Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

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?

Many people prefer holidays in Spas as it gives them the chance to not only get away from the humdrum of daily life, but also to pamper themselves completely, really getting rid of that muscle tension that slowly builds up without us realising it.

It is common also to use the Spas as ways to treat medical conditions, the hot springs and salt baths can provide amazing alternative medicinal properties for some people.

The word Spa comes from the Belgian town called Spa which is renowned for its healing waters. In continental Europe a spa was called ville d'eau (town of water). It is used mainly for places that offer hydrotherapy and is noted as being very good for your health. Many professional athletes and top celebrities will insist that the spa is the place to be to experience the true feeling of relaxation.

This is a post for the more adventurous people out there......

Now in Tuscany we also have a great "Tree Top Advenure Park" called "Saltalbero" (the link is only Italian I'm afraid). The park is located in the wood area near Rapolano Terme, a very nice area of Tuscany with also some great spa resorts actually.

The park is open to the young and old with 7 different courses ranging in difficulty and height.