5 LOCATIONS FOR A ROMANTIC ESCAPE IN TUSCANY
This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Magda Phili
5 LOCATIONS FOR A ROMANTIC ESCAPE IN TUSCANY Sun-kissed, undulating landscapes, breathtaking panoramas, home of famous artists, architects and artisans, Tuscany is and always will be a favorite place in the heart of many; especially the more romantic ones. If you are looking for a romantic destination tinged with history, wine, art, architecture and nature dominating scenery, Tuscany should be on the top of your list. Read on as I unravel some of Tuscany's known and lesser known locations loved and praised by Italians and Italy devotees. 1. Florence, falling in love...again Besides been the capital city of Tuscany, Florence hosts some of the most exquisite examples of Renaissance art and architecture, and offers visitors places where they can experience truly magical moments. One of these, is _ Ponte Vecchio , from where you and your other half can feast your eyes on the sunset over the rooftops of the houses in the city center. Another one is the _ Giardino delle Rose _ in Oltrarno, a fascinating place with 1000 plant varieties and 350 different types of ancient roses. A real treat for your eyes and nose! From May to September, you can also take a boat trip across river Arno during which you will let yourself be mesmerized by the imposing charm of historic buildings such as the Uffizi, the Corridoio Vasariano, Ponte Vecchio, S. Jacopo sopr'Arno, Ponte S. Trinità, Palazzo Corsini and many others. 1. Pienza, finding the "street of love" Pienza is considered to be the incarnation of a Renaissance utopia and an ideal city and it is named after Pope Pio II who had a dream of making his native town a symbol of the ideals of humanism and realism of the era. As soon as you set foot in this city situated in Val D'Orcia (near Siena), all you need to do is simply walk along the famous "streets of love", little but quaint roads that reverberate romance: _Via del Bacio, _ Via dell'Amore , _Via della Fortuna and Via del Buia. Head towards Via del Casello from where you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of Val D'Orcia and Monte Amiata. I know it may be a little bit ironic that a city founded by a Pope is so suggestive of love, but if this should be the ideal city, it makes perfect sense, right? An extra romantic treat is _ Palazzo Piccolomini , chosen by the late Tuscan director Franco Zeffirelli in his film " Romeo and Juliet" as the Capuleti's home, where the two young protagonists meet for the first time at a dance party. 1. Isola Santa, living in a fairy tale The first impression you get as soon as you lay eyes upon this little enchanting village in Careggine in the province of Lucca is that it has remained untouched by the passage of time. Isola Santa is for treasured romantic moments away from the pressure of overcrowded tourist sites. The silence and unspoiled nature surrounding the place is the perfect context if you are in love. The area is also ideal if you like fishing, mountain excursions, speleology or mushroom picking in the woods, which you can later cook with your sweetheart. 1. Castiglioncello, under the Etruscan sun Tuscany is not just beautiful waving green and golden hills adorned by cypresses and olive trees. It is also the land of the Etruscan civilization. Along the Etruscan coastline (_Costa degli Etruschi), on the peak of a small promontory, lies a true pearl, an eclectic location of rare and refined beauty, combing pine groves , steep cliffs and the Tyrrhenian sea. It's called Castiglioncello. Back in the 60s, Castiglioncello was very popular as a holiday destination, more or less like what Capri is today. Italian actors Alberto Sordi and Marcello Mastroianni had their villas there and Sophia Loren often visited the place with her husband Carlo Ponti. Celebrated by the Macchiaioli painters, Castiglioncello is still a centre drawing the attention of the public to a range of artistic, literary and scientific events held at the Castello Pasquini. Visit the Baia del Quercetano one of the most scenic beaches of all Tuscany, walk hand in hand along the Lungomare Alberto Sordi, enjoy a sumptuous dinner (and then a gelato) overlooking the romantic panorama. To admire the best views, walk from Punta Righini to the Porto Turistico of Rosignano, passing through the _ Pineta Marradi _ pine grove. 1. Lucignano, the tree of love What if I told you there is a masterpiece of Gothic jewelry that took 121 years to make, said to bring good luck to lovers and is kept in a Tuscan village? You would probably want to find out more, right? You would want to go there. The _ Albero dell'Amore _ (Tree of Love), also known as the Golden Tree or Tree of Life , is a precious reliquary in the shape of a tree, decorated with enamels, coral and crystals, considered to be the only tree-shaped shrine in the world. It is housed in the Municipal Museum of Lucignano, a picturesque medieval village in Tuscany built in the shape of concentric rings, halfway between Siena and Arezzo. A symbol of faith and love, the tree of love of Lucignano you transform your romantic escape in Tuscany into that "yes" or "will you marry me". But if it doesn't, a little sprinkling of luck will definitely go a long way.
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