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Tag: Tuscany

Arezzo – Siena’s charming little sister

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . No Comments on Arezzo – Siena’s charming little sister

While tourists flock to Florence during the high season and Siena is the focus of attention for travelers to Tuscany due to its famous Palio and its cathedral made of black and white marble, Arezzo is often forgotten on the to-do list. Yet it is a city that captivates with its character and quiet beauty. It is one of my favorite places in Tuscany, not only because I found my second home nearby. Arezzo in northern Tuscany has no less to offer than its famous neighbors Siena and Florence. The cityscape is similar to Siena, only smaller and more cozy because it is less crowded. As in Siena, the heart of the city is the Piazza Grande—a sloping square framed by medieval buildings, the Vasari Loggia, and Baroque palazzi. It is the heart of the city. Here and in the surrounding streets, Italy’s largest and oldest antiques market, the “Fiera Antiquaria di Arezzo” takes place every first weekend of the month. Countless stalls offer collections of rare items, fabulous collectibles, curiosities, and wonderful antique and modern furniture. The streets are then teeming with dealers, collectors, and curious visitors browsing the stalls for forgotten treasures. Tired from walking around, you can then relax in one of the small, cozy restaurants under the arcades and enjoy delicious Italian food. In high season, it is better to reserve in advance! Spectacle from the Middle Ages Twice a year—every third Sunday in June and every first Sunday in September—the Piazza Grande becomes the stage for the Giostra del Saracino. Anyone who has heard of the Palio in Siena or has even been there will experience something similar here in Arezzo. This ancient jousting tournament, mentioned by Dante Alighieri (Italian poet, 1265-1321), is every bit as impressive as the Palio in Siena. Piazza Grande in Arezzo is specially prepared for this medieval competition by covering the square diagonally with a track of compacted sand In the traditional jousting tournament, riders in armor representing the four districts (Porta Crucifera, Porta del Foro, Porta Sant’Andrea, and Porta Santo Spirito) compete against each other for the golden lance. They are accompanied by fanfares, drums, and an enthusiastic audience. Almost everywhere in Arezzo, the different flags of the competing districts fly in the wind. The winner and his district are awarded the golden lance, which has been elaborately blessed in Arezzo Cathedral. If you want to find out more about the Giostra and the historical costumes, there is a free permanent exhibition in the town hall on Piazza della Libertá.… weiterlesen

Terme di Saturnia – Regeneration And Relaxation Made In Italy

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . No Comments on Terme di Saturnia – Regeneration And Relaxation Made In Italy

According to legend, we owe the Terme di Saturnia to the god Saturn who, frustrated by the constant wars between humans, hurled a bolt of lightning at the Tuscan Maremma. To this day, hot sulphurous water gushes out of the resulting crater, which is known for its healing properties for mind and body. The Terme di Saturnia is a place of magical energy for all those in search of psycho-physical balance, harmony between body and mind, health and beauty. The natural Terme Saturnia is located in the medieval town of the same name, about 100 km south of Florence in the Tuscan Maremma. It can be reached by car from Rome Fiumicino airport in around two hours and from Florence airport in three hours. Cascate del Mulino: waterfalls over rock pools The Romans already appreciated the healing power of the warm, sulphurous water and built the “bagno secco” here, the ruins of which can still be visited today. For over three thousand years, the bubbling springs were a place of healing for popes and peasants, centurions and soldiers, nobles and craftsmen – in the water, they were and are all the same. The Cascate del Mulino are indeed a breathtaking sight. These are waterfalls whose water flows over rocks from the Saturnia springs. The water temperature is 37.5 °C all year round, so you can bathe in them even in winter. A visit to the thermal fields is free of charge and they are accessible around the clock. However, you should be aware that the water from the thermal springs contains sulphur and leaves an unpleasant smell on the skin. There are no publicly accessible showers near the Cascate. You should therefore have a home nearby. Terme di Saturnia, a 5-star resortrt The thermal springs of Saturnia should not be confused with the Terme di Saturnia. The 124-room luxury hotel with thermal baths and spa is also located in the mythical area not far from the natural pools and also draws its thermal water from the hot Saturnia springs. However, instead of “wild” sulphur pools, guests here can relax in well-maintained thermal pools.ermalpools. Surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves, the resort is the perfect place to escape the stress of everyday life and immerse yourself in a world of radiant well-being. With over 100 years of tradition, Terme di Saturnia is known for its excellent services, attention to detail and unique connection to nature.… weiterlesen