Experience Tuscany » Towns

On the set of “Certified Copy”

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:13:33 +0000

From Cannes Festival to Lucignano, near Arezzo Italy.
Lucignano is a beautiful medieval town in Tuscany that Cannes Film Festival brought to celebrity thanks to the film directed by the Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami: “Certified Copy”.
The movie, with Juliette Binoche as the main performer, was filmed in Lucignano and Cortona.

Lucignano is in the province of Arezzo, near Siena and it is considered the town of love. Traditionally young couples use to swear undying love in front of a precious reliquary, the Tree of Love, kept in the Museo Municipale.

Cortona, a town of Etruscan origins surrounded by massive walls, is a succession of streets, squares, ancient buildings and churches. The village, located on top of a hill, offers a suggestive landscape of the Val di Chiana and Trasimeno Lake in Umbria.

This will be a journey in the set of the movie, to “touch” the artistic and natural beauty of this land.
1st day – Arrival in the afternoon in Lucignano and accommodation in B&B in the old town center or in the countryside. Dinner – tasting and overnight stay.
2nd day – After breakfast you can visit the historical center of Lucignano to discover the places where the main scenes of the movie were filmed and visit the Museo Municipale to admire the Golden Tree. In the afternoon visit of the old town of Cortona and the viewpoint from which you can see Trasimeno Lake. The tour continues with a visit to the Museum of the Etruscan Academy of Cortona. The importance of the findings in the museum is internationally recognized. Just think that in spring 2011 an exhibition of exceptional Etruscan findings from Louvre Museum will be held in Cortona. In the evening, back at the B&B. Dinner with tasting of local dishes and overnight stay.
3rd day – After breakfast, for those who have some hours left, we propose a tour to discover the Trasimeno Lake and the Isola Maggiore, the major island of the lake, where you will visit the ancient village of fishermen and you will taste a typical fish dinner.

Tour Prices:
Adults: € 148,00 per person
Additional charge for high season (15.07 – 31.08): € 28,00 per person in B&B with swimming pool.
The price includes: 2 nights in double room breakfast included; 2 suppers not including drinks; 1 entrance ticket to the Museo Comunale of Lucignano (closed on Tuesdays); 1 entrance ticket to the MAEC Museum of Cortona; 1 travel map
Extra on request: Tour of the Trasimeno Lake and fish dinner at the Isola Maggiore.
The price does not include: Transfer, drinks, tips and all other items not stated as included.
Availability: 01/06/2010 – 31/12/2011

Reservations and additional info: info@coloritoscani.com or visit the Official website.

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This post was submitted by Colori Toscani.

Arezzo in the Middle Age

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:16:57 +0000

This is an excellent offer for the “Joust of Saracino” and a guided tour of Arezzo.
Medieval Arezzo was a flourishing, powerful and cultured city. With more than 20,000 inhabitants, it was divided into four quarters and its lively cultural life reached levels of international prestige. During the first week-end of September, you can visit the monuments and churches of the old town and you can also attend the “Giostra del Saracino“, a medieval jousting tournament.

The offer includes 2 days and 1 night

1st day â€“ Saturday September 4, 2010:
Arrival in Arezzo in the afternoon; accommodation in B&B
3 pm â€“ 5 pm: Guided tour in the historical center of Arezzo
8.30 pm circa: “propitiation dinner” in one of the four quarter of the town.
Overnight stay in B&B

2nd day â€“ Sunday September 5, 2010:
Breakfast in B&B
12,30 pm: local wine tasting with a sommelier
Free time for lunch
5 pm: beginning of the Joust

Minimum 2 people
Price per person: â‚¬152.00

The price includes:
- 1 overnight stay in B&B, double room, breakfast included
- 1 typical dinner, drinks included
- 1 wine tasting of 3 wines and bruschette with olive oil of the province (Strade del Vino Terre di Arezzo)
- Ticket for the Joustâ€“ Bleachers A
- Guided tour of the historical center
*the price does not include:
Transfer, tips and all other items not stated as included.

For reservations please contact: info@coloritoscani.com or visit the official site.

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This post was submitted by Colori Toscani.

