Asciano, the Accona Desert rose

Pubblicato il 22 Giugno 2014 da Genni
01 Accona Desert - Copia

In the centre of the Crete Senesi, lies the Accona Desert with the town of Asciano

The countryside around Siena has always been particularly appreciated by tourists for its colours, vegetation, medieval villages and above all variety. Be it the Upper Elsa Valley with its hills covered in vineyards, mountainous Amiata, luxuriant Chianti Sienese, the beautiful emerald rolling hills of the Valdichiana, the cypress-lined lanes of the Valdorcia, the stone ruins of the Merse Valley or the lunar landscape of the Crete Senesi. Not many know, however, that right in the centre of this last region, there lies a semi-arid area known as the Accona Desert, Deserto di Accona.

 02 Asciano

The Accona Desert is situated to the west and the south of the beautiful medieval walled town of Asciano, a rapid succession of  badlands and dome-shaped formations locally known as biancane, owing to their white colour. This particular morphology and soil composition is not favourable for cultivating olive trees and grapevines, however, centuries of anthropic work have partially changed the scenery and now wheat, sunflowers and pasture dot the area. The area has been known with the name of Accona since the Middle Ages and was also depicted in the series of frescoes painted by Ambrogio Lorenzetti “The Allegory of Good and Bad Government” located in the Palazzo Pubblico, Town Hall, of Siena.

 03 Accommodation in Asciano S39

The town of Asciano itself offers many interesting sights within its walls as well as events during the year. For those wishing to visit the area we suggest this magnificent villa for 12 with swimming pool, at just 8 km from Asciano, with breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside. This place is ideal for a relaxing vacation, as well as being a perfect starting point for visiting many famous Tuscan art centres such as Siena (at just 30 km), Montalcino (idem), Pienza (34 km), Cortona (44 km) Arezzo (45 km) and Montepulciano (idem) or the thermal baths in nearby Rapolano Terme. Book your holiday online today!

04 Accommodation in Asciano S39

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Iano, a picture window on Tuscany

Pubblicato il 15 Giugno 2014 da Genni

02 The view from the Sanctuary of Pietrina

In the heart of Tuscany lies the village of Iano, in the territory of Montaione. Following a winding road through the wood, on the boundary between Montaione and the alabaster town of Volterra, the village of Iano suddenly appears, dominating the Valdelsa and the Valdera. The whole road is a quick succession of tiny hamlets, starting from the ruins of the medieval castle of Camporena, destroyed by the Florentines, followed by Iano, Torri, Forni, Casicello, California, Palagio and finally the Castle and Sanctuary of Pietrina.

01 Iano

Iano is an ideal spot for many. For mineralogy and palaeontology experts (Iano was one of three islands to emerge during the Carboniferous period), for botany scholars and archaeologists, for mushroom and wild boar hunters, for wine and olive oil connoisseurs, for trekking  and mountain bike lovers, for photographers and painters wishing to capture the perfect image and for still more. Above all Iano and its surroundings are a tiny paradise for those looking for peace and quiet, fresh air, nature and good food, an excellent location where to clear the system, relax and have fun.

03 Iano at sunset

Here the Etruscans lived 2500 years ago as demonstrated by a stele discovered in an ancient tomb dug in the tuff. Not much is known about the Roman period, but around the year 1000 the castles and hamlets started appearing. The Church of St Andrea in Alliano, in the centre of Iano, was first mentioned in documents dating back to 1004, when Hildebrand of Sovana (later Pope Gregory VII) refused to turn it over to the Bishop of Volterra. Consequently Iano subjugated in 1321 to San Miniato, to ultimately end up like most Tuscan medieval centres under Florence in 1370. In 1833, it definitely became part of the commune of Montaione and became famous after the II World War thanks to the mining of minerals and metals such as travertine, serpentine, onyx and mercury.

04 Accommodation in Iano S264

This little hamlet enjoys a central position respect to the main Tuscan cities of Florence, Pisa and Siena, at 50 km, and is at just 18 km from Volterra and 20 km from San Gimignano. A perfect location for those wishing to make the most of their holiday in Tuscany. For this reason we would like to suggest two different kinds of accommodation in Iano. The first is a lovely villa for 9 with swimming-pool, consisting in 2 communicating apartments so as to guarantee a family or friend group the possibility to stay together but also enjoy a minimum of privacy. Also an excellent solution for families with children since the pool has a children area and the garden is perfectly safe for them to run around in.

