<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!-- generator="wordpress/2.3.3" -->
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Tuscany</title>
	<link>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com</link>
	<description>Information for your holiday in Tuscany</description>
	<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:04:03 +0000</pubDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3</generator>
	<language>en</language>
			<item>
		<title>Scansano</title>
		<link>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/maremma/scansano/</link>
		<comments>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/maremma/scansano/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:25:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Maremma]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/maremma/scansano/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Scansano is a small village, situated between the hills Maremma, a few kilometers from the city of Grosseto, looks like one of the towns best known and appreciated in southern Tuscany, distinguished by its wealth of monuments, but also and especially for the production of a very famous wine, Morellino di Scansano DOCG.
To start a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: bold">Scansano</span> is a small village, situated between the hills <span style="font-weight: bold">Maremma</span>, a few kilometers from the city of <span style="font-weight: bold">Grosseto</span>, looks like one of the towns best known and appreciated in southern <span style="font-weight: bold">Tuscany</span>, distinguished by its wealth of monuments, but also and especially for the production of a very famous wine,<span style="font-weight: bold"> Morellino di Scansano DOCG</span>.</p>
<p>To start a visit to the<span style="font-weight: bold"> Tuscan town</span> can cite the presence of the <span style="font-weight: bold">Church of San Giovanni Battista</span>, its construction took place during the second half of the XIII century, even if the present is due to significant changes occurred in 1700, this is a certainly very beautiful church, where there are wonderful paintings such as Our Lady of Help of XV century, the Martyrdom of St. Sebastian, built by the artist Stefano Volpi and a wooden statue depicting the <span style="font-weight: bold">Madonna</span>, dating back to 1400.</p>
<p>Among the other monuments and buildings that no doubt deserve to be mentioned then surely we must remember the <span style="font-weight: bold">Church of Our Lady of Grace</span>, built out of the country in the heart of the countryside, the <span style="font-weight: bold">Palazzo del Podestà</span>, the hospital, dating back to the sixteenth century and the <span style="font-weight: bold">Palazzo del Pretorio</span>, built in 1500 and became today seat of the <span style="font-weight: bold">Archaeological Museum</span>, finally, of great value is the establishment of <span style="font-weight: bold">Ghiaccio Forte</span>, ancient <span style="font-weight: bold">Etruscan village</span> brought to light only in 1973, the original settlement, destroyed by fire Now remain some interesting parts, such as doors and the walls.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/maremma/scansano/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>sorano</title>
		<link>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/holiday/sorano/</link>
		<comments>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/holiday/sorano/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:15:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[holiday]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/holiday/sorano/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Immersed in the landscape of the Maremma, in southern Tuscany region, lies the village of Sorano, a charming old town that arose during the Middle Ages, is one of the most beautiful and fascinating land which is a veritable paradise for lovers of history, art and culture, who can discover the beauty of nature el&#8217;incanto, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Immersed in the landscape of the Maremma, in southern Tuscany region, lies the village of Sorano, a charming old town that arose during the Middle Ages, is one of the most beautiful and fascinating land which is a veritable paradise for lovers of history, art and culture, who can discover the beauty of nature el&#8217;incanto, with views certainly very suggestive, but also dedicate himself to visit monuments, buildings and museums certainly interesting and unusual in their gender.</p>
<p>Sorano is in the heart of Tufo, an ancient land that was inhabited by the Etruscans and Romans and now holds some important evidence of the passage of these peoples, with a heritage certainly very interesting and fascinating Necropolis, and Vie Cave Tombs , Of various ages and types.</p>
<p>The monuments for which the country is Sorano makes it famous among tourists who visit and choose it as a destination for their vacation is certainly extraordinary, we advise you to appreciate the beauty of the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas, in the heart of Old Town of the country, but also the Church of Santa Maria del Borgo, built outside the village of Sorano, then continue with the Comitale Palace, the Fortezza Orsini, now the Archaeological Museum, and to end the Leopoldino Masso, construction that dates back to Eighteenth century.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/holiday/sorano/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Saturnia Spa</title>
		<link>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/maremma/saturnia-spa/</link>
		<comments>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/maremma/saturnia-spa/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:13:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Maremma]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[holiday]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/maremma/saturnia-spa/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Located near the village of Saturnia, the famous spa host one of the best known and appreciated structures of Italy&#8217;s Spa, the world-famous complex of Terme di Saturnia takes life from an ancient building.
