Country-House in Tuscany Restaurant Apartments

Only 12 km. far from the country-house there's the well-known thermal country-town "Montecatini Terme", that, besides the famous thermal treatments and beauty-farm, is surrounded by mediaeval villages where you can feel the XIII century atmosphere.

At night it offers nice performances at the "Verdi" theatre, with famous television personages.
There's the leaving of the characteristic "Cable Railway" that climbs the hill as far as "Montecatini Alto", the historical mediaeval little town considered the historical centre of Montecatini Terme.

Near Montecatini there's "Monsummano Terme" with its natural caves with warm water sources: "Grotta Giusti" and "Grotta Parlanti".

In the neighbourhood of Pescia with the famous "Mercato dei Fiori"(flowers market) and Montecarlo surrounded by olive-grove and vineyard, "sources" of the famous "Bianco di Montecarlo".

A few km. far from Monsummano, on the hill, "Montevettolini", characteristic mediaeval village with an enviable view over the whole "Valdinievole" and, not very far, the "Golf Club", with very large courses and view over the gentle surrounding hills.

50 minutes by car, we have the famous "Versilia", with "Lago di Massaciuccoli" or "Torre del Lago Puccini" and the well-known composer's house Giacomo Puccini, in Viareggio, where in February takes place the famous Carnival of Viareggio, in Forte dei Marmi, famous international resort characterized by the vast and flourishing vegetation.

We propose you a succession of itineraries to stay in "Villa Cappugi" for a time.
You enjoy one's holidays to visiting the wonderful places of Tuscany.

PISTOIA: ART CITY

The past of this city, the historical centre of which is still contained inside the XIII century tack, is "summarized" in the central square where all the most important religious and civilian buildings gather.

The XIII century Cathedral is dedicated to San Zeno, opposite the gothic octagonal Baptistry, then "Palazzo del Podestà", "Palazzo dei Vescovi".

In a corner of the square we see a tower about 30 metres high, "Torre Catilina".

Out of the Cathedral square we reach the "San Giovanni Fuorcivitas" Church, XIII century.

In Via della Madonna peep out the big cupola of the Madonna dell'Umiltà Basilica, XIII century.

Turning back for a little way , we reach the characteristic Via Dell'Orafi, then Via Dei Fabbri that leads in "Piazza della Sala", one of the oldest of the city with the "Leoncino" well, XIII century.

Last stage the "Ospedale del Ceppo", used in the past to give hospitality to pilgrims.

At last, the Tau church with his frescoes made in the late mediaeval epoch, in vaults and on the nave walls.

During the XII century the rich bourgeoisie built here its prestigious buildings: "Palazzo Panciatichi" (XII century), "Palazzo del Balì", and the late "Palazzo Rospigliosi".

For the children a visit to the zoo.
Training with school "Groppoli".
At night, the monumental "Teatro Manzoni" offers nice performances.

FLORENCE

The route to discover the beauty of Florence begins in "Piazza Santa Maria Novella" , heart of the city and proceeds to the Cathedral Square, with the Baptistry, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Belfry of Giotto.
The museum of the "Opera del Duomo".

Then to the Basilica of San Lorenzo.
In the adjacent square the beautiful market is the biggest boutique of Europe.
Opposite there's "Palazzo dei Medici".
Then the museum of San Marco and the Museum "dell'Accademia".
Then "Piazza SS. Annunziata" with the Blessed Virgin Mary image.

The route into the historical centre begins from the ancient "Porta a Prato".
Proceeds with the "Lungarno Vespucci", then "Piazza Ognissanti" to visit the church.

Then we proceed to Borgognissanti that competes with Via de' Fossi and Via Maggio for the title of "way of the antiquarian" , the Parione ,Via Porta Rossa , and then "Piazza della Signoria".

