Villa Lena
Agriturismo in the heart of rural Tuscany, surrounded by the unique Italian museums
Museums near Villa Lena
In the museum you can find Galileo’s middle finger venerated, kept in a shrine. Usually you can see such things in holy sites. But remember who this great polymath was – an enemy of the church, a heretic. Yet his middle finger is subjected to the same treatment as a saintly relic. Learn more
- 70km
- 10 Euro one way
- Porta Romana (Piazza della Calza, 1, 50125 Firenze, Italy) 2 Euro from first hour / Porta al Prato (Via Elio Gabbuggiani, 7, 50144 Firenze, Italy) 1 Euro first hour, 2 Euro from second hour, 20 Euro daily pass
- 9 Euro / Children 6-18: 5.50 Euro / Kids under 6: free
Architect of the hospital that now houses the museum is world-famous Flippo Brunelleschi, best known for the cupola of Florentine Duomo. Learn more
- 70km
- 10 Euro one way
- Porta Romana (Piazza della Calza, 1, 50125 Firenze, Italy) 2 Euro from first hour / Porta al Prato (Via Elio Gabbuggiani, 7, 50144 Firenze, Italy) 1 Euro first hour, 2 Euro from second hour, 20 Euro daily pass
- 10 Euro
The success following the Museum’s inauguration was great and the visitors included a surprising number of women (almost 40%), which provides an interesting perspective. It appeared that 1780s women were not only interested in art, but fancied science. Learn more
- 70km
- 10 Euro one way
- Porta Romana (Piazza della Calza, 1, 50125 Firenze, Italy) 2 Euro from first hour / Porta al Prato (Via Elio Gabbuggiani, 7, 50144 Firenze, Italy) 1 Euro first hour, 2 Euro from second hour, 20 Euro daily pass
- 7 Euro / Children under 6: Free
The building was once the studio where Michelangelo sculpted his world-famous David, so you can see what the great master saw when he looked out of his workshop. Learn more
- 70km
- 10 Euro one way
- Porta Romana (Piazza della Calza, 1, 50125 Firenze, Italy) 2 Euro from first hour / Porta al Prato (Via Elio Gabbuggiani, 7, 50144 Firenze, Italy) 1 Euro first hour, 2 Euro from second hour, 20 Euro daily pass
- 48-hours 15 Euro ticket to visit the entire Duomo complex / Kids under 6: Free
Vasari Corridor from Palazzo Pitti to Uffizi was situated above buildings and bridges. Its design included small windows, this is the reason why the butchers' shops, emanating unpleasant odours were removed from Ponte Vecchio and replaced by goldsmiths' that still characterize the most famous bridge in Florence. Learn more
- 70km
- 10 Euro one way
- Porta Romana (Piazza della Calza, 1, 50125 Firenze, Italy) 2 Euro from first hour / Porta al Prato (Via Elio Gabbuggiani, 7, 50144 Firenze, Italy) 1 Euro first hour, 2 Euro from second hour, 20 Euro daily pass
- Gardens 7 Euro / + gallery 13 Euro
The museum is now situated where the palazzo’s kitchen was in the 19th century, so throughout the museum you’ll notice the old, seemingly random signs – frigid zone, fish section, etc. Learn more
- 70km
- 10 Euro one way
- Porta Romana (Piazza della Calza, 1, 50125 Firenze, Italy) 2 Euro from first hour / Porta al Prato (Via Elio Gabbuggiani, 7, 50144 Firenze, Italy) 1 Euro first hour, 2 Euro from second hour, 20 Euro daily pass
- 6 Euro / Kids under 10 – Free
Uffizi’s architect Giorgio Vasari wrote a book about the Gallery entitled “Lives of the Artists”. In it he referenced several regular patrons of the Uffizi including Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo. Learn more
- 70km
- 10 Euro one way
- Porta Romana (Piazza della Calza, 1, 50125 Firenze, Italy) 2 Euro from first hour / Porta al Prato (Via Elio Gabbuggiani, 7, 50144 Firenze, Italy) 1 Euro first hour, 2 Euro from second hour, 20 Euro daily pass
- 8 Euro (+online reservation 4 Euro)
The museum restaurant is small, so if you plan an intimate conversation, better leave it for later. Restaurant is all natural: there are no electrical gadgets in the kitchen, everything is handmade. Learn more
- 60km
- 8 Euro one way
- Parcheggio Palatucci (Via Tagliate di Sant'Anna, 55100 Lucca LU). First hour 0.20 cents, then – 1 Euro. Daily pass 6 Euro. Bear Lu.C.C.A. and the Botanical Garden: Parcheggio Mazzini (Via dei Bacchettoni, 55100 Lucca LU) or Via Beato Luca Passi. 1 Euro per hour.