05 Accommodation in Iano S24

The other proposal is a holiday home with four self-catering apartments in an olive oil estate. The farmhouse is in a panoramic position overlooking nearby Volterra, the Cecina Valley and Valdera, with the Apennine Mountains and Mount Serra in the background. Here too is a swimming pool and each flat has its own personal outdoor space, be it a patio or a terrace depending if on ground or first floor. Both these accommodations are in the perfect location for a comfortable and relaxing vacation in Tuscany.

06 Accommodation in Iano S24

Pubblicato in Accommodations in Chianti, Accommodations in Tuscany, Chianti, Culture and accommodations in Tuscany, Discovery, Tuscan lifestyle, Tuscan towns and cities, Tuscany, Valdelsa, Villas in Tuscany, World Tourism | Contrassegnato , , , , , , , , , , | Lascia un commento

Casciana Terme, the warm heart of Tuscany

Pubblicato il 7 Giugno 2014 da Genni

01 Casciana Terme and its Torre Aquisana

In the heart of the Pisan Hills region lies the town of Casciana Terme, one of many dotting these knolls. The name Casciana derives from the Latin name Cassius, so presumably it was the “Land of Cassio”, but a first mention of the location is at the end of the 9th century by the name of Acqui, with reference to the thermal characteristics of the place.

 02 Terme di Casciana

A local legend recounts that the Countess Matilda of Canossa (1046-1115) had an old and sickly pet blackbird with greyish feathers. Staying in the village she noticed that the blackbird would return from morning outings with darker feathers and easier movements. Even its beak had returned to a bright yellow colour. One day she followed the blackbird to discover that it had landed in a strange pond of warm water. The countess herself took to bathing in those miraculous waters and relieved various pains due to old age together with the gout she had suffered for all her life.

 03 Terme di Casciana

In spite of the legend, what is sure today is that in 1311 the Lord of Pisa, Federico da Montefeltro, had the first thermal spa built. Restored in 1460 it was only in 1596 that improvements were made with the spa divided into four sections, one for men, one for women, one for the sick and a fourth one even for animals. This subdivision remained until 1700. In the meanwhile the peace and quiet of Casciana was put to test with sackings during the warfare against Florence who even burnt the castle down, with the plague that broke out in 1630 claiming many victims and with an earthquake in 1846 which caused much death and destruction.

 04 Terme di Casciana

Today’s spa was built in 1870, by the orders of Ferdinand III, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and on a project of Giuseppe Poggi, renowned for his Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence. Ferdinand III changed the whole aspect of the establishment making it more fashionable for the aristocracy of the time and attracting many intellectuals and distinguished characters of both the past and present. The spring has a constant natural temperature of 35,7 °C. The water contains mineral salts which are combined in such a way to be distinguished by their particular effectiveness. Originally used for treating arthritis, rheumatism and sciatica, nowadays it is also used for neurorehabilitation therapies and cardiovascular and respiratory treatment. Here visitors can relax in a natural ambience and regain balance. 

 05 Accommodation in Casciana Terme S105

Today Casciana, thanks to its geographical location and proximity to the famous art centres of Tuscany – Pisa, Lucca, Florence, Volterra, San Gimignano and Siena – is the ideal starting point for many interesting sightseeing tours. For this reason we would like to recommend our accommodation in Casciana Terme, a villa for 10 with swimming pool, ideal for large families or groups of friends. Originally a farmhouse, the villa has been restored maintaining the original architectural features. A large garden surrounds the house full of fruit trees from which guests can pick their choice. The total quietness of the location also permits wildlife sightings such as rabbits, pheasants, roe deer and crested porcupines, especially at sunrise and sunset. Truly the perfect relaxing holiday.

