Archive for 'Pisa'

Tuscany is a magical place full of incredible works of art, delicious dishes waiting to be eaten, pretty towns, wonderful views, a rich cultural and historical heritage, lots to see and do, and much more besides. However, it is also, oftentimes, quite a strange place with things you might not expect like Torture Museums, intestine sandwiches, dinosaur bones in church walls, swords stuck in stones, and other bizarre and unique places, attractions, and surprises. It is, furthermore, home to quite a few unique traditions and festivals that are must-sees for those looking to get off the beaten tourist path and experience a different, less-talked-about, side of Tuscany. If you have found a vacation rental in Tuscany and are looking for more unique and impossibly memorable experiences of the region, then check out this list of some of the most unusual and special events in Tuscany…

Watermelon Festival, Castellina in Chianti

For those planning on renting a holiday rental in Chianti at the end of August, you should aim to head the charming town of Castellina in Chianti for the Watermelon Festival, or Sagra del Cocomero. Like most festivals in Italy there is lots of foods and music but the main star of the show is the watermelon. So, if a whole festival dedicated to watermelons sounds good to you, then there could be no better fit! The best way to cool down during the hottest month of the year in Tuscany.

Tuscany is home to lots of unique traditions and interesting local festivals that take place throughout the region. These are wonderful, colourful events, that combine history, tradition, elaborate costumes, delicious food, live music, performances, parades, and much more. One particularly fascinating festival that takes place each summer is the Battle of the Bridge in Pisa. Held annually on the last Saturday of June, just after the San Ranieri festival celebrations, the Battle of the Bridge brings the whole city alive in a unique way and is a must for those who have found a vacation rental in Pisa.

Taking place on the Ponte di Mezzo bridge, one of several that cross the Arno in Pisa, the event sees the neighbourhoods of the city divide into two teams – the Mezzogiorno for districts south of the Arno and the Tramontana for those north of the Arno – to try and take over the side of the bridge occupied by the other team. This is done by trying to place an iron cart on their side of the bridge and while it sounds a little silly, it is actually a wonderful traditional event that locals adore and really get involved with.

If you have found a vacation rental in the province of Pisa during the summer and are planning what to do over the course of your trip, you may find yourself in need of cooling down on one of those hot long days, in which case we have just the place for you: Sunlight Park. This compact water park is located right on the coast in Tirrenia and is a family-friendly destination designed for summer fun. A great way to keep the little ones amused if you're travelling as a family or, if you attend later sessions with pals, you can enjoy the special evenings that the park hosts for the grown-ups to have fun.

The Graphics Museum of Pisa is a young and energetic art gallery that was only founded back in 2007 and, as a result, is very active and always has exciting temporary exhibitions and events in addition to the permanent collection. If you are an art lover who is interested in really exploring the rich history and culture of art in the city, this museum is a must for those who have found a luxury villa in Pisa and are spending time in this gem in Tuscany.

Based in the Palazzo Lanfranchi, one of the oldest noble Pisan homes, that was once home to the Lanfranchi family who were among Pisa’s ruling elite, the museum could not have a more spectacular setting. Bought by the Lanfranchi for whom it is named in 1539, the palace eventually made its way into the hands of the City of Pisa in 1952, who renovated the building between 1976 and 1980.

Continuing on from our last post, we are rounding up a list of some of the Tuscan museums that participate in the monthly “Domenica al Museo”, when many State museums, in an initiative sponsored by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, open their doors to the public for free on the first Sunday of each month. It is the ideal time to plan a trip to those museums that you have been dreaming of visiting. While this list may not be 100% exhaustive and all facts are subject to change (check with the institutions in question before planning a visit), this list is an easy way to get an idea of which museums you can pencil in if you have found a vacation rental in Tuscany and plan to be in the region for the first Sunday of the month.