Archive for 'Small Towns'

Art lovers who admire the work of Leonardo da Vinci may wish to think about visiting the beautiful village where he grew up, Vinci. There are numerous holiday  rentals nearby Vinci to choose from, allowing you to visit the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci and tour the surrounding olive groves and vineyards.

This small town is located not too far away from Florence, in the northern area of Tuscany. Although the town is comprised of only a gift shop, a museum, 4 houses, a church, and a restaurant, it is well worth taking half a day to visit if you want to reflect on Leonardo's work and learn more about the man and his life. Many of Leonardo's scientific designs were centuries ahead of his time, including a war tank designed way back in 1500. You can view many of his sketches in the fascinating museum dedicated to him here.

He was born back in 1452, in a farmhouse located just outside of town. You can visit this Casa di Leonardo as well as the Leonardo Museum. The Church of Santa Croce is another sight to see, built in the 13th century.     Read More

Those looking for a hidden gem off the beaten tourist path will appreciate the quaint charms and Etruscan ruins of Sovana.
This tiny dot on the map is located in the heart of southern Tuscany, known for its sparse landscape with rolling hills and fields. Sovana is a beautifully preserved small town, filled with a rich history inside of its medieval architecture.

This architecture is perfectly preserved, which you can't help but notice as you stroll down the main street and take in the gorgeous luxury villas and central square. The town is Etruscan in origin, before being taken over by the Romans and later the Lombards.

Near Sovana lies the Tomb Ildebranda, the largest Etruscan mausoleum that has been found to date. It was decorated with 12 columns, and contained two imposing stone staircases as well as one underground leading to the internal funerary chamber.     Read More

Although many travelers in Tuscany tend to stick to the major sites in cities like Florence and Siena, there are also numerous small towns that dot the picturesque countryside which are well worth a visit.

One of these is Poppi, which is located in the Province of Arezzo, located only a few miles to the east of Florence. This makes it an easy day trip when you have tired of the larger city. The name is thought to come from the word "poplo" which means mound or hill, and it is set on top of a hill affording wonderful views of the surrounding countryside.

When you visit this town, there are many sights that you will want to take in during your visit to get a feel for the history and culture here.     Read More

Tuscany is filled with beautiful sights to see scattered throughout the memorable countryside. One of the most beautiful areas is located in the Province of Arezzo.

Lucignano is a municipality here located in between Florence and Arezzo, notable for its well-preserved medieval walls. Set on the top of a hill, it was the site of dispute between a range of Tuscan cities between 1200 and 1500, including Siena, Arezzo, Florence, and Perugia.

There are many historical sites to visit within this town, including a bevy of examples of medieval architecture which remain. The best way to appreciate these sights is by exploring on foot.     Read More