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Tuscany is one of the most visited areas of Italy and rightly so. Florence conjures up romantic images, Siena invokes the medieval ideal and Pisa will always be associated with its leaning tower. The region is known for its landscape, art, food and wine, and there are many little villages just waiting to be explored.
Il Duomo, Florence |
Florence. The City is full of art, architecture and history. Dante's home, Giotto's workplace, Lorenzo the Magnificent's buildings and Michelangelo's tomb. Come and admire the size of Brunelleschi's dome, the intricate work of Ghiberti's Baptistery doors, the power of Michelangelo's David and the magnificent art collection housed in the Uffizi. A wonderful shopping city.
Fiesole. A popular hillside retreat. Remains of a Roman theatre still used in summer.
Siena. A medieval town famous for its annual Palio (horse race) around the main square. The heart of Chianti wine country.
Pisa. The leaning tower was completed in 1350 as the bell tower of the Cathedral. Along with the Baptistery and the Cemetery these buildings form an architectural masterpiece. Galileo was born here in 1564.
Vinci. Birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci in 1452.
Collodi. Explore the village on foot because the streets are too narrow for cars. Villa Garzoni has splendid gardens.
Monteriggioni. A hilltop town built in 1203 still encircled by high walls.
Lucca. It has retained its layout as a Roman camp and is still surrounded by ramparts. Birthplace of Giacomo Pucini in 1858. There are some pretty villas in the area.
San Gimignano. One of the best preserved medieval towns in Tuscany. It stands in the midst of vineyards and olive groves, its towers visible from a great distance.
Cortona. One of the oldest cities in Tuscany founded by the Etruscans. Many steep alleyways to explore.
Volterra. The ancient Etruscan walls still stand in places. One of the best collections of Etruscan artefacts. Roman theatre. Alabaster workshops.
Carrara. World famous for its white marble. Many showrooms and workshops.
Colle di Val d'Elsa. The town is in two parts, Upper and Lower.
Pistoia. A museum dedicated to the work of the 20thc. artist, Marino Marini.
Montecatini Terme. A spa town, with the older fortified town, Montecatini Alto, on the top of the hill.
Lucignano. A medieval town with concentric circles of streets.
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