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After visiting the historic center of Corfu, admiring its Venetian-style buildings and lovely alleys, all you need to do is leaving everything behind to take a road in the middle of nature. Once you get to the top of a green hill, an imposing white building surrounded by classical statues and columns will stand out before you. On the gate you will be able to spot a golden lettering: "Achilleion". Discover more about this unique attraction in Corfu and plan your fantastic visit! Actually, this is not a palace like the others. Here, the Empress Elizabeth of Austria, better known as Sissi, spent her holidays and took a wonderful refuge to escape the strict rules of the Viennese court. In Corfu, she had found the ideal place to relax taking a break from the stressful Austrian life and she decided to purchase a villa with a wonderful view of the Gulf of Corfu. The villa was then demolished to make way for an imposing Pompeian-style building built by the Italian architect called Raffaele Caritto. There had to be statues, columns and frescoes in order to recreate the atmosphere of Ancient Greece, which was so loved by the empress. The decoration of the palace was entirely conceived by Sissi herself, who decided to embellish the gardens with lawns, avenues and fountains. To guarantee her privacy, the property covered an area of 80 hectares and also had a secret access from the sea. It was completed in 1891 and named "Achilleion" in honor of the Homeric hero Achilles. In fact, the garden presents a statue made by Gustav Herter depicting Achilles dying in the act of removing the arrow from his heel. However, one of the most characteristic elements is the peristyle of the Muses, which is an Ionic-style portico decorated with the statues of the nine Muses and the three Graces. In 1898, Sissi was killed and the palace passed into the hands of her daughter. She soon sold it to Kaiser William II, a great lover of ancient Greece. He replaced the dying Achilles statue with another one showing the hero in a victorious pose, which better suited to the German expansionist spirit of the time. Over the years, the building has had many vicissitudes: during the First World War, it was a military hospital, while during the Second War it became a Nazi headquarter. Between the sixties and seventies it was a casino: did you know that some scenes of the James Bond film "Just for your eyes" were filmed here? Since the 1980s, the Achilleion has became a wonderful museum to visit in Corfu. Visitors can enter the palace, walk in its gardens and admire the luxury rooms that still present the furniture chosen by Sissi and William II. The Achilleion is a splendid building where the Royal Austrian Family has left some valuable personal objects and a visit is always incredibly interesting. Also, the beautiful garden with its portico and marble statues is a perfect place to take photos! Book your holiday in Corfu and plan a visit to the Achilleion Palace! Check out our selection of villas on the island, like Villa Jewel, Beach Villa Blue or one of the other properties in Corfu! © Alice Pilastri

As well as stunning landscapes and natural wonders, the surroundings of Montalcino present one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy. The Abbey of Sant’Antimo is a wonderful church immersed in the beauty of the Tuscan countryside, not far from some of its best-known villages. The building is located on top of a hill in Val d'Orcia and it's surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, groups of cypresses, scattered farmhouses and other countless wonders that always amaze first-time visitors. Want to know more about this tourist attraction? Discover more about Montalcino and the amazing Abbey of Sant'Antimo to plan your perfect tour in Tuscany! As we already said, the abbey of Sant'Antimo is located a stone's throw from the center of Montalcino. This town standing on a green hill is surrounded by numerous Sangiovese vineyards, which are used to produce excellent red wines such as Brunello, Rosso and Sant’Antimo. Entering this church is like taking a journey through time and returning to the Middle Ages. It was built during the Carolingian period in the IX century. According to a legend, Charlemagne stopped in this valley on his return from Rome, because his army had been hit by the plague. An angel appeared to the king in a dream, telling him to make soldiers drink an infusion made with a local herb. Thanks to this brew, all the soldiers recovered and Charlemagne decided to build a chapel as a sign of thanks. The so-called Carolingian Chapel stood in place of the current abbey: today, thanks to recent restoration works, you can still see the splendor of the original construction. The abbey is built with a spectacular material that gives it a unique shine, which is travertine with alabaster veins. The bell tower is in Lombard Romanesque style, while the interior of the abbey has beautiful pillars with decorated capitals. There is also a 9th century portal called "Portale dei Battezzanti", a painting of Madonna and Child Enthroned dating back to 1260 and a polychrome wooden crucifix from the second half of the 12th century. Well, as you can see, this abbey is a treasure trove of beauties to discover! Don't forget to go to the Monastic pharmacy in the Treasure Hall , where you can find traditional herbal products such as honey, jams, herbal teas and many other products! You can also buy Amaro di Sant’Antimo , a typical liqueur made with the essence of a local variety of grass called "Carlina". Another thing worth seeing is the vegetable garden of Santa Ildegarda, a mystical place with a thousand colors and a profound sacred meaning. Surely, one of the best ways to experience the abbey is to get involved by its magical atmosphere. Concerts, Gregorian singing courses, medieval miniature courses and various workshops are organized in the abbey and you can easily take part to them. The special environment will make these experiences unforgettable! Are you ready to go? Book one of our rental properties in Montalcino, like Villa Montalcino and start planning your visit! © Alice Pilastri

A visit to the island of Corfu needs to start from its most beautiful city! As well as having stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and a unique nature, this Greek island also hides a treasure of architectural and artistic wonders. Among these, Corfu Town is certainly one of the top places to visit if you like to discover the beauty found between the lovely streets of a typical Greek center! Want to know more about it? Keep reading and check out the best things to see and do in Corfu Town to plan your perfect tour! This ancient city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007. It really deserves to be included in the list of the paradises on earth: Corfu Town still shows traces of Byzantine and Venetian art in many of its buildings and it's something special to see. Actually, this is the only island in Greece that didn't go under the Ottoman influence, so it still presents the heritage of a long Venetian domination. The most interesting neighborhood is Campiello and it looks like a labyrinth of alleys (called "kantounia") surrounded by tall buildings. You can continue your tour crossing Via Filelinnon, a road located between the districts of Campiello and Spilia that presents a 15th century building and a romantic balcony looking like that of Romeo and Juliet. Then, walk until you reach "Spianada Square", whose name refers to the total lack of buildings overlooking it, because in the past it was needed to fire with the Fortress cannons. The square presents many monuments recalling illustrious Corfiot characters, as well as beautiful palaces dating back to various past dominations. One of these is called Liston Palace and it has been built during the French domination: its design was inspired by the buildings of Rue de Rivoli, it presents a long portico full of restaurants and cafes and it has also become the center of Corfiot social life. Another nice palace is the British Palace of Saints Michael and George, also called the Royal Palace. Today, it hosts the civic Art Gallery and the Asian Art Museum, which includes some important Chinese, Japanese and Central Asian works. If you'd like to visit another good art collection, don't miss Antivouniotissa Museum, as it houses important icons coming from various historical eras. Religion is an important part of Greek tradition: in fact, the historical center hosts twenty churches! The most famous religious monument on the island is Church of Saint Spiridone, a building built in 1590 presenting a stunning golden ceiling and the tallest bell tower of the city. According to a story, this Saint has made four miracles to save the Corfiot population, so every year the inhabitants celebrate him with some suggestive processions. After a walk in the city alleys, don't miss a visit to the ancient Fortress! This is the first thing you see when you arrive by sea and the panoramic view from its terraces is unique. The ancient and the new Fortress are the two fortified citadels that dominate the city and they had functions of sighting and defense. The entrance to the ancient castle is located right in front of the Liston, while the new one rises above the old port. At the end of your cultural tour, have some shopping in Corfu town! Don't forget to buy the typical Kumquat liqueur, as well as some typical olive wood objects, gold jewelry or local textiles. These are perfect gifts for your friends and family! Every period of the year is right to visit the oldest town of Corfu! In summer's coolest days, you can enjoy getting lost in the narrow streets trying to spot century-old monuments and churches between the countless shops. However, in winter you can visit it with fewer tourists, admiring the unique alternations of cultures and appreciating its enormous attractive power. Ready to book your holiday in Corfu? Check out our selection of properties on the island, like Beach Villa Blue and book your favorite one! © Alice Pilastri

