Tuscany is a region located in the center of Italy. It became world-renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty. Its rich history and plenty of art and culture also made it famous.
No matter how much you praise it, it falls short of describing the opulence of Tuscany. It is the place where the Italian Renaissance was born.
Many thinkers of science and art were born in its lap. Tuscany is home to many world-renowned museums and establishments. This region has been fascinating since the beginning of history.
The Romans made the Tuscan lands more fertile. The Christians made religious pilgrimages, and Napoleon collected artifacts of the state.
7 Must-See Places in Tuscany
It has many things to like, including medieval castles and Renaissance masterpieces. It also has gothic cathedrals, thrilling hiking trails, and mouth-watering cuisine.
Morning hills, green olive groves, and vineyards are enough to please you. The natural beauty of Tuscany defies even the imagination of a poet. Let’s get lost in some of the dreamy worlds of Tuscany today.
1. Florence
Florence is the capital of Tuscany. The Romans founded this historical city. In the fourteenth to sixteenth centuries, it became the pinnacle of prosperity.
At that time, the influential Medici family ruled Florence. Florence’s contribution to world history is limitless.
Talented personalities like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo, and Dante were born here. The Renaissance movement began in Florence.
The most important building of this city is its cathedral complex. It consists of the cathedral, baptistery, museum, and bell tower.
Here you will have the privilege of seeing the masterpieces of the best artists. They are the artists of the Italian Renaissance. In the 13th century, the Florentines decided to build a church.
For 100 years, the best builders of the century continued the construction work. Pisano and Jato were among these best builders. They did it under their supervision.
In the 15th century, Brunelleschi built the striking red dome. This dome dominates the skyline of Florence. It is still an architectural wonder.
It has a spectacular entrance made of various colored marble. It was the architecture in the 18th century. The excitement inside the church is no less.
Ornate windows and beautiful glass decorations will catch your eye. There is also a collection of various artworks. There is another architecture without the dome of Brunelleschi.
The architecture is the second major landmark of Florence. It is the Giotto Campanile – the 81-meter-high bell tower. You will see it at the entrance of the cathedral.
Next, let’s talk about St. John’s Baptistry. It is a structure on the ruins of a Roman temple. This building is famous for its three huge doors and its unique decorations.
If you want to see the best monuments of the past, you should visit the Uffizi Gallery. Giorgio Vasari designed this U-shaped palace.
Authority converted part of the Medici palace into a private exhibition in 1590. Since then, it has become a trusted repository of ancient paintings and sculptures.
There are several categories in the gallery. The Archeology section has Greek and Roman archaeological remains.
The Medieval section houses paintings from the Middle Ages. The Renaissance section houses work of art from the Renaissance period.
When in Florence, you must visit the Galleria del Accademia. It welcomes visitors with the Hall of Colossus. Its center has the marble sculpture Zambogna’s Rape of the Sabine Women.
While walking in this hall, you will notice several panel paintings. You will then enter the rich Renaissance Museum. But the most famous part of the gallery is Of Prisoners.
Michelangelo’s famous sculpture David is here. You can consider Florence as one of the must-see places in Tuscany. It is rich with many historical things.
Gothic paintings are in a separate section of the gallery. In 1299, the citizens of Florence wanted to build a building. They wanted it to symbolize their republican power.
Its construction started in the city square. The Medici later made it a house. It was the house of the Medici until they moved to the Pitti Palace.
Authority renamed this historical building later Palazzo Vecchio. It is one of the most significant structures of Florence and serves as the town hall now.
Another important symbol of Florence is the Ponte Vecchio. Bridge over the river Arno. Although it is a bridge, it does not look like a bridge because of the various shops built on it.
In the 14th century, butchers occupied the shops, but now goldsmiths dominate. Ponte Vecchio is beautiful from afar.
2. Pisa
The location of Pisa is on the west coast of Italy. It is an important city from a historical point of view, although it is small. The structures built in the 11th century AD are still standing.
The port of Pisa controlled the bulk of its economy. The most famous structure is its Leaning Tower. It is the bell tower of the cathedral complex.
The Leaning Tower bent five degrees to the right due to the instability of the ground below. It remains bent after three stories, though authorities tried to straighten it.
But the tower kept on bending. Next to the Leaning Tower is the cathedral. It is a Roman-style white marble basilica. Its construction began in 1060 after Pisa’s navy defeated the Arabs.
You will see the decorated walls lined with ornate arcades. There is a Baptistry to the west of the cathedral.
Although built in marble, it is Gothic in architecture. Another unmissable attraction of Pisa is the monumental Campogento or Sacred Field.
