The Bravio festival in Montepulciano - Tuscany

The Bravio festival in Montepulciano – photo by Ellepizero

You’ve heard of the Palio of Siena; the world famous horserace set around the city’s central square. But what about the ‘Bravio’ of Montepulciano; a small town of ancient Etruscan origin, located south of Siena and home to stunning surrounding countryside. Both of these competitions in Siena and Montepulciano are between city districts, or ‘contrade’, and both draw thousands of visitors and hold spectacular celebrations, but that’s where the similarities end. Because in Montepulciano, the race doesn’t involve horses, it involves wine barrelsContinue reading »

The Siena tower of "Mangia" Tuscany

The Siena tower of “Mangia”, photo by Gary Ashley

Siena is one of Italy’s finest and most beautiful medieval cities. There are a whole host of things to do in Siena, but a visit to the spectacular Piazza del Campo should definitely be at the top of your list. It is one of the greatest medieval squares in all of Europe, and functions as the principle square in Siena. As well as the incredible Palazzo Publico, showcasing a fine example of gothic architecture, there is another fascinating building to discover; namely the Torre del Mangia, or to translate: the Tower of the Eater! Continue reading »

The monumental cemetery of Pisa

The monumental cemetery of Pisa – photo by sluzzelîn

Pisa may be very well known for a certain leaning tower, but this Tuscan city is home to much more than that. As well as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of the most visited attractions in Pisa, Italy, is the Campo Santo Monumentale, or the Monumental Cemetery. This cemetery, which literally translates as ‘Holy Field’, can be found on the famous Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa. But what is so special about this particular cemetery? Continue reading »

David Michelangelo and Venus Botticelli

Two real sex symbols: David and Venus. The David image is by Dan LXIX

Where can you find two of the most famous sex symbols in history? Those in question are of course Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Venus, and they can both be found in the beautiful city of Florence. Housed in Florence’s Accademia Museum and the Uffizi Gallery respectively, these Renaissance masterpieces are not only a joy to witness, but are also said to be true prototypes of beauty in human beings. Continue reading »

Cappuccino Florence

In a city like Florence, which is simply bursting with things to see and do, a nice place to stop for a refreshment is an absolute necessity. And luckily, Florence is full of great cafes and coffee shops! Some cafes in Florencego back a pretty long way, so it’s not only a delicious, frothy cappuccino you’ll be getting, but a slice of Florentine history too… Continue reading »

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