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What we deal with - Can it interest you?

Italy: The Most Beautiful Churches and Cathedrals in Florence

By Jackson Sampson / Mar 13

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and is enjoyed by an estimated 1,685,000 tourists every year. Many travel to Florence to snap a few pictures of Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell’Accademia or the breathtaking square at the Piazza della Signoria. If you’re planning an inaugural tour of Florence, set aside a healthy chunk of your time in this amazing city to tour its many breathtaking cathedrals and churches. Here are just a few:

Il Duomo has what is arguably the most ornate floor you may ever see.

Il Duomo

Constructed in the 13th century to honour Santa Maria del Fiore, Il Duomo is probably the most beloved and photographed cathedral in Florence; however, the cathedral’s most striking feature, a magnificent dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, wasn’t added until the 15th century. The first thing you’ll notice while admiring the exterior are the beautiful hues of the green, white and pink marble; however, so you don’t wilt in the heat, enter the structure, which is much cooler, to view its impressive interior. Of note inside the structure is the largest piece of artwork, a fresco created in the 16th century by artist Giorgio Vasari entitled “Last Judgment.” Many don’t realize that although the original artwork was designed by the famed master, the actual painting was completed by his lesser-known pupil, Frederico Zuccari, in the late 1570s. Before you leave Il Duomo, don’t forget to snap a picture of what is arguably the most ornate floor you’ll ever see.

The Florence Baptistery is one of the oldest consecrated structures in Florence, and well into the 19th century was the only place that locals would baptize their young.

Florence Baptistery

Mere footsteps away from Il Duomo, you’ll find another impressive cathedral, the Florence Baptistery. The exact origin of the Baptistery of St. John isn’t well-documented; however, legend has it the structure was built over a fallen Roman temple constructed in honor of the Roman god Mars. One of the oldest consecrated structures in Florence, the baptistery was the only church Catholics living in the city used to baptize their young until well into the 19th century. Before entering the structure, note the three large doors found on three of the baptistery’s four sides. The oldest door is found on the south wall and features a famous depiction of St. John’s life that was created by 14^th-century artist Andrea Pisano.

This is the final resting place of Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli and Rossini.

The Basilica of the Holy Cross

One of Florence’s lesser-known cathedrals, the Basilica di Santa Croce, or the Basilica of the Holy Cross, is once again within walking distance of the famed Il Duomo. Known to the locals as the Temple of the Italian Glories, the structure is the final resting place of many famous Italian artists and citizens, including Michelangelo, Galileo, historian and philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli and composer Gioachino Rossini. Although considered a “minor” cathedral, The Basilica of the Holy Cross is actually the largest Franciscan church in Italy and features several breathtaking frescoes by famed Italian artist Giotto.

This design of this Gothic cathedral stands out among the rest.

Santa Maria Novella

Originally intended for use as a convent, it won’t be hard to miss the Church of Santa Maria Novella’s striking facade. The creation of Leon Battista Alberti and Fra Jacopo Talenti, the contrast of the black-and-white marble helps make this Gothic church stand out from the more stately, subdued cathedrals in Florence. If you can pull yourself away from snapping pictures of the church’s amazing exterior, head inside to witness many of the beautiful works of art that were actually conceived and created inside the structure. Many have been removed and are now displayed in museums across Italy, including the Uffizi, but there still many examples to enjoy.

Church of San Lorenzo

The original structure now called the Church of San Lorenzo was consecrated in A.D. 393, making it one of the oldest buildings still standing in Florence. The majority of what now stands was built by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1419 as a burial site for the Medici family, one of Italy’s most controversial bloodlines and the patrons of several famous artists, including Michelangelo.

Aside from being a culturally enriching way to spend an afternoon in Florence, visiting some of the city’s oldest, most well-known and architecturally stunning cathedrals is also very economical, as many are completely free. Luckily, there are also several inexpensive, fabulous accommodation in Florence just waiting for you to enjoy and rest your weary feet.

About the Author: Jackson Sampson is a guest blogger and frequent traveler to Italy. Jackson recently completed a series of blog posts aimed at helping first-time travelers visit Florence and Venice for less.

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Queen of the Villas

First Hills of Florence - Italy

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Known in the past as 

"Queen of the Villas"

Appeared on record as early as 1427, it was the property of some of the most remarkable patrician families in Tuscany.