Christmas time trasforms some places into a small paradise on Earth. Thanks to the countless initiatives organized in these centres and to the beautiful decorations, some Italian towns adquire a special aspect that make them even more beautiful. One of the cities that turns into a small Santa Claus village is Gubbio, one of Umbria's best cities to visit. Would you like to discover why? Keep reading! What has made Gubbio an excellent winter destination is the incredible Christmas tree decorated on the slopes of Mount Ingino at the beginning of December. On the side of the mountain, the shape of a magnificent tree appears in a fewdays, thanks to the effort and involvement of all Gubbio's inhabitants. The tree is 650 meters long, it has a base of 350 meters, it is illuminated by hundreds of multicolored lights and by a lovely comet star with a surface of 1000 square meters put on its top. Its whole area covers the distance between the city walls and the basilica of the patron Saint of Gubbio, called Sant’Ubaldo, which is located right on top of the mountain. The making of this tree is a tradition taking place every year since 1991. This unique work of art has entered the Guinness Book of Records, because it is actually the largest Christmas tree in the world! Usually, it lights up from sunset until late at night, during the period from early December to Epiphany. However, the most romantic ones can also adopt one of the lights and dedicate it to someone they love! This will keep the light on 24 hours a day, for the entire Christmas period. However, there is much more to see in Gubbio! In Piazza 40 Martiri you can find the Tyrolean-style Christmas market , a charming place attracting the young and old with its large variety of handicrafts and typical gastronomic specialties. If you wish to visit the city in an original way, you can also use the majestic Santa's sleigh or the Gubbio Express Christmas train with your family, as they will surely guarantee fun to all your children! Finally, do not miss the large Ferris wheel of the North Pole, a tourist attraction that makes you admire the whole village and its imposing Christmas tree from above. Another way to see it is by climbing the "Colle Eletto" funicular, which connects the city center with the basilica located on the top of the mountain. The whole city center is decorated with splendid decorations In San Martino district there is a life-size nativity scene with more than one hundred statues, while in San Pietro district people organize a living nativity scene, staging ancient crafts and the everyday activites of Medieval life. Also, Christmas lights give a unique atmosphere to places like San Pietro and San Giovanni squares, which always light up with suggestive colored lights. What are you waiting for? Start organizing your trip to Gubbio and plan your visit! Take a look at our selection of villas for rent in Umbria, like Villa Gubbio or Villa Contessaand book your favorite one! © Alice Pilastri

Choosing Tuscany as your New Year's Eve destination is an excellent idea! Whether you are a group of friends, a young couple or a family with children, spending the last day of the year in this region guarantees fun and unforgettable moments to all. There are hundreds of different ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in Tuscany: what's your favorite one? Find the one that best satisfies you and make your wishes come true! All the most beautiful arts towns in Tuscany offer the opportunity to celebrate 2020 taking part to special open-air events. The main squares of cities like Lucca, Siena or Pisa organize concerts and festivals, surrounding visitors by frames of unique beauty . Along the streets of Florence, shows, entertainment and concerts offering various music genres are held all night long to entertain people. In addition to walking among the illuminated monuments, don't miss a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo, Piazza della Signoria or the Oltrarno, which all offer some wonderful atmospheres! The city of Siena also offers some great events in the heart of the city, called Piazza del Campo. Open air performances, small concerts and an unmissable "silent party" are some of the fantastic events organized every year, as the city of Palio always manages to amaze its visitors! Moving along the coast, Versilia is the location of incredible celebrations in its famous discoclubs and on its "Lungomare" promenade. In fact, Viareggio is not just a famous seaside resort, but also an exclusive winter destination with an enviable nightlife. While the youngest are attracted by its liveliness, families can enjoy other beautiful attractions such as the seafront promenade with cafes, fashion store and excellent restaurants. If you'd like to spend a day having shopping, you can also go to Forte dei Marmi, that offers countless luxury places to spend the most spectacular night of the year! And how about going to the mountains instead? The beautiful snowy peaks of Abetone, Monte Amiata or Lunigiana are perfect if you'd like to enjoy some downhill skiing or a rich dinner in a high mountain refuge! Instead, lovers of tranquility can spend a wonderful New Year's Eve in a lovely countryside village. Their countless facilities and delicious local restaurants will allow you to celebrate it in the best way! In addition to the famous region of Chianti, the areas of Val d'Orcia and Maremma also have nice towns where couples can organize a short romantic getaway, surrounded by landscapes of rare beauty. And finally, don't forget to consider a New Year's Eve in a SPA! For a relaxing December 31 away from the chaos, we suggest you go to wel--known destinations like Montecatini Terme , in Rapolano, Chianciano or Saturnia. It's definitely a great idea to start the year putting well-being in the first place! So whether you travel alone or in company, whether you prefer to have fun or rest, Tuscany is certainly the ideal destination to spend your New Year's Eve. Have you booked a holiday home for December 31st? Discover our selection of villas for rent in Tuscany and choose the one that suits you best to spend an unforgettable New Year! © Alice Pilastri

