Best Places To Visit in Tuscany
Introduction
Tuscany is considered one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. Tuscany is located in the country’s central region and is divided into ten provinces – Florence, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato, Siena and Arezzo. The area has an estimated population of 3.7 million and is known for its wine regions, culture, and substantial historical impact in Medieval Europe. Tuscany (or in particular Florence) was considered the birthplace of the Renaissance., During this period, the country flourished and created some of the most influential and legendary scholars, artists, and visionaries the world has seen, including Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo.
Throughout history, Tuscany has been important – this region has been settled since the Etruscan period and inhabited by the Romans and other notable civilizations. Today, it remains one of the most popular regions of Italy and draws a massive number of tourists annually. Firstly, Tuscany boasts some of the finest cultural cities in Italy, such as Florence, Pisa, and Lucca – these cities boast magnificent historical buildings and world-class museums. Furthermore, the Tuscan countryside is stunning and is a fantastic place to explore – you can visit the island of Elba and see where Napoleon was exiled or travel through Tuscan wine country. When visiting Tuscany, you are sure to find cultural enlightenment and learn a great deal about the history of Italy and Europe.
Let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Tuscany:
Florence
Florence is the jewel of the Renaissance and is renowned worldwide for its contribution to the arts and culture of modern society. During the Middle Ages, Florence was one of the most important cities in the world and gave birth to legends such as Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Today, Florence is a thriving city with a dazzling number of attractions. The Duomo and Baptistery are simply magnificent with their polychrome faces. The Ponte Vecchio, spanning the Arno River, is intriguing with its many shops and stalls. The Piazza della Signoria contains the medieval Palazzo Vecchio, the Galleria dell’Accademia, and the abundant fountain of Neptune. Every corner of this city is packed with fascinating sites of historical significance.
Pisa
Second only to Florence in terms of significance during the Renaissance, Pisa is another stunning city on the eastern coast of Tuscany with a great deal to offer. Pisa is known throughout the world for its iconic leaning tower. This campanile is part of a larger complex that contains the Duomo di Pisa, the baptistery, and the monumental cemetery. Each structure is awe-inspiring in its own right; the bell tower is just the icing on the cake. Pisa also has several fascinating museums, fantastic botanical gardens, and spectacular scenery along the Arno River. You may come for the Leaning Tower but leave having seen so much more.
Lucca
Many people overlook this smaller Tuscan city, but Lucca played an essential role in Italy during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. This city lies near Pisa and contains a myriad of beautiful buildings. A prominent feature of Lucca is the complete city wall complex that encircles the historic old town. These walls are magnificent, and the parkland maintained around them is a pleasure to explore. Lucca also features the glorious Duomo with an immense bell tower and a highly decorated façade. Other attractions of note include the Torre delle Ore, Guinigi Tower, San Michele in Foro, and the Museum of Villa Mansi. This variety of historical sites makes Lucca an attractive destination within the Tuscany region.
Arezzo
Arezzo is one of the most central cities in Tuscany and lies on the Mediterranean and Adriatic coasts equally. The city is situated on a hillside, and the upper section contains the historic old town, while the lower section is modern and concerned with industry and trade. The old town is the central area of interest and includes some beautiful structures, such as the Fortezza Medicea, the Duomo San Donato, and the Teatro Petrarca. If you are interested in museums and history, Arezzo has several high-quality establishments, including the Museo Archeologico Mecenate and the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art. Finally, Arezzo has some fantastic parks and places of natural beauty for those who love the outdoors.
Livorno
Livorno is one of Italy’s most important port cities and contributes a considerable amount to the country’s economy. Located on the Mediterranean coast, this city has an extensive port that is fascinating to walk around – you can see the commercial and passenger ships and admire the beautiful harbor. Surrounding the ancient Fortezza Nuova is an area known as Nuova Venezia – this gorgeous part of Livorno has a series of outstanding canals and cobbled streets waiting to be explored. Aside from the port and the canals, Livorno has some impressive attractions, such as the Mercato Centrale, the Piazza della Repubblica, and the Terrazza Mascagni.
Pistoia
Pistoia is close to Florence and Pisa but has a great deal to offer as a standalone tourist destination. This city is the birthplace of the pistol firearm and was an important location during the Middle Ages. Some of the most popular and documented sites include the Cathedral of St. Zeno and its Baptistery, the complex of San Giovanni Fuorcivitas, the Museo Capitolare, and Pistoia Zoo. Furthermore, Pistoia is surrounded by fantastic mountain towns such as the spa town Montecatini Terme and the beautiful village of Montecatini Alto. Finally, for those who seek adventure, the immense Monte Cimone mountain range is always waiting to be conquered.
