Archive for 'Florence'

  

Friday, December 16, 2016
Raphael, Madonna della Seggiola
The Palatine Gallery is located in the incredible and stunning Palazzo Pitti in Florence and is a private royal collection that was opened to the public by the House of Lorraine in 1828.

Today it still retains that typical layout of a private collection and is set within the elaborate and sumptuous setting of the palace, with the works remaining in their original rich picture frames.

It also has not be reorganised, as most such galleries and collections are, into any sort of thematic or chronological order. It, instead, merely reflects the tastes and whims of the people who originally formed the collection over time.

As a result, a visit to this gallery is a very different experience than most other museums around the world will offer. It is also quite refreshing. Instead of feeling as though you need to be on your toes and keeping history and progress firmly unwind, you can merely relax and enjoy the collection as it unfolds. The collection invites us to enjoy, rather than merely categorise and label things. Just find a vacation rental in Florence and you can experience this unique gallery for yourself on your next trip to the city.     Read More
Posted in: Florence, Localities, Museums & Galleries, Must See Attractions, Tourist Attractions

  

Thursday, December 15, 2016
Terme Tettuccio
Montecatini Terme is a stunning spa town that is situated in the Valdinievole area, near Pistoia and Florence and is most famous for its thermal waters. In fact, it is probably the biggest “spa town” in Italy.

In addition to the spas and thermal waters, however, the town itself is a simply beautiful and relaxing place full of lush and leafy green parks, extraordinary Art Nouveau buildings and charming shops, bars, restaurants and hotels. It is the perfect place to well and truly get away from it all, unwind and relax. Just find a luxury villa in Montecatini Terme and find your own zen on your next vacation!

Of course, the thermal waters and spas are the main things to draw people to the town – and with good reason! One can ingest the waters or do spa treatments such as massages, saunas, facials and more. There are nine thermal centres located in the extensive thermal park.     Read More
Posted in: Florence, Localities, Small Towns, Spa, Tourist Attractions

  

Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Arista alla Fiorentina
Tuscany, like any other country where Christmas is widely celebrated, has many different traditions to do with the holiday and is an important event that brings families together. Of course, if it's an Italian celebration of a holiday, food is going to be an important part of said celebrations.

For example, Arista alla Fiorentina is a pork-based dish originating from Florence that is a delicious alternative to turkey and a sure crowd-pleaser. “Arista” comes from the Greek word “aristos”, meaning "best" and, according to legend, it can be traced back to the 15th century, when Greek clergymen visiting Florence in 1430 for an Ecumenical Council were served the Tuscan-style roast pork and found it to be "aristos". It has been called this ever since then. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and try this delicious dish for yourself.     Read More
Posted in: December, Events, Florence, Food and Wine, Localities, Products & Specialities

  

Friday, December 9, 2016
An example of a Presepe
Our last article outlined the Italian tradition of Presepi, or Nativity Scenes, and their origins and cultural significance. This second installment aims to help you find some real examples if you have found a vacation rental in Tuscany and are planning on spending time in the region over the festive period.

We have put together a long, but in no way exhaustive, list of some of the better Presepi that you can find in Tuscany.

However, as we mentioned in the last article, almost every church and town will have one, though they may vary in scale, style and elaboration. Among these, you may even find some hidden gems that we haven't listed so take this as a rough guide rather than the bible.     Read More
Posted in: Curiosities, December, Events, Florence, January, Localities, Mugello, Must See Attractions

  

Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Christmas lights and decorations
Christmas markets are one of the best things about Christmas. They offer a single place to eat delicious foods, warm up your hands with lovely hot drinks, take in a vibrant Christmassy atmosphere, buy gifts, hear festive music and have fun with family or friends. Luckily, Tuscany has plenty of Christmas markets to choose from. In fact, most towns will have some sort of market over the holiday period but we've decided to round up some of the best so you can pencil them into your schedule if you are spending Christmas in Tuscany this year.

One of the most famous Christmas markets in Tuscany is the Weihnachtsmarkt, located in piazza Santa Croce in Florence. Named for, and based on, the style of Christmas markets you can find in Germany, it offers everything you would want from a typical festive market, all with a distinctive Tuscan twist on the model. Running from the 2nd of December until the 20th 2016, just drop by and browse the gifts and crafts or try to food, beer and mulled wine from all over Europe in the scenic setting of Florence's most beautiful piazzas.     Read More
Posted in: December, Events, Florence, Food and Wine, Localities, Products & Specialities, Tourist Attractions