Things to see and do Toscane

The church is built on the oratory of the Order of the Servants of Mary, founded by seven young monks to whom Mary appeared in 1235. Then, as the ultimate renunciation of the world, they founded the monastery of Monte Senario in Fiesole. Michelozzo built the first cloister in the middle of the 15th century. The main body of the church, begun in 1440 by Michelozzo and Pagno Portigiani, was then modified by Alberti who created the powerful platform that can be seen on the right side. From the sober facade, decorated with the arms of Pope Leo X de Medici and the frescoes of the young Pontormo, you can access three different settings: on the right the chapel of the Puccio of San Sebastiano, on the left the vast cloister of the Dead decorated with frescoes by Andrea del Sarto, in the centre the first cloister (chiostrino dei Voti), decorated with frescos by the masters of Florentine mannerist painting from the early 16th century: Rosso Fiorentini, Pontormo, Franciabigio and Andrea del Sarto who, with the Birth of the Virgin, painted the most faithful portrait of his wife Lucrezia del Fede, unfortunately unfaithful according to Vasari.

The interior, designed by Alberti, but later covered with a sumptuous baroque decoration, consists of a nave covered with a large dome. The remarkable Baroque ceiling is by Giambelli according to a drawing by Volterrano (17th century). Many works of art are preserved in the side chapels: frescoes by Andrea del Castagno, an Assumption by Perugino, a Resurrection by Bronzino, sculptures by Giambologna and, in the transept, a marble Deposition by Baccio Bandinelli whose self-portrait can be seen in Nicodemo's face. On the left is a small marble temple designed by Michelozzo in honour of the fresco of the Annunciation, which is now venerated and displayed to the faithful every 25 March, the day of the Annunciation (Florentine New Year's Day for several centuries). According to legend, the anonymous artist of the 14th century who executed the Birth of the Virgin fell asleep after making the angel, but his sleep was disturbed by the fear of not being able to paint a Virgin of better quality than the angel already painted. When he woke up, he was surprised to find the fresco completed by a supernatural hand. The miraculous virtues attributed to painting by popular tradition since then have led young wives to go to the Annunziata church after their wedding to offer the Virgin of the small temple their bouquet of flowers.

After New York, Los Angeles, Dubai and Rome, the Selfie Museum has landed in Florence. Well, not really a museum. Let's say it's a space of over 1,000^m2 where immersive scenarios created by 400 different artists, light and mirror effects, kaleidoscopes, polka dots and coloured balls follow one another. The objective of making the visitor the protagonist of the exhibition has been achieved! Of course, you can have your own opinion about the selfie craze, but this is clearly the time to get out your phone! And to take full responsibility!

9 km east of Marina di Campo and 9 km south of Portoferraio, the narrow strip of sand which is the beach of Braulio stretches over 1 km (indeed one of the longest beaches of the Elbe) within a gulf that protects it from the winds (arriving only from the south) and gives it almost to the south. the air of a lake with its calm water and the green nature that seems to close on it. Watching the sunset from the terrace of the Ledo Bar overlooking the Gulf is an unforgettable experience.

This network of hiking and signposted routes, starting from Sillico, offers seven different walks (day or night). An excellent way to enjoy breathtaking views of the Apuan Alps, to discover the region's lush nature and its points of interest (hermitages, mills, old chestnut dryers known as metati...). From about thirty minutes (to be done easily with the children) to six hours (for hikers who wish to spend a day immersed in a typical and wild landscape of the Apennines) depending on the route taken.

The Via Francigena was the route of a pilgrimage that led from Canterbury to Rome, passing through the Grand-Saint-Bernard Pass and the Tuscan countryside. It was one of the largest European communication routes in the Middle Ages. On this path of faith to the numerous alternatives, attended by pilgrims and the various passers-by (merchants and arms of arms), towns and cities have developed, giving rise to a frenetic economic life for hostels, monasteries and churches inside the Florentine countryside. The Via Francigena did not pass through Florence, but in the th century, becoming the capital of the Renaissance and one of Europe's most important cities for its trade and finance, it became obligatory. Men, goods, ideas and cultural and religious movements and movements had the opportunity to meet Florence with important channels of communication around the city: . life. These allowed to link it to the Via Francigena. They are 6 but the most important and fastest was certainly Via Sanese who led to Siena where it joined Via Francigena. Exploring these courses allows you to rediscover churches, abbeys and inns like the "Spedale di Bigallo" along Via Ny, which still has today its function of hospitality. A unique experience to explore a Tuscan countryside still to discover through Le Vie Romee.

