Archive for 'Pisa'

Come to Tuscany to enjoy the best Christmas holiday you’ve ever had with your family! This is considered to be the most important celebration in the Italian calendar as children eagerly await the coming of Santa Claus and many adults enjoy going to the religious ceremonies that take place in their local parish. Why not treat yourselves to the very best by staying in one of many available Tuscany luxury villas during your vacation?

Visit the many cities, towns and villages across Tuscany that are decorated with twinkling lights, Christmas trees and colourful ornaments; wonderful smells fill the air as families busily prepare lots of traditional Christmas food.

All the cities and many of the region’s towns host a superb Christmas market for visitors to experience. It’s a true delight to walk around this warm and welcoming atmosphere and see the exquisite crafts and delicacies for sale.

You may have read our previous article about the great work of a non-profit Italian organization called the FAI (Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano). They launched an innovative project called ‘Luoghi del Cuore’ which is aimed at raising awareness of national cultural and historical attractions which have fallen into disrepair and require funding to restore them to their former glory.

This year the votes are pouring in and so far in 2014, a beautiful Tuscan landmark called the ‘Certosa of Calci’ is leading the way! Situated only ten kilometres from Pisa is an ancient monastery of the Certosine Order in Graziosa Valley. Founded in 1366 it began as a humble residence of monks and continued as one for several centuries.

Stay in a charming villa rental in Pisa where you can easily visit the Certosa of Calci among many other intriguing attractions in the province.

Spend a few days at a glorious vacation rental in Pisa and discover all that this wonderful city has to offer! See all of its wonderful attractions including lavish palaces, decorative churches, busy squares and of course the UNESCO awarded Piazza dei Miracoli!

Pisa city is situated at the meeting of the River Arno and the River Serchio which both pour into a lagoon before flowing out to sea. An ancient Etruscan city once stood here dating back to the 5th century.

Due to its perfect sea trading position, Pisa grew massively in size and wealth during the expansion of the Roman Empire.

Its advanced water transport system, both inland via the two rivers or out to sea helped Pisa remain as a powerful city when other once great cities were falling into financial decline.

In 1278 construction began on what was to become the majestic monumental cemetery in Pisa beside Piazza dei Miracoli. Designed by Giovanni di Simone, this fascinating space is home to a large collection of Roman tombs and beautiful 15th century frescoes.

These mesmerising images, many depicting themes of life and death were painted by Taddeo Gaddi, Benozzo Gozzoli and Andrea Bonaiuti to name but a few.

Despite that many of them were exposed to a lot of damage during World War II, they have been carefully restored and are up on display for the public to enjoy once more.

The Duomo of Pisa stands proudly in Piazza dei Miracoli, a magnificent architectural masterpiece! Founded in 1064, this huge building of intricately carved stone and marble didn’t reach completion until near the end of the 12th century. A devastating fire in 1595 destroyed a large section of it but the faithful people of Pisa quickly sought to redesign their beloved cathedral to return to its former glory.

Stay in a lovely luxury holiday villa around Pisa where you can travel into the city and see all the attractions it has to offer.