The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance , Tuscany is a region in central Italy , the second most visited region in all Italy. It is worldwide known for its landscapes , history , artistic legacy and its influence on high culture.
The Tuscan Countryside
( photo by : Evelina Nuli )
It is regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and of the foundations of the Italian language. The main tourist spots are Florence, Castiglione della Pescaia, Pisa, San Gimignano, Lucca, Grosseto and Siena. The town of Castiglione della Pescaia is the most visited seaside destination in the region, with seaside tourism accounting for approximately 40% of tourist arrivals. The Maremma region, Siena, Lucca, the Chianti region, Versiliaand Val d’Orcia are also internationally renowned and particularly popular spots among travellers. Eight Tuscan localities have been designated World Heritage Sites: the historic Centre of Florence (1982); the Cathedral square of Pisa (1987); the historical centre of San Gimignano (1990); the historical centre of Siena (1995); the historical centre of Pienza (1996); the Val d’Orcia (2004), the Medici Villas and Gardens (2013), and Montecatini Terme as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe(2021).
Florence ( Firenze )
( photo by : Evelina Nuli )
Tuscany has over 120 protected nature reserves, making Tuscany and its capital Florence popular tourist destinations. In 2018, Florence alone had over 5 million arrivals, making it the world’s 51st most visited city. Tuscany’s magical atmosphere evolves day by day as you stroll around the cities of art, cycle in the parks, enjoy the sea or savour its typical products, in a region with a one-of-a-kind natural, cultural and historical heritage that has fascinated visitors for centuries. With nine provincial capitals and the metropolitan city of Florence, Tuscany is home to some of the most beautiful cities in Italy. The region’s capital is an open-air museum, where you can stroll for days discovering architectural masterpieces, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Ponte Vecchio (“Old Bridge”), as well as priceless works of art, including those on display at the Uffizi Gallery and Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery.
Siena
( photo by : Evelina Nuli )
Siena will transport you to the Middle Ages, with its historic centre branching out from the majestic Piazza del Campo. The most iconic place in Pisa, near the Tyrrhenian coast, is the Piazza dei Miracoli, where you will find the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Camposanto cemetery, the Baptistery of St. John and the Pisa Cathedral.
The Leaning Tower Of Pisa
( photo by : Evelina Nuli )
Just above Pisa, surrounded by perfectly preserved medieval walls, is the charming city of Lucca, with a calendar full of events throughout the year. Florence, is home to some of the world’s most recognizable Renaissance art and architecture, including Michelangelo’s “David” statue, Botticelli’s works in the Uffizi Gallery and the Duomo basilica.
Gallery Of The Academy Of Florence
( photo by : Evelina Nuli )
Its diverse natural landscape encompasses the rugged Apennine Mountains, the island of Elba’s beaches on the Tyrrhenian Sea and Chianti’s olive groves and vineyards.
Not forgetting the countryside, dotted with timeless villages such as San Gimignano, with its medieval towers towering over the landscape, and Pienza, a small jewel of the Val d’Orcia.
Tuscany’s history, art and culture are linked to a long tradition of food and wine, starting with world-famous wines, such as the white Chianti wine, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Tuscan bread goes perfectly with the region’s typical cured meats, such as Lardo di Colonnata, from the province of Massa-Carrara, and Finocchiona, which you can taste throughout the region along with Tuscan Pecorino cheese. Fiorentina steak is a masterpiece that you can enjoy not only in Florence, while in the Pistoia area you will find Sorana beans, which have a unique flavour thanks to the extraordinary local microclimate. With a groundbreaking history and culture , memorable art and architecture Firenze as the italians call it is one of the most beautiful places you can visit , being the capital of Reneissance which in my opinion is the most fascinated era to live in. Will i ever go to Tuscany ? I sure hope so.
The Tuscan Coast
( photo by : Evelina Nuli )