- 7 Euro
Touring the museum not only gives insight into Puccini’s life, but also an insight into an upper middle class Luccan apartment of the time. Puccini was christened at home by special permit the next day after his birth, most probably because there was danger of his death. Learn more
- 60km
- 8 Euro one way
- Parcheggio Palatucci (Via Tagliate di Sant'Anna, 55100 Lucca LU). First hour 0.20 cents, then – 1 Euro. Daily pass 6 Euro. Bear Lu.C.C.A. and the Botanical Garden: Parcheggio Mazzini (Via dei Bacchettoni, 55100 Lucca LU) or Via Beato Luca Passi. 1 Euro per hour.
- 7 Euro / Under 10 Free
The textile workshop continues its production (sold in the Museum) with the old tools. The “Music Room” of the Museum built in the late 17th century is still equipped with the original carved wood stage for the orchestra. Learn more
- 60km
- 8 Euro one way
- Parcheggio Palatucci (Via Tagliate di Sant'Anna, 55100 Lucca LU). First hour 0.20 cents, then – 1 Euro. Daily pass 6 Euro. Near the Botanical Garden: Parcheggio Mazzini (Via dei Bacchettoni, 55100 Lucca LU) or Via Beato Luca Passi. 1 Euro per hour.
- 4 Euro / + Villa Guingi 6.50 / Under 18 Free
The Museum shows exceptionally rare pieces and more recent philological reconstructions of ancient and lost instruments. It shows the creativity, ability and desire to cause pain to other humans, so it is not an easy experience. Learn more
- 60km
- 8 Euro one way
- Parcheggio Palatucci (Via Tagliate di Sant'Anna, 55100 Lucca LU). First hour 0.20 cents, then – 1 Euro. Daily pass 6 Euro. Near the Botanical Garden: Parcheggio Mazzini (Via dei Bacchettoni, 55100 Lucca LU) or Via Beato Luca Passi. 1 Euro per hour.
- 10 Euro
The museum is displaying only artists born in Lucca or foreigners who worked in the city for a vast period of time. Learn more
- 60km
- 5 Euro one way
- Parcheggio Palatucci (Via Tagliate di Sant'Anna, 55100 Lucca LU). First hour 0.20 cents, then – 1 Euro. Daily pass 6 Euro. Bear Lu.C.C.A. and the Botanical Garden: Parcheggio Mazzini (Via dei Bacchettoni, 55100 Lucca LU) or Via Beato Luca Passi. 1 Euro per hour.
- 4 Euro / + Palazzo Mansi 6.50 / Under 18 Free
San Gimignano and Habana Galleria Continua are situated in old cinema-theatres, while Beijing and Les Moulins – in old industrial factory zones. Contemporary art finds interesting spaces. Learn more
- 30km
- 4 Euro one way
- Parking is around the city walls. Look for signs: P1 Giubileo (1,50 Euro per hour and max per day is 6 Euro, overnight rate (8 pm to 8 am) 1 Euro. P2 Montemaggio, P3 Bagnaia Superiore, and P4 Bagnaia Inferiore 2 Euro per hour, max per day 20 Euro, overnight rate (8 pm to 8 am) 5 Euro.
- Free
From the museum tower you can see the Alps and Pistoia – Northern most Tuscany, and on the South – Mount Amiata which marks the border with Lazio. Learn more
- 30km
- 4 Euro one way
- Parking is around the city walls. Look for signs: P1 Giubileo (1,50 Euro per hour and max per day is 6 Euro, overnight rate (8 pm to 8 am) 1 Euro. P2 Montemaggio, P3 Bagnaia Superiore, and P4 Bagnaia Inferiore 2 Euro per hour, max per day 20 Euro, overnight rate (8 pm to 8 am) 5 Euro.
- 7 Euro with the Tower
Palazzo Pubblico is still used for its original function, for the municipal offices of Siena.
