Archive for 'Florence'

We owe a lot of things to the Medici family – artistic masterpieces they commissioned, collections they established that became the basis of museums, architectural gems in which they lived and which they sponsored, practices key to modern banking, and much more besides – but did you know that one of Florence's most beloved desserts, a precursor to the ice-cream cake, can also be attributed to that most illustrious of Florentine families? Zuccotto is still a beloved classic and was one of the first Italian “semifreddi,” or semi-frozen, cakes. Made in Florence during the Renaissance for the party-loving hosts that were the Medici, it was one of many foodie innovations that they had made to impress their guests. Made using ricotta cheese, cocoa grains, citrus peel, and Alchermes liqueur, it manages to be both refreshing and moreish, a delightful combination!

While zuccotto is a little tricky to make, it is well worth the effort and many of us happen to have more time on our hands right now anyway so why not give it a go and bring the flavours of Florence home to you in your kitchen until visiting Tuscany is possible once more...

Tuscany is home to imposing forts, impossibly pretty medieval hilltop towns, dreamy country villas, staggering cathedrals, architectural curiosities, and much more besides. It is a place where centuries of wealth and artistic innovation resulted in a architectural language, landscape, and heritage that is matched by few other places in the world. If you're an enthusiast or if you're simply just a casual observer, then you're likely to find yourself impressed and often lost for words at the incredible buildings that you will encounter while travelling in Tuscany. While travel is yet a good way off for most of us, we can dream and look ahead to a time in which it is possible once more. And, in the meantime, we can take a look at just five of the most unique architectural gems in Tuscany and start adding the ones that most take our fancy to bucket lists that are, no doubt, growing by the day in this time of social-distancing. Here are our picks of just five of the most incredible architectural feats that you can find in Tuscany, as we see it:

1. Cappella Della Madonna Vitaleta

Nestled among the iconic winding roads and perfect rolling hills of the Val D’Orcia the Chapel of the Madonna di Vitaleta, or La Cappella della Madonna Vitaleta, emerges like an image too picturesque, too symmetrical, too perfect for real life. This evocative scene has been the subject of endless photographs and postcards and for good reason, it is like an image plucked from the pages of a story book and is an example of a building and setting coexisting in perfect harmony.

Florence is famously the birthplace of the Renaissance and one of the most important hubs of art and culture in Europe to this day. As such, it is an ideal holiday destination for those who are interested in architecture, sculpture, painting, music, theatrical productions, garden design, fashion, and much more besides. If you want to fill a vacation with beautiful treats for all of the senses and some of the greatest artistic works that man has ever produced, then a luxury villa in Florence and a city break in the artistic capital is a must.

Upon arrival, you will quickly find that there is no shortage of incredible museums, galleries, villas, churches, and more stuffed with wonderful works of art to be admired. However, among the more famous names of the likes of the Uffizi and the Duomo, we also recommend a visit to the equally wonderful Museo Nazionale del Bargello, or the Bargello Museum.

If you are interested in all things traditional, historic, well-made, and beautiful then a luxury villa in Florence is always going to be a good idea. The city, as a whole, is an exceptional beauty that boasts the most extraordinary architectural gems, museums filled with world-famous works of art and stunning objects made in Tuscany throughout history, elegant eateries and bars, luxurious apartments and villas, perfectly manicured gardens, workshops in which incredible goods are still made by hand, lavish boutiques in which you can buy said luxury goods, and much more besides. Tradition is alive and well alongside contemporary life and is embraced by the city and its occupants. If you are interested in dipping your toe into how life used to be lived and experience it, and the beautiful, lasting, non-disposable items that went with it, for yourself then heading to Florence is an excellent plan. Come and buy the most wonderful, unique, and well-made souvenirs from delicious delicacies to leather goods and everything in between.

You’ve finally decided to do it and plan that trip to Tuscany that you have always dreamed about but now that you’re looking into it, you’re not quite sure when is the best time to go. Will the summer be too hot for you? Will the spring not be warm enough? Is it too busy or too quiet at certain times of the year? When is it most expensive? These are all questions to keep in mind. So, if you’re wondering when is the best time to visit one of the world's most beloved travel destinations, then read on to our travel guide and travel tips and decide what time of the year sounds like it would best suit you. Then, find a luxury villa in Tuscany and count down the days until your trip to Italy!

Is Spring a good time of year to go to Tuscany?

Spring (March to May) is an excellent time of year to visit for those interested in fewer crowds, smaller queues for things, milder weather, abundant greenery, and lower prices. From March onwards, the weather gets more reliable and temperatures increase. There is some chance of snow, but not that much of a chance, and rain is to be expected some days but you can also expect up to 12 hours of sunlight by the end of the month and average maximum temperatures of 15°C. By April, the countryside is lush and filled with flowers and fruit trees in bloom. The average maximum temperature rises to 19°C, though cooler days are common and evenings are brisk with a low of around 9°C to be expected. Come May, things are getting busier and this is one of the most popular months to visit Tuscany. Temperatures can reach 24°C or more in some parts of the region, rain is uncommon, and there are over 15 hours of daylight.