Tuscany is one of the largest regions of Italy. It is here that you can see endless green hills and plains, lined with strict lines of vineyards. It is here that immortal monuments of architecture and painting are collected, which millions of tourists coming to Tuscany from all over the world strive to see.
This area contains luxurious, flashy hotels and old villages that look like they are stuck in the Middle Ages.
On a map of Italy, Tuscany is easy to find in the Western part of the country, on the coast Tyrrhenian Sea, north of Rome.
The capital of Tuscany is beautiful Florence.
Location of Tuscany on the map of Italy
The region consists of 10 provinces: Florence, Pisa, Massa Carrara, Pistoia, Prato.
Since the 8th century BC. The Etruscans lived in what is now Tuscany. At the beginning of our era, the lands were conquered by the Romans. In the 5th-7th centuries, Tuscany developed rapidly, large cities were founded. Following the construction of roads and bridges, major cities appeared - centers of culture and industry.
During the Middle Ages, large cities in Tuscany, such as Florence and Lucca, were in a state of continuous wars among themselves for new lands and influence.
By the 15th century, the power of Florence and Pisa had reached such heights that it allowed them to become the main centers of culture and production.
Until the Spanish army captured Florence in 1530, it was an independent republic.
Until 1860, when Tuscany became part of a united Italy, the region was ruled by the Habsburg dynasty of Lorraine, Napoleon Bonaparte (represented by his sister Eliza), then the Habsburgs returned again.
An interesting fact is that from 1865 until 1871, Florence was the capital of not only Tuscany, but of all of Italy.
Attractions
Tuscany is a treasure trove of world-famous heritage of amazing architecture and amazing painting. Most likely, if you come to this region rich in attractions for a short vacation period, you will not be able to fully appreciate the charm of Tuscany. But if you decide in advance what interests you most, you can plan an approximate route that meets your personal preferences.
You will learn all the details about Tuscany from the video:
What is a must-see in Tuscany?
In Florence
Florence is famous for its attractions:
In Pisa
There is a lot to see in Pisa:
In Siena
In Siena you should definitely visit:
You will learn in detail about all the attractions of Siena
In Lucca
Lucca is called the city of churches. Definitely worth seeing:
Thermal springs of Tuscany
Another plus of the Tuscany region is the thermal baths ( thermal springs, in other words, hot springs).
Near the springs, private hotel-houses are often set up with a wide variety of services, so almost everyone can afford to relax in Tuscany, as in a balneological resort.
The most famous and beloved thermal baths by tourists:
Local holidays, events
The brightest holidays of Tuscany can be called:
When choosing a tour or route in Tuscany, it would be great to find the opportunity to attend an Italian holiday, because any guest is sincerely welcome there.
Cuisine and wine
Typical foods and dishes
Probably every person has ever heard about Tuscan cuisine, its unsurpassed quality and variety with absolute simplicity.
Some facts:
- In any restaurant they will offer wine for lunch or dinner; if the guest refuses, they will hardly understand;
- Tuscan bread is unique in that it is made without salt.
The Tuscan menu consists of meat, vegetable, and of course, fish dishes.
Here are the main dishes common for everyday lunch/dinner:
Desserts (dolci):
- The most recognizable dessert is Castagnaccio, baked from chestnut flour with the addition of pine nuts;
- A dessert from Florence is zucotto, usually served with ice cream;
- Shortbread pie - bischeri;
- Cantuccini (Italian: Cantuccini) – very dry cookies with almonds;
- Tiramisu, the invention of which is claimed by the Tuscans (Sienese).
Sienese believe that tiramisu is their invention
Wine of Tuscany
The concept of “Super Tuscan wines” is not just words of praise, it is a term in the complex winemaking craft.
It was in Tuscany, the most wine-producing region, that Super Tuscan wines, popular in Italy and loved by many, were first produced and to this day are successfully produced and sold.
For the first time in 1968, wine was produced from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety. Sassicaia (Sassicaia), which became the ancestor of these wines with a loud name. In this wine you will find shades of black currant, cherry, plum, which only intensify as the wine ages. The color of the drink is deep ruby.
One of the famous wines of Tuscany is red wine "Villa Antinori" with a fruity-pepper flavor and the aroma of dried cherries.
You can list a huge number of other names of excellent wines from this area, here are some: “Guado al Tasso”, “Ornellaia”, “Sangovese grosso” and others.