At the top of the rocky promontory of Ansedonia, at an altitude of 114 metres, stand the ruins of the ancient city of Cosa, founded by the Romans in 273 BC. Cosa's name would come from "Cusia" or "Cusi", an older Etruscan city that was below the place where Orbetello is located today. It is a moving site to imagine the 2,500 families who lived there and founded this powerful autonomous city, with its own laws and currency. The Roman colony of Cosa was entirely surrounded by powerful walls extending for more than a kilometre, pierced by three access gates and with seventeen towers, one of which was circular. The entrance to this archaeological area, unjustly unknown to tourists, is through the Fiorentina Gate (to the northwest). You can walk among the ancient remains, such as sacred temples, baths, private houses, cisterns, as well as the cyclopean ramparts, the acropolis and the forum, once the city's main square. Imagine, this area formed a large square 90 metres long by 30 metres wide! On the sides of the forum, one can see the remains of the atria (places of exchange for commercial affairs), and those of the basilica which had sixteen columns.

To deepen your visit, the small museum, worthy of interest and with documentation in French, houses objects discovered on the site, such as dishes, coins, sculptures...

Who said that Tuscany was only made of hills, cypresses, vines and olive trees? 20 kilometres from Massa Marittima, the Biancane Park plunges you into a total change of scenery: the steam fumes and the white stones give the impression of being landed on another planet! Nestled on the wild metalliferous mountains, the site includes a boiling mud crater and unique flora. A route allows you to get close to these spectacular geothermal phenomena.

A tourist information office rich in documentation. There are many hiking and trekking trails in the area, as well as a map of the Strada dei Castelli del Chianti. Indeed, the beautiful Chianti region also has its own route of castles, which is divided into six distinct routes. Around Gaiole in Chianti is a large number of superb castles and fortified farms, to discover the region's architectural heritage and rich past.

Set in a tiny natural cove, this picturesque little village is located to the right of Marciana Marina's "lungomare". It is the old historic centre of the city, where the colourful and salt-eroded houses protect a small port with boats and nets. It looks like a postcard from a bygone era. This old fishing village will be the perfect opportunity for a romantic walk at sunset! Take your jersey, the "Caletta del Cotone" has a small gravel beach.

A romantic and popular sandy cove, Innamorata Beach (literally "the lover") offers clear water and splendid sunsets. According to legend, the beach was home to the loves of Romeo and Juliet of the Elbe in the 16th century, Lorenzo and Maria. Lorenzo was murdered by pirates and, out of despair, Maria threw herself into the sea... Their tragic love story is commemorated every July 14 during the Festa dell' Innamorata. Easily accessible, the beach has umbrella rentals, bars and restaurants.

Once there, this tourist office provides a lot of information about Capraia. Beforehand, if you want to get information and enjoy your island getaway as much as possible, its website is very complete and offers several links to accommodation facilities, restaurants, services, activities, the island's cultural agenda... Also a multitude of information on the rich local fauna and flora. Be careful, the environment is protected, it is therefore forbidden to pick the slightest flower

If you are visiting the island of Pianosa, it would be a shame to miss a sunbath on this magnificent and long beach of white and very fine sand, located on the east coast, especially since it is the only place where swimming is allowed on the island. This famous little paradise with crystal clear and transparent water, worthy of a postcard, is not far from the village. Opposite the cove, stands the 32-metre high islet of La Scola, whose seabed is dotted with amphoras and well-preserved dishes.

A sign informs us that this house was that of André Pons de l'Hérault (1772-1853), Napoleon's confidant during his exile on the island of Elba. In 1809, to reward him for his military career, he was appointed administrator of the Rio Marina iron mines. Committed to social progress, he introduced bonuses and increased the salaries of miners, and provided the village with a doctor, a relief and retirement fund. Very popular, Pons de l'Hérault is also the scribe of Napoleon's island stay (see Memories and anecdotes of Elba Island for those interested).