This is a breathtaking view of the castles which will make any wedding reception unique and beautiful. Imagine arriving at this incredible site by helicopter where you will become Prince and Princess for the day!

These ancient castles overlook the Gulf of Trieste and rise up on an extremely fascinating point of the Adriatic coastline and are surrounded by magnificent flower gardens.

The ancient castle, which is now in ruins dates back to the 11th Century and was used both as living quarters and as a lookout tower. From its high thick walls overhanging the sea, small traces of decorative frescos can still be seen and are most likely parts of the pre-existing private chapel. Under the overhanging cliff a large stone emerges, known to locals as the “White Lady” who according to legend represents a lady of the castle who committed suicide for love.

A little further along is the newer Panoramic Ancient Castle With Rose Garden which dates back to the 14th Century. It was controlled over the years by the Austrians and the Venetians, the rooms of the small fort have significant works of art and historic heirlooms.

The newer Panoramic Ancient Castle is privately owned and has been magnificently restored with period furnishing in each room. You will not be able to resist the breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding hills, the gardens are exquisite and perfect for that unique wedding shoot.

Location:

The castle is located in a small popular village about 20 kms from the town of Trieste. This region is located between Venice and the Istrian Peninsula, at the north end of the Adriatic Sea.

Décor:

The interior is a refined combination of rare and unique furnishings, paintings, priceless books and manuscripts as well as mementos collected and preserved over the centuries which all contribute to the elegant yet warm atmosphere.

The Gardens:

Today the Castles appear as a complex of buildings from different ages, with the foundation being an arcaded courtyard, closed by two massive rampart walls. An added bonus are the surrounding gardens, created in the second half of the 19th century but re-organized a number of times over the years; the walkway unravels towards a series of avenues and romantic pathways guiding you to magnificent period statues, century-old trees, a Mediterranean garden with large flower beds, leading you to the panoramic patios overlooking the sea and a private beach.

Accommodations:

For truly romantic, sophisticated and unforgettable wedding nuptials, the owners of the castle have opened the doors to two splendid bedrooms with a view of the sea, furnished with period pieces.

Also within walking distance are several three star hotels for your wedding guests and many more in the nearby city of Trieste.

Ceremony:

For your Catholic Wedding Ceremony, you will find a charming small chapel set right on the premises outside the castle walls, it can accommodate close to 50 guests. There is a rental fee for the chapel as well as a priest donation for the service. Civil ceremonies can be held at the Civil Wedding Hall and Symbolic Wedding Ceremonies can be held in the outdoor gardens as well as in a number of different settings depending on the number of guests.

Reception:

The Castle can accommodate wedding receptions for up to 130 guests. The reception must be catered, for your convenience our wedding consultants work with several of the top catering companies in the region who will provide superb décor and food. For menu options please do not hesitate to contact our wedding planners.

Leisure Activities:

Aside from the breathtaking views of the castle and a small fishing village this is a very serene setting where brides and grooms to be can relax before the wedding. Prior and after the ceremony your guests will enjoy the rich array of tourists events offered by the area with its many scenic, historical , artistic and gastronomical attractions matched only by the vast offerings of fine and elegant restaurants and small taverns where the cuisine is based on delicious local specialties.

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For additional sight seeing and travel, please keep in mind that this area is located between Venice and a few kilometers from Trieste, it is close to Italy’s international borders but at the same time at the centre of a strategic area that embraces many European capitals and major cities, the Balkans and part of the Middle East. Truly and oasis of calm, undisturbed by traffic but close to the convenience and services of a major city, not far from Ronchi international airport and less than an hour’s drive from Venice airport.

Lastly, please do not hesitate to contact us via this site for more details of this beautiful ancient castle, our wedding planners will be more than happy to answer all your questions.

References: www.wikipedia.org, www.fodors.com, www.eurofish.dk, www.tangoitalia.com,www.peaceinspire.com, www.davenizia.it, chamber of commerce italy.