If you are visiting Sicily and the area of ​​Trapani, you cannot miss going to the medieval village of Erice! This quaint town is perched on a mountain 750 meters high and dominates a truly breathtaking panorama. Together, the Gulf of Trapani, the famous salt pans, Egadi islands and the typical Valderice countryside create a wonderful landscape that leaves every visitor speechless. There are many things that deserve to be seen in the center of Erice... are you sure you know them all? Discover the best attractions and places to visit during a wonderful tour and start organizing your trip! The history of the village sinks into an ancient and controversial legend. In fact, it sometimes associates the founding of the city with Enea, then with Eraclea or Erice, and scholars are still trying to reconstruct its past. However, what is certain is that Erice was known because of a famous temple where the Phoenicians worshiped Astarte, the equivalent of the Greek goddess Aphrodite and the Roman goddess named Venus. The best way to visit Erice is certainly walking through its narrow, paved streets. Passing among the small houses, the courtyards and the balconies of the historic center you will dip into a unique atmosphere that will stun you with its fantastic colors and scents! The imposing City Walls that surround the old town date back to the 8th-6th century BC and are made with large limestone blocks. The best preserved section is the one located between Porta Carmine and Porta Spada. However, to enter the town we recommend crossing Porta Trapani: this door puts you in front of the marvellous Duomo and the effect is simply amazing! The city's cathedral is a fortress-church dating back to the 14th century with a tall bell tower. Although the beauty of this building is unique, the most famous palace in Erice is Castello di Venere, a fortress of Norman origin built on the remains of the temple dedicated to the goddess Venus. It is from this high cliff that you can admire a breathtaking view over the entire gulf, especially at sunset! Moreover, if you are lucky and the air is quite clear, you will even be able to see Pantelleria Island and the distant coasts of Tunisia. Not far from the castle, you will also find Villa Comunale Balio, a famous villa with splendid gardens, and other Norman watch towers that were restored by Count Pepoli. Among these, there is the wonderful Torretta Pepoli, a corner of study and meditation immersed in vegetation. On another spur of rock located between the churches of Sant'Orsola and Sant'Antonio, you will find instead the unique Spanish Quarter, an imposing 18th century building that housed a garrison of Spanish soldiers but which has never been completed. It also offers an incredible view! After walking around the center and climbing Mount Erice, you cannot miss a sample of some local delicacies! Don't miss to try the well-known Erices' patisserie, which offers sweets in almond paste and exquisite artisanal "cassate". Of course, a sweet shop you should visit is that of "Maria Grammatico", a city's symbol that offers all kinds of desserts! On the other hand, if you love shopping we advise you to go into some pottery or carpet shops. In Erice, carpets are called "trappite" and they are made by weaving the threads with recycled fabrics. Do you still need to book your stay in Erice? Have a look at Villa Erice, Villa Bellini or Villa Salinella and start planning your amazing trip! © Alice Pilastri

Is there a city as beautiful as Florence? The "birthplace of Renaissance" is a treasure trove of beauties and things to see are endless. Among these, there are certainly many churches and cathedrals that deserve to be visited at least once in your lifetime. But how can you see them all in a few days? How can you choose the best ones to visit during your short stay? We have selected the 7 most beautiful churches in the city to help you organize your next tour: discover them all and get ready to discover all the beauties of the center of Florence! 1- The Dome The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was started by Arnolfo di Cambio in the 13th century, while the Brunelleschi's dome was finished in the fifteenth century. The façade in white, pink and green marble is richly decorated and is a masterpiece of Italian Gothic style. Inside, the left nave hosts three 15th century frescoes made by Domenico da Michelino, Paolo Uccello and Andrea del Castagno. The dome was frescoed by Vasari with scenes from the Last Judgment: there is nothing better than climbing the stairs inside the dome to admire them from a closer distance! Also, at the end of the numerous stairs you will be rewarded by a splendid panoramic view of the whole city! Don't forget to visit the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Campanile of Giotto, which are two unmissable monuments right next to the Dome. 2- La Chiesa di Santa Maria Novella This church is one of the most important Gothic churches in Tuscany. The façade is a beautiful work by Fra Jacopo Talenti and Leon Battista Alberti. Inside, you will see a magnificent Giotto crucifix, some frescoes by Ghirlandaio and the famous "Trinità" by Masaccio. If you love Renaissance art, you can't skip this stage! 