History and culture
Archive for the ‘History & Culture’ Category
Italy is bursting with history and culture, and the beautiful region of Tuscany is no exception. With the traditional village of San Gimignano and its incredible towers, the enchanting and compelling museums in beautiful Florence and the interesting history behind Pisa’s famous slanting tower, this part of Italy will not disappoint with its variety of historic tales and rich culture. Take a look at this category to get all the information you need!
The beautiful Renaissance city of Florence was the home to one of the most famous and influential families in all of the city’s history. The family in question is of course the Medici family, who were not only incredibly powerful but also extremely wealthy. One of the most important members of this Florentine family [...]
Are you keen on experiencing some incredible Italian opera? Well, look no further than the Renaissance city of Florence. Opera is a product of Florentine thinkers and dates back to the sixteenth century, when a rise in theatrical performances took place under the powerful Medici rule. So why not enjoy opera at its very famous, [...]
Siena’s Duomo, or cathedral, has been attracting huge numbers of tourists for many years. Drawn by the incredible thirteenth century gothic architecture and impressive collection of art, it is always at the top of every visitor’s itinerary. And if the stunning aesthetics of Siena Cathedral weren’t already enough to capture your interest, then the recent [...]
What you may not know about the beautiful Tuscan city of Siena, is that it is actually made up of many small districts, all with their own church and museum, an emblem, and a host of traditions. These neighbourhoods are called the contrade of Siena. Although they have no political function, the people who belong [...]
In the peaceful area of Oltrarno, Florence, you will find the quiet and unassuming Santo Spirito church, or to use its full name: Basilica of Santa Maria del Santo Spirito. It may not look like much from the outside, but you can rest assured that this particular church is in fact a true masterpiece of [...]
The Renaissance in Florence was a time of artistic and cultural upheaval, with names such as Michelangelo, Donatello and Leonardo Da Vinci making their mark in history. But during this period, there were several other Florentines, namely the famous Pazzi family, who wanted to make changes in society, and definitely not with paintbrushes. The Pazzi [...]
There are a great many museums in Florence, but nothing quite compares to one very special Florence attraction: namely the magnificent Vasari Corridor. Fancy stepping into the shoes of the famous Medici family and seeing how they crossed into the centre of Florence, without having to face wind, rain, undesirable folk and of course, threats [...]
The region of Tuscany is home to picturesque countryside, amazing views and incredible beaches. But one part that really stands out among the others, is the Ligurian coast. With its collection of compact settlements, including Portovenere and the famous Cinque Terre, the stunning views, natural stone houses and winding streets make this area of Tuscany [...]
Undoubtedly one of the most famous saints of Siena, is Catherine of Siena. Born in 1347, this woman was to become an incredibly important figure in Italian history, and later would even be declared a patron saint of Italy. But although much of the information about Catherine is factual, there is also a very special [...]
There are many shopping tours in Florence, Italy, but none quite convey the beauty and creativity of this incredible city, like a Florentine handicraft tour. Traditionally, handicraft in Tuscany was one of the most important activities used to bolster the region’s economy, and there’s no better place to gain an insight into the true artistic [...]
“The piazza is packedwith a rabble of poor, filthy peasants. The bell tolls nine, and the crowd’s attention focuses on three men. Having been victims of cruel degredation, they now stand in their under garments, ready to be strung up and burnt to death…”
One of the most famous structures in the beautiful city of Florence is the Palazzo Vecchio, which stands in the historically significant Piazza della Signoria. This incredible place has been the city’s town hall for about 700 years, but this wasn’t its only purpose. The Palazzo Vecchio in Florence is bursting with intrigue, beauty and [...]
Christmas in Florence is not to be missed. To celebrate the festive season, Florence’s streets and historic centre come alive with Christmas magic. Nativities of all shapes and sizes can be found in and around Florence. Many are lifelike and others are, well, actually alive!
Nestled on a hilltop in the region of Umbria, lies the magnificent settlement of Assisi. Part of the province of Perugia, this town is known all over the world. You may have heard the name ‘Assisi’, and perhaps may have thought of it as some kind of ‘important religious place with a great big church’. [...]
Situated in the unspoilt Tuscan countryside and overlooking the Elsa Valley at no less than 334 metres high, is the medieval town of San Gimignano, (yes, it is rather tricky to pronounce!) with its famous ‘belle Torri’ or ‘beautiful towers’. Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, the towers were used to watch out for [...]