In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the demand for train travel, as people look for more sustainable and affordable ways to get around. Perfect for hybrid travel, those planning an Italian trip this summer can embark on a captivating journey with TRAM-E-D'ARTE and uncover Florence's secret treasures accessible by train. Visitors can immerse themselves in a city brimming with artistic heritage, offering unique destinations for an enchanting Italian summer. Located only 5-minutes away from the main train station, Santa Maria Novella Station, the Grand Hotel Minerva is perfect destination for an immersive city stay. Located in the heart of Florence in Santa Maria Novella square, the property offers 97 elegantly designed rooms and suites, ranging in size to accommodate families. The hotel’s ideal location positions Grand Hotel Minerva as the destination to explore the culture and Renaissance art and architecture Florence by train. Here are four essential stops for those on board:
PIAZZA BATONI - Bellosguardo (1.5 km)
Travelers can escape the tourist crowds and venture into the lesser-known area of Bellosguardo, which offers an awe-inspiring panoramic view of Florence. Piazza Batoni boasts Renaissance villas that have hosted illustrious personalities such as Garibaldi, Foscolo, and Henry James.
NENNI - TORREGALLI - Chiesa di Santa Maria a Soffiano e Torre Dei Lambardi (1.3 km)
Located in Soffiano Alta and built in Romanesque style, the Church of Santa Maria in Soffiano served as the parish church of the Lambardi family's castle until the 14th century. It later passed into the hands of other influential Florentine families, including the Strozzi and Albizzi. Visitors can step inside to admire valuable 14th-century frescoes depicting the Stories of the Baptist. Adjacent to the church stands the Tower of the Lambardi, a testament to the ancient castle that replaced the old sail bell tower in the 19th century.
Cimitero Monumentale Ebraico (1.1 km)
The Cimitero Monumentale Ebraico invites explorers to uncover Florence's hidden history by exploring the Jewish community, one of the oldest and most populous in Italy. Few are aware that the city is home to a magnificent synagogue and two cemeteries, with the Cimitero Monumentale Ebraico being the oldest. Built in 1777 and used until 1870, this cemetery holds artistic and historical significance. Its secluded corners remain unknown even to many locals. Noteworthy among the tombs is the monumental Egyptian pyramid-shaped resting place of Cavalier David Levi.
Museo Stibbert (636 m)
At Museo Stibbert, every aspect exudes charm, from its captivating history to its extraordinary collection and picturesque location. Frederick Stibbert, a British citizen of Tuscan descent, transformed Villa Montughi into a museum to showcase his eclectic collection of antiques. Following his passing, the villa, park, and art collections were generously donated to the city of Florence. The museum's most impressive section features an extensive arms and armor collection, including Italian, German, and Turkish-Ottoman knights on horseback from the 1500s and 1600s. Additionally, visitors will find 16th and 17th-century Indian artifacts and the largest collection of Japanese art outside of Japan, including katana swords and samurai armor. Notable paintings by renowned artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Luca Giordano, Alessandro Allori, Pieter Brueghel the Younger, Neri di Bicci, and Pietro Lorenzetti also adorn the museum's walls.
Comments