Archive for 'Florence'

Art lovers of the world who want to holiday in Tuscany should definitely browse our luxury villas in Florence and get planning a trip to the birthplace of the Renaissance at least once in their lifetime. However, while there are lots of churches stuffed full of incredible works from the Middle Ages onwards, museums with works of art from all over the globe and all throughout history, rich collections of pieces by the city's great Renaissance Masters such as Da Vinci and Michelangelo, and much more besides, there is also still a lively contemporary art scene that lives on in Florence. If you are interested in also diving into what is going on in the world of art today, it is a wonderful destination with artists' and artisans' studios, little boutique galleries, temporary exhibitions, art fairs, art markets, and museums dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Among all of these resources, however, one of the most interesting contemporary art venues in the city has to be Murate Art District (MAD).

We have previously written about the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence on many occasions and there are plenty of reasons to plan a visit to this historic gem if you have found a villa in Florence. The former town hall of Florence, this impressive fortress is an influential architectural work, steeped in the history of the city, home to incredible examples of Florentine works of art and craftsmanship from throughout the centuries, it is an excellent museum, and it is (supposedly) frequented by some intriguing ghostly figures. However, if you have found a luxury villa in Florence and you are coming to visit this highlight of the city, there is one other great reason to come: it is one of the best places to take in an incredible panorama over the stunning skyline of Florence.

Located in the Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio is a rusticated stone-faced castellated palazzo and a truly impressive and imposing solid mass of a building that is punctuated by two rows of two-lighted Gothic windows (and some other openings). On top of the building, a clock tower looms overhead. This clock tower is one of the most imposing of the medieval towers that still remain in Florence and it is named the Torre d'Arnolfo after the building's architect, Arnolfo di Cambio, who also designed Florence's Duomo and the Church of Santa Croce. At a height of 95 meters, it is the highest civic symbol in the entire city and boasts sweeping views over the city and the surrounding valley in which Florence is located. While you should definitely take the time to explore the rest of the building, heading up to the tower is a must. You can also decide to just visit the tower rather than go through the museum and there are separate entrance fees for both.

There are certain works of art that most of the world has grown up seeing all their lives. Many of these works come from the Renaissance and are still to be found in the so-called birthplace of the Renaissance itself, Florence. So, for anyone with even somewhat of an interest in European art, a luxury villa in Florence and a trip to the city at least once in their lifetime is an absolute must. In addition to enjoying the many other charms of Tuscany, a vacation in Florence ensures that you can see those so familiar works of art with your very own eyes and see how they stack up by comparison to what you imagined. One of the most iconic of all of these works in Florence and one of the definite must-sees has to be Michelangelo's idealised male form, his David.

If you are looking to plan a vacation in Tuscany, you may be finding it hard to choose a destination as the region is just bursting with picturesque villages, culture-packed cities, pretty seaside towns, rural areas surrounded by lush rolling hills, foodie hotspots, and much more besides. Depending on what you are looking for in a holiday, what aspects you prioritise, whether or not you want to rent a car, your budget, and more, different locations will be more or less suitable to you and your needs. So, in order to help you choose we have put together a handy little guide to some of our most popular holiday destinations in Tuscany!

Florence is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and is a major art and cultural centre that produced some of the most talented and innovative artists, architects, writers, and thinkers of all time, as well as some of the most exceptional masterpieces. Art-lovers who want to vacation in Tuscany should definitely browse our luxury villas in Florence as the city is the perfect place for those who want to dive into an endless supply of museums, architectural gems, works of art, and more. Once you find yourself in the city, you'll be faced with the unenviable task of having to choose which attractions and cultural institutions to go and see as there are enough in the city for a lifetime of vacations. This is why we recommend a visit to the Palazzo Pitti, a lush Renaissance palace that was built for Luca Pitti but later purchased by the Medici and which went on to become their primary residence. It is today a state-owned gem that is home to several different museums including the Palatine Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art, and several other gallery spaces and exhibitions. With so many great cultural institutions under one roof (or in one area), it is an ideal place to get a real taste of the incredible artistic heritage of Florence.