LA BELLA TOSCANA Villa rentals in Tuscany, Umbria and on the Amalfi Coast

13/12/2019

13/12/2019

03/10/2017

L’EROICA RACE DEPARTS FROM THE CHIANTI REGION TO CONQUER THE WORLD

Only vintage bikes made before 1987 can enter and riders wear wool jerseys, leather shoes and small peak caps just like old times. “Eroica” a name inspired by those heroic cyclists, as Coppi and Bartali, who used to ride their bikes for miles through dust.

The race starts every first Sunday of October from Gaiole in Chianti, a picturesque town that boasts medieval churches, cobbled alleys, cafes and restaurants. Most of the route is made up of gravel roads. L’Eroica was born in 1997 to help save these roads from being gradually replaced with asphalt.

A race on ancient roads using vintage bikes, surrounded by gorgeous scenery which also gives you a chance taste local food and wine. Join Tuscany’s retro bike race, cycle on gravel roads with a vintage bike and enjoy the traditional Tuscan delicacies!

Our suggested properties in the nearby:

Villa Grilli V https://goo.gl/oYeX7o is a detached villa near Greve in Chianti with wonderful views. It has a large garden with its own private swimming pool.

Villa Francis https://goo.gl/S2wfwC is a superb detached villa in a fantastic position near Monteriggioni. It has its own swimming pool and garden both enjoying with wonderful views of the countryside.

27/06/2017

BORBONIA FELIX

The Royal Palace of Caserta is considered as the last great creation of the Italian Baroque and, together with the San Leucio complex, it has been recognized as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Since the museum director Mauro Felicori was tasked with reviving the fortunes of the Royal palace, the number of visitors showed a slight increase. He believes that it’s essential to reconstruct its history in order to look forward. The former royal residence in Caserta, built for the kings of Naples, is an invaluable resource located in the centre of the Bourbon sites that Felicori wants to relaunch as a system.

This could make the complex of the Palace a centre of culture connected to the contemporary. From the reborn Royal Palace of Caserta to the craftsman village of San Leucio and to the Museum of Pietrarsa, all the best of this fabulous area to discover some of the most charming cultural places of the project “Aperti per Voi” an initiative that protects and promotes Italy’s cultural heritage.

We feature lovely properties in the nearby, from apartments to private villas for larger parties:

Villa Sorrento https://goo.gl/bXKf9K is a unique luxury property in the beautiful seaside town of Sorrento. It has its own garden, a private swimming pool and terrace whilst being near the centre. It is complete with all modern comforts including air conditioning.

Virtus https://goo.gl/kP1UEG is a pretty apartment in an enviable position in the village of Praiano nestled between the famous towns of Positano and Amalfi. The apartment has a beautiful terrace, a vegetable garden and a pretty swimming pool enjoying a lovely panorama.

16/05/2017

A CHEST OF WONDERS, THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM IN SIENA

The Fisiocritici Academy natural history museum is a chest of wonders in the heart of Siena. It is housed in the old Camaldolesian monastery which dates back to the 12th century. In 1816, the Granduke of Tuscany bequeathed to the Academy its present seat.

Pirro Maria Gabbrielli, professor of theoretical Medicine and botany founded the Academy with the aim of promoting and celebrating the study of natural science. He had built the Fisiocritic Eliometer which regulated Siena’s clocks, starting from the one on the magnificent tower “Torre del Mangia” up to those ticking Sienese religious and public life throughout the 18th century.

The museum houses a geological collection as well as zoology and anatomy departments in the upper cloisters. Besides storing natural history treasures it also preserves a unique historical and scientific heritage.

You shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the natural history Museum in Siena. Enjoy a relaxing stay in this extraordinary and unique area. Our suggested properties in the nearby:

Villa Francis https://goo.gl/S2wfwC is a superb private villa in a fantastic position close to Siena. It has its own swimming pool and garden both enjoying with wonderful views of the countryside.

