Archive for 'Churches & Religious Buildings'

Borgo San Lorenzo is a pretty little town in Tuscany, situated in the province of Florence. It’s close to the other cosy Tuscan towns of Fiesole, Scarperia, Vicchio and Marradi. Tourists are sure to love a morning or afternoon strolling around this old town that is believed to be of Etruscan origin. Why not stay in Florence city itself, only thirty kilometres away.

You could relax in a beautiful apartment in Florence where you can enjoy all the Renaissance treasures and monuments it has to offer. Then escape from all the noise and people by coming to Borgo San Lorenzo and neighbouring settlements for a day of touring!

The quaint little village of Pomaia in the Santa Luce municipality of Pisa is home to one of the largest Tibetan monasteries in the western world, the Lama Tzong Khapa Insitute! This peaceful sanctuary attracts thousands of visitors every year who come here on day retreats or even to study some of the spiritual courses these wise monks offer.

For those wishing to include a trip to this fascinating place on their next Tuscan vacation, why not book into a charming holiday villa in Pomaia village where they can be right beside it.

There’s so much to do and see in Tuscany on your next vacation here, and you won’t even have to spend cent to experience them! One thing you might have to pay for is accommodation but there are many great value last minute Tuscany holiday villa deals available all year around so why not go for it?

If you enjoy exercising then why not embark on a beautiful sightseeing tour of Tuscany by foot? Pull on your best hiking shoes and pack up a tasty lunch to bring with you on your travels. Choose from many magnificent mountain treks through the Apennines and the Apuan Alps that are well signposted by the Italian Alpine Club.

You can notice their routes by the red and white signposts that are set up alongside them. Discover the breathtaking views of Tuscany from great heights and take photographs that you'll treasure forever. There are few places on earth more beautiful to lay out a delicious picnic and watch the world from above!

If you are staying in or even passing through the Casentino valley in Tuscany, a worthwhile visit would be one to the town of Chiusi della Verna. The sanctuary of La Verna, founded by St. Francis of Assisi, is located near the top of Mount Penna above the town of Chiusi della Verna. It is said to be one of the most peaceful places to be on earth.

There are many visitors to these parts because this is where St. Francis of Assisi lived for his final years in solitude with his fellow Franciscan monks. The nearby Basilica Maggiore contains terracotta sculpture by the famous Andrea della Robbia. Also to be viewed by the tourist is the Chapel of Relics which contains possessions of St. Francis when he was alive. There is a tablecloth, some crockery and a walking stick.

The most unusual artefact found is a ‘disciplina’, an iron handle whip used in a common Christian practice of ‘Mortification of the Flesh’, where monks would routinely whip their own flesh in penance for their sins. A relic of the saint’s blood staining a linen cloth can also be seen here. It’s carried around Chiusi della Verna during holy celebrations. After a visit to this sanctuary, a half hour of hiking would bring you to the summit of Mount Penna where the views are breath taking!

A fascinating legend to learn about on your holiday to Tuscany could be the one that originated in the hills of the Amiata in the south of the region. There is a fine selection of luxury villas with swimming pool available all across the south Tuscany area for visitors to spend a few days exploring the area and learning about the famous image of the Virgin Mary.

One version of the legend tells the story of a shepherd who herded his sheep in the Amiata hills and one day found a large fallen branch that seemed to be in the shape of a parent holding their child. He felt inspired to carve a statue of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus as he watched over his sheep during the long days and nights.

But as time passed, he became discontented with how it looked and eventually threw it into the fire in annoyance. You can imagine his shock when he heard a female voice crying from the fire, ‘Please don’t burn me, please!’ He hurriedly quenched the fire and ran towards the nearest village to tell them what had happened in the belief that Mary had spoken to him and wanted the carving to be preserved.