Pucci was a larger than life character who was a keen sportsman who swam, skied, fenced, played tennis and raced cars; a decorated soldier; a rich party kid; and, of course, the creator of one of the world's biggest fashion brands.