The villa's prestigious status drew many important figures, among whom Pope Pius VII, who stopped over on his way to Paris to crown Emperor Napoleon in 1804 and Paul I, Emperor of Russia.

Today the villa is a National Monument.

Private entrance drive.

It is very suitable for private mansion or Relais de Charme/Boutique Hotel. 

Protected by the Italian Superintendency of historical and cultural heritage

History and restoration

The estate experienced both peaceful and troubled times.

Works to construct the modern villa began at the end of the 17th century and were completed in the early 18th century by a professional builder who was very popular with the Florentine nobility of the period.

The building consists of a central block and two “L-shaped”wings housing apartments, offices, the chapel and the lemon-house; to the south, the wings enclose a beautiful Italian style garden.

It is built in the sober and elegant Florentine architectural style.

Landscape and art at the villa

The Villa blends in beautifully with the surrounding fields planted with olive groves, vineyards and cypresses – the symbols of the land of Tuscany. In fact, the grand avenue that leads to the main entrance of the villa is lined with cypresses. The perspective enhances the main facade, elegantly animated by two vertical mouldings outlining the central block and crowned by a gable with the statues of the Four Seasons. The theme of the seasons can be found again also inside the villa in the form of frescoed decorations in the large rooms, depicting the alternation of seasons and the gifts they bear.

Nature and talent in the Italian style garden

Interior and exterior together form the same setting, an “architectural machine” rendered pleasant and spectacular by the same aesthetic sensitivity. In fact, the Villa would appear quite differently without its garden, which is in itself a work of nature and of human art performed according to the rules of the “Italian style garden”, the style whereby natural elements are artificially arranged in geometrical order.

A marvellous architecture of plants and geometrical shapes

Ornamental waterworks, flower beds, hedges, an alternation of views and heights:the Villa’s garden. Respecting the original 18th century layout of the garden, the typical plants of that period have been planted and the original irrigation system made out of stone – one of the best preserved in Tuscany – has been restored. The garden maintains its charm all year round thanks to the rotation of seasonal plants: old roses, aromatic plants, annuals, perennials.

The "Season s' Garden", created in the 18th century offers the most astonishing image of its rebirth in April, with the scented blossom of the splendid bulbous plants: narcissus, tulips, hyacinths and many others spring plants such as, in particular, the firittilaria also known as "imperial crown" because of the orange tuft of bell-shaped, pendolous flowers surmounting the bottom of the stem that, thanks to its charme deserved one of the most clamorous nobilty's title of the Villa.

But, not less perfumed and gorgeous is the exotic summer of the garden, crowned by plants of dahlia, sage, multicolour clematis and Indian giant ibiscus. And, in every season, the entire garden is surrounded by the golden crown of 120 secular lemon trees.

A liveable jewel of art

The ground floor houses the reception rooms surrounding the very large central hall and its wealth of works of art. A grand staircase leads to the upper floors where the living quarters and bedrooms stand out for their variety and elegance. Careful and accurate restoration works have brought the various rooms in the villa back to their original appearance. Frescoes and decorations on the doors and windows were uncovered and the beauty of their colors and styles has been fully restored. The charm of the villa is further enhanced by its beautiful antique furniture and extraordinary collection of paintings and objects of art, carpets and tapestries. In this layout of rooms and chambers, the guests of the villa can move around in close contact with the art and splendor of the Tuscan patrician homes of the past.

The big ball-room of the palace is suitable, in particular occasions, for gorgeous receptions in a luxurious background whose refinement evokes either the noble tradition of the most illustrious guests of the Villa.

Vineyards - Vinery - Wines

This is Chianti Classico country. The superb landscape offers sweeping views over tens of hectares of verdant vineyards and thousands of olive trees. In the Tuscan countryside, fragrances and colors intoxicate the senses of those who love and cherish them, an instinct that is second nature here. In more practical terms, this Villa mission is to pass on the savors and colors of this noble land, by maintaining a healthy balance of modern agronomic techniques and respect for the territory as a whole.

Given the confidential nature relating to this deal, we can not disclose further information or images.

Please contact us in order to obtain the password to access the page containing confidential information.

We will be pleased to provide you with any details of this wonderful property.