A visit to the museum of contemporary art "Marino Marini" (San Pancrazio square).
Then, Palazzo Rucellai; Piazza Santa Trinita with the Church and opposite Palazzo Fini-Ferroni.
Then "Museo Davanzati", "Piazza Strozzi" with Palazzo Strozzi, "Piazza della Repubblica".
"Orsanmichele" and "Palazzo della Signoria" with "Palazzo Vecchio", "Loggia dei Lanzi" and "Palazzo degli Uffizi" conclude this route.

"Ponte Vecchio", or "Ponte degli Orafi", brings us over the Arno S. Santa Felicita, then "Piazza dei Pitti" with "Palazzo Pitti", where we can find seven museums.

Behind, "Boboli" Garden; opposite "Piazza Santo Spirito".
We proceed to "Piazza del Carmine".

LUCCA

The route of Lucca "the beautiful" start from the symbol of the city, its tack (XIV century) that makes a perimetrical ring of the city with a walk that's 4 km long, that you can cover by foot or with the bicycle.

During the walk you can admire the 11 bulwarks with the shape of an arrow point.
Inside we find the modern quarters.

Once the route is finished, in Porta San Pietro, the oldest door (1565-1566), we reach the historical centre.
We find the San Giovanni church together with the Baptistry.

We walk to the cosy and quiet "Piazza San Martino", where there's the most important religious building of the City: the Cathedral of San Martino, built at Romanesque style in the XI-XII century.
The most famous work of art of the Cathedral is the funeral Monument to Ilaria del Carretto, made by Jacopo della Quercia in 1408.

By Via del Battistero we reach the San Giusto Church (XII century).
Then the church of San Michele in Foro.
At the corner of the adjacent Via Vittorio Veneto, we have "Palazzo Ducale".
In Via Gallo Tassi we have Palazzo Manzi of the XVI century with the National Art Gallery.

From Piazza San Michele by Via Battisti we reach the Church of San Frediano built between 112 and 1147.
Behind we have Via Fillungo, that on either side has old houses and towers, that crosses the heart of the historical centre, that brings us to one of its jewels, the most famous symbol of the city, the romantic Piazza del Mercato or Piazza dell'Anfiteatro Romano of the II century, the Santa Maria Forisportam church, the National Museum of Villa Guinigi.

In the neighbourhood, Villa Mansi, Villa Torrigiani, Villa Reale.

In the neighbourhood Borgo a Mozzano with the monumental and romantic Ponte del Diavolo.

PISA

The route starts from Campo dei Miracoli or from the Cathedral square.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta belongs to the XII century, opposite to the monumental Baptistry with round plan began in 1152 and finished at the end of the XIII century.

The belfry or Torre Pendente is the symbol of the city, began in 1152 and finished at the end of the XIII century.
On the left side of the Cathedral the monumental Churchyard (XIII century). In the new Spedale there's the new "Museo delle Sinopie". The visit of Campo dei Miracoli finishes at the "Museo dell'Opera del Duomo".
In the neighbourhood there's the Botanical Garden (1543).

Ponte di Mezzo, Borgo Stretto with the Romanesque Church of San Michele in Borgo.
Then, "Piazza Cavalieri" (XVI century), "Chiesa di Santo Stefano Cavalieri" and "Palazzo dei Cavalieri" today "Scuola Normale Superiore".

Close to "Palazzo dell'Orologio", there are "Palazzo Reale" (XVI century) "Palazzo dell'Arcivescovado" and "Palazzo della Sapienza" that now is an University.

Among the most important churches there are the Church of San Michele in Borgo (X century), the Church of San Martino (XIV century), the Church of Santa Caterina (XII century), the Church of San Francesco (XI century), the Church of San Sepolcro (octagonal plan - XII century), the Church of Santa Maria della Spina (gothic style - XIV century).
Beautiful the National Museum of San Matteo.

At least seaside resorts: Marina di Pisa, Tirrenia, Calambrone.

Natural parks: Macchia di Migliarino, Macchia di San Rossore with De Medici's farms, Macchia di Tombolo.