3- The Church of Santa Croce The Church of Santa Croce is the burial place of many art, music, literature and science personalities. Walking along the imposing white marble tombs, you will be overwhelmed reading important names like Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Leon Battista Alberti and Alfieri. The building was started at the end of the thirteenth century by Arnolfo di Cambio, but the facade remained unfinished until the nineteenth century, when it was completed using polychrome marble and reproducing the typical Florentine Gothic style. In addition to the famous tombs, the interior of the church houses some frescoes by Giotto and Gaddi, as well as a beautiful crucifix by Donatello. The visit does not end here: you can also visit the cloisters built by Arnolfo di Cambio and Brunelleschi, along with the wonderful Cappella de 'Pazzi decorated by Luca della Robbia and Giuliano from Maiano. Finally, you will be able to see works such as the Cimabue crucifix inside the Museo dell'Opera. It's a fantastic stop of your tour! 4- The Church of Orsanmichele The name of this church derives from the union between the names of "San Michele Arcangelo" oratory and the garden from which it was surrounded. In ancient times, there was a building called "Loggia del Grano" (wheat's market) located at the church's place. Actually, you can still spot the drawings of the ancient units of measure and the corridors that connected the warehouses to the market! What immediately catches one's eye in Orsanmichele arecertainly the tabernacles on the façade, decorated by the "Florentine arts" and depicting the patron saint of each guild. They were made by splendid artists such as Donatello, Ghiberti and Brunelleschi! 5- The Church of Santo Spirito This church is hidden among the houses on the other side of the Arno river and it presents a very simple look. The original building dates back to the Renaissance, but the interior part was made in the Baroque age. Here, you can find some important works, such as the "Pala Nerli" by Filippino Lippi or a wooden crucifix carved by Michelangelo. The square in front of the church is always lively and crowded, as this is one of Florentine nightlife's main locations! 6- The Church of San Miniato al Monte The charm of Piazzale Michelangelo is unique and its splendid church makes this place even more splendid! The Cathedral of San Miniato is located in the upper part of the city and is a perfect example of Italian Romanesque style. It presents a splendid entrance stairway and a magnificent mosaic with a golden background, depicting Christ in throne. It is one of the most romantic places in the city, where you can enjoy a unique view of the entire center! Don't forget to visit the crypt frescoed by Taddeo Gaddi and the Monumental Cemetery, which is a panoramic location containing tombs of illustrious characters such as Montale, Villari or Stibbert. 7- The Church of San Lorenzo San Lorenzo is perhaps the oldest church of Florence... however, its facade is still unfinished! Its three naves contain magnificent works by Bronzino, Rosso Fiorentino and Donatello, while the Old and the New Sacristy are two splendid chapels that will leave you breathless. Built by Brunelleschi, they house some tombs of the Medici family and Michelangelo's sculptural decorations. Don't miss them! Looking for a vacation rental in Florence? Discover about Villa Le Fonti and Villa Ancora, some wonderful properties in the city's surroundings! © Alice Pilastri

A visit to Siena is like a beautiful journey through time: walking among historic buildings, churches and ancient buildings, you will feel like taking a dip in the Middle Ages! This beautiful center is one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and it can be consederd as one of the most beautiful in Italy, as well as in the whole world. Have you planned a trip to Siena? Get ready to see its top attractions during your tour! Discover 7 wonderful things to see in this city to organize a perfect tour! 1- Piazza del Campo The first stop on a trip to Siena is certainly Piazza del Campo, a world-famous square, known for the Palio (discover more about this event!) that is run twice a year, on July 2nd and August 16th. The square presents a shell-shape divided into nine segments, as it refers to the "Government of the Nine" that administered the city in the fourteenth century. It also includes a fountain called Fonte Gaia, one of the most important monumental fountains of the city. Piazza del Campo is located in a neutral territory and it is considered part of a common heritage of all the city "contradas". Actually, the Palio is particularly felt in Siena and it ignites great rivalries between its districts! 2- Palazzo Pubblico Overlooking Piazza del Campo, the wonderful Palazzo Pubblico housed the Government centuries ago. It is a Gothic-style palace with mullioned windows, three-light windows, arches and richly decorated facades. Its interiors host the Civic Museum, which is an exhibition space containg the famous fresco by Lorenzetti, called the "Allegory of Good and Bad Government". Yo can also climb the beautiful "Torre del Mangia", a bell tower built in 1338 that is also one of the highest towers in Italy! 