Ninth Century True Jewel

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This is a Tuscan castle, of 1800 covered square meters in addition to surrounding 13 hectares (32.11 acro ac) of land, with olive groves and woodland. 

It is in large part finely restored. There is the permission for placing a pool and the owner is allowed to build new 400 square meters (4304 ft2) of housing into the property. 

The historicity of this site is evidenced by the discovery of an Etruscan stele (stone), 2 meters high and donated to the National Archaeological Museum. 

The first documented owner was king Charles Magno and there is a bibliography of more than 200 books on the history of this castle. 

It is a medieval castle dating back to the year 802.

It stands on its own grounds, on top of a hill overlooking Lake Trasimeno, on the Tuscany - Umbria border. It is surrounded by pine and oak woods, cypress trees and olive groves. 

This location, besides being extremely panoramic, has given it an enormous strategic importance throughout the centuries, as the current border was, until 1860, that between the Church State and the Granduchy of Tuscany.

Many of the castle's original features, such as gunports, battlements, moat, dungeon etc. are still intact or carefully restored to the highest standards. Its imposing walls, added to its commanding position, enhance the feeling of being drawn back in time when entering its secluded courtyard or looking out from the ramparts or the many gunports at the stunning views on Lake Trasimeno and the adjoining Valdichiana.

Notwithstanding its quiet and secluded position, the castle is a short drive from Italy's main North-South motorway (the A1), and 5 kms. from the Rome - Florence railway line. A wide range of shops and services can be reached in a few minutes' drive. In fact, the Castle is only 10 mins. from Cortona, 30 from the Perugia airport and Montepulciano, 45 from Siena and Assisi and 1 hr. from Florence and Orvieto.

The Castle, as it is now, obviously underwent many changes throughout the centuries, although the main ones can be traced back to the second half of 1500, when most fortresses ceased to have strategic importance due to the introduction of artillery. The castle was turned from a military outpost into a place of residence and a fortified village, and thus made more comfortable to live in, with larger windows and a large gate replacing the old drawbridge for easier access. At the same time, a dungeon was built into the north turret, while the main watchtower was roofed to obtain more living space, including a large gallery on the third floor.

The restoration was carried out using original materials and antique techniques, under the close supervision of the Superintendency of the Fine Arts. 

The circular courtyard encloses five buildings: the main palace, the guest house, the church, the old dungeon, and the car port. The buildings, all in grey stone, host altogether a total of 28 rooms and 11 bathrooms, including 2 halls, one of which has been turned into a spacious library.

Main building features:

- on the ground floor: one big hall (120 sq. mt. - 1290 sq. ft.), the keeper's apartment (80 sq. mt. - 860 sq. ft.), the workshop (80 sq. mt. - 860 sq. ft.), the cellar (130 sq. mt. - 1400 sq. ft.) and two public toilets.

- on the first and second floor: the owner's apartment (170 sq. mt. - 1830 sq. ft.)

- on the third floor: the library (the former portraits gallery) (130 sq. mt. - 1400 sq. ft.).

- on the fourth floor, where restoration hasn't been completed, there is the possibility to arrange up to five more bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms (300 sq. mt. - 3230 sq. ft.).

The guest house is divided into 4 independent apartments, with individual entrance, each with ensuite bathroom and fireplace, plus a maid's room with its own bathroom and storage for linen and other household items. In the same building there is also the old wood oven of the castle, which has been completely restored. (total of 360 sq. mt. - 3870 sq. ft.)

The car port, the former coach-house, can hold up to six cars (130 sq. mt. - 1400 sq. ft.).

The church, dating back to the year 1230, has its own sacristy and is still consecrated.

Along the circular walls with battlements lie four turrets oriented to the main cardinals and one is the old dungeon.

The total covered area is about 1800 sq. mt. (19360 sq. ft.), while the inside garden is about 1500 sq.mt (16140 sq. ft.). The property also includes about 79 acres of olive groves and woods with pines, oaks, holm oaks, cypresses, junipers and has a small ston! e barn f or tractors.

There is also an helicopter landing site.

It has been recently obtained the authorities approval for :1- Restoration of the dungeon tower, which will be turned into a romantic apartment with an enchanting view on the moat and the lake.

