Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

The town of Cetona is nestled at the base of the mountain with the same name, in the southern part of Siena in Tuscany and it is a interesting destination  for vacation.

Mount Cetona has been the site of many ancient civilizations, with archaeological remains dating back to the 80^th century BC found in the Gosto caves. Many of these ancient caves are contained in the Belvedere Park, as well as sites of Etruscan finds that you can visit.

All of this is tucked into a natural landscape that one can imagine being just as beautiful during the Renaissance as it is today, with its timeless rolling hills and vast greenery.

Situated in close proximity to Florence and Arezzo, Loro Ciuffenna is a beautiful town nestled into the countryside at the foot of Mount Pratomagno. Visitors will benefit from the natural beauty that lies all around this town, including the banks of the river Arno and the unique rock formations made up of sand and clay. These are called "balze," and have provided inspiration to many artists throughout the years, including Leonardo da Vinci who would often come to this part of the Tuscan countryside to sketch and paint. The village itself seems forgotten by time, and you will feel the leisurely pace as you stroll through its winding pathways and gentle scenery. There are many small stone houses that are located in and around Loro Ciuffenna, with old bridges left over from the Middle Ages.

There are many reasons to visit the small town of Barberino Val d'Elsa, which is located in the vicinity of the larger city of Florence in Tuscany.

Not only is it a prime example of medieval architecture that retains its original walled fortifications, but it also is home to many important works of art, exquisite chapels, and other sights to visit.

You can learn more about the history of the famous Barberini family, who have their origins here in this exciting municipality. The town is named after the valley of the Elsa, which surrounds it in lush splendor.

Within town, you'll find many things to see in Barberino Val d'Elsa. This includes the Church of San Bartolomeo, for example, which has fragments of a painting by the famous Giotto, as well as a bronze bust crafted by the artist Pietro Tacca. By following the Via Francesco da Barberino, you will work your way through the well-manicured streets up to the Sienese Gate, or Porta Senese, which dates back to 1365. Those interested in learning more about the area's ancient past can visit the Antiquarium Museum, which holds Etruscan artifacts found in the different necropolises scattered throughout the area. If you have seen the famous Cupola in Florence, you may want to take a look at the Chapel of San Michele Arcangelo, which has a perfect reproduction.

Do you like the idea of driving through the Tuscan countryside, looking at all of the ancient architecture and ruins that are left behind from hundreds of years ago?

If so, then one of the most spectacular bridges is the Ponte Della Maddalena, more commonly known as the Devil's Bridge. It was first built in the 12th century and it is one of the most fantastic examples of medieval engineering that there is.

Standing at about 60 feet high up you can look right down into the clear waters of the river Serchio.

Are you interested in Geography and how things are formed? If so, then Tuscany in Italy may have just the thing to attract your attention! There are grottos, underground tunnels, mines, prehistoric caves, Etruscan necropolises, aqueducts, labyrinths and other fantastic underground attractions to be seen. Though it may never see the sunlight, this part of Tuscany shines as bright as any other with a wealth of things to be discovered, both natural and man made!

Can you imagine what it would be like to walk through these fantastic caves and wonder what it was like years and years ago. To see the natural formations of the rocks that decorate these places and marvel at how they have obtained their shape?