If you look closely, you'll notice that the façade is slightly curved inwards to reflect the outwards curve of Piazza del Campo. Learn more
- 80km
- 10 Euro one way
- Some parkings are on the verge of the Limited Traffic Zone, be careful! Car Valet Leonardo (Via Bettino Ricasoli, 29 53100 Siena SI). It is better to call in advance +39(389)5775886 and 5775887
- 9 Euro / With the Tower and S. Maria Scala 20 Euro (valid for 48 hours) / Under 11 Free
Museo dell’Opera is one of the oldest private museums in Italy. Don’t miss the museum’s bookshop, situated on the other side of the square (left corner coming out of the Cathedral). Throughout the museum you will notice the pictorial effect of the black and white marble stripes. These colours are on the civic coat of arms of Siena. Learn more
- 80km
- 10 Euro one way
- Some parking garages are on the verge of the Limited Traffic Zone, be careful! Car Valet Leonardo (Via Bettino Ricasoli, 29 53100 Siena SI). It is better to call in advance +39(389)5775886 and 5775887
- 7 Euro / Opa Si Pass 13 Euro
The architecture of the Palazzo, that used to be a family home, allows it to be cool without the air conditioner even on hot summer days. Learn more
- 80km
- 10 Euro one way
- Some parking garages are right on the verge of the Limited Traffic Zone. So we suggest the safe Parking spot Car Valet Leonardo at Via Bettino Ricasoli, 29 53100 Siena SI. It is better to call in advance, so they would save you a spot +39(389)5775886 and 5775887
- 4 Euro
Niki de Saint Phalle’s project involved many locals, who volunteered to help creating the park. Capalbio (municipality closest to Tarot Garden) residents suffered due to late arrival of their post, because their postman Ugo Celletti had been helping doing mosaics and discovered a passion for that work, so he sometimes forgot about his postal routine. Learn more
- 250km
- 30 Euro one way
- Free parking by the sculpture park gate.
- 12 Euro / Kids under 7 free
Leonardo travelled extensively during his lifetime. Backdrops of his paintings usually represent hills and countryside, sometimes hinting at various Italian cities. But never documentarily. He created idealised background, drawn from imagination and many say it was inspired by the view from his childhood home. Learn more
- 50km
- 7 Euro one way
- Many free parking spots (white lines) by the city wall. Or 0.20 cents first hour, every next hour – 1 Euro (blue lines).
- 11 Euro / kids under 6 free / 6-18 y.o. 8 Euro
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First time in Florence? We suggest going for the Big Shots – Uffizi and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. Just don’t forget to buy your tickets online! You will SEE the great architecture of Uffizi and the magnificent Duomo at eye-level.
Not your first time? Still go to Florence! Did you visit the touching and masterpiece-filled Museo degli Innocenti? TASTE their food and wine on a cozy terrace overlooking the city.
In San Gimignano you will feel as if in a high-tech Renaissance fairy-tale! Pinacoteca and its 4D audio-video guide (like we’ve never seen before) will help you LISTEN to and hear the voices of Dante Alighieri, Nicola Pisano, Lippo Memmi and other proto-Renaissance geniuses. Full artistic immersion guaranteed.
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)
Florence, Italy
The building where Michelangelo sculpted his world-famous David is now a Museum of the Works of the Cathedral di Santa…
Uffizi Gallery
Florence, Italy
The Uffizi Gallery is considered one of the most important museums in Italy as it holds several famous works from…
Pinacoteca San Gimignano Torre Grossa
San Gimignano, Italy
Situated in Palazzo Comunale with the entrance to one and only medieval skyscraper Torre Grossa. Go to the bookshop to…
One week is always better than a weekend! To our Weekend itinerary add more:
BREATHE in Florentine Boboli Gardens of Palazzo Pitti and do take our advice – walk through the gardens to avoid lines and find the Vazari Corridor. Don’t miss the café in the Museo degli Innocenti to relax and TASTE great menu with a view. Shh! Take advantage, while the museum is still not so popular!
If you are visiting Lucca on Tuesday or Thursday, you can take part in the sewing process with antique looms and tools in Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi. The Museum is a remarkable journey into the local nobility’s way of life.
Quite an experience to see the actual instruments that were used on people in Lucca’s Torture Museum. LISTEN to the very accurate explanations in four languages, and the trip becomes not just scary, but educational. You need to catch a breath after the visit... So dare and TASTE Italian comfort food with a twist in the Michelin starred gourmet “L’imbuto” (The Funnel) located in Lucca Center of Contemporary Art, where you can always visit interesting exhibitions.
In Vinci you can look at the same landscape that the great Leonadro da Vinci saw every day as a child. You can BREATHE in Leonardo’s olive grove, touch the working models of his inventions and SEE the house he was born in.
