Archive for 'Legends'

The exceptionally pretty medieval walled hilltop village of Monteriggioni is located in the province of Siena, in the hills of Montagola Senese. Dominating the surrounding landscape, perched atop a peak and overlooking the beautiful countryside of this part of Tuscany, it is considered one of the loveliest villages in Italy and is also called the the "crown of Italy", due to the shape of the ring wall around the hamlet, with its various towers acting like the arches (or points) on a crown. However, within those incredible historic walls and the pretty town there are ghosts of the past that are said to remain and tell a much more disturbing story. So, if you were thinking about planning a last-minute trip, mid-term break, half-term, or Hallowe’en getaway in the area, then this is an ideal spot that combines the picturesque Tuscan setting of your dreams with perfectly spooky legends. Just browse our vacation rentals in Monteriggioni and get planning your trip today!

Founded as an outpost to protect the province of Siena from Florence’s incursions in the 13th century, due to the ongoing struggles between the two states throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, it was considered an impregnable bastion of Sienese power. Years of laborious, continuous, and costly sieges went by without much of an impact on Monteriggioni.

Villa Masini is a celebrated architectural gem located in Montevarchi in Tuscany. Built as a statement of love by the entrepreneur Angiolo Masini, it was designed by local engineer Giuseppe Petrini and work began in 1924. Masini didn’t scrimp, wanting to build a perfect family home for himself and his beloved wife, and sought out the best and most talented painters, glass-makers, and textile artists and the finest stone, marble, furniture, and fittings to outfit their house. They deemed the work perfect by 1927 but, tragically, the love of his life had died by then. However, this Art Nouveau and Art Deco gem remains as a testament to some of the finest craftsmen in Italy at the time and to the love Masini had for his wife. If you have found a vacation rental in Montevarchi and are exploring this pretty Tuscan city, be sure to drop by and admire this rather special building.

In the last post in this series, we are rounding out our spooky Tuscan spots to get you in the mood for Hallowe'en. No matter what time of year you are planning your trip Tuscany – but especially during this creepy time of year – these haunted palaces, fascinating legends and spooky tales will never not be interesting. Here are more of our picks of must-see ghoulish destinations in Tuscany...

7. Brolio Castle's Terrifying Ghost

Brolio Castle, located in the Chianti region, in the province of Siena, is a beautiful architectural gem but is also home to an eerie legend and the ghost of Bettino Ricasoli, a rather fearsome spirit.

Continuing this week's theme of spooky Tuscan spots, we have more must-see locations with creepy background stories. Ghostly events and haunted palaces might not be the first things that spring to mind when you think of the famous Italian region but we can assure you that there are plenty of legends and tales to keep anyone interested in the spookier things in life – who have found a vacation rental in Tuscany – interested. Here more of the spots to pencil in...

5. Vincigliata Castle's Romeo and Juliet Tale

Vincigliata Castle, located near the town of Fiesole in the province of Florence, has a famous Romeo and Juliet legend that dates back to the 13th century and tells the story of Uberto and Bianca. They fell madly in love at first sight and kept their relationship secret until they were discovered. Then, sadly, they were torn apart by their powerful Florentine noble families who were fierce enemies.

This week, given the time of year, we have been talking about the spookier side of Tuscany. While Autumn is a wonderful time to plan a trip to Tuscany, as the seasonal foods, beautifully colourful landscape, and smaller crowds are all enticing, there is also a rich history that has resulted in a rather large ghost population that makes it all the more intriguing as an October holiday destination. Read on to learn more about Tuscany's spookiest spots...if you dare.

3. Poppi Castle's Ghastly Tales of Murder And Ghosts

Poppi Castle is a beautiful building located in Casentino, a valley famous for nature, art and history, and food and wine tourism, but underneath the charming exterior is a bloody history.