bed and breakfast florence - Bed and Breakfast in Empoli Area, Italy

VISITING THE EMPOLI AREA? WE KNOW WHERE YOU’LL STAY!
When we say the Empoli area of Tuscany is a stone’s throw from Florence, we mean it. For those wishing for some quiet moments away from the magnificent splendour of Florence, Empoli, a mere 30 km from the bigger city, offers peace and solitude, with plenty of accommodation facilities to suit all pockets.

For those who don’t know, Empoli is located about 30 m above sea level, on the main railway line from Florence to Pisa, to the south of the River Arno, in a plain formed by the river that has been used for agriculture since the Roman era. Though the plains make way for hilly territory the further you go from the river, Empoli continues to enjoy a reputation as an agricultural region, and has even lent its name to a local type of artichoke.

However, Empoli is also famous – justly so – for its crystal ware, and its many historical remains. In 1119, Empoli came under the Guidi counts and in 1182 went under Florentine rule. In 1260, after the Battle of Montaperti, Empoli was the seat of a famous council in which Farinata degli Uberti opposed the destruction of Florence. The castle of Empoli went on to become an important fortress, and was sacked a number of times. In 1530 its fall marked the end of the independent Florentine Republic.

A fountain by Luigi Pampaloni marks the centre of the Piazza Farinata degli Uberti, also called Piazza dei Leoni (Lions’ Square). Here you will find the Collegiata di Sant’Andrea, the Palazzo Ghibellino, built by the Guidi counts in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 16th, and the Palazzo Pretorio, which served as Empoli’s town hall. The Palazzo Ghibellino now houses an auditorium, the Museo Paleontologico, and the Archivo Storico. Next to the Collegiata, an ecclesiastical museum built in 1859 has a gallery with paintings dating back to 1336, including works by Filippo Lippi and Della Robbia. Near the Piazza is the 14th-century Chiesa di Santo Stefano, and next to the church is a 16th century convent. Also in the Empoli area is the village of Pontorme, birthplace of painter Jacopo Carrucci, known as Il Pontormo.

For those worrying about accommodation in the Empoli area, we can assure you that there are plenty of good hotels as our list (www.yourwaytotuscany.com/Empoli-Area.htm) tells you, restaurants, and other modern amenities. Away from its historical centre, Empoli is a modern town and a very good base from which to visit Pisa, Lucca, Florence, Volterra, and the birthplace of Leonardo, the town of Vinci.

TUSCANY BED & BREAKFASTS: CATCH THE LOCAL FLAVOUR

Tuscany is paradise on earth for most Tuscans, and for several thousand tourists as well. Naturally, for a region that thrives on tourism, accommodation facilities are as varied as they are comfortable, keeping in mind the individual requirements of a traveller. And bed and breakfasts are among the most popular forms of accommodation in Tuscany, because these are largely farm-based accommodation units that give you a genuine taste of rural Tuscan life. As you probably know, Tuscany is famed for its vineyards and olive orchards, and agritourism is immensely popular among visitors. Our list of Tuscany bed & breakfasts is perfect for you to experience all the charms of Tuscany at its best.

The Tuscany bed & breakfasts that we have selected offer the best in modern comforts while retaining all their old world charm. We also provide you a direct link to the accommodation of your choice, so you can deal with the host directly. Many of our bed & breakfasts in Tuscany also host wine tasting sessions, and guests are welcome to participate, because you need not be a sommelier to appreciate good wine.

The essence of any bed & breakfast is homeliness and a family atmosphere. While we certainly guarantee those in any Tuscan bed & breakfast of our choice, you will also be treated like royalty and stay in surroundings that are best described as plush. At the Castello della Paneretta, for instance, you have five finely furnished bedrooms in the relais adjacent to the castle. The bed & breakfast is located in the Montesanto area, and is renowned for vineyards. The garden in front of the property is outstanding for its magnificent lawn bordered by green fences alternating with rose bushes and elegant statues. The ground-floor rooms host tasting sessions of the prestigious wines produced by the estate, and special dinners based on typical Tuscan dishes, carefully prepared by the family chefs.

That is merely one example of the kind of accommodation that we offer you if you choose a Tuscany bed & breakfast from our list. You will experience the delights of some excellent and typically Tuscan cooking, sample some of the world’s best wines, and live amidst some of the most beautiful landscapes to be found in Italy. What more could you ask for on a vacation to this beautiful country? For a complete list of Tuscany bed & breakfasts, please visit us without delay!

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