There is a story about this place related to an archbishop. He brought a shipload of holy soil from the Fourth Crusade. He took it from Golgotha to bury the Pisans in it.
The sacred field is with that soil. Museums include the Musee Nationale. Various artifacts collected from different churches are also here.
Palazzo dei Cavalleri is an important buildings in Pisa. Knights took training in this building with its ornate entrance and grand staircase.
3. Sienna
The location of the city of Siena is south of Florence. Siena has been Florence’s rival for power and wealth throughout history. The main attraction of old Siena is its spacious town square, Piazza del Campo.
It has the majestic entrances of the palaces and the white spires of the elegant Palazzo Publica. This square is one of the finest town squares in Italy.
The frescoes inside the Palazzo Publica or Town Hall depict the story of the Baga family. It is the story of the Baga family in the 14th or 15th century. The external beauty of the Town Hall is unique.
Graceful rows of windows and brick-built entrances add to its charm. On one side of the Palazzo Publica stands the narrow tower Torre del Manza.
At the top of the brick tower, you will see a system of firing on the enemy. You can get a fantastic view of Tuscany by going to the top of this leaning tower.
Horse races take place here in July-August. Ten horses run together in the Palazzo del Campo. Now, the square is buzzing with the strange instrumental music of the costumed band.
Even you will see knights in the armor here in this place. The historical Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is a Gothic architecture in Sienna.
Its exterior has a decoration with dark and light marble stripes. There are several valuable works of art inside here.
4. Cortana
The small town of Cortana is in southern Arezzo province. A glance at the walled city, 600 meters above sea level, reminds one of its Roman and Etruscan past.
According to some researchers, Dardanes founded this city. He was also the founder of Troy. Cortana is attractive despite its small size.
Beato Angelico’s panel paintings are worth seeing in the museum in the diocese. It is right to consider Cortona one of the must-see places in Tuscany.
Many Etruscan archaeological artifacts can be available in the Etruscan Academy Museum. On the hill are the Santa Margherita Sanctuary and the Girifalco Castle.
The city offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside if you walk in its street. Outside the walls of Cortner is the monastery of St. Francis.
During the walk in the streets of the city, you will see charming sights and colorful doors. You will also see vine-covered walls and aesthetic decorations. Even the walls of the road have a story to tell.
5. Arezzo
This city is the capital of the province of Arezzo in Tuscany. You have to look back at its history to understand the importance of this city.
It was an Etruscan city-state. It then became an important Roman port. In the Middle Ages, it was independent.
This city was under Florence in the 14th century. In this small place, natural and historical monuments are unique. The main square of it is Piazza Grande.
There are various cafes and restaurants here. The buildings have a kind of medieval atmosphere. The Gothic cathedral is on the highest hill in the city.
Piero della Francesca has a fresco of Mary Magdalene. Don’t forget to visit Vasari’s Renaissance house. Michelangelo’s letters are in the archives of the house.
6. Lucca
The location of the Etruscan city of Lucca is near Pisa. Lucca was once under Napoleon. Lucca’s most famous attraction is the old city walls.
Many hidden beauties of Lucca include an old fort, a picnic ground, and a botanical garden along the wall. You will enter the city center after the end of the walk.
Many people know Lucca as the ‘City of a Hundred Churches’. The Cathedral of Saint Martin is next to the train station.
There is another church in St. Martin’s Square, St. Michel’s Church. A walk along the famous Lucca Street will take you to all the shops in the city.
At the center of Lucca is the striking Basilica di San Michele in Foro. Torre del Ore Tower is a 14th-century castle and clock tower.
But the most beautiful and iconic tower in Lucca is Guinzi Tower. The 45-meter-high structure overlooks the home and oak forest from afar.
7. Elba
Elba is the largest and most unique island in the Tuscan archipelago. Eight other islands and Elba comprise the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago.
It is the largest marine park in Europe. It became famous because of Napoleon. Napoleon, who was the great emperor of France, remained exiled here.
Etruscans and Romans inhabited the island. You can see the Monuments of the glorious past of Elba in its castles and museums.
Elba is unique for its crystal-clear blue waters and charming beaches. It is the best place for outdoor sports.
Here you will get a chance to see marine life by diving and snorkeling. Bathing in thermal baths is also available here.
Conclusion
These are the seven must-see places in Tuscany. It is a beautiful region, without any doubt. Thousands of people visit this place every year to see the historical architecture.
They also go to enjoy the breathtaking nature of this place in Italy. There are many fascinating things to do in this place. You can visit this place alone or with your friends. It is not going to depress you.
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