Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

The ancient town of Chiusi in Siena, Tuscany is beyond picturesque with its rich architectural heritage and hilltop location overlooking the stunning Val di Chiana. Chiusi, which dates back to 1000 BC was once one of the most important cities in the Etruscan empire. However, by the 3rd century BC it had become merely a Roman province and not one of the 12 leading cities of a federation. Under Charlemagne it was made into a country in its own right. Then its fortune took a turn again and it became a battlefield between Florence and Siena until the tensions between those two great cities and kingdoms calmed in the 19th century.

The picturesque town of Sorano may have Etruscan roots but it is characterised by its medieval historic town centre and dominated by the great Orsini Fortress and Castle, a perfect example of Renaissance military architecture.

This structure has evolved and changed over the years into the complex which exists today. Its history is rich and complex and it makes a wonderful place to visit.

The complex of buildings now includes a hotel, museum, chapel, the theatre of Count Niccolo IV Orsini and a secondary school specialising in languages.

Florence is one of the great art centres of the world, known internationally for the many wonderful collections and museums that it houses and as birthplace of the Renaissance. Visitors nearly all try and make time for sites such as the Uffizi museum when visiting the city.

The serious art-lovers out there, however, might want to add something a little more off the beaten track to their itineraries; a visit to the Contini-Bonacossi Collection.

Maybe it's time to plan a trip, find yourself a Tuscan luxury villa and see this rare treat for yourself!

Put together by the politician, art collector and dealer, Count Alessandro Contini-Bonacossi (1878-1955), the collection is considered one of the most important art collections of the 20th century.

It was donated to the Italian state in 1969 but inheritance disputes meant that it ended up being sold off. It wasn't until 1998 that it was pieced back together and acquired by the Uffizi.

The collection is comprised of 50 works dating between the 14th and 18th centuries; 35 paintings, 12 sculptures and 11 coats of arms by Della Robbia alongside pieces of ancient furniture and majolicas.

The beautiful medieval town of Pistoia is characterised by colourful iconic buildings such as the octagonal Baptistery and the Duomo. However, just a stone's throw away is the lovely little Church of San Leone. This little gem, sometimes referred to as a “little Sistine Chapel” is a building with origins in the 14th century and a long history of alterations and adornments stretching into the 18th century. Only recently restored and reopened, its not to be missed!

Why not find a Tuscan luxury villa nearby and spend a leisurely day discovering this and the other little secrets Pistoia has to offer?

Feeling energetic this summer? Why not find yourself a luxury villa in Tuscany and pay a visit to the Torre Guinigi, or Guinigi Tower, in Lucca?

You will have quite the climb ahead of you, with over 200 steps to the top, but I can assure you that it will be well worth the effort!

Lucca, famous for its medieval architecture and intact city walls was once home to many tall towers, precursors to skyscrapers. Of the 250 towers like this that once existed in the city, the Torre Guinigi is sadly one of the very few that still stands there today.