Archive for 'Must See Attractions'

Florence is one of the fashion centres of Italy, which, as a nation, continues to be one of the trendsetters and fashion leaders. Famous brands such as Gucci, Pucci, Roberto Cavalli, and Ferragamo were all born in the city and it is home to some of the best stores and fashion museums in the world. In addition to this, Florence is known for its high-quality artisanal leather goods. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and you are a fashion-lover spending time in the city, an ideal souvenir, that will last a lifetime, is a Florentine leather bag, pair of shoes, jacket or some other leather item.

If you are in search of such a piece, head to the Scuola di Cuoio, or Leather School. Located on via San Giuseppe, just by the Church of Santa Croce, the school produces and sells every type of leather good, all of which is the highest quality imaginable. In addition to purchasing pieces, you'll be able to see the incredible craftsmanship in action as the leather school’s artisans are sure to be working while you visit.

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.

One of the great, unifying commonalities in Italy, outside of food, has to be football. It is the national sport and the country has birthed some of the best players in the world. While soccer may not be the first thing one might associate with Florence, in particular, it is actually deeply embedded in the history and culture for which the city is famous. In fact, Florence has a long tradition of a rather more violent game that was a precursor to soccer called, “Il Calcio Storico Fiorentino,” which is played annually during the third week of June.

If you're more interested in the modern equivalent, however, you're in luck as Florence is also home to a Football Museum. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and head to Coverciano, which is located about twenty minutes from the city.

Montepulciano is famous as a wine-producing area of Tuscany and sampling local wines is definitely a must for anyone who has found a luxury villa in Montepulciano. However, if you're looking for something else to do (and maybe to walk away the light-headedness after tasting a few of the delicious wines produced in and around the town) why not take a stroll around and discover some of its rather impressive architectural gems?

Montepulciano is one of the most famous wine areas of Tuscany, where some of the most delicious and lauded wines come from. Contucci is the oldest wine producer in Montepulciano and one of the oldest in the world and outdates the second oldest in the region by 900 years.

The Contucci name appears in written records in Montepulciano around 1000AD and they seem to have always been linked to agricultural pursuits. The current property that still serves as their wine cellar to this day is a property that has been in the family since 1646 and was originally built by a Del Monte Cardinal, then owned by the Medici Grand Duke of Tuscany Ferdinando I, then it became part of the guardhouse of Montepulciano, and finally was adopted as a palace with a wine cellar for the Contucci family.