Imagine a wedding ceremony in the heart of sun-bathed Tuscany with ancient grape vines swaying through the breeze under a perfect turquoise sun! Somewhere in the distance, you catch the faint sound of church bells echoing from a nearby church’s campanile…The Tuscan Villa of the Medici Splendor is a magnificent and truly perfect setting for a wedding. Each year, hundreds of couples from Italy and around the world marry in this glorious villa. When you arrive at this beautiful site it is hard to believe that you are only a few miles from Florence; the countryside is so peaceful with not a modern building in sight – only the magnificent Tuscan Villa facing the village across the olive groves. The panoramic view from the steps of the villa is truly splendid, a photographers delight! The Tuscan Villa of the Medici Splendor was built in the 16^th century as a private hunting lodge because of its proximity to the vast private hunting reserve. The apartments have been created from historic medieval houses and retain many of its original features. Within walking distance from the Villa, you will discover a beautiful medieval church for your religious ceremony. In fact, this is one of the few locations in Tuscany where you can actually have a religious or civil ceremony thus avoiding the stress of the town hall or local registry office.

Location:

Only 24 Kms (15 miles) west of Florence and surrounded by the magic landscape one only finds in Tuscany, the resort is set next to an ancient Etruscan village. The airport of Florence is 20 Kms (12 miles) away and very accessible from everywhere. This unique location offers peace and tranquility in a Renaissance setting full of history and art so when you come to Tuscany, leave your I-Pod and Blackberry at home! This region inspires meditation, exploration, and lingering picnics featuring some of Europe’s best food and wine.

Décor:

This is a magnificent 16^th Century Villa built by the Medici family and probably the most breathtaking villa of all of Tuscany. You’re in the heart of the Medici country here: a world dotted with grandiose mansions commissioned by the all-mighty and powerful Florentine family! Each room possesses its own and unique personality expressed through its décor… rustic, whimsical, or classic and contemporary.

Accommodations:

The 4 star hotel has 37 rooms, all fitted with bathrooms and all the modern necessities. The fire-places as well as the ancient stone wash-basins, wooden beam ceilings and terra-cotta floorings have all been restored. The hotel’s rooms are all in peaceful locations, with a stupendous view of the surrounding hills.

Connected to the main hotel are 46 apartments which are bordered by cypress trees. A new pool has been designed to fit into the landscape and architecture of the Tuscan style apartments. Most rooms have a breathtaking view of the valley below.

Finally 6 new executive apartments have recently been added and are exquisitely designed. Please check with our wedding planners who will give you all the details…

Ceremony:

As mentioned earlier, set right on the premises is a magnificent medieval church for your religious ceremony. Civil ceremonies can be held inside the villa and symbolic ceremonies in the magnificent gardens.

Reception:

The villa is the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding reception and provides splendid halls with vaulted ceilings, as well as beautiful grounds with an exceptional park. The magnificent staircase overlooks the village combed with olive and cypress trees; a perfect setting for your wedding pictures. The villa can accommodate wedding receptions from 80 to 500 attendees.

For a more rustic and intimate setting for smaller receptions you might want to choose the resorts restaurant which is located in the village and connected to the resort within walking distance. The restaurant boast a cellar room with historic brick arches housed underneath the cantina in the outer walls of the village. The large terrace provides splendid views of the valley.

Whichever rooms you decide on, you are sure to be pleased as the staff is impeccably trained for small or larger wedding parties; they are passionate and very professional. This is not only an exquisite site but also very reasonable for all the services it offers. We love it!

Leisure Activities:

On the premises enjoy a dip in one the two beautiful pools, re-energize yourself in a game of tennis, go hunting at the magnificent hunting reserve, or take a leisurely walk through town. Visit the Villa’s splendid vineyards as well as more than 150 hectares of olive groves. Take advantage of local specialties: olive oil, mushrooms such as porcini and truffles, roasted meats and salami, sheep’s milk cheeses such as pecorino and ricotta, and wine (don’t miss the wine estates and castles of the Chianti Classico region in central Tuscany).The villa grows its own wine and produces its own cold-pressed olive oil.

