Archive for 'Florence'

If you're in the artistic centre and birthplace of the Renaissance that is Florence, you're probably planning a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, or Galleria degli Uffizi, in Piazza della Signoria. Should this be the case, there are a few things that you may want to bear in mind first.

One of the oldest and most famous art museums in Europe and the world, the Uffizi was originally begun under Vasari for Cosimo I de' Medici in 1560. The name comes from the Italian word for “offices” which is what the building was intended to house when it was first constructed.

Florence is one of the great art centres of the world, known internationally for the many wonderful collections and museums that it houses and as birthplace of the Renaissance. Visitors nearly all try and make time for sites such as the Uffizi museum when visiting the city.

The serious art-lovers out there, however, might want to add something a little more off the beaten track to their itineraries; a visit to the Contini-Bonacossi Collection.

Maybe it's time to plan a trip, find yourself a Tuscan luxury villa and see this rare treat for yourself!

Put together by the politician, art collector and dealer, Count Alessandro Contini-Bonacossi (1878-1955), the collection is considered one of the most important art collections of the 20th century.

It was donated to the Italian state in 1969 but inheritance disputes meant that it ended up being sold off. It wasn't until 1998 that it was pieced back together and acquired by the Uffizi.

The collection is comprised of 50 works dating between the 14th and 18th centuries; 35 paintings, 12 sculptures and 11 coats of arms by Della Robbia alongside pieces of ancient furniture and majolicas.

A precursor to soccer called il calcio storico fiorentino is played annually during the third week of June in Florence. Quite unlike the game that we are all familiar with, calcio storico is a brutal, violent sport intimately interconnected with the city's history, rivalries and codes of honour. It is more like a blend of soccer with rugby and boxing.

Not for the faint of heart, players often refuse to invite their families to games as they find it too difficult to watch. For the sports enthusiast however, it offers a unique experience. Why not book into a luxury villa nearby and come experience it for yourself?

Book your next vacation to Tuscany and stay in the vibrant province of Florence! There’s so much to do and see here, and not just in the Renaissance city of Florence!

Of course no trip to Florence would feel complete without a day or two spent exploring the treasures of the province’s capital city.

Tour around the magnificent cathedral of Florence with its exterior niches filled with statues of artistic and literary men who helped shape the heritage of Italy as we know it.

Cross over the ancient Ponte Vecchio, the only bridge of Florence to survive the devastating bombings of World War II and enjoy a refreshing tour of the Oltrarno, the lesser known side of the city.

If you’re visiting the artistic city of Florence for a few days then a must see attraction is the glorious Galleria dell’ Accademia!

This art museum houses the masterpiece sculpture titled ‘David’ which was carved by Renaissance genius, Michelangelo Buonarroti among other notable artworks from this artistic period.

Stay in a charming vacation rental in Florence and enjoy a few days exploring the wealth of art in this stunning city.