Archive for 'Architectural Gems'

In the last post in this series, we are discussing even more things to see and do in Pisa that don't involve posing next to, or scaling, a leaning tower. Just find a luxury villa in Pisa and begin exploring this stunning Tuscan city for yourself.

5. Knight's Square

The Knight's Square, or Piazza dei Cavalieri, is a town square in the city but is a beautiful landmark that holds particular historical importance. Located in the University Quarter, at the edge of the medieval city centre, just a short walk from the Piazza dei Miracoli, the square is thought to have Roman origins, became a political centre during the Middle Ages and is now a cultural and physical hub for the University of Pisa. The appearance of many of the buildings in the piazza that we see today dates to the 16th century and was created in a project headed by famous Renaissance architect Giorgio Vasari.

As the Leaning Tower of Pisa is so inordinately and overpoweringly famous, the other sights and attractions of Pisa often don't even get a look in. However, if you have found a luxury villa in Pisa and are visiting that beautiful city, you might wonder what else is there to do in Pisa? Luckily, we have compiled a list of some of the best things to see and do in Pisa that aren't towers with poor foundations.

3. Palazzo Blu

The Palazzo Blu is one of the most important art museums in the city and is, appropriately, located in a wonderfully restored 14th-century dusty-blue palace. Home to Foundation Pisa's art collection (on the 2nd floor of the building) that is made up of predominantly Pisan works from the 14th to the 20th centuries it also hosts various temporary exhibitions on the ground floor throughout the year.

If you have found a luxury villa in Pisa, a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is, for many, a must, of course. However, there is lots more to see and do in this beautiful and historic Tuscan city.

We have compiled a list of other key attractions and things to see and do in Pisa so you don't miss out on the rest of this wonderful city, just because of the long shadow cast by the Tower.

1. Tuttomondo

While Italy might be more famous for her ancient, medieval and Renaissance artworks, the lineage of the production of great works of art in Italy continues right up to the present day. Pisa may be known for its medieval architecture but it is also home to Keith Haring's “Tuttomondo” mural, his last public work.

Between the centuries of the might of the Roman Empire millennia ago and the continued power of the papacy throughout history, it is safe to say that Rome has had plenty of money invested in her appearance and infrastructure over the years. It is also safe to say that the city is one of the great architectural gems of the world, especially on such a scale and throughout so much of the city. Few other places can boast the same consistently stunning range and quality of architecture through such a large percentage of their square-meterage. Yet, even when you think you cannot be surprised by what Rome's architectural treasure trove has to offer, you stumble across something that you have never seen before: like Coppedè, the Eternal City's answer to Gaudì.

Located behind the main streets of Quartiere Trieste, between Piazza Buenos Aires and via Tagliamento, is the bizarre, beautiful and whimsical district of Coppedè. Tucked away as it is, many people never stumble across this tiny area, the smallest quartiere of Rome.

In the last post in this series, we round up your “Roman Holiday” tour of Rome! Just find a holiday rental in Rome and take in the city where Audrey Hepburn, as a princess, and Gregory Peck, as a journalist, fell in love. Here are the last few of the key sights that you need to include in your itinerary if you are a fan of the film!

When making the film, as we have discovered thus far, the most iconic and popular tourist spots were featured heavily, which is good for you as it means you can kill two birds with one stone and double up on visits. Another famous attraction that features in the movie is the Roman Forum.

In fact, it is where the two main characters first meet after the princess escapes the stifling atmosphere of her country's embassy in Rome and wanders. However, having been just given a sleeping pill to help her rest, he falls asleep on a bench near the Temple of Saturn and the Arch of Septimus Severus. This is where Peck's character finds her and tries to get her back to her home.