2- A further house of up to 200 sq. mt. (2150 sq. ft.), which was dismantled in 1950, can be rebuilt inside the walls, between the church and the dungeon tower.

3- Building of a new house of about 450 sq.m. (4840 sq.ft.) inside the property, in a panoramic site, with annexed swimming pool.

Technical data:

GENERAL:

The castle's restoration (1988 - 1994) saw the total refurbishment of all the main structures, such as roofs, floors and staircases.

Given its status as a listed heritage site the restoration was carried out under the continuous supervision of the architects and staff of the Ministry of Culture.

Doors and window frames are all new but made by local artisans in chestnut timber, using traditional Tuscan techniques and styles.

All the internal antique features that were in acceptable shape were left in place after being completely restored.

The roofs were restored using the anti-earthquake technique. Thus the wooden structure of beams and crossings, left in sight the traditional way, has been connected with steel to a concrete frame and covering, and duly reinforced by steel nets. On top is placed insulation, a waterproof tar layer and, at last, the visible covering of antique tiles. All the roofs are accessible for inspection.

All the restoration work carried out on the stone walls was made using the "cuci-scuci" technique: the portions of walls to be restored were numbered stone by stone, photographed and then dismantled. The reconstruction was made using the photos as a guide to put the stones back in the exact place where they were before.

ELECTRICAL

The electrical system is completely new since electricity was not p! resent b efore the restoration.

The system works on both the 240 and 380 Volts supply, the latter for water-pumps and heavy machinery.

The system has been divided in many sub- systems, each one independent and protected by separate switch-boards with anti short-circuit devices for each apartment or area.

The main switch-board and the telephone line have protectors both for short-circuits and lightning. Both the electrical and the telephone lines run on poles through the property while the last part, approaching the castle, lies underground.

HEATING

The main heating and cooking systems run on gas for which there is, far from the buildings, a large (5000 litres) underground tank.

Each apartment has its independent heating system with a boiler that supplies also hot water.

The owner's house has an heating/hot-water system running on both gas or wood with a fireplace and a wood-burning stove connected to the heating and hot-water systems. All gas piping is leak-proof in PVC for exterior lines and copper for internal ones, protected by two separate sets of control units equipped with safety high-pressure valves.

WATER SYSTEM

There are three separate water systems:

A 100 meters deep well, by the barn outside the walls, , supplies fresh potable water directly to the apartments and other living areas. The well is monitored by an electronic water level gauge.

This fresh-water system is also equipped with a softener-purifier fitting.

The second system is connected to a freshwater spring lying within the property itself, which was the only freshwater source until 1992, with pumps and pipes feeding a water-tank of 30 tons. The system is mainly used for watering the garden by the means of an underground irrigation fitting and connected to the outside taps. It may be also temporarily used in emergency, in case of well-pump failure, to feed the buildings, simply by switching a valve.

The third system catches rain water coming from the roofs and is th! en colle cted into two more tanks, which in case of a black-out, supply the owner's apartment by gravity. All water piping is in copper while all exhausts are in PVC.

Toilets flush into a system of septic tanks in triple stage which result in clean water that is dispersed in the fields inside the property.

SAFETY

The castle is considered an exceptionally safe place, as all the buildings are protected by the walls' curtain, which has an average height of 27 feet. Also, because of the moat, it is impossible for cars and other vehicles to arrive next to the walls. There is only one entrance closed by an old iron gate and the lower range of windows is equipped with antique iron gratings. An electrically operated gate closes the road entering the property.

The most important economic resources for the area are tourism and agricoltural products (wine and olive oil). There are also many artisan activities, also very appreciated by visitors.

In recent years attention is given also to the preservation of natural resources.

Complete documentation and asking price are available upon  REQUEST

Historical Hall of Arms of the Panzano in Chianti Castle

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Create your own charming and unique apartment in the Hall of Arms of the eleventh century castle.

You are in the heart of Chianti Classico, immersed in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

The main window (the one on the image above) grants a breathtaking view.

During your stay, you can visit the most famous wine farms of Chianti and taste their excellent wines.

You will be there where he lives and works Dario Cecchini, the mythical butcher poet, known throughout the world also for its Florentine steak!! 

As it can be understood by looking at the images, which we show below, this space must be restored / renovated, perhaps relying on a competent architect (we can recommend at least a couple, on request).

