Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Montaione is a stunning Tuscan village in the Province of Florence that is, potentially, the most beautiful town in all of Tuscany; a rather big claim, we are aware, but not a baseless one. Perched up high on a hill, accessible only by winding mountain roads snaking through thickly wooded surroundings, this lesser-known gem is wildly picturesque, though, perhaps, not the most happening spot in the world. However, if you are looking to well and truly get away from it all for a while, why not find a luxury villa in Florence and spend a day in the stunning surroundings of this incredibly peaceful hamlet?

Far off the typical tourist route, away from long queues and bustling crowds and steeped in preserved natural beauty and cultural gems, the town has more to offer than first meets the eye. While the town does not have its own vineyards, which is a reason that many of its young people have left for elsewhere and more job opportunities, it is located in the Elsa Valley.

The Grotta del Vento, or the Cave of the Wind, is a system of caves situated in the province of Lucca, in the Apuan Alps regional park. Named for the strong air currents that flow through the cave, it has been known to locals since at least the 17th century, when records show that is was used to keep food cold due to the lower temperature inside. Beginning in the 20th century there was more exploration and systematic study of the caves and in 1966 it was opened up to the public. Since then, many developments have been made in preserving the natural state of the caves to the best of their ability, while making it safer and more readily accessible to tourists – a difficult balance that has won the caves awards in the past and that makes it one of the best caves in the world to visit.

An amazing underworld of caves and tunnels is revealed upon entering the caves and can be explored via three different guided tours – revealing the incredible stalactites and stalagmites, alabaster walls, small lakes and underground streams – and are all relatively easy routes that most people will be able to tackle without a problem.

As mentioned in the last two posts in this series, the Bargello is one of the best and most important art museums in Florence and is really a rather exceptional institution. A sculpture museum, it is home to a large variety of pieces, including early works by great masters of the Renaissance such as Donatello and Michelangelo, as well as lesser-known but equally important artists such as Giambologna and Cellini.

It is a must-see art museum so art lovers who have found a luxury villa in Florence should be sure to set aside time to visit! Here are our final picks of highlights of the collection.

As mentioned in the last two posts in this series, the Bargello is one of the best and most important art museums in Florence and is really a rather exceptional institution. A sculpture museum, it is home to a large variety of pieces, including early works by great masters of the Renaissance such as Donatello and Michelangelo, as well as lesser-known but equally important artists such as Giambologna.

For art lovers who have found a luxury villa in Florence and are planning on exploring the city, this museum should not be missed!

6. Giambologna's Birds

Speaking of Giambologna, there is another, really rather intriguing group of works by the artist located in the Bargello's collection.

For art lovers who have found a luxury villa in Florence and are planning on exploring the city, there are plenty of things to see and do. However, the Bargello is one of the best and most important art museums in Florence and should not be missed! As mentioned in our previous post, this is an excellent sculpture museum that is home to a large variety of pieces, including early works by great masters of the Renaissance such as Donatello and Michelangelo.

3. Donatello's Attys

Speaking of Donatello, the Bargello houses his Attys, a bronze work from c.1440 that has been named but not definitively identified. The young male figure bears multiple iconographical details but none have allowed for certain identification. Guesses have included Priapus, Mercury, Perseus, Cupid, Harpocrates, Mithra, Ebrietas, and the guardian figure Genius. However, none fit perfectly.