Era Valley Park in Tuscany

ClairPhillys — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 23:22:37 +0000

The Park of the Era Valley is a quite uniform territory located southeast of Pisa near Volterra, not far form the Florence and Siena provinces. Therefore it is strategically placed considering its proximity to places rich with artistic context. Moreover, from here one can easily reach thermal spas, such as those in Cascina, Uliveto and Montecatini; coastal seaside resorts are also reachable in a short time from here.
The landscape is varied and uncontaminated, passing from pleasant plains to hills covered with ancient woods of chestnuts and typically Tuscan vegetation. The changing of seasons characterize the landscape with striking color effects. At the foot of the hills the river Era flows winding through towns and villages. Their names are Capannoni, Chianti, Lajatico, Peccioli, Terricciola and each preserves its own traditions and cultural peculiarities. In their whereabouts small villages are still alive with testimonies of their human and artistic heritage. Altogether they are important pieces of a cultural mosaic that offers pleasant opportunities for discerning visitors.
Several routes can be covered while in the area: the artistic route in particular is characterized by old Romanesque churches that populate the area. In addition, contemporary artworks by both domestic and foreign artists create a nice continuity between the contemporary and the past. To all this one must add the pleasant opportunity to stay at one of the farmhouses in the area, complementing the characteristic Tuscan cuisine with superb wine and oil quality.
At certain times of the year tourists are guaranteed visits to wineries and wine tastings at the local Chianti S. Torpè wine farm. During these periods one also has the opportunity to attend events related to local farming traditions following the rhythm of the seasons. Sports lovers and nature lovers will find attractive routes to hike, bike or on travel on horseback, passing through the territory of the Caldera. Along the route the landscape is dotted with several country houses and manors, originally the residences of noble families of Pisa and Florence, and yet some are still their properties.
The Era Valley also offers numerous and well equipped locations for sports lovers. Football pitches, gyms, tennis courts, and athletics tracks. Even recreational areas are a showpiece of this territory: the cycling track, the swimming pools in Chianni and Peccioli surrounded by lush green. Residents have these services available all year long, but tourists can enjoy them for a pleasant stay during their holiday in the Era Valley Park.

The map showing the location of the Era Valley in Tuscany:

View Era Valley in Tuscany in a larger map

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Effetto Venezia

ClairPhillys — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 17:17:57 +0000

The program of Effetto Venezia 2010 is finally out.
What is Effetto Venezia? It is a large event that takes place in Livorno Tuscany Italy every year. This will be the 25th consecutive year. So why Venezia if it is in Livorno? Well, Livorno is a seaside town, one with an ancient and strong maritime soul. Inside its territory it hosts a district called Venezia, as when it was built in the Seventeenth century it was planned with large canals to allow direct loading and discharging of goods from the sea vessels in the main port. The district was indeed one of rich merchants and seafarers. Tall buildings and large roads characterized and distinguished this part of town from the rest, also because the architectural design was taken from the Venetian one. Hence the name Venezia. However, World War II inflicted extremely heavy damages on the district, so much that the reconstruction works dragged for a good thirty years. In 1986 the first edition of Effetto Venezia celebrated the new Renaissance of this part of Livorno, and from that year on the festival is a must attend in the Livorno scene.
This year’s event will also introduce some novelties. It will extend beyond the district’s boundaries in locations with important events and shows. But the most important news is that from this year the maritime soul of the city is underlined even more with twin partnerships to celebrates other Mediterranean cultures. This year Spain will be celebrated with dances, music, theatrical representations and artistic exhibits of the prominent Spaniard gemstones. Dalì, Picasso, Flamenco, Zazuela, and Opera are the main events that among others will celebrate this twin partnership between Livorno and Spain.
Effetto Venezia 2010 will be in Livorno from July 30th to August 8th. The first day will start off with a White Night, where all shops of the city will be open all night long and the Palio dell’Antenna will be celebrated at the new docks of town, with final fireworks. It will be possible to eat in all restaurants that participate to Effetto Venezia for only 15 to 20 euros eating local cuisine.
As usual street markets will be available with local artisan production and street food specialties. In addition you will be able to live the romanticism of a row boat canal tour amidst the wonderful scenery of Livorno, which for the event will be completely lit up.
A must attend event. I will try to be there and make a video of what happens this year. Hope to make it!
Here is the link to the daily program. Unfortunately it is only in Italian.

