Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

  

Sunflowers
Fields and fields...endless fields of sunflowers, there are few sights quite so lovely, right?

While sunflowers are native to Central America, they became popular in Europe in the 18th century and were planted all over. In Italy, they truly took root and their popularity grew from the ground up so that they are now actually one of the symbols of Tuscany.     Read More

  

Town
Barga is one of the many exceptional hilltop towns in Tuscany and, certainly, the most amazing in in Garfagnana, in the province of Lucca. It has won numerous prestigious awards for the quality of its tourist services over the years, such as the Italian Touring Club Orange Flag and the Città Slow award, and is officially listed as of One of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.

If you have found a luxury villa in Lucca, it makes for an easy day trip and a lovely place to spend time wandering and taking in the true Tuscan pace, and way, of life.

The town's Cathedral, the Collegiata di San Cristoforo, is considered one of the most important Romanesque examples in Tuscany. One of the oldest buildings in the town, it is filled with frescoes and sculptures and it is well worth popping inside for a look. Barga is also home to a beautifully restored castle that is perched above the town.     Read More

  





The village of Fosdinovo is a historic and charming medieval hilltop town located in the Tuscan region of Lunigiana. While the area has been inhabited since prehistory, Fosdinovo experienced its golden age between the 14th and 18th centuries and its appearance largely reflects Medieval and Renaissance architectural styles and town-planning, as a result. The centre has changed little since the 16th century.     Read More

  

Poggio Torselli
Villa Poggio Torselli is a stunning hilltop residence located just outside Florence that has been home to several influential Florentine families and citizens throughout history (including Niccolò Machiavelli) and is listed among the Great Italian Gardens. Even locals are often unaware of this hidden gem and it is very much off the beaten tourist track but, if you have found a vacation rental in Florence, it is well worth taking the time to come and explore the incredible building and its surroundings!     Read More

  

Florence is full of famous and lovely works of art, buildings, parks and gardens. There are also many lesser-known beauties and hidden gems, many gardens among them, in particular. The Torrigiani Garden is seventeen acres of spectacular hidden gardens, located right in the heart of Florence.

It is also the largest privately owned garden in Europe situated within city boundaries. If you have found a vacation rental in Florence and are looking to enjoy its incredible atmosphere and manmade and natural charms, while staying away from regular tourist crowds, it is an ideal attraction in which to spend some peaceful hours wandering around.

The garden became renowned in the 16th century for its botanical garden (and remains celebrated for this) but largely reflects 19th century additions and alterations.     Read More