Tuscan towns

Miglianello

Miglianello
Miglianello is a little village  immersed in the terraces of olive groves that cover the entire hillside.
The particular layout of the buildingis due to the fact that originally it was an Olivetan Monastery.
In the 18th century, the building was bought by the Papanti family. The complex has maintained the ancient characteristics of the original building; all that is left of the monastery is the olive mill and storerooms.
Inside there is a hall and two rooms with walls papered with prints of a wide variety of bird species: a “History of birds” of 1768 dedicated to grand duke Pietro Leopoldo, and of great interest to natural sciences scholars. Beside the villa there is a gothic-style church which may have been private chapel, built during the last century.

Events in Tuscany

Events in Tuscany

Real Collegio – Lucca – “Quel che non è”
Interior decorators and apprentice artisans display their talent to those wishing to embellish their houses.
Trompe l’oeil competition, guided tours of villas and historic gardens.
Furniture restoration.
From 23 to 27 April 2010
Web-site: www.realcollegiolucca.it

Saschall Theatre – Florence – “Tango Festival”
8th Florence Tango Festival, Orchestra Hyperion. From 22 to 25 April 2010
Web-site: www.saschall.it

Pescia – Pistoia – “Pescia Medievale 2010”
Music, fencing, street artists, crafts, medieval coins, medicines and cosmetics. Flag throwing. Typical taverns with food and drink of the era. Procesion from Chiesa della Maddalena to Duomo on 17.00 Sunday, 1-and 2 May 2010

The dog show

Dog show

The first dog show in Barga
Organised by the association for the defence of animals “L’Arca della Valle” will be held in the medieval town of Barga on the traditional “Bastione sul Fosso”.
The 5 categories are the best breed dog, the best mongrel, the cutest puppy (3 to 6 months), one for our old faithful friends ( 8 years +) and the original “twin-set” category dedicated to owners that look like their pet dogs (or vice-versa)!
Subscriptions open from 12 to 2 pm. Fun for all the family guaranteed!
For more information send an e-mail to arcadellavalle@virgilio.it or call Sonia (english speaking) after 6 pm at 347.2590283.
Starts 14,30 on 24 April.

Driving tours of Tuscany

La Specola

La Specola
The construction of La Specola, of which there are still numerous plans, was begun by the architect, Lorenzo Nottolini, in 1819 at the request of Maria Luisa of Bourbon who wished to make the park of Villa di Marlia, below into an astronomy observatory dedicated to Urania, but the work was never completed.
The hillside chosen for its construction was and ideal point for observing the sky, and its splendid panoramic position above the plain was free from surrounding buildings and gave 360° view of the horizon.

Events in Tuscany

Azalea flower

Flower power
Whatever your view of Springtime, there is no doubting that April is the month when all Lucchesia returns to bloom.
From 17-19 April, the place to be is at Borgo a Mozzano in the Serchio Valley, where the Azalea Festival will be in full swing a wonderful gardeners’ market, with plants, seeds, cut flowers, gardening tools on display, which takes over the whole town. It is over fifty years since locals realised how perfect their climate is for azaleas, enough humidity, almost chalk-free water, not too hot in summer or too cold in winter. Since then, this fair has become a major event in the Italian gardening calendar.
In Lucca, itself, on the following week from 23 to 27 April, the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro will once again be filled with the stalls of local nurseries and flower sellers for the annual Flower Market in memory of Santa Zita.
Look out also for the display in the Piazza in front of the church of San Frediano (which of course houses Santa Zita’s mortal remains).
perfect timing for getting your garden, terrace, patio or window-box blooming with colour again. Look out for amateur gardeners staggering through the streets laden with plants.