For people all over the world, the mere mention of the word Chianti is sufficient to evoke a swathe of memories and expectations. For wine lovers, a great bottle of Chianti is perhaps the best part of a meal, whereas food lovers will extol the unmistakeably earthy pleasures of Tuscan cuisine—prepared simply and traditionally using the freshest and best local ingredients. Nature lovers will the wax lyrical about rolling hills, lush vineyards, and picturesque farmlands—reason enough in itself to stay at Chianti villa rentals given the chance; whereas historians will tirelessly discuss its more than 3000 years of history, as evidenced by its ages-old architecture—castles, abbeys, churches, and towers dating back to medieval times. The homes of great historical figures, such as Amerigo Vespucci, the Verazzano family, Boccaccio, and the Machiavelli family still stand testament to the area’s living history. So do its many festivals and fairs, some of which feature elaborate historical re-enactments of great pomp and pageantry—definitely not to be missed given the opportunity. But for many, the true draw of the region is its art—whether in the form of paintings, sculptures, fine jewellery, or ages-old stone and earthenware. Even while staying in cosy Chianti villa rentals you will no doubt be surrounded by examples of art - from handmade tapestries to hand-tooled furniture passed down from one generation to the next. Listed below are a couple of museums to visit in the region to see treasured examples of the Italian artwork throughout history. Museo di Arte Sacra of Impruneta For bibliophiles, the Impruneta Museum of Sacred Art should be the first stop after checking into nearby Chianti villa rentals. Adjoining the Basilica of Santa Maria in Impruneta, the Museo houses three main sections, the first of which comprises illuminated manuscripts dating back to the 14th century, including a gradual considered to be the work of Lippo di Benivieni, an Orcagna-influenced antiphonary, and three manuscripts illuminated by Antonio di Girolamo. The second section, the Sala Silvani, holds a collection of precious gold and silver artefacts dating back to the 15th century, many of which have religious significance. The final section houses liturgical vestments that have had the honour of having been used on significant icons, such as the Holy Virgin. Antiquarium di Sant'Appiano Another great reason to stay in nearby Chianti villa rentals is the proximity to the Antiquarium di Sant'Appiano. Just a short distance away from Barberino Val d’Elsa, adjoining the Pieve di Sant’Appiano, the Antiquarium is home to a good number of historical finds from the area. The museum has two major sections. The first section showcases examples of funerary art dating back to the 5th century, such as funerary urns, effigies of the dead, ant artwork and earthenware depicting death-related scenes; the second showcases ceramics and stone images dating back to the late Middle Age. Giovanni Balboni works for To Tuscany, who specialise in finding the perfect Chianti villa rentals as well as in other regions in Tuscany, Umbria and Puglia. To Tuscany is proud of their villas and their reputation. All our properties are personally selected and visited by our representatives to ensure we offer only the best in the regions.
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