Definetly worth a quick stop. Raffaele is a wonderful person with undeniable talent. We bought part…read moreof his project which are very nice paintings of hearts and fishes that represent St Francis life of giving with the return of a full heart. Each piece is unique and there are many to choose from. You are sure to find one that you connect with and you will a little piece of Assisi to take home with you. You can find a piece of unique art for as as little as 40 euros while helping Raffaele spread his message of unconditional love 365 days a year.

Casole d'Elsa is a small town located in the Tuscany region of Italy in the province of Siena. The…read moretown is located quite close to Florence and Siena. It has very nice quiet streets and lots of art dotted around town. It's quite an old town and the church tower here dates back to 1161. Casole d'Elsa is not a very large town and there are only a few sight seeing attractions in town. The best way to explore the town is on foot since the streets here are quite pedestrian friendly and even in summers walking around is enjoyable since the climate here is quite mild. Casole d'Elsa is also home to the world renowned Verrocchio Art Centre offering fine art courses, painting holidays, sculpture courses, studios and accommodation. This is also witnessed by the number of art galleries in town where you can buy stuff made by local artists. I love this place and whilst it does not feature heavily on the tourist map, it's a gorgeous town to visit for some shopping or just for lunch or a coffee. There are some nice bakeries, grocery stores, butchers and a number of bars and cafes.

The photograph we purchased on May 13 from Andrea Rontini Fotografo art gallery arrived yesterday…read more It is as wonderful as if we carried it out of the gallery that day. Arrived in perfect condition and I put it in it's place of honor immediately. Just looking at the beautiful poppies brings back a rush of memories from our time in Italy. I'm so glad we decided to venture down the 'cave' like street in Castellini in Chianti. This certainly is our most prized possession from our trip. Thank you.

25th Wedding Anniversary trip alert (European vacation)…read more.. The Uffizi Gallery is housed in a long, elegant structure designed in the 16th century by Giorgio Vasari for the powerful Medici family, the gallery retains an air of purpose and grandeur, its corridors opening toward views of the Arno River and the city's historic skyline. The Uffizi collection is widely considered one of the finest in the world, particularly for Italian Renaissance painting, and includes works by masters such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Iconic paintings like Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera feel both familiar and astonishing when encountered in person. Their scale are beyond belief. The depth and breadth of the gallery is a bit overwhelming, with dozens of rooms and hundreds of masterpieces, creating moments where wonderment converges with a bit of tiredness. What lingers most is the sense of continuity: the Medici legacy encapsulated every wall, and the feeling that one is walking through the very cradle of Renaissance thought. The building itself is stunning...frescoed ceilings, eye-catching statues, and glimpses toward Florence's landmarks. Uffizi Gallery reinforces the idea that art, history, and city are intricately connected. Prepare to take adequate time to view the exhibits

The gallery was so GOOD! They have lots and lots of statues of heads on the corridors and the…read moreexperience was generally a good thing!