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| Piazza del Campo with Palazzo Pubblico and Torre del Mangia, town of Siena, Tuscany/Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
By []Giovanni Balboni
Experience picture postcard Tuscany as you explore the stunning and beautiful Chianti area in the heart of Italy. Wander around the quaint hilltop towns, visit some of the country's most romantic cities and soak up the unique light and atmosphere while meandering through the countryside. When choosing to stay in Tuscany, villas dotted throughout the region are the perfect way to make the most of your time here. In Tuscany, villas are offered for rent by many excellent companies, all with something different to offer. You are certain to find one that suits your group size and holiday aspirations. Whether you are travelling with a group of friends, family, or even if you and a loved one are looking for a peaceful getaway, there will be somewhere perfect for you in this stunning region.
Imagine spending your days visiting local vineyards and learning about some of the most famous wines in the world, or tasting some of the many regional specialities on offer. The Chianti region of Italy is rich in diversity, history and culture and the locals are very typically Italian, embracing their traditions and ancestry, nurturing them into the modern way of life. Agriculture is still the main industry in the area, and sheep's cheese, wine and olive oil are synonymous with the local way of life. In Tuscany, villas are in fact often located on a farm, and you will more than certainly have the chance to sample some of the fruits of the farmers' labours. The Mediterranean climate and distinct seasons make the region ideal for growing a rich variety of fruit and vegetables, including figs, nuts, soft fruits and all manner of other delights.
The Delights of Siena
The Chianti region has many small hilltop towns to explore including Pienza, famed for its cheese making; Volterra, known for its rich medieval heritage; and San Gimignano, the town of towers. There is nowhere quite as special as Siena, however, which is the worthy capital of this stunning region, bringing together a little of all the best parts of Italy.
Siena is thought to have been founded by Senius, son of Remus, one of the two founders of Rome. You will see the classic emblem of Siena (the she-wolf who suckled Remus and Romulus) represented throughout the city. The main piazza here dates back to Roman times, although it was rebuilt during the early 1300s when a quasi-democratic group, The Council of Nine, were in power. The famous horse race, The Palio, is run twice every year in the piazza and a horse and rider from each "council" of the city is entered. Winning the Palio is one of the greatest honours for a council to hold. There is a short film shown throughout the day, with footage of the Palio, which tells the story behind this historical Sienese event.
Siena has a stunning cathedral and several excellent museums to visit. The Torre del Mangia houses the Civic museum where you can see some wonderful frescoes and acclaimed Sienese paintings, including Simone Martini's magnificent Maesta. There are plenty of delightful bars and restaurants offering some real Sienese flavour and they make for a great place to take a breather and soak up the local vibe.
When staying in Tuscany, villas to rent are the best way to absorb yourself in the real heart of this region. Explore at your leisure and take your time to make the most of this incredible part of Italy.
Giovanni Balboni works for To Tuscany, who specialise in finding the perfect [http://www.to-tuscany.com/]Tuscany villas in Chianti as well as selected villas in Umbria and Puglia. To Tuscany is proud of their villas and their reputation. All our Tuscan properties are personally selected and visited by our representatives to ensure we offer only the best in the region.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Discovering-the-Delights-of-the-Tuscan-City-of-Siena&id=7436569] Discovering the Delights of the Tuscan City of Siena
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