You will learn all the details about Tuscan wines from the video:
Tourists often come to Tuscany to take part in wine and food tours.
Road to Tuscany
In the Tuscany region, major airports are located in Pisa (Galileo Galilei Airport) and Florence (Amerigo Vespucci Airport):
- You can fly from Milan, Rome on local Italian lines or international flights;
- You can get from the airport by taxi or order a transfer online in advance;
- Any city in Tuscany can always be reached from the airport in the most convenient and economical way - by train. Tickets can be purchased in advance online on the Italian website railways or on the platform at the machine/at the ticket window.
Weather
The weather in Tuscany in winter is quite warm, the air temperature almost never drops below 0C, the average is 3 - 8C, and there are rains.
Summer is hot and dry, with temperatures of 27 -30C, which attracts vacationing tourists and local residents to the sea.
Beaches
The most visited beaches in Tuscany:
- In the province of Lucca: Forte dei Marmi, Lido di Camaiore, Cecina, white sand beaches in Rosignano;
- The peninsula in the province of Grosseto is Monte Argentario, people come here to the beaches located on both sides of the isthmus connecting the peninsula with the land;
- San Vincenzo in Livorno.
Tuscany is famous for its beautiful beaches
Conclusion
So, to fully experience Tuscany, you need to visit big city and certainly in a small town or village.
Consider and appreciate the architectural mastodons and ancient narrow streets, whimsically, lovingly decorated by the residents.
Go to a restaurant (not in the center), where the locals dine, order a steak and a glass of local wine. While waiting for your order, absorb the aromas, review the photos you took...
That's all, the vacation was a success!
Tuscany is an amazing and beautiful corner of Italy, attracting a huge number of tourists from all over the world every year. Tuscany is famous for its rich nature combined with famous architectural landmarks, which are a valuable historical heritage for the whole of Europe.
Most of Tuscany is washed by the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the famous Florence from the city of Arezzo can be reached along the Arno River.
Tuscany on the map of Italy
The total area of Tuscany is 23,000 square meters. km, and the population exceeds 3.5 million people. In this regard, it is interesting that the number of communes here is not particularly small. The difference with Moscow time is 2 hours in summer and 3 in winter. More detailed information can be obtained on the official website of the region www.regione.toscana.it.
General information and interesting features
Tuscany consists of 10 provinces, each of which has its own capital of the same name. The most famous provinces of the region are Florence, Siena, Livorno. This is where you can get a broad understanding of cultural life and the historical past of Italy. The most important areas of the economy are: tourism sector, livestock farming, Agriculture, petrochemical and textile industries. In addition, winemaking is well developed here. No wonder Italian wines are very popular on the world market. The history of Tuscany is of particular importance for the whole of Europe. Such world-famous personalities as Michelangelo, Dante Alighieri, Leonardo da Vinci were born and worked in this amazing region of Italy. And it was here that the Renaissance began.
Main cities of Tuscany
The capital of the region is rightfully considered the magnificent Florence, located on the Arno River. This beautiful city with a rich history has given the world many truly great names, becoming an honored cultural center of the country. Many people associate Italy with beautiful Florence, its inimitable squares, exquisite palaces, ancient temples and many museums located on the wonderful narrow streets of the city. This atmosphere of the Middle Ages is perfectly conveyed in the sculptures of the world-famous Michelangelo Buonarroti and in the paintings of the legendary Leonardo da Vinci.
Another prototype of the Italian Renaissance is the city of Pisa, famous for its main attraction - the Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli). Another city of Tuscany, the famous Livorno, is popular in the world for its canals and luxurious villas, while Siena is known in the past as the outstanding commercial center of Europe and the main competitor of Florence for the right to be called the best cultural center of Tuscany. 
The city of Prato, famous for its valuable historical monuments, is the second largest in the entire region. In the city you can admire the architectural masterpieces of St. Stephen's Cathedral and the castle of Frederick II of Hohenstaufen, preserved from the Middle Ages. Tuscany is also famous for other the most beautiful cities, in each of which there are sure to be unique places of historical memory. 
Tuscany for tourists
Having rested at least once in one of the resorts in Tuscany, you will definitely want to come back here again. The Tyrrhenian coast and the famous Tuscan Riviera are perhaps the most popular among tourists all over the world. Spacious, well-equipped beaches, comfortable hotel rooms, rich nature, a wide range of entertainment both during the day and at night, as well as the culinary delights of restaurant chefs will not leave anyone indifferent. Much attention is paid here to children's sports games. Therefore, when you come on vacation with your family, you can be sure that your child will spend time with health benefits.