3- The Dome and its Monumental Complex The Cathedral dedicated to Maria Assunta is an architectural masterpiece. Its façade is made in white marble and it's decorated with inserts in green and red marbles. It houses some works by Donatello and Michelangelo, as well as a majestic pulpit by Nicola Pisano. However, the floor is the part that always surprises the most: the fifty-six scenes inlaid in marble have been made by important artists of the fourteenth century and they leave every visitor speechless! However, the Cathedral complex does not only include the Dome: in addition to the Piccolomini Library frescoed by Pinturicchio, there is a magnificent crypt, the Museum of the Opera del Duomo and the Baptistery of San Giovanni. This last presents a charming marble baptismal font made by Jacopo della Quercia, which shows some splendid bronze panels made by Ghiberti and Donatello. 4- The Museum Complex of Santa Maria della Scala Right next to the Cathedral stairway, you'll find a magnificent complex with works of art covering a period of a thousand years. Now it is an important museum, but in the medieval period this building was a hospital for pilgrims from the Via Francigena ! Precisely for this reason, one of its most beautiful rooms is called "Sala del Pellegrinaio": it has some beautiful frescoes reconstructing the history of the place and its welcoming function! 5- Palazzo Buonsignori and Pinacoteca Nazionale You list must surely include one of the most beautiful buildings in Siena! Today, Palazzo Buonsignori houses a museum called "Pinacoteca Nazionale", exhibiting works by Sienese school artists dating back to the 13th-18th centuries. Some of these are Duccio di Buoninsegna, Simone Martini, Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti. 6- San Domenico Basilica Go outside the fourteenth century city walls and find one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in the city! This Church presents a chapel in the middle of the nave and it houses the relic of Saint Catherine, who is also the patron saint of Siena. As well as being a stunning building, it contains some magnificent frescoes. 7- The Contradas The best thing to do to discover Siena is to venture through its narrow streets looking for beautiful views. However, you won't really know the city if you don't live its districts! We advise you to visit the buildings of some contradas, where you can admire the "Drappelloni" won in the past Palios, which are exhibited as trophies. In fact, the period of Palio is also the best time to visit Siena! In summer, the town center comes alive with songs, shouts, flag-waving parades and traditional dinners organized by each district, as everybody is waiting for the day of the race. Taking part in one of these parties or attending a Palio is definitely something to do at least once in your life! There are many more palaces and places you should visit in this city! All you have to do is start organizing your trip to Siena to see all its most important monuments: to bookan accommodation i Siena have a look at the villas below. © Alice Pilastri

Lucca is certainly one of the most beautiful cities to see in Tuscany! Get a bicycle and start exploring this quiet town with labyrinthine alleys, where the charm of each building will leave you speechless. Since Roman times, the historic center of Lucca has expanded around its famous amphitheater enriching itself with infinite beauties to see. Also, its ancient walls offer breathtaking views of the whole city, where you will surely notice two tall towers rising above all the other palaces. These are Torre Guinigi and Torre delle Ore, the tallest buildings in the city and certainly two of the most symbolic. Want to know more about these historic monuments? Read on to discover the history and some important information you will need to organize a visit to these magnificent towers! While some centuries ago the towers of Lucca were more than a hundred, nowadays there are just a few left. In fact, these buildings have reached excessive heights and their instability has caused numerous collapses. The reason behind the decision of keep increasing their height was a medieval belief, according to which those who built the highest tower were worthy of greater respect, honor and prestige. On the other hand, some towers were voluntarily demolished by order of Castruccio Castracani. Torre Guinigi is located in Via S. Andrea 45, on the corner with Via delle Chiavi D'Oro. On top of its 45 meters there is a spectacular ambiance: a hanging garden with seven secular oaks! It seems that one of these trees was planted by Paolo Guinigi in person and a legend tells that one of the holm oaks predicted its death losing all the leaves when he was captured and imprisoned by Francesco Sforza. The tower was built at the beginning of the fourteenth century by the Guinigi family and it is a beautiful example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. To admire the view from the top and visit this wonderful garden, however, you have to climb 20 flights of stairs! While the first steps are quite easy, the last ones are steep and smaller ... but don't worry: the view from the top floor will pay off for all the effort! Instead, Torre delle Ore or "dell'Orologio" dates back to the 13th century and is located in Via Fillungo, on the corner with Via dell'Arancio. It has belonged to several important families