Archive for 'Florence in Italy'

Are you a serious book worm who is dreaming of a getaway to a perfect villa in Florence? Are you looking for attractions that are a little off the beaten track and suitable for those who love nothing more than a great read and evocative settings? Well, then why not head to a café with an unbeatable view of the city’s Duomo that is located inside an especially scenic public library? Sounds like a perfect bookish adventure on vacation in Tuscany to us!

The Biblioteca delle Oblate, or the Oblate Library, is located inside a former convent building that is right in the historic centre of Florence, mere steps from the city’s grand cathedral and its towering dome overhead. The Oblate complex itself dates back to the 14th century and was transformed into a public library in the 20th century. In 1953 it was named the central municipal library of Florence. 

The author of this article happened to study art history at university and particularly admired the dreamy mythological paintings of one Sandro Botticelli but only from a distance for a great many years. Upon finally seeing one in real life, the resulting sobbing and outpouring of emotion at their beauty may have alarmed the gallery security staff quite a bit...

Many of us, in fact, are familiar with his works (especially the likes of the beyond iconic Birth of Venus) from their recurring use and appearances throughout pop culture and art but it is a rather different experience to get to see these stunning paintings in person and with your own eyes. Art-lovers and those interested in the great Renaissance Masters should certainly seek Botticelli out and, luckily, if you are planning a vacation in Italy, you will have plenty of opportunities to do so in museums all over the country.

Here are a list of the various museums in question, their locations, and the works that they house for your reference and convenience if you are thinking about booking one of our villas in Italy and are looking to make time to seek out some Botticelli works during your stay:

The pretty town of Impruneta boasts great proximity to Florence (it is in the metropolitan area, around 14km away from the city), a location among the rolling green hills and vineyards of Chianti. It is also impossibly pretty and charming in its own right, with a wonderful historic core featuring elegant palazzi, wide piazze, and leafy greenery throughout. Residenza Del Dosco is a gorgeous duplex apartment in a historic building right in this beautiful old town and is the perfect place to experience all the delights of a dream getaway in Tuscany…

Florence, as we have noted before, is famous as the birthplace of the Renaissance and for her museums. However, in addition to incredible works of art indoors, many of the former palaces and historic architectural gems also boast gardens outdoors that are works of art in their own right. In fact, Florence is a great city to visit if you love admiring great gardens and beautiful blooms and if you enjoy taking a breather to wander or lounge in pretty parks.

Among the array of incredible parks and gardens that are open to the public in the city, the resplendent Boboli Gardens stands out as utterly magical and unforgettable – a must for any garden enthusiast who has booked a vacation rental in Florence!

Most likely, if you are booking a villa in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, you’re going to want to visit some of her famous museums. Among the list of extraordinary art institutions of the city that are stuffed with masterpieces by many of the most famous names in the history of art, the Uffizi Gallery stands out as probably the must-see example. Of course, you may want to visit more and other galleries and museums throughout your vacation in Florence but this is certainly the best-known option and for good reason. Sprawling, beautiful in its own right, boasting amazing views over the city from its terrace, and full of outstanding works, it is an important tourist attraction for any art-lover coming to the city. Set aside a few hours, make sure you’ve had a snack and something to drink beforehand, and then come dive in so you can put a little dent in the astounding collections of the museum.