Archive for 'Tourist Attractions'

In the beautiful hilltop village of Montalcino you will be gifted with the sight of colourful hills, valleys of red and yellow flowers, ripening olive trees and delicious sunshine as you look at the beauty and peace that surrounds this place. Only a short drive along a winding road outside the fortified walls of Montalcino stands the breathtaking Sant’Antimo Abbey. This 12th century Benedictine monastery, famous for its architecture and the many legends which encase it seems perfectly situated in its isolation.

Surrounded by the fruits of nature, this majestic Abbey will evoke a sense of awe and wonderment among any visitor who encounters it. There are many picturesque villas and other types of accommodation here to rent and enjoy the picturesque countryside all around.

One of the most popular legends enveloping the Abbey says that it was founded in 781 by Charlemagne, a famous Frankish leader also known as the ‘Father of Europe’. He and his army were travelling back from Rome when he noticed his men falling ill with a mysterious virus. They stopped to rest and Charlemagne had a vision of an angel telling him to make a drink infusion using a local herb and to give it to his soldiers to drink. The cure worked and as a token of his gratitude, Charlemagne ordered a church to be built on this site in honour of this miracle.

Set in a luscious valley around forty kilometres from Siena city, lies the breathtaking ruins of the San Galgano Abbey. This medieval Cistercense building attracts many visitors who gaze upon its beautifully designed Romanesque walls and columns. In the hills and valleys surrounding this magnificent building are some beautiful self catering farmhouses, villas and other holiday rentals available to enjoy a peaceful and inspirational stay. What makes this 13th century Abbey look so surreal is its missing roof and grass floor; it seems to have perfectly merged with nature and many have spoken of the peaceful feeling they get as they walk around its walls.

The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (English: Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower) is the main church of Florence, Italy. The Duomo, as it is ordinarily called, was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style to the design of Arnolfo di Cambio and completed structurally in 1436 with the dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi.
The exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink bordered by white and has an elaborate 19th century Gothic Revival façade by Emilio De Fabris.


The cathedral complex, located in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile. The three buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the historic centre of Florence and are a major attraction to tourists visiting the region of Tuscany. The basilica is one of Italy's largest churches, and until development of new structural materials in the modern era, the dome was the largest in the world. It remains the largest brick dome ever constructed.
The cathedral is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Florence, whose archbishop is currently Giuseppe Betori.

Valdarno has a very unique look, and plenty of attractions to please visitors with a variety of interests. It is found on the Arno River, which has its own gorge that contributes to the area's unique landscape.

You'll find that a lot of people who visit the area are very interested in spending time outdoors. Browse our vacation rentals in the valley, and start planning now your next trip to Italy.

The town of Buonconvento is one of the nicest places to visit in Tuscany! It dates back to the 10th century, and maintains a lot of its original charm to this day. Tourists wishing to stay in the area for a few days have a superb choice of local luxury villas where they can relax after some fascinating exploration.

The ancient walls that surround Buonconvento are a very impressive sight to behold! Some of the most noteworthy places to visit in the town include the Teatro dei Risorti, the Civic Tower, the Town Hall, and the Church of Saints Pietro and Paulo.

Another lovely tourist attraction worth visiting is the Museo di Arte Sacra della Val d'Arbia, which contains a glittering treasure of silver and gold artefacts and some stunning sacred paintings dating back to the 14th century. Admire the beautifully detailed architecture of this building and others in Buonconvento.

These historical monuments were created with such care and skill that those who gaze upon them can be nothing less than amazed at the craftsmanship. Be sure to bring your camera to take plenty of photos to take home and treasure!