Particularly popular are such Tuscan resorts as Follonica, Punta Ala, Porto Santo Stefano, Marina di Carrara and. There are also thermal and balneological resorts offering guests all kinds of wellness treatments. The striking beauty of the rock combined with unusual flora and fauna harmoniously complete the picture.
The best time for a holiday in the region is from May to the end of October. During this period, the optimum air temperature and minimal probability of precipitation are observed here. The average air temperature in summer usually exceeds +25, and in winter the temperature fluctuates around +9. Tuscany has a mild Mediterranean climate with moderate temperatures in the summer and winter months.
How to get there
You can get to Tuscany by plane, landing in one of its major cities: Florence (code FLR), Pisa (PSA) or Grosseto (GPS). From here, tourists can usually take a ferry or boat to one of the resorts in Tuscany. The region has good roads, car and bicycle rentals are available. In the cities themselves, you can easily travel by minibus or bus. You can stay in one of the wonderful hotels in the Tuscany region.
The main attractions of Tuscany
Of course, Tuscany is famous for its architectural monuments that have gone down in history forever. These are numerous cathedrals, temples, stunning galleries of Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael in Florence, and amazing medieval fortresses, huge squares and cathedral complexes. The legendary Opera del Duomo Museum in Pisa and the famous Fountain of Joy in Siena will leave indelible memories. And this is just a small part of the places that are worth visiting while on vacation in this picturesque region of Italy. 
Tuscan cuisine
If you decide to relax in one of the cities of Tuscany, then cuisine is an essential part of your vacation. The most famous dish that you will definitely be offered in local restaurants is called “bistecca fiorentina”. It consists of beef, skillfully fried over wood, with the addition of many spices. This dish goes very well with olive oil and special Tuscan bread. In addition, you will probably be offered the national soup “primo” and a salad consisting of pieces of tomato and bread called “panzanella”. Olive oil, different kinds cheese and spices are especially held in high esteem here and are made with special diligence. Sometimes you can’t help but be surprised to learn how strange combinations of products local chefs use, but the end result is always beyond any praise. Of course, an integral part of any complete Italian lunch or dinner is the famous Italian wine and dessert. 
Shopping in Tuscany
When buying souvenirs, you will probably be surprised by the high prices. However, the quality and originality of the goods here is always the same. highest level, so you shouldn't be surprised. If you decide to buy something more serious, such as jewelry or fine perfume, then it would be wiser to do this in the more famous cities of the region, such as Florence or Pisa, where you will have many boutiques and shops at your disposal.
A little history
Even during the Etruscan era, long before the arrival of the Romans, the development of agriculture, crafts, and mining began on the lands of the Tuscany region. With the arrival of the Romans on the territory, this thread of development was not broken. Over time, Tuscany gradually became an increasingly successful and prosperous region of the empire. With the collapse of Rome, mass unrest began in Tuscany. Over the course of several centuries, the power here was constantly changing. It was not until 1860 that the region was recognized as part of Italy.
In our time, Tuscany continues to develop, remaining a thriving region of Italy, an interesting cultural center, offering tourists unique historical masterpieces that were rightfully included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Tuscany today is one of the most popular tourist routes. Visitors are offered a first-class holiday with all modern amenities and a wide selection of entertainment and excursions. Mild climate, clean beaches and bright nature will allow you to relax and put your body and thoughts in order. This is why Tuscany is so loved by so many foreigners.
There are many works of art telling about Italy. “Under the Tuscan Sun” is a famous film, after watching which you want to immediately drop everything you’re doing and go on vacation here. And for good reason, because this region is very popular among tourists. Here you can see picturesque landscapes, architectural monuments of different eras, and swim in the sea. But Tuscany is large region, covering several cities at once. We'll tell you what you need to see here in this article.
A little more about the region
Tourists adore this resort, speaking very positively about the time spent in this place. At the same time, they praise not only local attractions, but also the beaches of Tuscany (Italy). The region has access to the Tyrrhenian Sea, although the coastline here is not very smooth, but if you wish, you can find a place for swimming. However beach holiday- this is not the main thing in Tuscany. First of all, the region is famous for its architectural sights, historical monuments, and picturesque nature. Tuscany is the birthplace of many famous Italians, such as Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo. On its territory there are several large cities that are worth seeing. For example, Florence, Pisa, Siena and others.