At the end of the work you will be able to have an absolutely intriguing, comfortable and charming home.

About 140 mq. (1,500 sqm.) actually divided into large hall, large room, little room, bathroom.

Subject to approval by the competent offices, another room can be recovered most likely. More, it is not to be excluded that also an additional room can be obtained by opening another wall.

A owned courtyard, with gate, allows to have a private parking space.

There is also a courtyard for shared use.

Historical Notes

"The Armory of the Castle of Panzano"

The Castello di Panzano dates back as far as the 11th century, and was likely constructed on the site of the Roman Pagus Pantianus. 

It was probably built by a powerful feudal Franco or Lombard family, perhaps by those who we know today were its owners, the Firidolfi (the children of Rodolfo) clan. This is implied in two documents from the Badia a Passignano, dated 1041 and 1085. Furthermore, from 770 to 1095, "the Castle of Panzano heading up Greve" is cited in the Brolio Archives. 

The castle, with its lofty location between the valleys of the Pesa and the Greve rivers, 30 km from Florence, and 30 km from Siena, was of great strategic importance and prestige. (1)

Constantly contested between the powerful cities of Siena and Florence, always at war for supremacy of the territory, Panzano suffered numerous raids, looting, demolitions, and the truncation of its towers.

Despite these events, subsequent superstructures and additions, our castle retains the grandeur of the original medieval fortified structure, which includes an outer ring of massive walls, small and large towers, the keep, and within, of course, a vast "armory", where they kept armor, pikes, swords, halberds, crossbows... all that was necessary during war time, and where men trained for combat.

This ground floor space still exists intact. It is accessible via a steep passage, through a beautiful, well-preserved gate.

1) The prestige of the castle was such that, as can be seen by a Bull of Pope Pasquale 2nd, dated 1103, and addressed to Giovanni, Bishop of Fiesole, it was refered to as “la Pieve di San Leolino a Flacciano, by another name: "Plebem Sancti Leolini Sitam Panzano cum corte. "

2) It is possible that "Flacciano" comes from the name of the Roman family Flacci.

3) The powerful coterie of “Firidolfiche” was headquartered in Montegrossi, after the defeat of the Florentine Republic, and was divided between the various castles they owned. The castle of Panzano went to the Ricasoli family. The piazza of Panzano Alto is dedicated to them, as is the crest of Panzano.

4) The Panzanesi clan from Panzano, were family of great prestige; in Florence one can find the Via de 'Panzani.

Complete documentation, asking price and a basic quotation of the works are available upon request: REQUEST

History is a witness of the times, light of the truth, life of memory, teacher of life, messenger of the antiques.

Even today, there are places made up of ancestral memories and where the presence of history is tangible. In these places, every mountain, every hill, every little stone could tell a story. And if so, we would know of remote eras, families of the past and lost loves.
And here, in the beautiful province of Florence, in the Tuscan area known as Mugello, if we close our eyes, we can almost hear the murmur of history, that solemn whisper that crosses the Etruscan peaks and comes to us bringing with it the charm of the Middle Ages that led us to this day and that in the world made Italy and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany famous.
It is in this way that this Villa owes its present structure to architect BUONTALENTI’s project, who created it in 1580 for OTTAVIANO DEI MEDICI on the ruins of a guarding castle, on the ancient Roman road Flaminia Minore, which from Bologna crossed the Apennines and the Sieve River at the height of the Villa.
The ancient building complex, located in a harmonious landscape of hills, includes the Villa, which was a summer countryside residence of the Medici Family. The villa’s construction, in its original structure probably dates back to 1500.
The Villa, on the ground floor, retains much of the Renaissance construction, with arches, vaults, serena stone capitals; while the upper floors have their current structure due to renovations in the first half of the eighteenth century.
Who owns even a single patch of this land embraces the past, with an eye to the future…

Total residential surface: sq.mt.: 1000 - sq.ft. 10,700
Park surface: sq.mt. 4000 - sq. ft.43,000





Lux&Top Properties
by R.E.Portal di Paolo Tomasini
Fiesole - Firenze
Mob.: +39 346 7292506
E-mail: info@luxandtop.com
E-mail: info@reportal.it
Web: www.luxandtop.com
Web: www.luxandtoptv.com
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