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Simonicchi
Apartment in 15c farmhouse Tuscan hills, Italy |
Email: jenniferbarnard@libero.it
Tel/Fax: (0039) 0575 793 762 Send a message |
LOCATION
Caprese Michelangelo, in the Alps of the Catenaia between the Arno and the Tevere, lies in an area renowned for its pure air, crystal-clear light and flower-covered hills - the countryside which gave Firenze its name. It is in a corner of East Tuscany bordered by the regions of Le Marche and Umbria about an hour from the Adriatic coast. Arezzo, its historic provincial capital, offers motorway links to Florence, Siena, Cortona, Perugia, Assisi and many other legendary venues. There is also a useful rail service between Rome and Florence. The nearest and cheapest airport is currently Forli-Bologna but there are also flights to Florence, Bologna, Ancona, Pisa and Rome.
Michelangelo Buonarroti, sculptor, (1475-1564) was born at Caprese Michelangelo. He was added to the place-name when a letter written by his father, the visiting mayor from Florence, was discovered authenticating his birth at Caprese Castle and putting an end to the claims of neighbouring Chuisi della Verna. No other man has exerted an influence on the history of Western Art like that of Michelangelo, and being established as the place of his birth has given the village world-wide exposure. The castle, still the centre of local administration, has a Michelangelo Museum with videos, music, and casts of his work, a sculpture garden and a permanent sculpture exhibition.
Restaurants
The family restaurants of Caprese enshrine the real character and culture of the mountain people. In this once remote farming area, social kindness between villagers and villages consisted of sharing food and drink. The height of this was the feast, and dancing was the favourite recreation. A dance that took place in this house over 65 years ago is remembered with pleasure even now by an old couple living up the road.
The legacy from those days, the restaurants, now attract people from Florence and further afield. The food is strictly regional and in lavish quantities like the wine. The prices are good and it is said Italians will starve themselves for a day before going to a big meal to make sure they do it justice. Mario, the friendly restauranteur at Il Rifugio is happy to offer an introductory meal to guests at a special price; please ask for reservations.
Shopping
Like my Italian neighbours I use the shops and facilities in the four nearby villages for my daily needs - bank, doctor, chemist, post office, food etc. On sunny mornings I make trips to the the bustling out-door markets found at Pieve Santo Stefano, Anghiari and Sansepolcro (birthplace of Piero della Francesca). In these walled towns, about 20 - 25 away, there are excellent supermarkets and a useful discount warehouse.
The pleasure of day trips too, often involves some sort of shopping. Tuscany and Umbria have a wealth of tempting products like local fruit, porcini and truffles, wine, olive oil, lace, chocolate, ceramics, leather goods (shoes, bags and jackets), gold and silver jewellery and fine woven cloth.
The sources will be found in the house reference book, on internet and at the tourist information centres. There should be an English speaker at all the tourist information centres - generally more comfortable dealing with a written request 'con calma.'
Guest Comments
'The trouble with Simonicchi is that it is totally captivating. We were reluctant to leave its peacefulness and beauty - sightseeing almost seemed a chore that took us away. ...'
- Valerie and Robert Efford
GETTING TO SIMONICCHI
REGULAR FLIGHTS
ROME - 3 hours - By road taking E45 north to Pieve S.S. for Caprese
PISA - 3 hours - By road. Florence then Arezzo ring-road for Caprese
FLORENCE - 2 hours - By road taking Arezzo ring-road for Caprese
BOLOGNA - 2 hours - By road taking E45 from Cesena to Pieve S.S. for Caprese
PERUGIA - 1 hour - by road taking E45 north to Pieve S.S. for Caprese
LOW COST FLIGHTS (e.g. Ryanair)*
FORLI - 1 hour 15 mins. - By road taking E45 south to Pieve S.S. for Caprese
RIMINI - 2 hours - By road to Cesena then E45 south to Pieve S.S. for Caprese
ANCONA - 2 hours 30 mins - By road to Cesena, then E45 south to Pieve S.S. for Caprese
* These venues are changed periodically
Low cost airport parking in the UK: parking4less.co.uk
TRAIN
There is a train service linking Florence and Rome which stops at Arezzo. Some visitors find it more relaxing to visit traffic-congested cities like these by train. However it is essential to rent a car for the overall holiday.
CAR
Arrangements are being made with a local garage for car-hire with airport pick-up and return. Terms are being prepared with the promise that they will be competitive.
Cars can be hired from the usual agencies with pick-up at any of the airports listed above.
Simonicchi
Apartment in 15c Tuscan farmhouse
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