Archive for 'Churches & Religious Buildings'

Catherine of Siena was a Dominican tertiary, philosopher and theologian. Born in the 14th century, she began having visions of Christ at the age of five or six. At seven, she had decided to devote her life to God. She resisted marriage as a young woman until she was eventually allowed to join the Dominican Order. She was known for helping the sick and poor and launching reform campaigns among the faithful. Catherine even went so far as to become involved in political matters like swaying the loyalties of cities back towards the papal armies. Her writings spread her word further and gained more followers but she also became known for extreme devotion, eventually dying due to her refusal to eat.

Siena Cathedral, or the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, is a 13th century church in Siena, Tuscany. As it houses works by Donatello, Bernini, Michelangelo and Cimabue (among others) and is one of the main sights in the city, chances are that it is already on many itineraries of visitors to the city. However, if you have found a luxury villa in Siena and are making the trip there this summer, there is even more reason to visit the Cathedral.

Holidays can be expensive things, especially in European main cities such as Florence.

You want to invest the bulk of your money into finding the perfect luxury villa near Florence, into food and souvenirs. You want to enjoy yourself without worrying overly about a budget.

One of the best ways to do this is find things to do that won't cost you an arm and a leg; or better yet, that are free.

This is a list of things you can do in Florence for free.

The beautiful medieval town of Pistoia is characterised by colourful iconic buildings such as the octagonal Baptistery and the Duomo. However, just a stone's throw away is the lovely little Church of San Leone. This little gem, sometimes referred to as a “little Sistine Chapel” is a building with origins in the 14th century and a long history of alterations and adornments stretching into the 18th century. Only recently restored and reopened, its not to be missed!

Why not find a Tuscan luxury villa nearby and spend a leisurely day discovering this and the other little secrets Pistoia has to offer?

Spend a fascinating few hours in the welcoming town of Calci in Pisa province. The origin of the town’s name comes from the Latin terms ‘calx’ and ‘calcis’ meaning lime. This mineral is abundant in stone quarries around Calci town.

Choose from a wide range of stunning Tuscan luxury villas or peacefully located vacation rentals with a pool in the Calci area.

This quaint little commune is tucked in the amphitheatre shaped Val Grazioso at the foot of the Pisa Mountains. Calci is surrounded by olive groves, chestnut forests and fragrant pine woods which make it look like a perfect scene out of a fairy tale!