Archive for 'Pisa'

If you’re holidaying in Tuscany around the 16th of June this year then book into a stunning beautiful rental accommodation in the Pisa area and witness a magical event called the ‘Luminara of San Ranieri’ in Pisa city!

As the sun sets over Pisa, a new light emerges… the city is beautifully lit up by hundreds of thousands of candles to commemorate the city’s Patron Saint, San Ranieri. The tradition is believed to have originated around 1688 when a simple urn containing the ashes of San Ranieri in a local cathedral were transferred to a more decorative modern urn by order of the Grand Duke of Tuscany.


A procession of faithful Christians with candles walked along with the urn’s transfer as a mark of respect. This sparked the illumination festival which transforms the city of Pisa into a glittering paradise!

Special white wooden frames are attached to the frames of Pisa’s building windows, bridges, churches and street lamps, and are lit up by small glass lamps of burning candles or oil called ‘lumini’ to illuminate their architectural magnificence. One of the most mesmerising traditions of Pisa during this celebration is to place floating lit candles in the River Arno which flows through the city.     Read More

Pisa is a very popular tourist destination in Tuscany and rightly so! Tourists flock from all over the world to walk around the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli which contains the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Duomo, Baptistery and Monumental Cemetery.

But if you’re staying in a villa rental in Pisa and want to explore the gems that lie close to the city then check out some of these wonderful towns.

Borgo a Mozzano is located 32 kilometres from Pisa and is the birthplace of a spooky legend surrounding the Devil’s Bridge built here!     Read More

Come to Tuscany to enjoy the best Christmas holiday you’ve ever had with your family! This is considered to be the most important celebration in the Italian calendar as children eagerly await the coming of Santa Claus and many adults enjoy going to the religious ceremonies that take place in their local parish. Why not treat yourselves to the very best by staying in one of many available Tuscany luxury villas during your vacation?

Visit the many cities, towns and villages across Tuscany that are decorated with twinkling lights, Christmas trees and colourful ornaments; wonderful smells fill the air as families busily prepare lots of traditional Christmas food.

All the cities and many of the region’s towns host a superb Christmas market for visitors to experience. It’s a true delight to walk around this warm and welcoming atmosphere and see the exquisite crafts and delicacies for sale.     Read More

You may have read our previous article about the great work of a non-profit Italian organization called the FAI (Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano). They launched an innovative project called ‘Luoghi del Cuore’ which is aimed at raising awareness of national cultural and historical attractions which have fallen into disrepair and require funding to restore them to their former glory.

This year the votes are pouring in and so far in 2014, a beautiful Tuscan landmark called the ‘Certosa of Calci’ is leading the way! Situated only ten kilometres from Pisa is an ancient monastery of the Certosine Order in Graziosa Valley. Founded in 1366 it began as a humble residence of monks and continued as one for several centuries.

Stay in a charming villa rental in Pisa where you can easily visit the Certosa of Calci among many other intriguing attractions in the province.     Read More