Archive for 'Museums & Galleries'

Siena has a rich artistic tradition and many fantastic examples of the art produced there during the Middle Ages and Renaissance still remain in the churches, galleries and public buildings. The school of painting in Siena flourished between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries and, at one stage, even rivalled that of Florence in beauty and importance. Unlike Florentine art, however, it favoured the traditional and decorative over the humanistic and forward-thinking. The art there remained somewhat Gothic in style, even throughout the Renaissance.

Florence is rife with museums and you'll never be stuck for one to visit but if you're after something a little off the beaten track, you might consider the Stibbert Museum. Less well-known to international tourists but with an astounding collection, it is hugely extensive with a wide range of objects and art works from around the world.

The museum also has a coffee shop, book store and a particularly lovely garden surrounding – you may never want to leave! If this sounds like something that might pique your interest, why not find the perfect luxury villa in Florence and spend a day admiring the collection, strolling the grounds and grabbing a coffee?

Located in Piazza dei Giudici, not far from the Uffizi, is Palazzo Castellani. The eleventh century building takes its name from its last private owners, the Castellani family and has been home to the Museo Galileo, or Institute and Museum of the History of Science, since 1930.

It displays an important collection of scientific instruments from the 13th century onwards and sheds light on the scientific tradition of Florence which is sometimes forgotten in favour of its artistic heritage.

It developed from the interests of the Medici and Lorraine families who added to scientific collections, as well as artistic ones, from the 17th into the 19th centuries.

San Gimignano is a walled medieval hill town in the province of Siena in Tuscany. It is most well known for its many medieval tower houses, historic city centre and the white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Picturesque, historic and quaint, it's probably the last place one would imagine hosts a Medieval Torture Museum. However, the museum is not merely a grisly and macabre tourist attraction but also an educational tool used to inform visitors about contemporary human rights abuses.

In 2011, iconic Italian luxury brand, Gucci opened a museum in the historic heart of the city. Located in the Piazza della Signoria, only metres from the Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio, the Gucci Museo, or Museum, occupies three floors of the Palazzo della Mercanzia. The museum showcases products from the brand from bags to cars and also houses a café, bookshop and giftshop. For any fashion lovers visiting the city, fans of the label or people looking to do something a little different or experience a different kind of museum, it's a must-see.

Find a luxury villa in Florence and complete the whole luxury experience by dropping by!