Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

Carrara is a Tuscan town that is famous worldwide for its marble and is the centre of the Apuan-Versilia marble trade.

Since Roman times, it has been where artists and architects from the world over have gone to source their marble, the likes of Michelangelo among them. Situated along the Ligurian Sea, in north-western Tuscany, it is a charming town that features the material it is so famous for in buildings throughout. A particular highlight is the Cathedral, or Duomo: with almost the entire exterior being covered in Carrara marble, it really is a perfect advertisement for the town's “white gold”.

Another, older church, once stood on the same site. The Ecclesia Sancti Andree de Carraria has records going back as early as 1035 but only a bas-relief remains of the original structure. Construction of the new building, also dedicated to St Andrew, began in the 11th century and was completed in the 14th century.

In the final post in this series, here are the last of Google's suggestions for what to do with just a day in Florence. Having just left the Piazza della Signoria, we now move on to the Duomo.

7. Florence Cathedral (Travel: 10 minutes by foot. Approx. time to spend here: 1 hour)

The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, or the Duomo, is Florence's cathedral and main church. It was begun in 1296, according to the designs of Arnolfo di Cambio, and was completed in 1436 with the addition of a soaring dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi.

The exterior is expressed in polychromatic marble panels and an elaborate 19th century Gothic Revival façade by Emilio De Fabris. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the city's must-see attractions and the view from the top is unrivaled.

Continuing on from our last post, we are still following along Google's automatically generated itinerary for a day in Florence. Having just crossed the Ponte alle Grazie, a quieter bridge over the Arno, just a stone's throw from the busier and more famous Ponte Vecchio, we were on our way to the next attraction…

4. Santa Croce (Travel: Less than 5 minutes by foot. Approx. time to spend here: 1 hour)

This stunning Gothic church is a lovely polychromatic 13th century Franciscan basilica that is the final resting place of the likes of Michelangelo, Galileo and Machiavelli among others. Packed to the rafters with incredible frescoes, stained glass, sculptures and other objets d'art, there is plenty to see and do. In fact, there is too much to take it all in entirely in a single visit but the experience of stepping inside this jewel box of culture and history is worth the minor sensory overload.

Google seems to have the answers to all of life's questions, right? Whether you are looking for directions or somewhere good to eat, want to know when a museum closes or when to avoid peak crowds, having the internet at your fingertips takes the work out of holiday-making and makes your life a hell of a lot easier.

In fact, they've gone a step further now and Google has even compiled all of their data to generate automatic itineraries of destinations based on the post popular attractions, their locations and the distances between them. Based on the amount of days you will be in the place you have chosen, there are a variety of itineraries to choose from and one can't help but wonder at how well an algorithm might plan a trip.

So, here is Google's suggestion for what to do with 24 hours in Florence. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and see for yourself how suitable it might be.

In our final post in this series, here are some more of our picks of our best seaside villas in Tuscany. These are extraordinary properties, with excellent views, easy access to the beach and perfect accommodations to return to and relax after long days of fun in the sea. Just find the right one for you and get planning your perfect getaway on the Tuscan Coast.

8. Il Sorriso

This flat is situated in a recently renovated villa around 500m from the centre of Porto S. Stefano. Independent, with its own separate entrance, it is is tastefully furnished in comfortable furniture and neutral tones, with pops of colour throughout. The brightest colours, however, are outside, where a sunny terrace with bright orange terracotta tiles is set against the endless blue skies, clear sea and lush green surroundings. This terrace makes the most of the amazing view right over the water and is a perfect place for al fresco dining with a sea breeze.