In addition, this region has a fairly advantageous location. It is located in the central part of the country, just north of Rome. Getting here is equally convenient not only from the capital, but from Milan - another major tourist city. Also during high season, several flights from Moscow fly directly to Pisa several times a week.
Tuscany is a mountainous area, so most of it is occupied by hills, on which there are huge vineyards. Ecotourists and simply wine lovers should definitely set aside time for a tour of these places. Travelers recommend coming here in late spring or early autumn, when the heat subsides, in order to explore local cities in comfort. However, if you want to combine sightseeing in Tuscany (Italy) with a seaside holiday, then the best time will be July and August.
History of Tuscany
Most of the attractions here are related to history. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to her. The Tuscany region of Italy has rich history. The first mentions of people living here date back to the Lower Paleolithic era. Until the 1st century AD, the Etruscans lived on its territory, in whose honor, according to historians, the region got its name. Then they were captured by the Romans, who founded the most famous cities of Tuscany: Florence, Pisa, Siena and Lucca. They dominated these lands until the 5th century, and after that they were ousted by barbarian tribes. Local culture was plundered, but the region continued to develop. For example, the Lombards settled in Lucca and made it their capital.
In the Middle Ages, Tuscany was not a single state. Several formations were located on its territory. For example, Florence, Lucca and Pisa were independent settlements. Often they even fought among themselves. Banking developed especially rapidly in Florence, largely thanks to the famous Medici rulers. It was they who sponsored the construction of many architectural monuments of the city, and also financially supported the famous Leonardo da Vinci. Gradually, the Medici were able to capture the border cities, forming the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.
The last representative of this family died in the 18th century, after which the region came under Habsburg rule. After capturing Tuscany, Napoleon gave the title to his sister Eliza, but she did not rule for long. The region became part of the united Italy only in the middle of the 19th century. Moreover, in 1865 Florence became the capital of the country. Only in 1871 was it moved to Rome.
Holidays in Tuscany
In fact, Tuscany is a unique region, where tourists can combine several holiday options while relaxing. But most of the time, of course, should be allocated for sightseeing. Tuscany in Italy is considered the most large region by the number of monuments that are under UNESCO protection. Moreover, more than half of all Italian heritage sites are located here. Of course, first of all you need to visit Florence, Pisa, Siena and Lucca. If you have time, you can pay attention to small picturesque villages and cities, for example, Monteriggioni or San Gimignano.
You can combine sightseeing with shopping. It is developed here, perhaps better than many resorts in Italy. Every small town has several large shopping centers, where boutiques of famous European and world brands are open. But tourists especially like to visit local sales. They are held here in July and late January. You can also find small shops throughout Tuscany, including supermarkets and souvenir shops. And those who like to study the gastronomic customs of countries around the world should definitely visit local restaurants, taverns and cafes, as well as open markets that sell real olive oil.
Tourists prefer to spend a significant part of their vacation relaxing at sea. Tuscany in Italy offers its guests several first-class resorts, and its coastline extends over 320 km. At the same time, places for budget holiday there's very little here. Accommodation even in an inexpensive three-star hotel will cost tourists a significant amount. Of course, for lovers of clean sea and soft sandy beaches It's worth going to Elba Island. It gained the greatest popularity thanks to its developed diving centers.
Florence
Of course, among the cities of Tuscany in Italy, the leading position in popularity is occupied by the famous Florence. This is where many people start exploring the region. And for good reason, because there really are quite a few attractions here, the largest of which we will talk about below. The city was founded back in 59 by Caesar himself, but reached its peak only in the 15th century. Most of the architectural monuments are concentrated in the old part of Florence. Some of them date back to the Renaissance, which originated in this city. The historical center is located on the northern bank of the Arno River and is entirely included in the World Heritage Fund. Here, guests should pay attention to the Duomo Square and the Cathedral along with the Campanile of Giunno. Or just wander through the local narrow streets, which have managed to preserve their historical appearance. And in local museums you can see many masterpieces created by Italians. By the way, the most expensive and respectable restaurants, shops and hotels are open here.
You should definitely visit the famous Medici quarter, where the chapel built by Michelangelo himself is located. The basilica, built in the 4th century, also attracts the attention of tourists. Almost all representatives of the Medici family are buried on the territory of this quarter, and there is also a monastery and Central Market. It is also worth a look at the famous Ponte Vecchio - the only bridge in the city that survived the Second World War. Florence is also home to countless temples, each of which is of particular artistic value. Tourists can enjoy not only their external decoration, but also their internal ones, for example, examine the numerous frescoes of famous Italian authors.