For the more adventurous wedding party guests, the villa is centrally located. Local attractions include Vinci, with its castle and museum of Leonardo inventions; Florence – only 40 minutes drive or 20 minutes by local train from Signa; Montelupo – lovely traditional pottery & ceramic museum and San Gimignano & the glorious Chianti countryside. Pisa, Livorno and Sienna are less than an hour away. Any of these cities would make excellent day trips.

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In such a romantic setting, what would make your wedding party unique? Well, how about a Renaissance show where you will truly feel like the powerful Catherine de Medici? Or how about an aria by Verdi or Puccini?

And to entertain your guests, a magician and flag throwers will amuse you in the true tradition of Florentine folklore. To top the evening, a brilliant fire-work display! All this is possible at the Tuscan Villa of de Medici Splendor.

Lastly, please do not hesitate to contact us via this site for more details of this beautiful and unique Tuscan Villa, our wedding planners will be more than happy to answer all your questions.

References: www.wikipedia.org, www.fodors.com, The Knopf Guide

Tuscany’s beauty is matched by only a few places on Earth. The region is a natural marvel of ever-changing scenery from golden meadows of sunflowers with cypress trees on the horizon, green rolling hills, dusty grey olive groves and the glistening waters of the seas under an azure sky. But Tuscany is more than sweeping countryside, as its villages and spectacular hilltop towns also contribute to its distinctive character.

Film-makers have long been enchanted by Tuscany. We all remember James Ivory’s “A room with a View”; this was a huge success which launched the region to stardom. There are many other movies featuring locations in Tuscany or Italy. The most obvious is “Under the Tuscan Sun” or the interior Florence scenes in “Tea and Mussolini” and the award winning “Life is Beautiful” with Roberto Benigni who has become the most beloved comic-actor in the world. And let’s not forget the region’s foremost and gifted Tenor, Andrea Bocelli whose voice has been praised as the most beautiful in the world.

Florence or Firenze is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany. A centre of medieval European trade and finance, this city is also considered the birthplace and “cradle of Renaissance” (la culla del Rinascimento) for its monuments, churches and buildings. It was long under the de facto rule of the Medici family who were also bankers to the Pope which contributed to their rise.

SITES OF FLORENCE

Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio

Florence’s most famous square is Piazza della Signoria, the heart of the historic center and a free open-air sculpture exhibit. The Loggia della Signoria holds some important statues including a copy of Michelangelo’s David. The piazza has been Florence’s political center since the middle ages and Florence’s town hall, the medieval Palazzo Vecchio, sits on the piazza. The palazzo contains elaborately decorated public rooms and private apartments.

Il Duomo – Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore

Florence’s most popular site is its Duomo (cathedral), la Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. The huge Gothic cathedral holds 20,000 people. Its exterior is made of green, pink, and white marble, and has several elaborate doors and statues. Inside, Brunelleschi’s Dome is a masterpiece of construction.

The Baptistery

The Baptistery of John the Baptist, from the 11th century, is one of Florence’s oldest buildings. Its exterior is made of green and white marble and has three sets of amazing bronze doors. Inside, you can see beautiful mosaics and a marble pavement of the zodiac.

Campanile – Bell Tower

The Campinile, bell tower, is in Piazza del Duomo. The first story was designed by Giotto and it is commonly called Giotto’s Campanile.

Ponte Vecchio

Hanging off either side of this ancient bridge over the Arno are strings of tiny shops selling gold and jewelry, some of them dating back to the Renaissance.

Galleria degli Uffizi

This is one of Europe’s oldest galleries displaying priceless paintings and sculptures from the world’s most important collection of Renaissance art. Artists whose works you’ll see include Michelangelo, Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Perugino, and Raphael.

Galleria dell’ Academia

The gallery is home to Michelangelo’s David, need I say more?

Boboli Garden and Pitti Palace

Florence’s largest and most opulent palace was once the main seat of the Medici family. It now contains the Galleria Palatina with Florence’s most important picture collection after the Uffizi. Behind the Pitti Palace you will find beautiful gardens and fountains and a great view of Florence from the Forte Belvedere.

Santa Croce

The largest Franciscan church in Italy, reputedly founded by St. Francis himself, incorporates one of Brunelleschi’s most important works, the Cappella dei Pazzi.