Known Internationally as one of the most important beaty farm, Saturnia Spa offers a relaxing holiday in the name of welfare, tothe [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Located near the village of Saturnia, the famous spa host one of the best known and appreciated structures of Italy&#8217;s Spa, the world-famous complex of Terme di Saturnia takes life from an ancient building.</p>
<p>Known Internationally as one of the most important beaty farm, Saturnia Spa offers a relaxing holiday in the name of welfare, tothe many guests who visit every day, it offers the chance to try any kind of treatment, and leaves no time for boredom , Offering many recreational and sporting contact with nature.</p>
<p>The pools can be accessed throughout the year, the water is sulphurous remained at a constant temperature of 37 ° C.</p>
<p>The spa offers not only relaxation treatments, but also numerous activities to be conducted within the facility: golf (soon to reach the 18 holes), tennis, sauna, jacuzzi, swimming pools for idrofitness. Worthy of particular interest is new wellness center, consisting of a pool surmounted by a large structure that takes the shape of a hexagon.</p>
<p>The sulphurous water of the baths of Saturnia is also renowned for its important therapeutic properties, daily in fact many treatments are offered to cure many ailments: stomach, skin diseases, arthropathy, cardiocircolatori disorders and respiratory disorders, they cared through inhalation. Mostly required are courses autogenous training and relaxation therapies.</p>
<p>Worthy of note are the famous waterfalls of the mill, famous for having originated the particularities of course, daily receive many visitors, offering an opportunity to be visited throughout the year thanks to hot fornitogli by the presence of a small creek that comes from the spa.</p>
<p>A little-known but equally interesting is the small-source &#8220;the Caldine&#8221; in the direction of Semproniano; a small stream of sulphurous water creates in a lawn now used as pasture for animals, a tub of water.</p>
<p>Already famous at the time of the Etruscans and Romans, the baths were popular during the Middle Ages with Cosimo II de&#8217;Medici.</p>
<p>In the eighteenth century the complex was intended for both women and men in nine hundred reach their fame, with the construction in 1978 of the main current structures</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/maremma/saturnia-spa/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>The village of Capalbio</title>
		<link>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/maremma/the-village-of-capalbio/</link>
		<comments>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/maremma/the-village-of-capalbio/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:40:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Maremma]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/maremma/the-village-of-capalbio/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Capalbio is a delightful village that lies on the hills of Maremma in the south, wedged between those beautiful landscapes that are typical of Tuscany, with wide valleys cultivated grain and cereals, taking a beautiful colour yellow gold in summer, a few kilometers from sea, with the beautiful scenery of the Tyrrhenian coast, a real [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p id="result_box" dir="ltr"><strong>Capalbio</strong> is a delightful village that lies on the hills of <strong>Maremma</strong> in the south, wedged between those beautiful landscapes that are typical of <strong>Tuscany</strong>, with wide valleys cultivated grain and cereals, taking a beautiful colour yellow gold in summer, a few kilometers from sea, with the beautiful scenery of the <strong>Tyrrhenian coast</strong>, a real paradise for lovers of relaxation and tranquility.</p>
<p>The country presents itself as a real jewel, both in historical terms, boasting particularly ancient origins, which are lost in the first centuries of mythical <strong>medieval period</strong>, both in terms of artistic and cultural, because of its extraordinary and incredible wealth of monuments, churches and ancient palaces, which are a priceless heritage of traditions and history, can tell, only half of their presence, the past and the events that have marked these places, with references, reconstructions and inscriptions certainly suggestive and extraordinary interest.</p>