06 Accommodation in Casciana Terme S105

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Pedona, the Un-trodden Versilia

Pubblicato il 1 Giugno 2014 da Genni

01 Lido di Camaiore

Versilia is well-known for its fashionable Riviera resorts and numerous night clubs. One of its jewels is Camaiore, which stretches from the beaches of Lido di Camaiore until the peaks of the Apuan Alps, such as Monte Prana, Monte Matanna and Monte Gabberi. Lido is perfect during the day for beach lovers and stylish after twilight for night lovers. The plain is renowned for its cultivations of flowers and for its plant nurseries. The hills, sitting at the foot of the Apuan Alps, are spotted with patches of vineyards and olive groves.

 02 Pedona

During the 11th century the more strategic hilltops surrounding Camaiore saw the erection of castles, or fortified villages, by the hand of rich land owners of Lombard origin. Amongst the castles built was the one in Pedona in 1099. Today one can recognize the typical structure of the castle with the village curled up within the walls and around the bell-tower.

 03 The coast of Versilia looking towards Livorno

The story of the hamlet begins with the construction of this castle by the Nobili Flammi family. In 1169 the stronghold was destroyed by the people of Lucca during the war against the Cattani family in Versilia. In 1324 Castruccio Castracani, Italian warlord and duke of Lucca, had a second watchtower built which stood until the end of the 17th century. These towers were not only useful for the armies but offered a wonderful opportunity to admire the breathtaking view of the coast of Versilia from Livorno until La Spezia.

 04 Tordelli versiliesi

In the centre of the village today visitors can admire the Church of San Jacopo, built during the 13th century and subsequently restored, which houses a 19th century organ built by Agati-Tronci, celebrated in the whole world since 1883 for their instruments. Whilst visiting the area don’t forget to taste the traditional tordelli, pasta similar to ravioli with a beef, pork and chard filling, and the scarpaccia, a courgette quiche which can be served either hot or cold and is a typical summer dish.

 05 Accommodation Pedona-Camaiore S179

For those wishing to stay over and enjoy the relaxing life up at Pedona, visiting the beaches at 13 km or the medieval villages dotted around or even some Tuscan art centres such as nearby Pietrasanta, Pisa and Lucca, let us recommend this lovely independent holiday home. With a breathtaking view over the valley of Camaiore, this 18th-century farmhouse has been tastefully renovated preserving the original terracotta floor tiling, wooden beam ceilings and magnificent old fireplaces and can comfortably accommodate 4 people. 

06 Accommodation Pedona-Camaiore S179

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♫ “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” ♫ is to get married in Florence

Pubblicato il 21 Maggio 2014 da Genni

02 Kimye

Or not? Rumours have it that this Saturday, May 24th, Kimye (aka Ms. Kim Kardashian & Mr Kanye West) are getting married in Florence. For obvious reasons the exact details are being cautiously guarded and thus it is unknown if the couple will start with a dinner in Paris, where they are at the moment, and then fly themselves and guests to Tuscany to celebrate the nuptials; they might even get married in Paris and then fly over for celebrations. Until Saturday the mystery remains.

 01 Fortezza di Belvedere from the other side of the Arno

What is certain is that the couple have rented the Forte di Belvedere, overlooking the Boboli Gardens, whose grounds provide spectacular outlooks over Florence. The fort was built during 1590-1595 by the Grand Duke Ferdinando I de’ Medici on a project of Bernardo Buontalenti to serve for many purposes amongst which to protect Palazzo Pitti, the centre of Florence’s government, and to demonstrate the power of the Medici family.

 03 One of the views from the fortress

Today this majestic building houses various works of art and is a venue for exhibitions of contemporary sculpture. During the last week, however, a dozen workers and engineers have been working unremittingly on the grounds far from indiscreet eyes, even though people declare that a large white gazebo and a stage have suddenly appeared. A crane can be seen and the noise of weltering continues. The locals are already speculating on which famous guests will be arriving in the most famous Renaissance city of the world to attend the event.

 04 Fortezza di Belvedere, Florence

Not invited to the wedding celebrations but planning to visit Florence? Among our many holiday accommodations in town there’s one that shares the same name with the abovementioned fortress. Right on the other side of the River Arno, in fact in the heart of Florence, is a magnificent flat for rent with a terrace that enjoys an outstanding view over the Cathedral and Giotto’s bell tower. Not only it is comfortable, elegantly furnished and endowed with a dazzling outlook but it is also located in an area full of craft shops and local restaurants where you can completely benefit from your stay in Florence.

05 Florence accommodation S121

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