Accommodations

Who among us has not dreamt of owning a Villa in Tuscany!!! Okay we may not be able to own one but we can surely stay at one….While in Tuscany you can choose from world-class hotels in historic buildings , ultra chic boutique hotels or family-run pensioni that haven’t changed much in 30 years or rent a villa, stay on a farm or track down a village room for rent. On the whole, accommodation is more expensive in Tuscany than in many other parts of Italy, and is in high demand from May till late September. In our next article we will explore a destination wedding at a famous villa, stay tuned…

Gastronomy

Eating is definitely one of life’s pleasures in Tuscany as it is all over Italy. Tuscan food is fresh, seasonal and, above all, local. There is no such thing as Italian cooking but rather regional cuisine, and generally you will eat the best of Tuscan produce cooked from Tuscan recipes. Expect to find magnificent meat, beans and hearty bread and fruity olive oil. Antipasti include crostini toscani, sliced bread rounds topped with a chicken liver-based pâté, and sliced meats (mainly prosciutto and salami, often served with melon when in season). The typically saltless Tuscan bread, obtained with natural levain frequently features in Florentine courses, especially in its famous soups, ribollita and pappa al pomodoro, or in the salad of bread and fresh vegetables called panzanella that is served in the warm summer. Of course let’s not forget the luscious frothy capuccino as well as sinful Ice creams so popular throughout Italy. Buon appetito!

Wines

Florence is one of the great wine-growing regions in the world. The Chianti region is just south of the city, and its Sangiovese grapes figure prominently not only in its Chianti Classico wines but also in many of the more recently developed Supertuscan blends. To the west is the Carmignano area, also home to flavorful sangiovese-based red wines. The celebrated Chianti Ruffino district is also a few miles east of Florence.

Climate

Although usually said to have a Mediterranean climate, Florence is sometimes classified as having a humid subtropical climate. It has hot, humid summers with little rainfall and cool, damp winters.

Weather averages for Florence
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average high °C (°F)	10 (50)	12 (54)	15 (59)	18 (64)	23 (73)	27 (81)	31 (88)	31 (88)	26 (79)	21 (70)	14 (57)	10 (50)
Average low °C (°F)	1 (34)	3 (37)	4 (39)	7 (45)	11 (52)	14 (57)	17 (63)	17 (63)	14 (57)	10 (50)	5 (41)	2 (36

Transportation

By Plane
If you arrive in Florence by airplane, you are going to land at Amerigo Vespucci Airport. Although this is not in the center of town, there are several services (public and private) that connect the Florence city center with the airport of Florence (Amerigo Vespucci airport). There are also several services (public and private) that connect the Pisa International Airport with the Florence city center and with the Airport of Florence.

By Train
The train station Santa Maria Novella is in the center of the city, Trenitalia runs trains between the railway stations within the city, and to other destinations around Italy and Europe. Long distance buses are run by the SITA, Copit, CAP and Lazzi companies. The transit companies also accommodate travelers from the Amerigo Vespucci Airport which has scheduled services run by major European carriers such as Air France and Lufthansa.

Other Notes of Interest

Florence has some of the finest shopping in Europe. In Florence you’ll find leather goods, paper goods, and jewelry as well as nice souvenirs and art productions. Florence has a number of open air markets selling food, clothing, and antiques. The most famous is around Piazza San Lorenzo where you’ll also find leather goods.

Some of the most famous clothes designers in Italy now located in Milan were founded in Florence. Gucci, Prada, Pucci, Roberto Cavalli and Chanel have large offices and stores in Florence and its outskirts. The legendary Salvatore Ferragamo, shoe designer to the stars also started in Florence. So ladies, pretend you are playing the role of “Carrie” Bradshaw,( the fictional narrator and lead character of the HBO sitcom/drama Sex and the City, played by actress Sarah Jessica Parker) and hit the shoe stores!!

A Wedding Destination in Florence

Our next article will focus on a superb Restaurant and Villa outside of Florence along with its adjoining Church for your Destination Wedding Ceremony. Stay tuned, its magnificent!

References: www.wikipedia.org, The Knopf Guides, www.fodors.com, The Official Guide to Italy