Santissima Annunciata church in Florence photo by dleiva on Flickr
With so many beautiful sights in this wonderful Renaissance city, it is impossible to be stuck for ideas on what to see in Florence. One of the things that draws people here, is the number of beautiful churches in Florence. From the oldest church in the city, San Lorenzo, to the unique façade of the Santo Spirito church and of course, the incredible cathedral dome, there are many to choose from. But one of the most special churches has to be Florence’s Santissima Annunziata; said to be the site of a miracle… Continue reading »
Doors of Paradise Florence Italy – photo by panoramio.com
Tuscany is well-known for its beautiful monuments and churches. There are many attractions in Florence and Pisa that draw thousands of visitors each year, including the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. However, visitors are also keen to visit a couple of very famous doors in Tuscany too!
As well as the Leaning Tower, which stands proudly (if not exactly upright!) in the Piazza dei Miracoli or Field of Miracles, you will also find other famous Pisa attractions; the Baptistery, the Monumental Cemetery and of course, the Duomo. The grand St. Ranieri Duomo of Pisa, which was constructed in the 11th century, is definitely a sight to behold. Even though it has a spectacular façade with three main doors, traditionally worshippers never used these doors to enter the building. Continue reading »
Perseo and medusa – photo of Carlo Bonini
Florence is full of great masterpieces; Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, to name just a couple. But there is one particular tale of Greek mythology that prompted the creation of not one but two masterpieces in Florence. The tale of Perseo and Medusa influenced Cellini’s Perseo and Medusa statue, located in the famous Piazza della Signoria, and also Caravaggio’s Medusa head painting, which can be found in the Uffizi museum in Florence. Continue reading »
The statue of Giacomo Puccini in Lucca. Photo by ConspiracyofHappiness
Many great artists and musicians throughout history hailed from Tuscany. One of the most famous Tuscan composers is undoubtedly Giacomo Puccini. Born in 1858, and whose full name was actually Giacomo Antonio Domenico Michele Secondo Maria Puccini, (it’s no wonder he was just called Giacomo!) this Tuscan is known as one of the greatest Italian composers. He was appreciated for his ‘operatic realism’, and of course, the well-known Madame Butterfly. But there was more to Giacomo’s life than just composing… Continue reading »
Ready for the grape harvesting in Chianti. Photo by @nnalis@ on Flickr
The word ‘Chianti’ is synonymous with the excellent, world-famous wine. But it is not only the wine that is instantly recognisable; the Chianti region itself is known for being one of the most beautiful areas in all of Italy. With lush green landscape, rolling hills, hectares of olive groves and vineyards and woodland composed of cypress, chestnut, oak and pine trees, it’s no wonder that so many people flock here to enjoy the peace and tranquillity, as well as the good wine! And one of the best ways to discover Chianti is by taking a trip along the Chiantigiana road… Continue reading »