Tuscany Map
Map description
MASSA CARRARA
The Province of Massa Carrara is situated in the northernmost part of Tuscany, not far from well-known places such as the Golfo dei Poeti, the “Cinque Terre” and Tuscan art cities like Lucca, Florence and Pisa. Here, nature has created a perfect harmony between land and sea. The Apuan Alps, famous for their marble quarries, overlo
LUCCA
A favourable location on the plain at the foot of the first spurs of Apennines and an abundance of water seem to have been the reason for the foundation of the city by the Romans in 180 BC. The rectangular grid of its historical centre preserves the Roman street plan. Nowadays the church of San Michele, named, because of its Roman origin, San Mich
PISTOIA
A Roman colony, used as military stronghold against the Ligurian tribes living in the nearby Apennines, Pistoia developed because of the road network. In fact the opening of a new stretch of Via Cassia (the consular road linking Rome with the Etruscan cities of the interior and Lunigiana) made it a junction of primary importance.Recent archeological investigations<
PRATO
FLORENCE
Just a few notes, intended, not for the ordinary tourist but, for the wise traveller, ready to relish the town, to capture that special flavour which will urge him to return in the future, so as to add a new tessera to the never-ending mosaic of Florence. Let us start from the town's religious hub and enjoy the great visual impact of the dramatic dome of 
AREZZO
Today a city of goldsmiths and antiquarians, in effect its monthly antique fair is the most important in Italy, Arezzo also attracts numerous tourists with the annual revival of the medieval tradition of the “Giostra del Saracino”, Joust of the Saracen.But actually Arezzo is much more than that.
Important Etruscan centre known to the Romans as Arre
SIENA
Like most Tuscan hill towns, Siena was founded by the Etruscans. According to legend, however, it had Roman origins having been founded by Senius, son of Remus, thus the town’s emblem: a she-wolf suckling the infants Romulus and Remus. Since it was not situated on any of the major roads and had no possibility for trade, Siena had to await the inva
GROSSETO
Grosseto lies in the south west of Tuscany, in the area known as the Alta Maremma. It is first mentioned in the 9th century as the fief of a noble family, the Aldobrandeschi. It grew in importance over the years with the decline of the Etruscan town of Rusellæ, whose ruins can still be admired at about five miles from the to
PISA
Pisa’s origins are controversial: proposed founders are the Ligurians, the Etruscans, the Greeks and the Romans. Its history tends to dissolve into mythology: it might have taken part in the war of Troy. Nevertheless its connexion with the 2nd Punic war is a historical event which laid the foundation of its subsequent naval and military power and of its role of “guardian” of the T
LEGHORN
Situated on the southern edge of the vast plain of the Arno River, Livorno was exposed to frequent raids from the sea and to the problems of a territory largely consisting of ponds and marshes. It was for a long time just a landing place. Archaeological investigations reveal the existence of a scant settlement near Castiglioncello, bringing to light an interesting
Province of Pistoia
A Roman colony, used as military stronghold against the Ligurian tribes living in the nearby Apennines, Pistoia developed because of the road network. In fact the opening of a new stretch of Via Cassia (the consular road linking Rome with the Etruscan cities of the interior and Lunigiana) made it a junction of primary importance.Recent archeological investigations in the area of the cathedral San Zeno have revealed the continuity of the urban strata, spanning more than twenty centuries of history.
Actually it played in the 4th and 5th centuries an important role at the time of barbarian invasions, putting up a long resistance to the advance of Longobards.
The economic success certainly stemmed from its position in the road system, but the abundant supply of water and the timber of the nearby mountains played a fundamental role in the emergence of manufacturing activities such as wool, paper, wood, still flourishing today. Nor should we forget the smelting of iron ore from Elba isle, already under way in the Etruscan period and elevated to the status of a true “industry” under the Medici.
However the precocious “industrial” vocation was not matched by an adequate political stability and the city after the 13th century golden age lost its political influence, falling under the sway of Pisa, Lucca and finally Florence in 1530.
The shared artistic heritage is quite evident in the Romanesque style of the Pisan-Luccan style of the cathedral of San Zeno, hub of the city's memories.
Travellers in the past have remarked on the quantity and quality of the sculptures and carved decorations which appear to be a distinctive trait of religious architecture in Pistoia, difficult even to hint in a such scanty amount of place.
Let us remember the cathedral portico decorated by Andrea della Robbia, the numerous lintels carved in relief by Gruamonte, the pulpits of great value by Giovanni Pisano or churches like Sant'Andrea, San Bartolomeo in Pantano,San Pier Maggiore, San Giovanni Fuorcivitas,San Paolo, San Francesco and the later basilica of the Madonna dell'Umiltà, whose powerful impact on the city's skyline is due to the imposing dome built by Vasari in the 16th century.
Last but not least the former monastery of Sant'Antonio Abate, splendidly frescoed in the 14th and 15th centuries which now houses the center named after Marino Marini, the important 20th century sculptor, born in Pistoia and much appreciated by international art collectors such as the American Peggy Guggenheim.
Le Piastre - RIF. S33
Located in a tiny, old hamlet at 800 m above sea level, and 15 km from Pistoia, in the north west of Tuscany, these holiday apartments for rent are in a quiet area, far from the madding crowd, with a spectacular panoramic view. Perfect for a relaxing holiday surrounded by nature. These holiday accommodations consist of 4 independent self-catering apartments, recently restored. They can accommodate up to 12 people and a swimming pool is available to clients. Nearby one can visit medieval villages and an ancient factory, where ice was once made, called Le Piastre on the river Reno. Ideal position for daily trips to the art cities of Florence, Pisa or Lucca.
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Montecatini Terme - RIF. S80
In the middle of the green countryside of Tuscan hills, You will find a family run holiday house, originally built in 1670. This nice and calm place is located nearby the well known thermal town of Montecatini Terme. The villa provides a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere for every kind of individual outdoor activities without renouncing cultural visits of all the famous cities of art in Tuscany. The inviting accommodation of the site is arranged according a luxury and elegant Italian furniture style and serves our guests comfort, italian atmosphere and a extraordinary pleasant stay. You will find a pool in the middle of a green park in the backyard of the house for every kind of refreshment, peaceful relaxing and joyous evenings at the site. Barbecue and private car parking
Wonderful known places like Florence (30 km), Lucca (30km), Pisa (50km) and Versilia at the seaside (50km) are easily accessable and near enough to be visited in one day trips. We are generally pleased to give our guests hints and proposals on how to organize your preferred itinerary.
The villa has 6 bedrooms, arranged with period furniture, 4 of them equipped with en-suite bathroom. The attic room is especially equipped with a small living room and bathroom. The wide kitchen room with fireplace and two nice niche living rooms downstairs, invite our guests to stay comfortable and guarentees a well and rich catering.
Two enchanting verandas allow resting and relaxing without beeing obliged to leave the p
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