SIENA

You can reach Siena from Florence by A1, the city reveals herself to the visitors with "Porta Camollia" where we find the inscription "Siena offers you a heart that's bigger than this door".

The route across Siena can only start from Piazza del Campo, with its characteristic concave shape, where takes place the famous Palio.
Palazzo Pubblico (with the Civic Museum), and with the elegant Torre del Mangia, Palazzo Sansedoni, frame the square.

Leaving the Square behind us and crossing Croce del Travaglio, in Via di Città we find "Loggia della Mercanzia".

Not far from Palazzo Piccolomini the State Archives.
Nearby we have "Logge del Papa".
Then by Via Pantaneto we reach the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi.

Going back to Via di Città we can admire Palazzo Chigi-Saracini, then we proceed to Via del Capitano that leads to the Cathedral.
Nearby the Basilica of San Domenico.
Inside the incomplete nave we have "Museum dell'Opera".
Inside the Cathedral we have the Baptistry and the famous "Librearia Piccolomini".

Going back to Via del Capitano, we find the National Art Gallery.

Moreover, "Forte di Santa Barbara" where you can enjoy the city and the hills view.
At the end of Via Santa Caterina the "Fonte Branda" of the XI century.
Not far we have the Sanctuary of Santa Caterina.
A halt to the Contrada Museums.

LIVORNO

For an ideal route it's good to start from Fortezza Vecchia, the big fortification built on the old wet dock waters.

Fortezza Nuova has been built a few years later.
Not very far, Venezia Nuova.

It's important to visit the buildings called "dei Bottini dell'Olio": two rooms, each one about 1 square km big.

Not far, Piazza Anita Garibaldi where we find the Church of San Ferdinando.
Not far, Piazza Domenicani with the Church of Santa Caterina.
In the town centre Piazza Grande with the Cathedral.

Very important the Central Market, with its central nave, beautiful and bright, interesting the roof at iron trestle, like the "Cisternone", a building used as water tank with the beautiful cupola.

Interesting a walk in Largo del Municipio, the actual civic pole, Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo Provincia, Palazzo Granducale, the office of the Chamber of Commerce.
At least the seafront , Viale Italia, going farther, the Naval Academy.

ISOLA D'ELBA AND THE TUSCAN ARCHIPELAGO

To reach Isola d'Elba (join in the biggest Sea Park of Europe, including the isles of "Giglio","Capraia","Montecristo","Pianosa","Gorgona" and "Giannutri") we ferry from Piombino to Portoferraio, most important centre of the isle.

Important to visit the Church "della Misericordia".

In the neighbourhood of the port, the bastion Palle di Sotto, building obtained cutting the rock.
Climbing up to the little square "degli Altesi" we reach to the "Fronte d'Attacco", made of plans placed one upon the other, walks and tunnel.

Proceeding we arrive to Napoleone's House with the Imperial Library.
Not far we have "Forte Sella" with a characteristic view from bastions; in the neighbourhood we have the Art Gallery "Foresina".

Coming out from the centre we reach to "Molo Mediceo"and from here to "Fortezza dell linguella" with the Civic Archaeological Museum.

Interesting the Country-house of Napoleone's age, the Roman Excavations, and, not far the Ruins of Volterra.

For the people who love rocks it's necessary a stage to Ghiaie, Padulella, Capo Bianco, Enfola di Portoferraio, Rio Marina Porticciolo, Nisporto, Nisportino, the beach of Cavo, Pomonte, Secchetto, Colle Palombaia.

For those who prefer sand there are the ample beaches of Lacona, Biodola, Marina di Campo, Lido Capoliveri or the sandy shores of Forno, Innamorata, Cavoli, Fetovaia.
Interisting to see Laconpark.

A stop to Porto Azzurro and Marciana with a walk to the Sanctuary "della Madonna del Monte", and the the Archaeological Museum.

CAPRAIA AND GORGONA

You can reach Capraia by the ferry-boat from Elba.
The only centre is the Isle of Capraia, used like a penal colony till 1986.
Important to see "Fortezza di San Giorgio" that dominate the town, the Tower of the Port, perfectly preserved, the Romanesque Church of Santo Stefano.

