+39 06 9555 79 06 
+44 20 8144 8519 
thekeytoitaly 
Fax: +39 06 233 206 022
Blog - Life in Italy
What's going on in Italy? check it out!
Tag >> Tuscany
Live like a King ...
Posted by: the key to italy in Tuscany, Apartments on Aug 4, 2008
Todi is a Medieval Village located outside of Rome in Umbria, central Italy. Todi is about 120km from Rome and 40 km from Perugia serviced with airport S. Egidio (km 50) away and Train Stations. Castello di Todi was built in the year 1,000 receiving upgrades keeping its original structure and ancient characteristics. Once served as a Watch Tower of communication for military purposes, hence the 360 degree views facing Todi (3 Km away), hills and the Valley of the River. With its two own private acres of land, this property is also surrounded by an overwhelming view of hundreds of acres of natural Italian countryside beauty. You can easily hear the peaceful sounds of birds, wind blowing through the trees, and the tranquil noises of pure nature. 
For 500 years (1110-1600), it was the home of the Todi and Amelia Family who established its glory through defensive forces keeping it from being invaded. In most recent years (1986-1991), Guy Munthe, the nephew of the famous Doctor and Writer "Alex Munthe" author of the best seller book "The Story of San Michelle", resided in this Castle. Princess Margaret, who was a close friend to Mr. Munthe, has actually stayed in the master bedroom as a guest. This property is a dream come true and a treasure hidden within the hills of Umbria. I guarantee you will be brought back in time in this magnificent Castle located in a quiet remote area of Porchiano, an excellent area easily accessed by car to Todi in 10 minutes , Rome and Florence one and half hour to each, and 30 minutes away to Peruggia . Umbria: Orvieto Underground Caves
Posted by: the key to italy in Tuscany, Events, Attractions on Jul 23, 2008
"Orvieto, an ancient city suspended half way between heaven and earth. It has revealed a long kept secret of extraordinary labyrinth of ancient caves and tunnels hidden in the silent darkness of the Mountain. Over the past 3,000 years, this geological nature on which the city stands today, it allowed its inhabitants to dig an unbelievable number of cavities into the soft volcanic rock. The caves that run parallel to the streets and buildings of the modern town above have been brought to "light". They make up a precious repository of historical and archaeological information, only recently studied systematically and scientifically.The “superficial” aspect of the city has changed with the passing of time, but many of the underground structures which were the lifeline of they city, have remained, mostly, intact. The guided tour of “Orvieto Underground” is therefore, the best way to become acquainted with this new, very unusual cultural aspect of a city extremely wealthy in history and ancient Art. Step after step mysterious and fascinating entrances trigger your curiosity. revealing endless series of tunnels, stairs, unexpected passageways, rooms with writings on the walls introducing the birth of this “underground city”. It’s an extraordinary journey through time in a thrilling route into the heart of the roots of Orvieto where memories of its past are still alive and mostly intact." 