11/04/2017

PROCIDA, A PLACE FOR CONNOISSEURS

Procida has managed to keep its existence secret, it has voluntarily carved out a very exclusive niche in the tourism industry, avoiding mass tourism. Capri is renowned for its luxury and Ischia for its country chic atmosphere. This tiny island is something of a rarity: it is discreet and authentic.

The untapped beauty of the island inspired Elsa Morante to write “L’isola di Arturo” and many other artists, drawn by the island’s genuineness. “Il Postino” by Michael Radford, with Massimo Troisi and Philippe Noiret, and “The Talented Mr Ripley” by Anthony Minghella were shot on the island.

Procida is definitely an island of sailors and fishermen, it has always played a central role in maritime history and still today boasts the oldest European Nautical Institute which dates back to 1875. It‘s a favourite destination for the most refined travellers, for those who enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside studded with lemon groves, the silence of narrow alleys and for those who love local home cooking.

Visit Procida and try its precious simplicity! The coast of Sorrento and all the area around Naples are not just a place to see or visit, they are actually a place to breathe and live: the only way to discover why is to go there. Our suggested properties:

Villa Diva https://goo.gl/8Ft6uy is an elegant Villa on Capri, it’s extremely comfortable and has a beautiful private pool with an incredible view of the blue sea.

Marisa https://goo.gl/mfbeJl is a comfortable apartment located in the beautiful town of Sorrento. It’s near the sea and allows access to a large shared pool as well.

17/03/2017

MUGELLO BECOMES MAJOR HOLIDAY DESTINATION

The territory known as Mugello is a wide green valley in northern Tuscany, a few kilometers north of Florence. It’s that slice of Tuscany nestled between the National Park of the Casentinesi Forests on the east, the Tuscan-Emilian Appennines on the north and the Prato plain on the west.

It is said to be the place where the powerful Medici family originated from. In a small remote village in this spectacular area Don Lorenzo Milani, working with his pupils, produced “Letter to a Teacher” in 1967: a pedagogical classic which continues to shock and inspire and which was translated into about forty languages.

Well known for its racetrack, the “Mugello Circuit”, this area hides some gems which are yet undiscovered by mass tourism: immersed in the lovely unspoilt countryside are spectacular Villas, Castles and Abbeys.

Close to Florence, yet nestled in the countryside, this is what makes Mugello so special. If you’re looking for a magic place to spend your holidays, this extraordinary and unique area is the perfect choice. Take a look to our villas and apartments in the nearby:

Fiorino M https://goo.gl/aRdJaP is a pretty apartment on a beautiful estate with wonderful views of the countryside and a lovely swimming pool.

Villa Cerere https://goo.gl/jRPKFC is a beautiful country villa with private swimming pool in a wonderful position with magnificent unspoilt views.

21/11/2016

THE ORIGIN OF BEAUTY: THE DANCERS FROM THE VILLA OF THE PAPYRI

This is a story of coincidences, lucky encounters and shared passions. Protagonists five incredible dancers, an enlightened editor who published the precious volume “Le Danzatrici della Villa di Papiri”, an enthusiast photographer who offered a visual description of the five moving young women and an erudite museum director, Valeria Sanpaolo. “Their mission is to transmit the values of beauty and quality aiming to excellence, since quality and beauty, together with education, can save the world” as the Belgian editor Eric Ghysels said.

The five beautiful Dancers are today exhibited in the Archeological Museum in Naples. The Villa of the Papyri in the ancient Roman city Herculaneum is a unique discovery in the history of archaeology, adorned by more than one hundred marble and bronze sculptures and with a collection of over one thousand papyrus scrolls. The five protagonists of this story come from this legendary place: they were discovered beneath the ashes of Vesuvius by archaeologist Karl Weber between 1754 and 1756.

You shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the Archeological Museum in Naples. Enjoy a relaxing stay in this extraordinary and unique area. Our suggested properties in the nearby:

Villa Sorrento https://goo.gl/J6yVjU is perfectly located in the beautiful seaside town of Sorrento, boasting a private swimming pool and terrace.

Villa Miragolfo https://goo.gl/1JWvJc is an exquisite villa in a fabulous position between the famous town of Sorrento and the renowned Amalfi coast.

26/09/2016

AN ABANDONED RAILWAY BECOMES A BREATHTAKING CYCLING TRACK

The idea of making the old Spoleto – Norcia railway into a cycling track is recent. Even though it’s located in the sweet Umbria it is an arduous route which required special solutions. It dates back to the 1926 and it represented a real engineering masterpiece. Its first project was realized in 1912 by the engineer Erwin Thomas who had already built the Swiss railroad of Lötschberg.

It was closed in 1968 and, after many years of disuse, the old route is becoming more and more popular and appreciated also abroad because of its winding tunnels, breathtaking landscapes and the striking bridge over the river Cortaccione.

Every year a cycling meeting takes place in the late Summer and the number of participants is improving, in 2015 more than 700 people colored the trail with their t-shirts, rucksacks and helmets. It’s the perfect occasion to visit this spectacular area, enjoying a day surrounded by nature.

We feature lovely properties in the nearby, from apartments to private villas for larger parties:

Santamaria cottage https://goo.gl/UfrEox is situated on a Umbrian estate immersed in the countryside with unspoilt views all around. The cottage has its own terrace overlooking the swimming pool.

Corbezzolo UL https://goo.gl/LTAv2O is an apartment, part of a farmhouse close to the pretty hill town of Todi. In the gardens is a swimming pool with hydro massage corner.

13/09/2016

THE PATH OF THE GODS

Il Sentiero degli Dei passes through the Monti Lattari and then runs from Agerola to the sea. The Path starts at the town square, Paolo Capasso, in Bomerano, high above the Amalfi coast.

Bomerano is rich in history and provided men and food to the maritime republic of Amalfi. It is also the birthplace of illustrious personages and hosted generations of artists because of its mild climate, breathtaking landscapes and tranquility.

Painters, writers and playwrights chose this spectacular area to find inspiration. Boccaccio was inspired by Agerola in his divine Decameron: “Ruggero da Agerola” one of its tales, is a typical story in Boccaccio’s classical style based on potions and betrayals.

From Agerola to Positano, from Praiano to Furore walk along The Path of the Gods, a spectacular network of historic footpaths. Immerse yourself in history! Take a look to our Villas and apartments in the nearby:

Villa Moresca http://goo.gl/uZDjUi is a special arabesque style villa with a beautiful private swimming pool and sun terraces enjoying stunning views of the sea below. It is situated on the Amalfi Coast between the towns of Positano and Amalfi.

Virtus http://goo.gl/TVLEjs is an apartment in Praiano nestled between the famous towns of Positano and Amalfi. The apartment has a beautiful terrace, enjoys the fantastic sea views and has a pretty swimming pool.

30/08/2016

A MATTER OF STYLE

Umbria is the perfect location to immerse yourself in the Italian culture. Three reasons why you should visit it: its spectacular natural landscape, its richness in history, art and culture and last, but not least, its culinary excellence and attentive hospitality.

The Festival dei Due Mondi takes place in Spoleto every year, it’s a summer music and opera festival which is popular all over the world. There is a unique atmosphere and each year the Fendi foundation attributes to the great artists an award for their commitment in conveying art, knowledge and culture to the new generations.

In 2010 the Fendi foundation started restoring the ancient Teatro Caio Melisso which dates back to the 17th century and now serves as the main venue for opera performances during the annual summer festival.

There is a lot to discover in this region famous for its breathtaking landscapes and known as the “green lung” of Italy. Here are some accommodation you might find interesting in Umbria:

Santamaria Cottage http://goo.gl/Srbnih is situated on a lovely estate immersed in the countryside with unspoilt views all around. The cottage has its own terrace overlooking the swimming pool.