Among the attractions of Tuscany (Italy), it is worth highlighting the cathedral, which is the face of not only Florence, but the entire region as a whole. Its full name is Santa Maria del Fiore. Its construction dragged on for a century and a half, and six eminent architects were responsible for its creation. They began to build it on the site of the old city church, which began to collapse by the beginning of the 13th century. Its first stone was laid in 1296, and construction was completed only in 1434. At the time of its opening, the cathedral was the largest in all of Europe - it can simultaneously accommodate up to 30,000 visitors.
The temple was built in the shape of a Latin cross. Its length is 153 meters and width is 90 meters. The amazing appearance of the cathedral was created thanks to a unique cladding made from several types of marble. The dome is made of orange brick; more than 4 million blocks were used to create it. The interior decoration of the cathedral is distinguished by its modesty and simplicity. Here it is worth paying attention to the clock that was created in 1443 and is still running, as well as the bas-relief of Giotto and busts of famous Italians. Giotto's Campanile and the Baptistery of San Giovanni were built almost next to the cathedral.
Uffizi Gallery
The most famous museum complex not only in Florence, but throughout Tuscany (Italy) is the Uffizi Gallery. It is located in the central part of the city and is housed in a three-story building adjacent to the palace of the same name. The gallery itself consists of two parallel buildings shaped like a horseshoe. It was built in 1581, and even then many people considered it one of the most beautiful buildings in Europe. In addition, the gallery is considered the most visited museum in all of Italy. For example, in 2013, more than 1.8 million guests visited here.
The gallery occupies an area of more than 13,000 square meters. m. On its territory there is a huge collection, most of which is occupied by masterpieces created by Italians. For example, visitors can see paintings created by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli. Among the masterpieces of the latter artist, it is worth highlighting the painting “The Birth of Venus”, which is one of the main exhibits of the gallery. For the convenience of visitors, its rooms are arranged in chronological order and cover the history of Italian art from the 13th to the 18th centuries. There are 50 of them in total, so it will take tourists more than one day to explore all the monuments.
Sienna
The next picturesque city in Tuscany, Italy, loved by tourists is Siena, which is sometimes called the wine capital of the region. Like Florence, its central part is included in the UNESCO heritage list, because most of the buildings here have been preserved in their original form since the Middle Ages. The highlight of the city is not only the local wine, but also the famous Palio horse race, which takes place in July and August. It is interesting that all competitions take place on the main street of the city, which is specially covered with an impressive layer of earth for this purpose.
Siena also has its own Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which with its appearance reminiscent of the Milanese Duomo. The outside is decorated with multi-colored marble and numerous busts and sculptures. Inside, tourists can admire the frescoes created by Renaissance artists. In Siena, you should also definitely see the Palace of the Commune, the Tower of the Glutton, the National Pinacoteca and numerous churches and museums.
Monteriggioni
Of course, the small town of Montergioni cannot be called a full-fledged resort in Tuscany (Italy), but it is a significant attraction of the region. It is worth looking here at the huge ancient castle, built in the 13th century to protect Siena from its neighbors. Gradually, a real city appeared inside the fortress, the appearance of which has been preserved to this day. Here you can look not only at the majestic towers, but also at the palaces of the Renaissance, as well as the ancient church of St. Mary. By the way, this castle is the most recognizable landmark of Tuscany (Italy), because it was here that famous historical films were filmed, for example, “Gladiator”.
San Gimignano
Traveling through Tuscany (Italy), tourists often stop in another small town - San Gimignano. First of all, it is worth looking at the medieval “skyscrapers”. This is what locals call the ancient stone towers that made the city famous. There were 72 of them in total, but only 14 of them survived in their original form. San Gimignano can be explored in just a few hours.
Volterra
The small and gloomy town of Volterra is another place worth visiting during your holiday in Tuscany (Italy). This is one of the oldest settlements in the region; the oldest archaeological finds here date back to the Iron Age. The city is famous for its fortress walls, built in the 4th century BC. You can also explore it in a couple of hours, but you still shouldn’t exclude it from your excursion.
Pisa
In the west of the region is Pisa, another famous city in the country, best known for its unique leaning tower. And although there are not many other ancient attractions here, it is still worth a visit, especially for young people. The fact is that Pisa is considered a student city; more than half of the residents live here precisely because of their studies. Therefore, a huge number of night bars and clubs are open here to suit every taste.