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The Closing Day of Mercantia

ClairPhillys — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:18:44 +0000

Yesterday was the closing day of Mercantia 2010, and even this edition was able to deliver great passion, happiness, stupor, and artistic content of great quality. The large group of artists has invaded Certaldo for the 23rd time. Being in the streets of this magic town near Florence was like being in a Fellini movie, where a world of fantasy completely substitutes the static reality. One would have wanted to have the gift of ubiquity to be able to see all that was going on at the same time, in the squares, along the streets, inside the palaces, under the loggias, and even above the roofs.
While you are listening and dancing to splendid Gypsy music from the Balkans, you ear capture another irresistible sound someplace else; but while you are going there along the way you encounter human statues, a suspended angel glittering with blue lights, above that a tight-rope walker, and further along a human circus with crazy acrobats. While the river of people coming down the street starts dancing at a new frantic rhythm played by the street orchestra that just appeared from nowhere, you completely forget about the music that brought you away from the Balkans and dance along.
When all this makes you wish for a little rest, you can find peaceful corners where to drink and eat, or simply enjoy the extraordinary landscape from atop Certaldo. And then if you wish to learn a bit of crafts, the artisans along the streets will guide you through the first rudiments of their art.
It is very hard to picture with words what Certaldo becomes during the days of Mercantia. The video above may give you a better idea. But being there is just too overwhelmingly joyous to be conveyed through simple words and images. You have to be there, at least once!

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Middle Ages in Palazzuolo sul Senio

ClairPhillys — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:22:31 +0000

…gli amori, le cortesie, l’audaci imprese io canto…
Ludovico Ariosto

Since the Middle Age has such a strong presence in Tuscany, Italy it is common to find many Medieval celebrations and reenactments here. However, the one in Palazzuolo sul Senio is particularly rich and organized to the smallest detail to give the visitor the real feel of the Middle Ages.
This year’s edition is the fourteenth and as usual is titled with a verse of a poem by a great Tuscan or Italian author of the past: “Gli amori, le cortesie, l’audaci imprese io canto” is a quote from Ludovico Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso, or The Fury of Orlando.
The festival starts today and will go the entire week-end and the following one. The dates are from July 16 to the 18th and from the 23rd to the 25th. Each day is rich of events and reenactments. Particularly impressive and noteworthy are the army camps reconstructed to the detail. At certain times of the day the armies face each other along the river banks to reenact a Mediaval style battle. Weapons, armory, and battling techniques are all taken from historical documents and brought back to life by groups of people passionate about this historical period. In addition there are guided tours of the army camps showing the uses, lifestyle and accommodations of warriors, a great occasion to discover authentic facts on Medieval times.
A major event will be the Palio of the 13th towns on Sunday the 18th. The day starts at 10 am, and visitors are given the chance to watch armed fighting demonstrations and also take part to them with the instructions of experienced instructors. The Palio starts at 4 pm with the parade to end in the square of arms where jousting and battling will take place to determine the final winner.
The following Sunday will be the time of the Palio of Campana, or the Bell Jousting. It is inspired by the time when Florence took away the bell from the town’s belfry to punish the people for their insurrections. This happened 600 years ago. Today the jousting takes place with catapults and armored fighting against the two factions of Guelphs and Ghibellines.
However if you cannot make it for the main Sunday events, also Fridays and Saturdays will give you many entertaining occasions. There will be scenic performances, trickery shows, and many exhibits reproducing the Medieval lifestyle and common uses, like magicians, the slave market and the gynoecium, or house of women.

Getting to Palazzuolo sul Senio:

View Medieval Festival in Palazzuolo sul Senio in a larger map

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Tuscany Coastal Towns: Principina a Mare

