The first Jewish community in Florence dates back to Florence has one of the oldest continuous Jewish communities in Europe. Though there are some mentions of Jews in Florence as far back as the 12th century, the community really started growing in the 14th century. Most people worked as merchants […]
The beautiful city of Siena, in the centre of Tuscany, hosts the famous Palio twice a year. This exciting historical horse race, where the different contrade (city wards) face off to find out which one will be crowned the winner for the rest of the year, takes place on July […]
The beautiful city of Lucca, in the North West of Tuscany managed to stay a City State for most of its history. But come 1805, the town was conquered by Napoleon. The French Emperor placed his sister, Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, as ruler. She was named the Princess of Lucca. There […]
The traditional bottle of Chianti red has a very distinctive shape, tapered at the top with a rounded straw covered bottom. Though these bottles are slowly disappearing from most Italian tables and are almost only sold as souvenirs, they still carry a legacy and long standing history. In this article […]
The Medici family is synonymous to the Italian Renaissance. They made Florence into the hub of the Humanist movement in Italy and Southern Europe. This extremely wealthy family of bankers managed to become the unofficial rulers of the city through business and political manoeuvring. The Medicis have always been patrons […]
Tuscany isn’t all about about art and architecture. In order to get a complete Tuscan experience, don’t overlook its stunning countryside. A great way to experience the slow pace and natural beauty of Tuscany is to take a few days off the beaten track and stay on a farm. Most […]
The Arezzo province has a lot to offer. It is rich in history and nature and boasts quite a few Medieval castles. Here are two that are a reasonable distance from Florence. Both Castello dei Conti Guidi and Castello di Gargonza aren’t easy to reach with public transportation, consider renting […]
Tuscany is full natural hot springs. Most are high end spas that offer all kinds of health and beauty treatments. There are still a few outdoor hot springs that are immersed in nature and free. If you are willing to experience the wilder side of Tuscany, Bagni San Filippo or […]
Montalcino, capital of Brunello wine, is one of the most important and beautiful cities in scenic Val d’Orcia. The hilly landscape has not only been fertile ground for wine makers but also the perfect defensive outposts for castles and fortresses. Castello Banfi, Montalcino Castello di Poggio alle Mura is the […]
Tuscany has always fascinated the world with its history and architectural beauty. Most British aristocrats would include Florence and Tuscany in their Grand Tour. But not many know that English architectural styles had a strong influence in Italy. Here are three original castles that have Medieval origins but were rebuilt […]