But, of course, every traveler dreams of visiting the famous Square of Miracles, where the leaning tower is located. It was built in 1360, and the building began to lean to the side even during construction. Now scientists note that its decline has stopped. Among the attractions, it is also worth highlighting the cathedral, built in the 11th century. According to legend, once upon a time the prophet Peter set foot in this place on the coast of Tuscany (Italy). For less famous places, visit the local ancient cemetery. The University of Pisa, which is considered one of the oldest educational institutions in Europe, should not be ignored.
Lucca
This city often completes a tourist route in Tuscany (Italy). Lucca attracts tourists primarily with its churches. This small town has managed to maintain an unchanged medieval appearance, which will undoubtedly delight history buffs. Most of the religious buildings here were built in the Trecento era, as the 14th century is called in Italy. In their reviews, tourists recommend coming to the city in the spring, because at this time flowers bloom everywhere in Lucca. It is sometimes even called the romantic capital of Tuscany. In addition to the churches, among which St. Martin's, built in the 6th century, is especially notable, explore the local fortress walls. They are perfectly preserved and completely surround the city, enclosing it in a ring. Their length exceeds 4 km. The city also has many restaurants offering ancient Italian cuisine, which will delight gourmet tourists.
Tourists often like to combine sightseeing with a seaside holiday. In Tuscany, all conditions are created for this. For budget accommodation, it is best to choose one of small resorts local riviera. But the most popular is the island of Elba. It is the third largest island in all of Italy. Moreover, you can get to it in just one hour by ferry, which departs from the coast at least several times a day. First of all, Elba is famous for its beaches. There are a great many of them here, and there are both sandy and pebble areas on the island. In addition, due to the location, there are beaches with pink sand and black pebbles. The water near the island is very clean, and animal world The seas are rich, so there are many diving centers open along the coast.
The island's capital is the small coastal town of Portoferraio, home to just 35,000 people. You can combine a beach holiday here with visiting local monuments. For example, visit the oldest fort on the island - Volterraio Castle. In the city, a cathedral was built in honor of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, the Church of Mercy. Elba was Napoleon's final resting place, so there are plenty of museums dedicated to his life. You can complete your tour of the island by visiting the ruins of the fortress walls built during the reign of the Medici dynasty.
The region of Tuscany lies in the central part of the Apennine Peninsula, on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The relief of the region is quite diverse - in the northeast and east there are the low ridges of the Apennines, Pratomagno and Chianti, in the north - the ridges of the Ligurian and Apuan Alps, the central regions are occupied by hilly areas, and closer to the coast and along the valley of the Arno River a narrow strip of plains begins.
Tuscany is one of the most beautiful regions of Italy, a place of unique historical richness, the birthplace of many areas of Italian schools of painting and architecture. This amazing place the formation of the ancient Apennine culture, the Etruscan civilization, the Roman Empire and the Lombard state, as well as the birthplace of the Renaissance. A colossal number of unique cultural sites are concentrated here, so as many as six Tuscan cities are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List ( historical centers Florence, Siena, San Gimignano and Pienza, Piazza Pisa and Val d'Orcia).
Attractions
In the outskirts of the city lie the picturesque town Volterra(midway between Pisa and Siena) with its Palazzo dei Priori, Pinacoteca, art gallery, Romanesque cathedral, baptistery, Etruscan Arch and the Etruscan Guarnacci Museum. In Boccaccio's homeland - in the town Certaldo- you can see the villas of Chigi, Cetinale, Chela, Volte Alte and Velcaro Castle. Town Pienza(Pienza) grew up through the efforts of Pope Pius II (a native of these places) on the site of the village of Corsignano, whose roots go back to the Etruscan era (IX-V centuries BC). This is one of the most picturesque settlements in Tuscany, its decorations include the Duomo Cathedral, Palazzo Piccolomini with a luxurious park, Palazzo Borgia (now housing the collections of the Diocesan Museum and the Museo delle Cattedrale), Palazzo Comunale (town hall), Ammannati, Gonzaga and Cardinale Atrebatense, the Church of San Francesco (the oldest in the city, it was built in the 11th century on the plinth of an 8th century temple), as well as the surrounding monuments of Pieve Consignano and the grottoes of Monticchiello.
