ART: Tuscany Countryside

Tuscany is not just the birthplace of The Renaissance it is the most beautiful part of Italy. Spend a few days just traveling at a leisurely pace around the Tuscany countryside and drink in the natural beauty of the undulating countryside swathed in various shades of green.

Tuscany known locally as Toscana is in the center of Italy, about midway down the peninsula. Surrounded by mountains and dense cypress forests it is easy to see how this landscape must have nurtured and inspired artists down the centuries. The region is famous for its olives and wines, both of which complement the simple meals of the Tuscany Countryside perfectly

It is a moving and enriching experience, soaking in the beauty of the region where time seemingly stands still. This is Chianti country and the vineyards with their erect battalion of baby vines, which are in perfect symmetrical rows and are a feast for the eyes. The gently rolling hillsides, the rows of proud dark green cypress trees, the narrow winding village lanes together made a picture postcard landscape.

From the hills of Northern Tuscany to the gentler undulating countryside, farms with their mellow stone houses now open their doors to tourists who want to sample their lifestyle. Simple yet delicious meals using local produce and wonderful homebrewed wine lull the senses in the sun drenched village that I stumbled upon. The warmth of the welcome matched the climate and I vowed to be back some day.

There was plenty of time for long hikes, bird watching and just admiring the flora and fauna. The views from the elevation of the symmetrically rounded hilltops encompassing old farm houses in medieval hamlets, moss covered storybook castles and parish churches and monasteries is breathtaking. Those who seek tranquility cannot help but be captivated by the Tuscany countryside.

The traditional villages perched high in the scenic hills of Northern Tuscany offer the simple pleasures of life. The swish of the cypress trees, the chirrups of the birds and the fresh crisp mountain air that exhilarates is a wonderful experience.

ART: Venice Carnival

Masks are synonymous with the Carnival of Venice. People come from the world over to attend private and public masked balls and masked revelers of all ages invade the campo’s of Venice where music and dancing continues nearly day and night.

The Venice Carnival starts two Fridays before Ash Wednesday. ‘Carnival’ the word comes from the Latin for "Farewell, meat!” and on Ash Wednesday, Lent begins, so people have to consume all the meat, butter and eggs before the fast. This religious activity became the great cause for the people to party.

Historically the Venice Carnival started after 1162. It is believed that in that year the Republic scored a victory over Ulrico, Patriarch of Aquileia, they started the tradition of celebrating the victory by slaughtering a bull and twelve pigs around Shrove Tuesday. Slowly these celebrations gained momentum.

During the eighteenth century the Carnival was at its peak. The spirit of the Carnival is best demonstrated by the paintings of Francesco Guardi and the diaries of Giacomo Casanova. The period of 1930s saw a notable slide of the Carnival, when it was prohibited by Mussolini. In 1979, the Carnival was leased a new life through the efforts of some of the Venetians. Slowly the tradition got momentum and today the image of the masked revelers is the worldwide icon of Venice in February.

As of today, during the Carnival everybody is wearing masks and this abolishes all social divisions and everybody is free to enjoy. You can find groups of people of varying age groups partying, carousing, and singing, dancing and playing games in all the open spaces and on the streets. The Bautta, is a most common costume, consisting of a black silk hood, a lace cape, a voluminous cloak (the tabarro), and a three-cornered hat and a white mask which completely covers the face. The wearer can walk around without being recognized.

Since the 1980’s, the Venice Carnival has gained more popularity. Private and public masked balls, theatrical performances and an array of ancient games are being organized for the entertainment of tourist as well as locals. Italian folklore, history, and society inspire the types of masks worn today. The masks fall in several categories, like Commedia dell'Arte masks are inspired by traditional characters like satyrs, demons and lawyers to sailors, bakers, butchers Harlequin and Pierrot, the fantasy masks are inspired by history and also the imagination of the manufacturer.

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ART: Florence Museums

The city of Florence is located in the Tuscany Region of central Italy and the cultural and historical impact of the city is overwhelming. The city has many museums, and offers visitors one of the richest cultural experiences in the world.

THE "UFFIZI GALLERY"

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the greatest museums in Europe. The collection of artwork on display there includes paintings by Raphael, Titian and Botticelli. One of the most famous of these is the Birth of Venus, by Sandro Botticelli, which was commissioned by the Medici family in 1482.
Address: Loggiato degli Uffizi, 6
Opening times: Tuesday - Sunday from 8.15 to 19.00
Phone: 055 238 8683
Reservations phone: 055 294 883


THE "ACCADEMY GALLERY"

The ACCADEMY GALLERY is among the very best museums in Florence. "The four prisoners" and the "Pieta of Palestina" some of the famous creations by Michelangelo are available at this museum. Among other things available here is the collection of paintings by the Grand Duke Peter Leopold.

Address: Via Ricasoli, 58-60
Opening times: Tuesday - Sunday from 8.15 to 18.50
Phone: 055 238 8609
Reservations phone: 055 294 883


THE NATIONAL MUSEUM "IL BARGELLO"

One of the oldest buildings in Florence accommodates The NATIONAL MUSEUM "IL BARGELLO". The name BARGELLO is adopted because in earlier times this building was the residence of the "Bargello" (head of police spies). The Bargello is full of famous works of some of the renowned masters like Brunelleschi, Michelangelo, Cellini, Giambologna and Donatello.

Address: Via Del Proconsolo, 4
Opening times: Everyday from 8.15 to 13.50
Phone: 055 238 8606
Reservations phone: 055 294 883


THE MUSEUM OF "SAN MARCO"

MUSEUM OF SAN MARCO can be visited only for its architecture alone. The settings within have been designed in such a way, so as to simplify the monastic life. The museum is decorated with the frescoed interiors and the panels displayed in the large alms-house. The beautiful Last Supper frescoed work of Ghirlandaio and the illuminated manuscripts of the first public library of the Renaissance are the other things available at the museum.

Address: Piazza San Marco 3
Opening times: Monday - Friday from 8.15 to 13.50; Saturday and Sunday from 8.15 to 18.50
Phone: 055 238 8608
Reservations phone: 055 294 883


THE MUSEUM OF THE "CATHEDRAL"

Artworks from the Gothic Cathedral, the Baptisty and the Tower of Giotto (campanile) are the main attractions of The MUSEUM OF THE CATHEDRAL. The museums also house some of the most famous creations by Michelangelo, Donatello, Arnolfo di Cambio and Luca Della Robbia.

Address: P.za Duomo
Opening times: Monday - Friday from 8.15 to 13.50; Saturday and Sunday from 8.15 to 18.50
Phone: 055 230 2885


THE MUSEUM OF THE "HISTORY OF THE SCIENCE"

Items on display there include early telescopes, clocks, watches, compasses and other instruments invented by the Italian scientist Galileo Galilei. The museum has a large exhibition of extinct animals and birds. The museum also has a collection of extremely lifelike human wax figures.

Address: Piazza SS. Annunziata, 12
Phone: 055 249 1708
Opening hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesdays and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Evening Openings
last Thursday of June and August
first Thursday of July and September 9:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.