Archive for 'Legends'

  

Borgo a Mozzano
Tuscany might not be the most obvious Hallowe'en destination or spot for spooky adventures but, given how steeped in history and legend it is, it should be no surprise that it actually is quite a fun and fascinating place to spend the season. From creepy legends to haunted castles, there are spooky attractions and sites at every turn. So, why not discover some of the creepiest spots in Tuscany and get planning a vacation for Hallowe'en or, if you're always in the mood for such an adventure, any time throughout the year...

1. The Devil's Bridge and Hallowe'en Celebrations in Borgo a Mozzano

Located in the province of Lucca, this Tuscan town is most famous for the Ponte del Diavolo (or Devil's Bridge).     Read More

  

Monteriggioni
If you have been planning a trip to Tuscany, why not consider the lovely medieval walled town of Monteriggioni? Located near Siena, this already historic and beautiful town is transformed into a festive gem each summer with its famous Monteriggioni Di Torri Si Corona festival. Just find a vacation rental in Monteriggioni and you can take part in the celebrations and get a real taste of the authentic Tuscan experience this summer!

The festival takes place over two weekend in July each year and is one of the oldest medieval festivals in Italy, which evokes Dante’s famous quote about the town that praises its round surrounding wall, crowned by towers: “Monteriggioni che di torri si corona“.     Read More

  

Beach
Sadly, the title of these posts will have ruined the ending of the story, however, the details still make it worthy of being told. We discussed the rather tumultuous life and times of the great Italian painter Caravaggio in the last post. In it, we learned about how, while he may be remembered for his art, his murkier history is often overlooked today. A bit of a bad boy who was fond of brawling and drinking, one of his disagreements went too far and ended up in murder, causing Caravaggio to spend the latter years of his life on the run for his crimes.     Read More

  

Portrait
Caravaggio is mostly remembered as a genius and great Italian painter today but that was not the only image that he has ever had. While his skill was recognised in his own lifetime, it was paired with a bit of a reputation as a bad boy. He was fond of drinking and gambling, was known to have rather drastic mood swings and was prone to violence. In fact, he was often found brawling in different establishments.     Read More

  

Abbazia di Sant'Antimo
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.     Read More