Calidario GU http://goo.gl/yVGKex is a lovely detached restored barn situated on a estate immersed in the countryside with fine views and with a lovely swimming pool in the grounds.

22/07/2016

LI GALLI ISLANDS

Also known as the Sirenusas, named after the mythological sirens who were said to have inhabited the islands, Li Galli is a small archipelago made of three islands: Gallo Lungo, Rotonda and Castelluccio.

Russian ballet dancer, Leonide Massine, was staying in Positano in the 1920s when he sighted the islands. He fell in love with Li Galli and its Roman ruins and bought it.

It is a natural archipelago which resembles a dolphin in shape and is located between Capri and Positano on the Amalfi Coast, one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe.

If you’re looking for a magic place to spend your holidays, this extraordinary and unique area is the perfect choice. Take a look to our villas and apartments in the nearby:

Palace P http://goo.gl/rJONc2 is an apartment with a fantastic private terrace in a magnificent panoramic position on the hills overlooking The Bay of Positano.

Villa Campanella http://goo.gl/RAkYj8 is in a fabulous position near Nerano with its own private swimming pool, wonderful terraces with spectacular views of the azure sea and modern comforts.

04/07/2016

PRAIANO: A UNIQUE EXAMPLE OF VIRTUOUS TOURISM

Far from being a famous destination, Praiano is yet undiscovered by mass tourism, although its touristic tradition which dates back to the Maritime Republic of Amalfi. The Doges used to spend their summer holidays in this beautiful location.

We invite you to enjoy the natural beautywhich characterizes this wonderful area. La Gavitella Bay is something not to be missed as well as the ancient Plagianum (the original name of Praiano).

Here locals are reacting against the unacceptable loss of European funds. AgendaComune is a project designed to develop a strong sense of belonging and civic obligation, “social capital” of any civil society.

Discover the secrets of Praiano! Take a trip to this fabulous area of Italy. Here are some properties you might find interesting in the nearby:

Chiaraluna http://goo.gl/9k2WeY is a pretty apartment built into the hillside, located in the village of Praiano with a beautiful shaded terrace and fantastic sea views.

Villa Orion http://goo.gl/tTjG6U is a splendid villa in stunning position overlooking the sea and the gourgeous bay of Conca dei Marini, with panoramic terraces one with hydro massage pool.

24/05/2016

FERIE DELLE MESSI

The Medieval Harvest Festival or Ferie delle Messi takes place every year in San Gimignano. It’s a medieval celebration organized by The Knights of Saint Fina, a local association which was born with the aim of reviving the medieval traditions of the ancient town of San Gimignano.

The Ferie Messum is a fertility festival which dates back to the 13th century. In the past the whole population used to take part in the event during which the “Contrade” of the city used to compete in traditional games in honor of fertility. They used to dance and play medieval games to obtain abundant harvest.

Today, the event takes place on the third weekend of June. San Gimignano takes a step back in time recalling the ancient traditions and offering a typical medieval atmosphere with markets of medieval arts and crafts.

You shouldn’t miss the costume parade, one of the most popular events of the festival and the performances of musicians, actors and archers.

Our suggested properties to spend an unforgettable holiday in the nearby:

Il Granaio http://goo.gl/KTcDe2 is a detached cottage on a beautiful estate with swimming pool and a large private terrace with pretty views of the medieval town of san Gimignano.

Casa di Gloria http://goo.gl/PQN0UW is a lovely house on a estate near San Gimignano. It has a pretty secluded garden area and a large swimming pool.

02/05/2016

THE IMPORTANCE OF DUNES, A NATURAL BARRIER

Sand dunes are accumulations of sand formed by either wind or water flow. Dunes are a natural barrier against coastal storms and beach erosion.

Woody bushes and trees generate a unique maritime forest habitat with its own unique plant and animal communities. These more robust ecosystems protect inland areas and other important terrestrial systems such as freshwater.