Museo degli Innocenti
Florence, Italy
Established as the Ospedale degli Innocenti (Hospital of the Innocents) in 1419 through a generous donation, the Innocenti became the…
Palazzo Pitti
Florence, Italy
Built in the 15th century, today the Palazzo Pitti is a Florentine museum featuring art from artists including Raphael, Caravaggio,…
Lu.C.C.A.
Lucca, Italy
The Lu.C.C.A. - Lucca Center of Contemporary Art has been set up within the Boccella Palace, an old building situated…
Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi
Lucca, Italy
Mansi Palace is located in the city center of Lucca and dates to the late sixteenth century. It was acquired…
Torture Museum of Lucca
Lucca, Italy
We cannot pretend that the Inquisition never was and it’s important to embark upon a dark historical journey to learn…
Galleria Continua
San Gimignano, Italy
Within the ancient walls of San Gimignano, be sure to visit the most unexpected art space in a medieval Tuscan…
Museo Leonardiano
Vinci, Italy
Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci is “Leonardo, son of ser Piero from Vinci”, so visit that Vinci that Leonardo…
If you are one of the lucky artists, who got the long residence, or if you are staying at Villa Lena for 2 months, you can visit all the museums in our Weekend and Week itineraries, plus:
In Florence you can SEE a sacred museum for science buffs - Galileo Museum. Download the audio-guide for some hidden 17th – 18th centuries inside jokes.
In Ferragamo Museum you can TOUCH and buy truly exclusive shoes (only 500 copies per year based on 1920s-1950s design). A pair for which film star would you prefer – Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren?
If you are into history and politics, unique non-religious 14th century frescoes are waiting in Siena Civic museum. We always say that museums have the best views and Siena’s Museo dell’Opera confirms that point, SEE it for yourself!
In Lucca, LISTEN to their beloved son’s Puccini music in his wonderful house-museum.
Lucca’s Villa Guinigi National Museum is a place to SEE the pre-modern art and local Etruscan archaeological finds. Represent! The museum is displaying only artists born in Lucca.
If you are flying in or out of Rome don’t miss an unparalleled experience of Tarot Garden! An amusement park for adults, where you can (and should!) see, climb, touch, photograph, and explore fantastic artworks!
Galileo Museum
Florence, Italy
A sacred museum for science buffs! Antique gadgets, interactive displays, demonstrations of how early scientists experimented with electricity, chemistry, electromagnetism...…
Natural History Museum of Florence
Florence, Italy
Museo di Storia Naturale or The Museum of Zoology and Natural History, best known as La Specola, is an eclectic…
Salvatore Ferragamo Museum
Florence, Italy
The flagship Ferragamo store in a historic Palazzo Spini Feroni with a small museum that contains 10,000 models of unique…
Puccini Museum
Lucca, Italy
A charming home of the great composer is meticulously presented the way Puccini saw it. The collection includes his handwritten…
Museo Nazionale di Villa Guingi
Lucca, Italy
The National Museum of Villa Guinigi is the museum of the city and its territory, showcasing one of the richest…
Civic Museum Siena
Siena, Italy
Situated in the Town Hall (Palazzo Pubblico), the building’s original purpose was to house the government. That is why it…
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo
Siena, Italy
Officially known as Museo dell’Opera della Metropolitana founded in 1869 is an essential part of the Siena Cathedral, literally built…
Pinacoteca Nazionale Siena
Sina, Italy
With its remarkable collection of the 13th-15th century local artists, if you are interested in “Byzantine” style and "trecento” art,…
Got Kids?
Travelling with your little ones is a treat, especially when you can keep them busy! In Florence you can visit the Galileo Museum – a magnet for anyone interested in craftsmanship, astronomy and physics… An endless supply of antique gadgets, interactive displays, models of various instruments that kids can play with. If you take a tour you can see the demonstrations of how early scientists experimented with and discovered electricity, how they used and improved telescopes and microscopes, early chemistry and electromagnetism. A touching Museo degli Innocenti is all about kids and motherhood. Maybe it is not as fun as the Galileo Museum, but engaging and a good place to start exploring Renaissance art with your kid. In Museum of Natural History the late 18th century 1,400 wax human figures were made to show how our bodies work in detail, so if your kids like to play the doctor, this game will never be the same for you! If your kid is into geology or paleontology, the Skeletons Hall and the mineralogical collections are impressive! In Vinci you can touch and play with the working models of Leonardo da Vinci's inventions and show your kid that one of the great minds of the world, the universal genius, who epitomizes the Renaissance humanistic ideal was an actual human, who was born and baptized right here. Tarot Garden is fun for young and old alike – finally a proper museum, where you can run around and climb the artworks!