You can visit the Isle of Gorgona only if you have a guided reservation, at pre-arranged moment with the management of the agrarian penal colony present on the place.
Important to visit Punta Gorgona, Rocca Vecchia, Cala Maestra, Cala Scirocco.

GIGLIO AND GIANNUTRI

Once arrived to Giglio you can't miss a visit to Giglio Porto, the biggest tourist centre.
From here you can climb up to Giglio Castello, a village completely closed by a task: inside the task it's interesting to visit the Fortress and the Parish Church with fourteenth-century origins.

From Giglio you can reach the little Isle of Giannutri, only 500 metres of width for a coast that's 11 km long, looks like a natural jewel.
Docks in Cala Maestra and Cala Spalmatoio are small and there are no hotels.
Beautiful views and a wonderful sea are assured.
Important to see the Roman Ruins.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES

Lucca - Pieve di Brancoli - Diecimo - Borgo a Mozzano (Ponte del Diavolo) - Bagni di Lucca (Thermal Baths)- Castelnuovo Garfagnana - Arni (Marble Pits) - Fornovalasco (Wind Caves) - Gallicano (Eremo Colomini cut in the rock) - Monte Altissimo (Henraux Wind Caves) Azzano (Romanesque Church) - Rousine (Trout Monument) Seravezza (Palazzo dei Medici) - Massa - Carrara - Sarzana (the Fortress of Castruccio Castracani).

On the way back crossing Versilia coast: Marina di Carrara, Marina di Pisa, Forte dei Marmi, Lido di Camaiore, Viareggio, Torre del Lago Puccini, Lucca.

THE WAY OF CHIANTI:
From the highway Florence - Siena we get out at Poggibonsi and here we visit the "Castello della Magione" and the "Castello Strozzavolpe", "Fortezza Medicea", "Romituzzo", "Basilica di San Lucchese" and "Fonte delle Fate".

Then we take the 429 street that leads to Castellina in Chianti with the medieval Town Fortress and "Tumolo di Montecalvario" near the Etruscan graves.

Still on the 429 street we find Radda di Chianti with "Pieve di Santa Maria Novella" and in the neighbourhood "Castello di Volpaia".
On the road the magnificent "Abbazia di Coldibuono".
Not far we have Gaiole in Chianti with "Castello di Meleto", Castello di Barbischio, Castello di Brolio, Pieve di Santa Maria a Spaltenna, and then we reach in a few minutes Panzano, a village of the XI century that is situated on a hill surrounded by olive-groves and vineyards with the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Pieva Romanica of San Leonino, the Oratory of San Eufrosino.

Proceeding we find Greve in Chianti with the traingular square surrounded by arcades, then the mediaeval Castle of Montefioralle with the Church of Santo Stefano and the Castle of Verrazzano.

From Greve in Chianti we proceed to Mercatale Val di Pesa, romantic town near the Castel of Gabbiano.
From here we proceed for San Casciano Val di Pesa, with the Church "della Misericordia" and The Museum of Holy Art.

In the neighbourhood we have Pieve Santa Cecilia.
We proceed to Cerbaia with "Pieve di San Giovanni in Sugana" (XII century) and "Pieve Vecchia".

From here following the street "Cassia" we reach to Tavernelle Val di Pesa with the magnificent "Pieve di San Pietro In Bossolo", seat of the Museum of Holy Art, and not far we have "Pieve Romanica di San Donato in Poggio".

A little diversion to Marcialla, old village, and to "Castello di Tavolese", monumental medieval centre.
We go back to Tavarnelle and we proceed to Poggibonsi.

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Villa Cappugi - Via Collegigliato 45 - Pistoia - Italy - Tel. 0573 450297 - Cell. 347 4520508 - Fax. 0573 451009 - info@hotelvillacappugi.com - p.iva 00355060476

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