The importance of dunes has been widely recognized and local laws should prevent people from building and from walking over dunes in order to prevent damage to dune vegetation.

Being more conscious of the environment and respecting it, we can preserve places of natural beauty. Take a look to our properties in great locations near the seaside:

Villa Le Dune A http://goo.gl/yv7iWp is an apartment in a typical seaside house located in the pinewoods of the seaside resort of Marina di Castagneto.

Castagneto N http://goo.gl/8OdJvO is an apartment right on the beach of the seaside resort of Marina di Castagneto with gorgeous views of the sea.

16/03/2016

HIGH QUALITY MEAT IN TUSCANY

One of the oldest cattle breeds in the world, the Chianina has been raised for over twenty-two centuries and was named after the Val di Chiana, the fertile valley in central Italy, situated between Tuscany and Umbria.

Chianina oxen were in use in agriculture in the past and are still used in historical parades such as the “Corteo Storico” of the Palio di Siena.

The Chianina has become a world breed, raised almost exclusively for its high quality meat, prized for its tenderness and flavour. It has earned an international reputation thanks to its characteristics: it is lean and offers excellent nutritional properties.

The famous Florentine T-bone steak, better known as “bistecca alla Fiorentina”, is made from its meat. It’s a must-to-eat during your stay in Italy!

If you want to taste the typical Florentine steak as well as the extraordinary Cinta Senese meat, you might find interesting some accommodations in southern Tuscany:

Villa Tuscany http://goo.gl/BaPjKS is a Tuscan farmhouse house in the countryside yet close to the medieval village of Lucignano.

La Chianina http://goo.gl/jXs6bF is a detached cottage in a fantastic position with wonderful views of Chiana valley beyond.

02/03/2016

AUTHENTIC NEAPOLITAN PIZZA: A CONCENTRATE OF SUBLIME SIMPLICITY

In the heart of the Greek Neapolis, through the historic buildings near Piazza Bellini and Port’Alba, the notes of the Conservatory resound making their way through the voices of passers and the honking. Here Renaissance and Gothic splendour merges with a varied and true humanity

In Naples every corner has a pizza restaurant. Inside, sober tables, fast and spartan service, tourists and habitual clients, wood burning pizza ovens, background noise, expert hands kneading, sharp tastes and low prices.

The Neapolitan pizza is made with tomatoes and Mozzarella cheese. The genuine Neapolitan pizza dough consists of wheat flour, brewer's yeast or natural Neapolitan yeast, salt and water. A concentrate of sublime simplicity you can find and taste only in Naples.

To eat the real Neapolitan pizza spend an unforgettable holiday on the Sorrento Coast or on the Amalfi Coast. Take a look at Villa Giuditta and Villa Minerva for a taste of what we can offer:

Villa Giuditta http://goo.gl/5GhIXR is situated in a gorgeous position on the Sorrento coast overlooking the bay of Naples. It is an excellent base for exploring the area.

Villa Minerva http://goo.gl/Z9Iwuy is a gorgeous historical villa situated in a fantastic elevated position with amazing views of the sea and Ravello.

05/02/2016

HARMONY BETWEEN MAN AND NATURE

The Crete Senesi and the Val d’Orcia with their unique landscapes are lands of ancient tradition in wheat cultivation. Cradle of rural renaissance and sharecropping, this fabulous area is a noble example of sustainable rural development. Here wheat cultivation methods respect territorial harmony and wheat is sown on the hills in the cultivable land between the olive trees and the rows of vines.

The Val d'Orcia is characterized by carefully cultivated hills occasionally broken by grades of cypress trees, gullies and by picturesque villages such as Pienza. It inspired so many Renaissance painters who depicted people living in harmony with nature. It has been recognized as an heritage site by the World Heritage Convention for the beauty of landscape and the balance between nature and human activity.

