Archive for 'Churches & Religious Buildings'

Tuscany is a place that can feel inherently magical – with its legendary rolling green hills bathed in golden light at sunset or draped in fog in the early morning, the cities and towns that seem frozen in time, the gardens dotted with statues that feel as though they might come to life, and so much more – but if you are looking for your next destination then we put forward Lucca for your consideration. This ancient walled city is one of those that can seem as though it has remained utterly untouched by time but it is also a place filled with unique curiosities and impossibly beautiful wonders. Book one of our incredible villas in Lucca and then come explore this dreamy little wonder of a city...

If you search the question, “What are the top things to do in Tuscany?” you are sure to get endless answers depending on who is providing the response and both their and your own interests. However, while there are lots of incredible things to see and do in the region, there are some commonly held must-see attractions and sights. Book your villa in Tuscany with us and then put a dent in some of these bucket list attractions. 

Tip: Looking for more niche sights or things to suit your specific taste while enjoying one of our holiday rentals in Tuscany? Well, then browse further on our blog as we have endless guides, lists, spotlights on lesser-known attractions, and more...

Impossibly pretty little towns and villages that are steeped in charm and history and can appear almost totally untouched by time are not uncommon in Tuscany. Drive around the region and you’re likely to stumble upon any untold number of these incredibly sweet places by pure chance. However, if you want to find a cluster of some very scenic examples in a small area, the comune of Sovicille, nestled in the hills of Siena, is an excellent example. Surrounded by the famous lush greenery, winding roads, and rolling hills of Tuscany and filled with fascinating architectural gems, romantically crumbling castles, handsome palaces, charming churches, and more, these villages are totally picturesque. Book your villa in Siena and then come explore these gorgeous settlements and the lovely surrounding countryside while soaking up the authentic charm and beauty of Tuscany...

Almost all of the great poets had an equally exceptional muse that inspired their best work. For Italy’s leading poet, their equivalent to Shakespeare, Dante Alighieri, his muse was Beatrice and one of the rumoured sites of their fateful first meeting is said to have been in one of Florence’s many pretty churches. For those who are great lovers of poetry and who are romance fanatics, this church could be seen as a pilgrimage site that should be added to your itinerary when you book a villa in Florence.

Certain sights in Tuscany become famous and end up photographed endlessly due to the fact that the various elements of the surroundings and a building or town or natural feature come together perfectly to create something utterly picturesque. There are a few notable examples of this but, among them, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio (or Tempio di San Biagio) is one of the most strikingly lovely. This pretty 16th century domed church is located in the lush countryside near Montepulciano, an area already impossibly charming in its own right but when you add this elegant building emerging as if from nowhere, at the end of a typically Tuscan cypress-lined road, the overall effect is breath-taking. For those who book a villa in Montepulciano and who are looking to get out and explore the natural and scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape, a stop by this church is a must!