<p>A walk through the streets of the historic center of <strong>Capalbio</strong>, will be the ideal opportunity to discover and appreciate the beauty and the importance of this ancient village, its ancient streets preserve monuments fact that no doubt will surprise and fascinate for their beauty , opening the doors to the ancient past scenarios of medieval and renaissance of the Maremma, among the most beautiful buildings that are in the country of Capalbio, we certainly cite the <strong>Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas</strong>, a beautiful medieval building, where there are paintings and works of great artistic significance, but also the <strong>Oratory of Providence</strong>, erected outside the walls, <strong>Palazzo Collacchioni</strong> and the <strong>Walls of defence</strong>, characterized by a double wall.</p>
<p>The element that makes the country quite famous at international level is, no doubt, the <strong>Tarot Garden</strong>, a special and fascinating work carried out during ten years, the famous artist, today unfortunately disappeared, <strong>Niki de Saint Phalle</strong>, the garden is huge statues depicting the 22 major arcane of tarot cards, statues made of concrete and decorated with mosaics of mirrors and coloured glass.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/maremma/the-village-of-capalbio/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Bolsena Lake Holiday</title>
		<link>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/lake/bolsena-lake-holiday/</link>
		<comments>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/lake/bolsena-lake-holiday/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 31 May 2008 16:21:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Lake]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/lake/bolsena-lake-holiday/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Crater lakes are not the lakes we commonly see since these types are very few around the world. In Italy however, there is one crater lake that can be found in the heart of the city and is called the Bolsena Lake. This lake is distinctly different given it was formed when a certain volcano [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Crater lakes are not the lakes we commonly see since these types are very few around the world. In Italy however, there is one crater lake that can be found in the heart of the city and is called the Bolsena Lake. This lake is distinctly different given it was formed when a certain volcano named the Vulsini some 370,000 years ago, exploded. This violent and extraordinary explosion caused Vulsini’s volcanic crater to collapse which lead to the formation of this crater lake.</p>
<p>Vulsini was once an active volcano but after it had erupted massively sometime in 104 BC, it became inactive. Coming up to Bolsena Lake to see this beautiful one-of-a- kind lake is actually safe so you can relax and enjoy the feel while being here. Bolsena Lake is shaped in an oval way similar to all existing volcanic lakes and its area covers 100km2.</p>
<p>Bolsena Lake is a key tourist spot in Italy and the largest lake as well. It is very famous for having absolutely clean and unspoiled waters and the shores are awesome sights. The place is a perfect ground for its flourishing fishing community. Establishments that promote nature tourism are set up around the lake for tourists to enjoy. These areas typically endorse the country’s agritourism where tourists can have picnics and do camping.</p>
<p>Since the Vulsini volcano already existed centuries ago with its magnificent Bolsena Lake, this place is heralded of historical value. When the Romans conquered the Etruscans, they named the lake Lacus Volsinii where the name originally was derived from Velzna, the last Etruscan city that Romans overpowered.</p>
<p>Estruscan traditions are richly practiced in the communities of Bolsena Lake up to these days in respect and commemoration of its roots. There is a particular old town in the area famous for having the Monaldeschi castle, a towering structure reminiscent of the place’s rich past. Tourists flocking the Bolsena Lake go up to this castle to have a view from above to witness the lake’s beauty and medieval sights of the town.</p>
<p>The Bolsena Lake apart from its scenery that are very much appealing has two fascinating islands namely Bisentina and Martana which are good tourist areas. Bisentina is the largest island in the rest of Italy and is found within the lake.  Vulsini volcano’s eruptions underwater and collapse of its crater, typify the formation of the island. Martana, the other haven of an island, is known for safekeeping the relics of St. Christine which had, a time, guarded them from the barbarians. Nowadays however, tourists are no longer allowed to walk around the island since the place has become private.</p>
<p>Holidays are best spent in the areas of Bolsena Lake. For a fun family time together, you can never go wrong in this place. Nature tripping, fishing and camping, are just a few things to do here especially when you are around the lakeside.</p>
<p>Hotels and villa rentals are plenty around here so there’s absolutely nothing to worry about finding a place to stay. Bolsena Lake definitely provides a total lake fun!</p>
