Archive for 'Architectural Gems'

Lucca is a beautiful city in Tuscany. Historic, well-preserved and pretty, there is lots to see and do and a wealth of culture and art. Merely wandering the lovely streets and soaking up the unique atmosphere is enough of an activity to please many. However, if you are having a wander, there is one particular area that we suggest you check out.

The Palazzo Medici Riccardi, named for the family that built it and the family that expanded it, is a Florentine Renaissance palace that is the seat of the Metropolitan City of Florence and is also opened to the public (in part) as an exhibition space that offers a program of temporary exhibitions.

Originally, these were largely dedicated to the major protagonists of modern and contemporary art but has recently been more focused on creating greater understanding of the historic and artistic context of the palazzo.

Furthermore, there is a stunning frescoed chapel that is an attraction in its own right. As such, the palace is a fascinating sight for many reasons and, in particular, a wonderful peek into one of the most opulent homes that the city has ever seen. Just find a luxury villa in Florence and visit this wonderful architectural and cultural gem for yourself.

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 Abbey of Sant’Antimo, located 9km from Montalcino in Tuscany, is one of the most beautiful of all Romanesque churches in Italy. Local legend attributes its foundation to Charlemagne in the 8th century AD, a miracle that helped cure his army of a plague and a promise to build an abbey on the land where they were saved. Recorded history, however, has a different tale to tell and puts the foundation further back, to the Longobards and the Monastery of St. Savior. The site also is thought to have originally been the location of an ancient Roman villa. The existence of Sant'Antimo, itself, is recorded since at least the 9th century.

As we mentioned in the last post, temperatures can soar in Florence in the summer and, in a big city full of tourists, wandering around can become particularly uncomfortable. If you have found a luxury villa in Florence and are planning a trip there this summer, you may have to deal with beating the heat so we have compiled some tips to help keep you cool.

3. Visit a Church

Popping into a church is a great way to cool down and get out of the sun for a bit but you may want to avoid one with long lines and big tourist crowds. There are plenty of smaller, less famous but beautiful churches to discover around the city and these will offer you cool interiors to get away from the heat, while enjoying the art and history. Just be sure to have a sweater to cover bear shoulders or wrap around your waist if you are wearing shorts.