Take a look to our holiday homes in the countryside of Tuscany:

Villa Four Seasons http://goo.gl/kmWGJO is immersed in the Tuscan countryside of Val d’Orcia with stunning views of the surrounding fields where reigns the harmony of silence and beauty.

Marina http://goo.gl/Xy5M75 is a spacious apartment situated above San Gimignano with lovely views of the countryside and the medieval town across the valley.

25/11/2015

OLIVE OIL: TUSCANY’S “LIQUID GOLD”

Homer called it "liquid gold." Olive oil is more than simple food to the people of the Mediterranean: it’s an endless source of power and health. It has been produced throughout the Mediterranean for centuries but some of the most highest quality oils come from Tuscany.

Olive oil has become a symbol of Tuscany. Some of the world’s best extra virgin olive oil comes from the Chianti region. This wonderful region itself produces numerous regional oils, each with unique flavours and characteristics.

In Tuscany olives are usually hand-picked before they reach complete ripeness, from November to December. Every year, at this time of year, Tuscany is busy extracting its precious extra virgin olive oil from its olive groves.

Olive oil harvests are really something to see, and even to take part in. Take a look at our selection of properties surrounded by olive groves and vineyards!

Nappo http://goo.gl/IEYQmy is a charming apartment in a fabulous position in the centre of the Chianti region.

Marina http://goo.gl/Xy5M75 is a spacious apartment situated in a fantastic position above San Gimignano with lovely views of the countryside and the medieval town across the valley.

29/06/2015

POMPEI AND EUROPE

In Naples and at the archaeological site the history of the excavation inspires artists from all over the world. Two parallel exhibits, two exhibition sites, one history: Pompei and Europe. Pompei has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1997. The exhibition evokes the history of the Vesuvian city, an unlimited source of inspiration, in a constant comparison between the excavations and the arts.

It recalls events from the start of excavations in 1748 to its dramatic bombing during World War II in 1943. “Nature and history” is the first exhibition and will be staged at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. The second part of the exhibition will take place simultaneously in the excavations, at the Amphitheater in Pompei.

Our suggested properties to spend an unforgettable holiday in the nearby:

Giuditta 2 (6 + 2) http://goo.gl/n0ImKn is a beautiful apartment situated in a gorgeous position on the Sorrento coast overlooking the bay of Naples.

Virtus (5 + 0) http://goo.gl/ZNVQai is a pretty apartment in the village of Praiano between the famous towns of Positano and Amalfi.

15/05/2015

SANT’AGATA: A TOWN OVERLOOKING TWO GULFS

If you can’t decide between the gulf of Naples and the gulf of Salerno, Sant’Agata is the perfect choice since it lies on a hill between the two gulfs. It is a small town in Southern Italy and it has a very strategic position. In fact this wonderful small town has a spectacular sea view of the beautiful island of Capri and it is also near the two gorgeous towns of Positano and Amalfi.

You can admire both gulfs from the old monastery situated above the hill which is called “Il Deserto”. The monastery was founded in the seventeenth century and isn’t far from the city center, indeed you can reach it easily walking through Mediterrean vegetation. Sant’Agata is a truly magical location.

Take a look at our selection of private villas and apartments with fantastic views in and around Sant’Agata!

Oasis Moon Cottage http://goo.gl/aGHU5k detached cottage situated in a lovely position close to the coast.

Villa Giuditta http://goo.gl/2RC78s situated in a gorgeous position on the Sorrento coast overlooking the bay of Naples.

14/04/2015

ORVIETO, A TWO-DIMESIONAL CITY

You can get to Orvieto on any day, even wet and cold, to find out that you are in a unique place. Special in any season. Today its small and compact historical centre with six thousand residents, partly pedestrianised and easy to explore on foot, is a blend of art and architecture, nature and archeology which has maintained the spirit of independence and the fiery character of the ancient town.

Reason to come here is the recent return to the public of the magnificent frescoes of the church of San Giovenale. The church of Sant’Agostino is a clear invitation to broaden our horizons on the rest of the city, and discover the ancient medieval quarter.

