Discover the incredible points of interest of Tuscany

Talking interest in the wonderful locations that Tuscany proposes means going back to the roots of the Italian culture.

In fact, the ancient and rich region is home to heritages of different kinds, which together contribute to its enhancement.

Among the main Tuscan attractions, we can find verdant landscapes and bucolic hills. Numerous poets and artists have been inspired by these beautiful places, such as the Chianti countryside and the Val d’Orcia.

The region is home to multiple cities and villages still capable of preserving and expressing the Renaissance or the Medieval taste.

Moreover, these urban centers are embellished with wonderful monuments, such as the Torre del Mangia, majestic architectural works and artistic collections of rare beauty.

Finally, Tuscany has many places characterized by a strong gastronomic tradition:

We are talking about the famous Pici di Siena, the Lardo di Colonnata, the Zuppa di cacciucco livornese fish and, above all, the many types of wine produced here, from Brunello to Chianti Classico, famous and exported all over the world.

Below we propose some of the incredible points of interest that the main provinces of the region hold.

AREZZO

Arezzo has many references to the ancient peoples who occupied and founded it, namely the Etruscans and the Roman Empire.

The most important monument of the city is probably the Cathedral of Saints Donato and Pietro.

This Cathedral is a splendid example of Gothic architecture and houses work by artists of the caliber of Vasari and Piero della Francesca.

Cortona

Cortona is a town not to be missed situated in the Valdichiana, in the province of Arezzo.

The village appears perched on a hill and surrounded by a walled city of Roman origin. Thanks to its altitude it offers a splendid view of the Valdichiana and Lake Trasimeno

Inside Cortona presents clear references to the Etruscan civilization.

In particular, it contains the MAEC (Museum of the Etruscan Academy and the City of Cortona) and an Etruscan Archaeological Park.

La verna

In the Casentino area, on the sunny Monte Penna, it is possible to visit La Verna, a Franciscan sanctuary.

It is said that St. Francis went to this particular and fascinating place of worship during is periods of hermitage and meditation. Furthermore, history has it that just inside this religious structure the saint received the famous stigmata.

The Verna is immersed in the Sacred Forests. These beautiful unexplored and untouched woods would seem capable of stimulating meditation and spirituality.

FLORENCE

Florence is an extraordinary city, a pearl in the Italian urban landscape.

The Tuscan capital is particularly loved by tourists. In fact, the entire city appears to be enveloped in a magnetic atmosphere and every corner of it seems to have a specific purpose.

Moreover, Florence hosts wonderful Renaissance monuments and priceless works of art.

Ponte Vecchio

The main symbol of the city of Florence is probably Ponte Vecchio.

This world-famous architectural work has very ancient origins. In particular, the design and construction of its current structure date back to 1345 and is due to Taddeo Gaddi.

Initially, the bridge had to present a tower in each of its four ends. However, to date only one is preserved, the Mannelli tower.

Furthermore, originally the bridge was used as a meat market and only later did it take on its current function, mainly housing jewelers and watchmakers.

Uffizi Gallery

A museum complex to say the least for art lovers is the Uffizi Gallery.

The Uffizi houses an endless collection of statues and priceless pictorial works, dating back to the period between the 13th century and the end of the Renaissance,

The hosted artists are numerous. Among the most famous are Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto, Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio.

Boboli Gardens

The Boboli Gardens is an amazing park located near Palazzo Pitti. Its construction was commissioned by the de Medici and its completion occurred in 1766.

The area consists of 45,000 square meters of greenery and is decorated with numerous marble works, which make it a splendid open-air museum

In particular, we mention the Fountain of Neptune and the Forte Belvedere, situated the strong lookout.

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The Duomo of Florence, or Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore, is one of the largest churches in Italy.

This structure can be considered one of the main masterpieces of Italian Gothic and was completed in 1436 by Brunelleschi.

The exterior of the religious place is adorned through a mix of marbles, with different colors (verses, pinks, and whites).

Finally, UNESCO has recently declared the Duomo, the adjacent Baptistery and Giotto’s Campanile, a World Heritage Site.

Greve in chianti

Greve in Chianti is one of the most characteristic and evocative villages of the Chianti Valley.

Inside you can admire the Wine Museum and taste, in one of its many wineries, the Chianti Classico, one of the most important wine types in Italy produced through Sangiovese vines.

GROSSETO

In the heart of the Maremma we find Grosseto, a beautiful maritime city embellished with places like the Duomo and Piazza Dante Alighieri.

In its province, tourism is mainly at the seaside. The beaches located in the Argentario promontory, such as the Cannelle and Cala Del Gesso, are particularly spectacular and beautiful.

The Tarot Garden by Niki de Saint Phalle

Near Capalbio, in the southern part of Tuscany, it is possible to visit a special, truly unusual and enchanting space: the Tarot Garden.

Its conception is due to the revolutionary Niki de Saint de Phalle who, in the second half of the last century decided to enrich a green area with the 22 Major Arcana of the Tarot cards. Moreover, the artist’s particular choice was to decorate these imaginary figures through mosaics of brightly colored glass.

Roselle

Founded by the Etruscans, Roselle is an ancient town (founded around the 7th century BC) just eight kilometers from the city of Grosseto and now an archaeological area.