IN Lucca noteworthy are the Roman amphitheater, fortress walls (XVI century) and the churches of San Michele (XII century), San Fernando, Santa Maria Forisportam, the Cathedral of San Martino (XI-XV centuries), the Pinacoteca and the delightful villas of Mansi , Torrigiani, Marlia and Garzoni di Pesca with luxurious gardens outside. IN Pistoe- the churches of San Domenico, San Andrea, San Francesco, San Giovanni Fourcivitas (all XII-XIV centuries) and the extraordinary Madonna del Umilta (XII century). IN Arezzo- Piazza Grande with its Church of Maria della Piave (XIII century), Fraternita dei Laici Palace (XIV-XV centuries), Vasari Loggia, Bishop's Palace (XIII century) and Cofani-Brizzolari Palace with the Fagiolan Tower , as well as the churches of Sant'Donatus (XIII-XVI centuries), San Michele, Santa Maria in Gradi (XI-XVI centuries), the Basilica of San Francesco (XIII-XIV centuries) and San Domenico ( XIII-XIV centuries), the Cathedral of Sant'Agustin (XIII-XV centuries) and many other architectural monuments.
"Ideal City" of the Italian Renaissance - Livorno famous for its Venetian district with hundreds of old buildings and a dense network of canals, the Mascagnano Museum, the Sanctuary of Montenero, the monument to Duke Ferdinando I de' Medici, as well as the fortresses of Castello Vecchia (XII-XIV centuries, with the bastions of Capitan, Ampoletta and Canaviglia) and Castello Nuovo (end of the 16th century).
In the "textile capital of Tuscany" Prato you can see the Cathedral of Santo Stefano (X-XIV centuries), the Pretorio Palace (XIII century), the Castello del Imperatore, as well as the churches of Santa Maria delle Carceri (1484), Sant'Agostino ( 1440), San Domenico (1281-1310), San Francesco (1281-1331), San Fabiano (IX-XI centuries) and the monastery of San Vincenzo. In Massa - Malaspina Castle (10th century), Palazzo Ducale in Piazza Aranci, cathedral, mountain Botanical Garden Alpi Apuan Pietro Pellegrini and the picturesque port of Marina di Massa.
Nearby Carrara, known since ancient times for its marble, today is famous cathedral(XII century) and the Palazzo Ducale (XVI century).
Located near Florence and Siena, the tiny town is considered one of the most famous and picturesque cities in Italy.
Tuscan Islands
The Tuscan Islands, or "Seven Sisters", stretch between the region's coast and Corsica. The largest, greenest and most visited of them is the island of Elba (area 223 sq. km, Livorno region), enclosing the Gulf of Follonica from the sea. Currently Elbe is part of National Park Tuscan archipelago (covers the water area between all seven islands) and a fashionable resort area, famous for its picturesque shores, eucalyptus and olive groves, the ancient baths of San Giovanni, the fortresses of Portolongone and Forte del Falcone, the churches of Santissimo Sacramento, Misericordia and Forte della -Stella, the monastery of Madonna Montserrata, as well as Palazzina dei Mulini (place of exile of Napoleon) and the famous Villa San Martino, where his museum is now located (the second museum dedicated to Napoleon is located in the Mulini Palace). The coast of the island is almost entirely built up with elite resort areas, among which the most notable are Portoferraio, Capiloveri, Lacona, Porto Azzurro, Rio Marina, Prochio, Campo del Elba, Cavo Marciana, Marciana Marina, Poggia and Marino di Campo .
Island Giglio(region of Grosseto), lying opposite Cape Argentario, is considered a paradise for divers, as it is a huge rock of gray granite, steeply plunging into the depths of the sea. Its rocky shores alternate with small beaches, and the ancient towns of Giglio Porto, Giglio Castello and Campese are famous for their excellent cuisine. Volcanic island Capraia lies almost off the coast of French Corsica and is famous for its picturesque lake, which occupies the crater of an extinct volcano.
Giannutri(the southernmost of the islands of Tuscany) is famous for its incredibly beautiful sea and untouched nature. Tiny Island Gorgon, lying directly opposite Livorno, is extremely beautiful, but inaccessible to visitors (there is a state prison here). The same fate befell the small flat island Pianosa next to the Elbe and also famous island Montecristo, lying between Giglio and Corsica, but the latter can still be visited, albeit with the permission of the authorities (without this, landing on the shore, swimming and fishing at a distance of less than 500 meters from the coast is prohibited).
Tuscany, Italy - detailed description with photo. All about Tuscany: Popular cities and places, how to get there, gastronomy and shopping, where to stay.
