Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

If you’re planning a delightful vacation to Tuscany during the months of November or December then be sure to check out some of these incredible fairs and festivals! Stay in a charming villa rental in San Miniato where you can take part in the following food festival.

The ‘La Sagra del Tartufo Bianco’ which is the infamous white truffle fair in San Miniato attracts hundreds of visitors each year. It takes place across the last three weekends of November where tourists can indulge in a whole range of truffle related activities! San Miniato produces around 25% of Italy’s white truffles which has helped greatly to make it a prosperous town.

Sammezzano Castle is located in Reggello, around forty kilometres south of Florence in Tuscany. Stay in a stunning villa rental in Reggello where you can easily visit this mesmerising place!

Situated on a scenic hilltop and surrounded by luscious oak forests Sammezzano castle is an extravagant example of fine Italian architecture. It was built in 1605 and became home to many members of royalty including the king of Italy, Umberto I in 1978.

After World War II the castle was transformed into a luxury hotel that offered golfing and spa amenities that attracted the rich and famous until its unfortunate closure in the 1990s.

Although Sammezzano Castle had some restoration work done in 1999, it was not enough to deem it safe for public opening and so had to be completely closed down except for rare occasions. And what a great pity this was! Designed with elaborate Moorish style, this castle is a haven of stunning colours, shapes and patterns within its 365 rooms, one for each day of the year! Each room has its own name and is unique in its design.

The Italian National Trust, called Fondo Ambiente Italiano (FAI) holds two honourable missions close to its heart. One is to promote Italy’s natural heritage, including its well documented history, traditions and artistic treasures.

The other is to preserve what it means to be Italian; nurturing the roots and identity of its people to bloom for the ages to come.

This non-profit trust has done some incredible work since 1975 to save, restore and renovate many important monuments and places that contribute greatly to Italy’s colourful heritage.

During the Middle Ages in Florence when times were very turbulent with the frequent seizure of neighbouring lands and family feuds; the sound of clashing arms was quite the norm! The sons of proud family dynasties were raised to learn the skills of sword fighting and lancing from a young age. Defending family honour was a must and many tales were woven of bloody encounters between enemies which became immortal when written into family histories.

Men were taught to seek revenge for their wounds and repay evil with evil. Forgiveness was simply not an option, it was a sign of weakness. This is most surely why the legend of the Merciful Knight of Florence shines out from the rest!

The story begins with the birth of two boys, Giovanni and Hugo of the great Gualberto family of Florence. They were raised and trained to become brave knights or high ranking soldiers of an army as well as loyal followers of Christianity.

September in Tuscany is a magical time of year; this month is literally bursting with festivals and fairs for tourists to enjoy! Stay in a gorgeous luxury Tuscan villa with swimming pool which you can enjoy at your ease after a few days of festival exploration!

Why not check out the ‘Festa della Esaltazione della Santa Croce’ in Lucca city on 13th September.