Prato
Prato has been an influential city for hundreds of years and was once one of the largest textile manufacturers in the country. Today, it is a fine tourist destination with much to offer in central Tuscany. The Duomo di Prato and Emperor’s Castle are two significant structures worth visiting. Additionally, to look at the city’s manufacturing past, the Textile Museum offers keen insight and is an exciting museum. Whilst in Prato, you must try the famous Biscotti biscuit and the cured Mortadella Salumi – these two delicacies are divine and two of Prato’s finest creations. Prato has many cycling routes and gorgeous surrounding countryside for the adventurous.
Montepulciano
This small town close to Siena is a true hidden gem and one of the best-kept secrets in Tuscany. You can find Montepulciano 600m high on an ancient limestone ridge, and the views from this town of the surrounding countryside are to die for. Aside from the jaw-dropping views, this town has fantastic medieval architecture, such as the Palazzo Cervini, the Torre di Pulcinella, the Porta al Prato, and the Chiesa di San Biagio. The main square is charming, and the surrounding fields are covered with vineyards producing the famous Vino Nobile.
Val d’Orcia
This region of Tuscany can be found in the eastern stretch of the countryside and features gorgeous landscapes and idyllic scenery. The whole area is protected and contains a historic heritage railway, a vast array of expansive vineyards, and some peaceful towns such as Pienza, Radicofani, and Montalcino. Pienza is worth a visit and has been dubbed one of the most impressive Renaissance settlements due to its beauty, stunning surroundings, and picture-perfect architecture. This region awaits exploration and offers much regarding sightseeing and outdoor pursuits.
Island of Elba
Elba is possibly best known for being the island to which Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled after his forced abdication in 1814. This Tuscan island is between Corsica and Mainland Italy and has a population of 32,000. As a tourist destination, Elba has many things to offer. Firstly, the island has a number of fantastic beaches with golden sands perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. Secondly, the island has excellent sites, such as the Heritage Iron Mine and the Villa San Martino, Napoleon’s second residence. Finally, the island is home to a wave of top-quality restaurants offering sublime Italian cuisine and homegrown Elban wine.
San Gimignano
To see an authentic medieval town in Tuscany, you must travel to San Gimignano. This quiet, charming town is renowned for its 14 medieval towers and ancient city walls. The towers are magnificent and create a fantastic skyline in the surrounding countryside. Aside from the gorgeous domineering towers and the central piazza, Gimignano has several excellent museums, including the Museo Estrusco and the Museo Archeologico.
Siena
Siena is a fantastic destination in the southern parts of Tuscany, and its city center has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can find such magnificent buildings within the historic old town as the opulent Cathedral of Siena, the brightly colored Palazzo Pubblico, the immense Basilica of San Domenico, and the Palazzo Salimbeni. Furthermore, the Piazza del Campo is possibly one of the most impressive squares in Tuscany and transports you back into a bygone era. Aside from the breathtaking architecture, the city has many museums, and the narrow cobbled streets are perfect to stroll through.
Grosseto
Grosseto may not be as famous as Florence or Pisa. Still, it has many interesting sites and historical structures and is a fantastic place to visit in the southern part of Tuscany. The main draw of this city is the historic old town center – much of the original city walls still stand, as do several defensive bastions – these structures encircle the historic town center and create a clear divide between the old and new. You can find some interesting sites within the town center, such as the Duomo di Grosseto, the Porta Corsica, the Bastione Cavallerizza, and the Aldobrandeschi Palace. The Piazza Dante is also one of the most beautiful places in the town and contains some of the city’s most important buildings.
Montecatini Terme
Montecatini Terme is a notable spa town in the mountains between Pistoia and Lucca. This town is renowned for its beautiful setting and its plethora of spa establishments and wellness centers. Come here to rejuvenate and relax – enjoy the thermal baths and some spa treatments and leave the town feeling refreshed and revitalized. Terme Tettuccio, for example, is an opulent spa with classically designed buildings and some excellent spa facilities. For those who wish to explore, the town also has a funicular railway that travels to the neighboring village of Montecatini Alto – this is another sublime mountain town with some beautiful buildings and amazing views of the surrounding countryside.
Chianti Wine Region
Tuscany is famed for its wine production, and the Chianti Classico Wine Region lies between Florence and Siena. This region is lovely and has many attractive villages to visit. Furthermore, you can see one of many different wineries, sample some of the first-class produce they make, and even tour their vineyards. Some smaller villages worth visiting include Greve, Chiocchio, and Panzano. Consider hiring a car and driving through the Chianti Wine Region – the countryside is sublime, the towns are charming, and the wine is excellent.
