The Etruscans
Who were the Etruscans and where did they come from? The origins of the Etruscans - indeed almost everything about them - remains mysterious. It is even unclear when they first arrived in the Italian peninsula and whether an entire people migrated or only what became a ruling caste. Recent genetic studies of both [...]
Italianate gardens of the villas of Tuscany
Tuscan villa formal gardens
Italianate gardens of the villas of Tuscany have been an integral part of the Tuscan villas since Renaissance times when they first made their appearance as conscious attempts to create for wealthy and influential Florentines the ideal place for humanist debate, based upon ancient Roman ideals. After a period of landscape design in the English style in the 19 C (for example, Villa Monaciano), the Tuscan formal garden returned in its italianate roots in the early 20 C, this time designed mostly for wealthy foreigners, often by garden designers who were themselves foreigners, foremost among them being Cecil Pinsent.
In “the history and culture of Tuscany“, the role of the garden as a seamless extension of the architecture of Tuscan villas is outlined briefly. The practical outcome of the application of this concept are some of the most harmonious habitable spaces anywhere. Luckily for us, many of these villa gardens are open to the public for all or part of the year and should form an essential part of any Tuscan itinerary.
More about the Italianate gardens of the villas of Tuscany.
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The Etruscans
Who were the Etruscans and where did they come from? The origins of the Etruscans - indeed almost everything about them - remains mysterious. It is even unclear when they first arrived in the Italian peninsula and whether an entire people migrated or only what became a ruling caste. Recent genetic studies of both [...]
The History of Chianti
Chianti from the Etruscans, Romans and Lombards through mediaeval times to the conflict between Florence and Siena, the mezzadria and modern Chianti The Chianti hills have been inhabited for millennia, making the history of Chianti rich and varied. The mild and healthy climate, the forest abounding in game and the fertile soil [...]
The gods, goddesses and mythology of the Etruscans
The gods and goddesses and other mythological characters of the Etruscans with their Roman equivalents Many of the names listed here are Etruscan spellings (and pronunciations) of Greek and native Italic names, but some names are entirely Etruscan. An Etruscan tomb fresco Achlae: Greek river god, Achelous Achle, [...]
Greve in Chianti activities, castles and other sights
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Volterra
, Italy, a charming mediaeval Tuscan hilltop town is a charming Tuscan hill town that was "discovered" by a popular author of travel guides a few years back and more recently became the setting for a series of vampire movies. Despite the consequent upsurge in tourism, is still a "must visit" for anyone [...]