Orvieto has a double dimension: it is tall and deep at the same time. On the one hand towers, steeples, terraces and wonderful overlooks, on the other burrows, hollows and shafts. The city that is over the cliff corresponds in fact to an underground city dug into the tuff with 1200 caves.

Here are some accommodation you might find interesting near Orvieto:

Santamaria Cottage http://goo.gl/Bhk5Gm is nicely furnished in homely country style. It is situated on a lovely Umbrian estate immersed in the countryside with unspoilt views all around. Santamaria Cottage has also a swimming pool which enjoys a wonderful panorama.

La Chianina http://goo.gl/i6aqiB is a beautiful detached cottage in a fantastic position with wonderful views of the Chiana valley beyond. It has a lovely garden and a large swimming pool.

23/03/2015

EASTER IN SAN GIMIGNANO

San Gimignano is a wonderful walled medieval town in the province of Siena with a spectacular hilltop setting. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its tower houses and the encircling walls form an incomparable skyline. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy some time in this special town.

Spend Easter immersed in the countryside among the wonders of San Gimignano, there are great villas and apartments with pool still available. Last chances for special prices, few days left!

Our suggested properties in San Gimignano:

Villa Il Vecchio Fienile http://goo.gl/wRp6o5 is a Two Bedroom Detached House immersed in the countryside with private swimming pool and wonderful views over vineyards and cypress groves towards medieval San Gimignano.

Marina http://goo.gl/Xy5M75 is a Two Bedroom Ground Floor Apartment situated in a fantastic position above San Gimignano with lovely views of the countryside and the medieval town across the valley.

13/03/2015

PRATO: COSTANTLY EVOLVING

The primary vocation of Prato is experimenting. Congenital energy constantly evolving, where today is tomorrow and the past has a future. The name itself confirms: porat means harbour in Dalmatian, coming and going of people and loves.

Prato is well known for the production of clothes and for the 40 thousand Chinese people who moved there in the last twenty years. The city is also popular for its culture which is leading the way to tourism.

In the historical centre of the city you will be able to admire the castle of the emperor Federico II and the main Roman Catholic church of Prato. Another surprise is the Lazzerini library which is situated in the ancient Campolmi factory, together with the textile museum.

This is our suggested properties in the nearby:

Villa Cassiopea http://goo.gl/tGLpSU is a three bedroom detached Villa situated in a beautiful position in the heart of the Tuscany with wonderful views of the verdant hills all around.

Villa Pietra Antica http://goo.gl/QMMMnC is a two bedroom detached house in Montelupo Fiorentino in a fabulous elevated position enjoying the views of the valley below.

23/12/2014

FLORENCE: CENTER OF RENAISSANCE AND MUCH MORE

“The past isn’t dead. It isn’t even past”, said William Faulkner. Of course, when he wrote these words he wasn’t thinking about Florence, but he could have. Each Florentine feels to be part of a well entrenched idea of civilisation and taste, they are aware that they still belong to a golden era.

But there is also another world in Florence, not only Brunelleschi and Dante, the Renaissance and the Medici family, the perfection of Michelangelo’s David and the beauty of Botticelli’s “Primavera”. There is another idea of the city which lies in silence, not always in the city-centre.

Florence can’t only be considered the treasure of the past, surely wonderful and precious, but still part of the past. Florence is also a modern city where tradition is preserved and is innovated at the same time.

Here are some accommodation you might find interesting near Florence:

Greve F http://goo.gl/y5OZ1x is a beautiful apartment situated in a central position of Greve in Chianti, an ideal starting point to tour the stunning and delightful area.

Terra http://goo.gl/Xz4nBm is a delightful split level apartment on a wine producing estate in the heart of the Chianti.

Villa Pietra Antica http://goo.gl/o7zzvb is a beautiful restored barn in a fabulous position about 15 Km far from Florence.