<p><strong>Our Suggestion: Santa Cristina Castle</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.santacristinacastle.com" rel="nofollow" title="Santa Cristina Castle" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/santa-cristina.jpg" alt="Santa Cristina Castle" /></a></p>
<p><strong>More infos : <a href="http://www.santacristinacastle.com" title="Accommodation Bolsena Lake">Accomodation Bolsena Lake at Santa Cristina Castle</a></strong></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/lake/bolsena-lake-holiday/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Morellino di Scansano : DOCG Tuscany Wine</title>
		<link>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/wine/morellino-di-scansano-docg-tuscany-wine/</link>
		<comments>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/wine/morellino-di-scansano-docg-tuscany-wine/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 May 2008 10:02:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Wine]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/wine/morellino-di-scansano-docg-tuscany-wine/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Of all the four types of wine, the red one is revered as the sweetest and the most delightful. White wine is great for beginners, but even so, more and more people prefer the red wine. A new star in ‘red’ vinification is the Morellino di Scansano wine, a product of Scansano, Grosseto, Italy. Just [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Of all the four types of wine, the red one is revered as the sweetest and the most delightful. White wine is great for beginners, but even so, more and more people prefer the red wine. A new star in ‘red’ vinification is the <strong>Morellino di Scansano</strong> wine, a product of <strong>Scansano</strong>, <strong>Grosseto</strong>, <strong>Italy</strong>. Just recently, it received a <strong>DOCG label</strong> from Italy’s food quality assurance agency.</p>
<p>Being awarded a DOCG status meant that the Morellino di Scansano wine is produced based on Italy’s high standards in food production. There are basically three labels or ratings for food quality: the lowest is DOC, followed by DOCG, then the DO. <strong>Morellino di Scansan</strong>o earned a DOC rating in 1978. Then in 2007, Italy raised it to DOCG. The need to upgrade the status was a result of Scansano’s increasing wine production, which required strict compliance and constituency for quality. Scansano reportedly vinificated 554,000 liters of wine in 1812, and since then, winemaking in the region grew unceasingly.</p>
<p>The DOCG status upgrade, however, contributes to only a small part of the wine’s success. The history behind the name Morellino somehow just keeps people interested in the product.</p>
<p>Contrary to popular belief, Morellino is not a name of a grape specie. The wine is actually made from a type of grape called <strong>Sangiovese</strong>, a common ingredient used to make Tuscan wines like the <strong>Chianti</strong>. Sangiovese grapes produce a slight spicy and strawberry-like flavor. But unlike other Sangiovese made wines, the Morellino di Scansano is not aged in wood barrels for long. Although it would shorten shelf life, Morellino di Scansano wine is best loved by people because of its astoundingly fresh state.</p>
<p>Nobody knows exactly where Morellino came from. Most wine lovers think the name is derived from the word ‘<strong>Morello</strong>’ or brown, the color of horses found in Maremma, a Tuscan town where Morellino di Scansano wine was believed to have originated.</p>
<p>As interesting as its name is, the wine continues to grow as a major favorite among red wine novices and connoisseurs. Still haven’t tried the Morellino? The next time you stop by a wine shop, ask for a Morellino di Scansano. And don’t forget to look for the DOCG label.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/wine/morellino-di-scansano-docg-tuscany-wine/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Wedding in Tuscany</title>
		<link>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/wedding/wedding-in-tuscany/</link>
		<comments>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/wedding/wedding-in-tuscany/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 May 2008 09:50:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Wedding]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/wedding/wedding-in-tuscany/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Destination weddings, as an option, have never been this exciting and viable before, thanks to countries and their laws that permit romantic and memorable tying of the knot. And what could be more thrilling than having a wedding of a lifetime at one of Italy’s most romantic regions, Tuscany.
