Archive for 'Small Towns'

If you’re holidaying along the Tuscany coast, it would be a worthwhile venture to visit the beautiful stone built town of Casale Marittimo a few kilometres inland. Visitors have plenty of picturesque villas available to them and other rental accommodation in Casale Marittimo that offer stunning views of the colourful Tuscan hills and the coastline.

Casale Marittimo, built on the hill of Poggio al Bruno was awarded an Orange Flag Award, which is the ‘seal of tourism and environmental quality’ so visitors can be assured that a day trip here will be one of great enjoyment and interest.

One of the biggest tourist attractions in Casale Marittimo are the Etruscan tombs dating from the sixth and seventh centuries. It’s most famous tomb was discovered by accident in 1896 dating from the fifth century. It was one of a very wealthy Etruscan man who’s tomb was very decorative and even had a ‘thorlos’, a type of forged dome.     Read More

For a peaceful yet fascinating place to visit during your holiday to Tuscany, Castelfiorentino is perfect for the tourists that like to see the little Tuscan towns off the beaten track. Situated between the Arno River valley and the north face of Elsa valley, Castelfiorentino was once a military base because it was of equal distance from the main Renaissance cities of Pisa, Siena and Florence. It was originally built on the side of the famous Via Francigena pilgrim route to facilitate the many travellers who passed by and needed somewhere to eat and rest for the night.

Visitors have a fantastic range of exclusive villas in Castelfiorentino with excellent customer reviews. The town’s original name was Castelvecchio, meaning ‘old castle’ because it grew on the site of an ancient Roman castle known as Timignano. It was a huge fortress with doubled layer walls with five gates and a lookout tower. Some of its ruins can still be seen today by tourists. In 1149, the town’s name was changed to Castelfiorentino because of its close relations with the city of Florence.     Read More

Spend a few days exploring the unique town of Orbetello, built on the Monte Argentario peninsula in the middle of a lagoon on the Tuscan coast!. Visitors wishing to come to this area in the heart of the Maremma district for a few days have a great selection of holiday villas in Orbetello to choose from where they can relax and admire a stunning view of the lagoon.
Orbetello is packed with fascinating architectural buildings which tourists are sure to enjoy walking around. The town is completely free from cars, so it’s very easy to get about. Founded by the Etruscans in the 8th century, the town passed many hands of ownership but during the 16th century, the Spaniards transformed it into a naval base and built many beautiful monuments and areas in the town.

Two such creations were the magnificent Palazzo di Spagna and Piazza di Due Mondi which had a huge bell tower built in its centre. A unique windmill was also built by them in the waters of the lagoon. Its charming cylindrical architecture can still be admired as tourists travel over the dam connecting Orbetello to Monte Argentario. Visitors can also admire the spectacular Etruscan built stone harbour as they travel across the bridge.     Read More

Head for the hills, to the walled village of Citivella in Val di Chiana situated on the western border of Tuscany for an enriching tourist experience! This ancient town, dating as far back as Etruscan times, was heavily guarded by a massive castle fortress dating from the late 6th century. During the Middle Ages it was the headquarters of the medieval military region of the Ambra Valley.

Tourists would be sure to enjoy a relaxing stay at one of many top rated farmhouse rentals in the Val di Chiana region surrounding Civitella listed on our Tuscany-villas website.     Read More