ClairPhillys — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:44:45 +0000

It is a cute name for a town, Principina, or Little Princess. The name comes from the story, probably a legend, of a young girl that became the favorite concubine and then the wife of the Sultan Solimen the Second, when Maremma was ridden by the Saracens. She was from around the area, and she became a young princess, hence the name of this Tuscan town.
The town was born and developed in the 1960s, when the marshes had been dried for only a few decades and on the land there was nothing but pine trees for miles to an end. Amidst these pine trees, in what is a huge pine woods that extends for kilometers and becomes the Uccellina Park Reservation, Principina was born. Already from its inception the town was conceived in total respect of the environment in which it was built. Few pine trees had to be cut down, but everything else has been left intact ever since.
With time the town has expanded, however it never became too large and never lost its wonderful peacefulness and wild character that fascinates those who visit it. After so many years it is still a quite unknown town to the majority of Italians, and completely unknown outside of Italian boundaries. This is therefore a nice treat that I am giving you. As you will not find Principina on the main tourist routes, nor in travel packages. Rest, quiet, peace, natural beauty, dominate the philosophy of life here. The loudest sounds in town may be found at the beach in the lulling of waves, or on the streets, where the sea breeze whooshes through tree tops.
Principina is definitely oriented towards families, or those who seek total relax, seaside life to its essential, and a healthy way of life. The very long sandy beaches are equipped with only 6 resorts, which make of this stretch of coast one with the highest rate of free-access beaches. The white sand and Mediterranean vegetation are the perfect match for clear and clean sea waters, many times awarded with the European Blue Flag prize. It is the perfect place for children, safe on the beach and on the streets. Here the main means of motion is the bicycle. Families and children run through the streets or on miles of cycling roads through the pine wood. Children love to bike through these alleys that like secret passageways take you from one side of Principina to the other without ever seeing a house or a main road.
If the tranquility of Principina becomes a little too much and you feel like evading for one evening or a day, the nearby Castiglion della Pescaia offers all the nightlife you wish for all ages. Then you also have Follonica, Punta Ala and the nearest of all Marina.
Now that you have discovered the existence of Principina a Mare in Tuscany you should seriously think about a holiday here. Anyone who comes here finds a secluded little paradise to come back to again and again.

Here the map to get to Principina in Tuscany:

View Principina a Mare Tuscany in a larger map

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Mercantia 2010 in Certaldo

ClairPhillys — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:50:42 +0000

It’s been 22 years now, and for the 23rd year Mercantia is ready to take the streets of Certaldo in Tuscany and invade them with its magic again, like every year. Street artists from all over Italy, Europe and the world will start today to deliver their performances in what has been defined as the Fourth Theater. Hundreds of shows are “on stage” during this event, filling every day and every corner of the old Certaldo.
The first shows start at around 9 pm each evening. There will be many performances going on at the same time in many parts of town. Street music bands (not at all the municipal band with majorette, if that is what you are thinking of), street theater, jugglers and acrobats, tight rope walkers, live music players and groups, traditional dances from around Italy and the world, comic shows, comedians, percussion sets from southern Italy, contemporary circus, one man/woman shows, exhibits, arts, local craftsmanship, martial arts, oriental dancing, Chinese contortionists, and of course local food and wine to accompany the celebrations.
The list of artists is really endless and the program so full it is impossible to describe in a comprehensive manner. The best thing is to visit the official website of Mercantia which unfortunately is in Italian only.
Throughout the years the performers names at Mercantia have continuously changed, adding more and more international performances of great success. It is an inimitable event that has boasts innumerable attempts of imitation. The uniqueness of its traits are primarily given by the charm of Certaldo. This medieval town near Florence is just what you would expect a city with middle age origins to look like. Its streets and homes are therefore the perfect location for a show that deepens its roots in the medieval tradition of minstrels and jokers. The scenery is enriched by the many artisans that make their creations live, adding an even more unique flavor to the whole atmosphere.
Tickets are 10 euros on Wednesdey and Thursday, 12 Euros on Friday and Sunday, and 18 Euros on Saturday. There are reduced priced options for groups and kids.

To get to Certaldo follow the map below:

View Mercantia Festival in Certaldo in a larger map

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Discover Maremma: Vivamus

ClairPhillys — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:47:48 +0000

Vivamus is a new initiative by the municipality of Manciano and is the main event in Manciano, Saturnia and Montemerano. It is an event with a unique essence. Travelers and locals alike can discover and rediscover the real spirit of the Tuscan region of Maremma, its history, the intriguing development, its culinary traditions and arts.
The event will be held starting July 15th until the 18th and will be based entirely on the subject of Maremma, presented from a different point of view, certainly a fascinating and exciting one.
Four days for three different towns to promote the region Maremma region of Tuscany under all aspects. The event will be divided under three main themes. The first will be Natural environment, food, wine and culture in Manciano, the second Culture in Montemerano and the third Body and Mind Wellness in Saturnia.
A photographic contest accompanies the event. The photo contest opened on June 1st and will end on September 30th. All pictures that have been made available by July 8th will be on show at Vivamus 2010.