What’s in store for you in Tuscany [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Destination <strong>weddings</strong>, as an option, have never been this exciting and viable before, thanks to countries and their laws that permit romantic and memorable tying of the knot. And what could be more thrilling than having a wedding of a lifetime at one of <strong>Italy’s most romantic regions</strong>, <strong>Tuscany</strong>.</p>
<p>What’s in store for you in <strong>Tuscany </strong>is a world of treasures. The Central Italian Region has ten provinces, but it is home to a myriad of eye-satisfying wealth. Whatever your theme, Tuscany offers splendid venues for you destination wedding, from Renaissance architecture to breath-taking beaches.</p>
<p><strong>Florence</strong> is the regional center of Tuscany; it is also the cradle of the world’s fourth biggest cathedral – the <strong>Duomo of Florence</strong>. It’s perfect for couples who love the awe-inspiring atmosphere of church wedding. For a great outdoor setting, of course, who can forget the <strong>Leaning Tower of Pisa</strong>? It is located in the Province of Pisa, just an hour of train travel from Florence. The famous landmark leans just beside the <strong>Piazza dei Miracoli</strong> or the <strong>Cathedral Square</strong>. And there are about 34 hotels in Pisa.</p>
<p>Nothing beats a wedding that is close to nature. And why not? Tuscany is gifted with an abundance of captivating landscapes, ancient villas, rich vineyards, and of course, beaches. One of the popular coastal resorts is found in <strong>Viareggio</strong>, a city located <strong>North of Tuscany</strong>. Getting to Viareggio takes only an hour and 16 minute drive from Florence.</p>
<p>Viareggio’s 10 kilometer beach length is short compared to Florida’s 1500 kilometers of sand beaches. But you get the idea; the serenity and privacy of the world’s most romantic seashores are just simply incomparable.</p>
<p>Tuscany also has a <strong>friendly climate</strong>. April, May, October and November are the rainier months though, while July is the sunniest. You might want to take note of that, especially, if you choose an outdoor venue.</p>
<p>Truly, a Tuscan wedding will be an event like no other. The choice is yours; you can go for beach or Duomo wedding. Spring, summer, and autumn are the best times of the year in Tuscany to say your I do’s.  So, start planning that wedding now.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/wedding/wedding-in-tuscany/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Mount Amiata in Tuscany</title>
		<link>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/vacation/mount-amiata-in-tuscany/</link>
		<comments>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/vacation/mount-amiata-in-tuscany/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:39:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Vacation]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/vacation/mount-amiata-in-tuscany/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Mount Amiata is the second tallest volcano in Italy. It is only 600 meters high, and it has not erupted for several thousands of years. In the Tuscany region, this is the highest mountain and the summit elevation works up to over 1500m. There is not much said about this volcano, as it is not [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Mount Amiata is the second tallest volcano in Italy. It is only 600 meters high, and it has not erupted for several thousands of years. In the Tuscany region, this is the highest mountain and the summit elevation works up to over 1500m. There is not much said about this volcano, as it is not active. It is very close to Latinum, and the landscape surrounding this area is very dense.</p>
<p>Mount Amiata lies in a very remote area, as it is not frequent visited by tourists. There is some geothermal activity happening in this area and this is used for energy production. The thickness of the volcanic area is about 85 kilometers. Around 50 kilometers area of the volcano, there is absolutely no population.</p>
<p>Photographs of the volcano Mount Amiata are available on the Internet, and they are very picturesque in nature. The views are exotic from the place, but there are hardly any people who visit this volcano. There is said to be some seismic activity in this area, though there are no eruptions for a very long time. There were lava flows that reached about 4 to 5 kilometers but nothing more than that.</p>
<p>The main resources of Monte Amiata are lumber and chestnut. There are vineyards and olive groves in the elevated parts of the mountain. There is wine and olive oil production, which has become quite famous worldwide. There are some small lakes as well as cliffs that are of volcanic origin. It is very rich with waters and also the origin of some lakes in the region.</p>
<p>Most of the locals in and around the area prevent the place from being modernized, because it is of historical importance as well as the beauty that has to be preserved. It is one of the most important places in the country.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/vacation/mount-amiata-in-tuscany/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Argentario : Coast of Tuscany</title>
		<link>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/coast/argentario-coast-of-tuscany/</link>
		<comments>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/coast/argentario-coast-of-tuscany/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:19:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Coast]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/coast/argentario-coast-of-tuscany/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Monte Argentario is a commune and a peninsula which belonged to the Province of Grosetto. There are tow main villages on Argentario; they are Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole.