of Lucca, but its notoriety is mostly linked to some gloomy legends. According to a popular belief, a noblewoman named Lucida Mansi would have made a pact with the devil to stop time and stay young forever. Thirty years later, at midnight on August 14, 1623, the devil returned for demand payment of his debt. The woman climbed running into the tower to stop the bell ringing, but she failed. The devil then took the his soul and his body fell into the pond of the Botanical Garden, where it seems that her ghost still appears on full moon nights. The "Tower of the Hours" is 50 meters high and its famous clock has a dial with Roman numerals and a single hand. Although it dates back to 1752, the tower already had a clock in 1390 and it was precisely because of its importance that the building was never demolished. Climbing the 207 wooden steps of this tower you will then be able to observe the magnificent mechanism of this vintage clock, as well as enjoying a breathtaking view over the whole city. The entrance ticket for each tower costs € 5, but you can also buy a cumulative tickets to visit the Botanical Gardens, the Tower of the Hours and Torre Guinigi. In addition to these attractions, don't forget to see the other city towers, like Torre del Veglio in Piazza San Salvatore and Torre del Travaglio in Via Fillungo! Are you ready to organize your visit to Lucca? Book one of our properties in the town's centre, like Flavia Apartaments or Villa de Ranieri! © Alice Pilastri

Tuscany's beauties are endless! Considering its enchanted villages, dreamy landscapes and cities of art, this region is really the perfect destination for a memorable holiday. As well as Chianti, Val d'Orcia, Versilia and Maremma regions, there is a beautiful area in northern Tuscany that most tourists do not know, but it presents many natural wonders and splendid architectures. We are talking about Lunigiana, a borderland located between Tuscany, Liguria and Emilia Romagna that has always been a land of connection between north and south. Here, a stretch of the Via Francigena passes and dozens of clashes between Byzantines and Lombards have taken place in the medieval period Precisely for this reason, the hills of Lunigiana feature some ancient castles built in the Middle Ages which were used to control the valleys. Many of them have been destroyed over time, but there are still some magnificent buildings that can be visited and admired. Want to find out where the castles of Lunigiana are? Start planning your tour checking the list of the 7 most beautiful medieval castles you should visit and live an exciting experience in Tuscany! The first town where you can find a castle is Pontremoli , also called "land of booksellers" as it houses a famous book festival. In the Middle Ages, merchants and pilgrims passing through this region were housed in Piagnaro Castle. Today, this beautiful building contains the Museum of Stele Statues of Lunigiana, which is dedicated to sandstone artifacts dating back to the pre-Roman period. The caslte dates back to the 11th century and it was part of a large defensive system built up to protect the village from enemy attacks. Although it has been recently renovated, the castle still retains a majestic appearance and it dominates the surrounding valleys from above, instilling fear in those who wish to approach. Even Aulla was a famous stop of the Via Francigena in the Middle Ages! The road to the town passes next to two magnificent castles, namely those of Bagnone and Filattiera, as well as to Fortezza della Brunella, an imposing quadrangular building on a dark rock dating back to the Renaissance. This is a typical fortification designed for firearms and today it houses the interesting Museum of Natural History of Lunigiana. Continuing towards "Passo del Cerreto", you will arrive in Fivizzano, a town located between the National Park of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and the Regional Natural Park of the Apuan Alps. It's an area of ​​great naturalistic interest, where you can make beautiful walks or follow a trekking itineraries to explore every corner of this paradise. Not far from Fivizzano there is a charming castle called Castello della Verrucola , a perfectly preserved XII century building surrounded by high walls. A tour inside the castle is a fantastic journey through time that will take you between the legends and the terrifying ghosts that still inhabit this place! Another castle you must visit at all costs is located in the village of Licciana Nardi : Malaspina di Monti Castle is one of the best preserved fortifications in all of Italy and it still preserves an authentic charm. And finally, all you have to do is take a trip to Fosdinovo to admire its magnificent castle! The fort stands imposingly in the center of the village and is still in perfect condition. What makes this castle so special is the possibility to visit it at night, taking part in some suggestive night visits. In summer, small groups of visitors can go in search of ghosts with the guides of the castle, listening to the story of Bianca Maria Aloisa Malaspina. The legend tells that girl was walled alive in the castle and that her ghost still moves between its rooms and corridors... Are you ready to organize a vacation in Lunigiana? Book Casa al Bosco, a stunning property for rent in this area! © Alice Pilastri