Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Ivan Bruschi was an internationally famous antique collector from Arezzo whose last wish was to establish a foundation to spread the love of art, antiques and culture. His wish was granted and the Bruschi Foundation has since become a hugely important patron of culture in Arezzo. One of the greatest feats of the foundation was the establishment of the House-Museum of Ivan Bruschi which houses Bruschi's personal collection, set within the 13th-century Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo located in the heart of Arezzo.

2015 is the Year of Archaeology in Tuscany and, due to this there are many events taking place which celebrate the history of the region. Each summer in Tuscany, there are countless food festivals, one in almost every town and something on somewhere in the region each weekend.

This traditional passion for food and the commemoration of the rich historical heritage of Tuscany are being combined this summer in a series of special events, tours, shows, exhibits and dinners.

Poggio a Caiano is a comune in the province of Prato. In the town there is a very famous villa and museum which was once home to the Medici family. Built for Lorenzo the Magnificent, according to plans by Giuliano da Sangallo, it is situated between Florence, Prato and Pistoia. Begun at the end of the fifteenth century, it was not completed until halfway through the sixteenth. Today it is a garden, park, stately home and art museum which is open to the public for visits and between wandering the grounds, buildings and collections, it is an excellent day out with lots to do and see! If you want to visit this extraordinary site and its wonderful setting for yourself, why not find a luxury villa in the Florence area and pencil a trip into your itinerary?

The Horti Leonini in the town of San Quirico d'Orcia, Siena, is a late 16th century park. It was created according to the direction of Diomede Leoni (for whom it is named) with funding and the donation of lands by Francesco de' Medici. Built as part of a scheme of renovation in the town after damages caused during wars between Siena and Florence, it is an oasis of beauty. Wonderfully well-preserved, the gardens have maintained their original appearance and provide a perfect example of an Italian style garden. If you are interested in landscape architecture, Italian history or gardens, this is sure to prove both stunning and fascinating. Why not find a luxury villa in Siena and spend some time wandering the grounds?

Siena has a rich artistic tradition and many fantastic examples of the art produced there during the Middle Ages and Renaissance still remain in the churches, galleries and public buildings. The school of painting in Siena flourished between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries and, at one stage, even rivalled that of Florence in beauty and importance. Unlike Florentine art, however, it favoured the traditional and decorative over the humanistic and forward-thinking. The art there remained somewhat Gothic in style, even throughout the Renaissance.