Region Tuscany
Tuscany is a region in Central Italy. This place endless hills and vineyards, beautiful nature, the center of world cultural and historical heritage. Tuscany is a unique combination of history, culture and traditions that make this region so interesting and distinctive.
Tuscany borders on five other regions of Italy: in the northwest - with Liguria, in the north - with Emilia-Romagna, in the east - with Umbria and Marche, in the south - with Lazio. The region is extremely hilly. The plains occupy less than 10 percent and are located in the valley of the main Tuscan waterway, the Arno River. The climate of Tuscany is quite comfortable, with very warm summers and mild winters. Better time for visiting April-May and September-October. Summers here are quite hot, and Tuscan winters are not only mild, but also have cold nights. However, the temperature varies in different places in Tuscany. On the coast and in the valleys the climate is warmer and milder than in the foothills.
Tuscany has been inhabited since ancient times. The Etruscan civilization flourished on its hills, which was replaced by the mighty Roman Empire in the 3rd century BC. In the Middle Ages, the Florentine Republic was located here, which became the cradle of the Renaissance and Renaissance. The Tuscan dialect became the basis of the modern Italian language.
There are many reasons to visit Tuscany. Some come to touch the world's artistic masterpieces, history and culture, others want to enjoy Tuscan nature, gourmets want to try Tuscan cuisine and wine. But regardless of the purpose of the room, you will not be disappointed and will receive a vivid and atmospheric impression.
How to get to Tuscany?
There are two in Tuscany international airport- in Pisa and Florence. Although most international flights operate to Rome and Milan airports. These towns are located approximately 3 hours from the capital of Tuscany.
Florence and major Tuscan cities are easily accessible from many regions of Italy by train and bus. You can find out the schedule and buy tickets here - http://www.trenitalia.com/. You can get around Tuscany by local buses. You can view the flight schedule and buy tickets on this website - http://www.busfox.com
Gastronomy
Gastronomy is one of the reasons to visit Tuscany. In addition to Italian cuisine, traditional Tuscan cuisine has developed here, which is characterized by the use of fresh and seasonal vegetables, fruits, cheeses and meats. Despite the simplicity of preparing many dishes, Tuscan food delights with the richness and variety of flavors and can satisfy any gourmet. Typical Tuscan dishes:
- Vegetable bread soup
- Tomato soup
- Pasta with egg or meat (hare, wild boar)
- Chopped meat with bread
- Steak Florentine
- Game - hare, wild boar, pheasant, etc.
- Sauteed vegetables, spinach, beans with olive oil
- Various salads
Local products:
- Olive oil
- Cold cuts (sausages, ham, etc.)
- Truffles
- Vegetables and fruits
Tuscan wines are no less an attraction than artistic and cultural masterpieces. Here you can find wine of various types (white, red, sparkling) and price categories. And it's all just excellent quality. The main wine region is located between Florence and Siena and is called Chianti. This is a real kingdom of vineyards and agritourism.
Where to stay in Tuscany
If you do not want to waste time moving around the region or you do not have a car, then it is better to stay in cities - Florence, Siena, Pisa, Arezzo, which are perfect for this.
If it doesn't scare you public transport Italy or you are renting a car, we recommend staying in the countryside between Siena and Florence. Here you can feel not only the real atmosphere of Tuscany, but also embrace more impressions. After all, within an hour's drive there are not only the most interesting cities, but also the beautiful borgo and Chianti wine region.
Shopping and purchases
The best cities for shopping in Tuscany are Florence and Siena. Shopping - local products: cheese, olive oil, wine, leather goods, wool, gold, ceramics. There are several outlets for the fashionable and budget conscious:
- The Mall - Via Europa 8, Leccio - Reggello (Firenze)
- Designer Outlet di Barberino - Barberino del Mugello (Firenze)
- Valdichiana Outlet Village - Foiano della Chiana (Arezzo)
Popular cities and places of Tuscany
There are so many interesting things to see in Tuscany that sometimes you don’t know what to choose or where to go. The most popular cities - Florence, Siena, Pisa - can give you amazing impressions of exploring the masterpieces of architecture and culture.
But the list interesting places and cities are not limited to these three. We highly recommend visiting the wine-growing province of Chianti, admiring the rural landscapes and picturesque Tuscan farms and villages.
If you have time, you should definitely look into other Tuscan cities - Arezzo, Lucca, San Gimignano.