A little bit about Maremma, Manciano, Saturnia and Montemerano
The Maremma is a region of stunning beauty and wonder, the best place to visit for all those who also appreciate wild nature and art, a piece of paradise in the south of Tuscany, located between the Tyrrhenian coast and Mount Amiata, in a context of environments undeniably unique in its kind.

Manciano is a charming village with ancient origins. Born in medieval times, it is known today for the great Aldobrandesca Fortress mastering the town. Through the centuries the town became famous for the stories of brigands hiding in the woods and for the view it offers. The site offers unique sights over the Maremma region. It is a very interesting village to discover, full of buildings and monuments to admire.

Saturnia is the peal of Maremma. It originated as a beautiful village built in Roman times and is now popular for its thermal waters, known for their beneficial and curative effects, unique in the world. Get lost in a sea of relax in one of the many spa pools. Visit the thermal resort, or the Cascate del Mulino or Gorello where the sulfurous waters spring naturally.

Montemerano is a charming town that overlooks a small hill, near the Saturnia baths and approximately 30 minutes from the mount Amiata. It is a wonderful example of medieval art, a delicious heritage that has survived centuries of wars and history to be admired today.

Vivamus is also much more than this. Games, discovery, culture, ang gastronomy can all be found on the official website of Vivamus. (Unfortunately in Italian only, but you can use an online translator like google translate).

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Barberino in Mugello

ClairPhillys — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 22:52:13 +0000

Here you will find an unexpected Tuscany. A large lake that almost resembles a sea surrounded by rolling green hills at the foot of the Apennines awaits you for a full vacation. With the recent creation of the reservoir of Bilancino this has become one of the most interesting and versatile resorts of the Tuscan hills, with a pleasing variety of natural surroundings, holiday sites and other attractions. All the beauty of Tuscany, plus the lake.
Barberino di Mugello has ancient but uncertain origins. It was of considerable military and commercial importance in the Middle Ages for its strategic position along the primary roads of communication between the plains of Tuscany and the Po Valley. That importance has changed little with the nearby construction of the main highway as the backbone of Italy. From this often troubled past have come down to us numerous historical and artistic heritages. Although the town is mostly modern due to the heavy destruction suffered during World War II.
Among the places not to be missed, is the great Villa Medici in Cafaggiolo, with its sumptuous interior and its elegant garden, and Villa Torre Il Palagio, surrounded by a beautiful park, with its ancient trees, including a California cypress and some mighty cedars of Lebanon and a large redwood species of Giganthea. Other monuments include the Fifteenth century Praetorian Palace, restored in neo-medieval style, the Medici Loggiato, the Parish of St. Gavino Adimari, built in the Eleventh century, and the castles of Barberino and Villanova among others.
While visiting Barberino and its monuments, the eye will often meet the great blue of Lake Bilancino, which nicely contrasts with the green of the hills: the reservoir was completed in 1995 with the construction of a 42 meters high and 710 meter long dam. It was made to create a pool of 62 million cubic meters of water, with an area of five square kilometers. This created a new and attractive reality of great touristic interest for Barberino of Mugello and the whole surrounding area. The banks of the lake enjoy a great sun exposure. Here various holiday sites and entertainment venues, including real beaches, were created. Here it is ideal to enjoy rest days on the beach or practice many water sports like canoing, sailing, windsurfing, mountain bike with equipment rentals and courses for children. In addition on the northeastern shore of the lake is the WWF Oasis of Gabbianello.
Barberino di Mugello is also an ideal place for walkers and hikers that along the beautiful valleys can climb right up to the ridge of the Apennines. One name for all is the hiking trail named “Le Sorgenti di Firenze“, divided into a main ring route and twenty-two secondary pathways. On the trail you have the opportunity to stay in several resting accommodations often consisting of farmhouse, former monasteries, ancient villas or farmhouses, to discover the real Tuscany.

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