The possible archaeological route inside, between the amphitheater, domus and small temple of the Augustines Flamines, allows to better highlight the traces of the occupation of the area made by the Etruscans and then by the Romans.

The garden of Daniel Spoerri in Seggiano

Between Monte Amiata and Montalcino it is possible to admire and discover a fairy-tale space: the Garden of Daniel Spoerri.

This park conceals beautiful examples of contemporary art chosen or designed by the Swiss artist Daniel Spoerri. The latter was inspired by the atmosphere of the area and decided to make it his center of research and creation.

Therefore, the bronze sculptures placed in green and wooded area appear in direct dialogue with the nature surrounding them.

The construction of the area began in the 1990s and now hosts 112 works by 55 different artists.

Cascate del Mulino

The town of Saturnia is home to the most renowned thermal spring in Tuscany.

In this area, it is possible to go to extra-luxury spas or to use water for free from the powerful beneficial action at the fascinating Cascate del Mulino.

Within these, the water flows and settles into a series of suggestive natural small pools with a clayey bottom.

LUCCA

Lucca is a wonderful city of art, located at the foot of the Apuan Alps.

This urban center allows you to make a real journey through time and explore different historical periods that the Italian peninsula has crossed.

In fact, inside there are, for example, traces of a Roman amphitheater and it is possible to admire numerous villas dating back to the 12th and 16th centuries, still in excellent condition.

Furthermore, the city is surrounded by massive walls, from which you can admire splendid views.

Among the most important monuments placed within it, we can mention San Michele in Foro, the Basilica of San Frediano, the Clock Tower and the Guinigi Tower.

Guinigi Tower

Located in the historic center of Lucca, the Guinigi Tower is 45 meters high and is a very special, unique place.

In fact, the building looks like a garden suspended in the sky, since, in its top, 7 lecci have been inserted, which rise on the surrounding landscape.

The tower dates back to the second half of the 14th century and was commissioned by the Guinigi family.

This ancient family wanted the roof garden to be their symbol of rebirth.

San Micheal

There are many churches in the city of Lucca, so many that it is nicknamed the city of 100 churches. One of the most famous is certainly the majestic Church of San Michele in Foro.

Besides being so imposing, this Romanesque building is particularly ancient.

In fact, its construction was commissioned in 1070 by Pope Alexander II.

The high façade is enriched by numerous small columns. Instead, from its top stands a beautiful statue depicting the archangel Gabriel defeating the dragon.

PISA

In the north of Tuscany, in a flat area called Valdarno rises Pisa, the birthplace of Galileo Galilei. Its construction is due to the de Medici, who reclaimed the lagoon area.

Pisa is a cheerful city, suitable for nightlife, whose squares are often the realm of students from all over the nation, attracted by the famous Normale.

Pisa is famous throughout the world for Piazza dei Miracoli, a space that contains 3 spectacular monuments.

Square of Miracles

A reason for recognizing the city all over the world, Piazza dei Miracoli includes more surprising monuments:

the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the Baptistery.

Because of its beauty and its historical-cultural value, this area has recently been included in the UNESCO world heritage list.

Botanical Garden of Pisa

The Botanical garden of Pisa was conceived by the naturalist Ghini in 1543 and can be an interesting stop especially for those who travel with their families.

Located between Piazza dei Miracoli and Piazza dei Cavalieri, its area includes 3 hectares and conceals plants of all kinds (exotic, medicinal, aquatic …).

Furthermore, the garden contains secular trees, such as a Ginko biloba planted in the eighteenth century or an immense camphor tree from 1872.

Volterra

Volterra is a medieval hillside village enclosed by imposing thirteenth-century walls.

This charming town has its own characteristic charm, generated by the evident traces of its Etruscan and Roman past.

In addition, the village is home to several museums (Pinacoteca, the Museum of Sacred Art, or the Ecomuseum of Alabaster) which further embellish it, through the incredible masterpieces that are preserved there, such as the Deposition by Rosso Fiorentino.

SIENA

Siena is a beautiful medieval city that stands in the middle of an idyllic country landscape.

The urban center retains for the most part the same features it possessed in the 1300s, but, despite this crystallization, Siena is a lively and dynamic province.

The monuments that occupy its historic center date back to the Middle Ages. Among them, we point out the splendid Palazzo Comunale with the very high Torre del Mangia, the beautiful Piazza del Campo with its travertine and the well-known Duomo. 

Saint Gimignano

San Gimignano is probably the most famous village in Tuscany.

Perched among the Chianti hills, the charming town is protected by massive walls.

Inside it is possible to admire 13 towers – symbol of the village – of the 72 that were historically erected.

Towards the end of the last century, San Gimignano was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as it is a magnificent example of architectural and landscape complex.

Montalcino

Visiting Montalcino is essential for wine lovers and for all those who wish to lose themselves in a glass of his precious Brunello, one of the most appreciated Italian wines in the world. The precious red liquid was born in 1888 and is obtained thanks to a Sangiovese variety.

The village is also art, culture and landscapes: for example, from the ramparts of the fortress built in its historic center in 1361 it is possible to admire Mount Amiata and the Crete Senesi.

Moreover, in its vicinity, the beautiful abbey of Sant’Animo is located.

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This post is also available in: Italian