To no big surprise, the Etruscans inhabited this land first. The first group of people to actually step on this land before the Etruscans were the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Monte Argentario is a commune and a peninsula which belonged to the Province of Grosetto. There are tow main villages on Argentario; they are Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole.</p>
<p>To no big surprise, the Etruscans inhabited this land first. The first group of people to actually step on this land before the Etruscans were the Domitii Aenobarbi family. The Roman Republic has given the Domitii family this land in return for the money they lent to them.  The Domitti families owned all of Argentario, but generously have allowed the Etruscans to inhabit Argentario.</p>
<p>The main sites to see at Argentario are Fortezza spagnola, which is a Spanish fort while the French took over Argentario, and the Church of St. Erasmus which is located in the historical center of Porto Ercole. There are many more sites but only the important ones shall be spoken of. These main sites are one of main reasons why Argentario is the most famous of all of Tuscany.</p>
<p>Its natural beauty alone gives you a feeling to go visit. The rocky cliffs, which are located off the coast, are one of the most dangerous but strangely the most beautiful spot to go to. The view of the ocean the cliffs give you will encourage you to go jump into the ocean. As a result of sand drift, it has formed the beach you see in Argentario. The sand drift has also connected Argentario to the Tyrrenian by two sand bars. Later, Spain came to conquer Argentario and has made it what is now. They have created peace with the first inhabitants and helped the inhabitants dodge a terrible war. Imaging how ugly things could have got with the war.</p>
<p>The cities would be destroyed and lot of people would’ve died, also the environment would have been damaged as well. Like most places Maremma, Argentario has foods mostly made up of seafood. The crabs there are truly one of the best to eat their, from those simple tiny crabs to the big king crabs. They are fresh straight out of the big blue world.</p>
<p>Now we come to the conclusion of this place, is it good or is it bad? Now if you ask me, this place is great. Not many places will you find a place that will sell fresh crab on the street! Seriously though, it’s a beautiful place and it is worth the visit.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/coast/argentario-coast-of-tuscany/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Pitigliano : The Little Jerusalem</title>
		<link>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/maremma/pitigliano-the-little-jerusalem/</link>
		<comments>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/maremma/pitigliano-the-little-jerusalem/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:48:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Maremma]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://atouchoftuscany.com/maremma/pitigliano-the-little-jerusalem/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In Grosseto lies Pitigliano, a town in the region of Tuscan Maremma in Itally that is found atop steep rock formation out of volcanic disintegration.  The town towers 313 meters above the level of the sea. The unique feature of the place is the presence of tuffs or rocks that are formed by the tremendous [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In Grosseto lies Pitigliano, a town in the region of Tuscan Maremma in Itally that is found atop steep rock formation out of volcanic disintegration.  The town towers 313 meters above the level of the sea. The unique feature of the place is the presence of tuffs or rocks that are formed by the tremendous heat of volcanic magma. A definitely unique town, Pitigliano is dubbed as ‘Little Jersualem’ since the place is habited by Jewish people who are common dwellers in the area.</p>
<p>It was believed that the Etrucans were also one of the early settlers of Pitigliano. During the 13th century, documented accounts pointed that the Aldobrandescshi family, the noble Italian family, were former owners of the town. Around 15th century, the place became public and became a capital of a close county. Because of this noble status of its early years, Pitigliano was associated with nobility such as the Kingdom of Italy and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.</p>
<p>Historically speaking, Pitigliano was one of the most vital centers of activity during the Etruscan period. Up to this time, cave tombs are still found in the area. There are also cellars, sheds and deep cut caves splinting into the tuffs, which are true evidences of its great past.</p>
<p>For hundred years in the past, Pitigliano became the front town of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Pitigliano also cradled the Jewish communities long before and even built a synagogue that up to this time is operational and open for people to visit after it was restored in 1995.</p>
<p>There is a popular landmark lying outside the central district of the town. It is the Tempietto, or ‘small town’ in the local tongue. Renowned to have natural origin, human work improved the place. The purpose of this small temple as to why it exists is still a topic for scholars and historians nowadays.</p>
<p>Famous centuries old cathedrals are attractions in Pitigliano also. The Piazza San Gregorio, built around the 15th century, houses extraordinary paintings reflecting rich cultural era by excellent artist Pietro Aldo. San Rocco, another well-known old church in the town, boasts of magnificent architectural structures elegantly buiilt in a trapezoid shape layout. The church’s columns are slim and contain deposits of travertine.</p>
<p>Pitigliano may be small but visiting the town is a totally enriching experience. A walk down the town’s streets even becomes an informative stroll down memorable historical lanes of landmarks and periodic fine pieces that fulfill the senses with nostalgic feel. The absence of lakes and beaches doesn’t absolutely make the place less worthwhile to visit since there are a lot interesting happenings and activities around to do. It’s very hard to forget the place.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.atouchoftuscany.com/maremma/pitigliano-the-little-jerusalem/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
