Tuscany description. The amazing cities of Fiesole. Main attractions. What to see

Tuscany... The name of this charming Italian region is absolutely on everyone's lips. What is it connected with? I constantly asked myself this question, I did not understand why this region is so popular...

Probably, I just didn’t realize that Tuscany is a real “treasury”! This region is infinitely rich in:

Significant historical events... for example, it was thanks to the great Dante Alighieri that the Tuscan dialect formed the basis of modern Italian, and the author of The Divine Comedy became the "father of the literary Italian language"!

Prominent figures... it was here that such great figures of science and culture were born: Leonardo da Vinci, Francesco Petrarca, Giovanni Boccaccio, Niccolò Machiavelli, Galileo Galilei, Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Amerigo Vespucci and many others! Tuscany is home to a paradoxical amount of exceptionally talented people!

Amazing cities... Tuscany is a necklace that consists of the real diamonds of Italian urban planning and architecture: Lucca, Arezzo, San Gimignano are simply amazing! There is even a legend that is so beautiful that it refers to one of the cities in the world that literally these words can drive a person crazy with their beauty.

Treasures of world culture... It would not be an exaggeration to say that the region is simply filled with masterpieces of world art, moreover, Tuscany is the cradle of a new stage in the history of culture, because it was there that great era Renaissance.

Natural resources... The landscape of this region is so diverse that absolutely everyone will find a place to their liking. The flat terrain occupies about 10% of the entire area of the region, and on the remaining 90% you can find absolutely everything. In Tuscany there is mountain ranges and gently contoured hills. The coast of the region, along which there are various islands surrounded by coral reefs, seems endless. In addition, even an extinct volcano "fell asleep" in the province of Florence!

Thus, even from the introduction, you can understand that the endless praises in relation to Tuscany are well deserved! This region leaves no one indifferent, and that is why Tuscany is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.

How to get there

There are several ways to get to the Tuscany region. This can be done not only by land and by air, if you try very hard (since the proposed option is quite limited), then it is possible to reach the coast of the region by sea;).

But this option will please only those who are planning their flight from Moscow, since direct flights were open only for this direction. Unfortunately, residents of St. Petersburg will have to make a transplant, as in the previous version.

Below is current schedule for Moscow, where the following are indicated: period of validity, time of departure and arrival (according to local time), flight number, days of the week on which the flight is operated.

You can read more detailed information related to the modes of transport in the city in the article of the same name.

By train

Much to the chagrin of travelers, there is currently no direct train that would bring you to the capital of the Tuscany region.

However, I would like to share with you 3 ways to get to Florence by train if you are coming from Genoa, Milan or Rome.

I can warn you right away that a more or less decent room in the historical center of the city will not be found cheaper than 70 EUR per person. Either it will special offer, which the site very often exposes, or it will be something like a bed in a hostel. But for people who are not limited in the budget, there will be plenty of room to roam: 5-star luxury hotels, where renting a single room for 1 night will start from 250 EUR, abound in the city.

As for the rest of the cities in Tuscany: the price will be slightly lower (by 10-15%), and the choice will be less (due to the small size of the city). But you can always try your luck and try to look for offers from locals, who are often more loyal.

Nutrition

Eating out in restaurants in Tuscany is expensive. If you're on an unlimited budget, there are a number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Florence. Here are some of them:

IL PALAGIO. Address: Borgo Pinti 99, 50121, Firenze

RISTORANTE IL LATINI. Address: Via dei Palchetti, 6R, 50123, Firenze

IL SANTO BEVITORE. Address: Via di Santo Spirito, 64/66r, 50125, Firenze

ENOTECA PINCHIORRI. Address: Via Ghibellina, 87, 50122, Firenze

For dinner in such a restaurant for two people, you will give at least 150 EUR, and as a maximum ... it all depends on your talent;).

Even a dinner for two in a middle-class restaurant will cost you 60-70 EUR. Therefore, people who cannot afford something like this will either have to eat in restaurants from the category “cibo di strada” - street snacks (one such hearty snack can cost about 4-5 EUR), or buy food in supermarkets or food markets, which, of course, will cost many times less.

Excursions

Excursions and tours in Tuscany are not cheap pleasure. Sometimes tourist guides may ask for a 2-3 hour personal tour only in Florence for about 100 EUR, for group tours the price tag starts from 40 EUR. And if you want to travel around the outskirts of Tuscany in a guide's personal car, then be prepared to pay for such a personal tour from 250 EUR. It is difficult to disagree that with a guide you will visit a lot of interesting places, learn a huge amount of new information. But do not despair if you cannot afford something like this, because you can always turn to paper guides (prices for such an "assistant" will start from 10 EUR)! And believe me (checked by me personally), very often they really indicate standing places which are usually advised by the locals of the city!

Taxi and transport

The features of taxis and public transport in Tuscany will be discussed below.

Main attractions. What to see

When I got to writing this section, I felt a little sick, to put it mildly, because I really didn’t know what to grab onto and what to write about!

There are too many interesting and delightful things in Tuscany! That is why I decided to change the standard section "Top 5" and make it a "UNESCO World Heritage section".

Wait a minute: there are as many as 7 UNESCO sites in Tuscany! And these places are really worth visiting, because it is not for nothing that they are part of the world heritage of mankind :).

top 10

UNESCO World Heritage List in Tuscany:

Moreover, several more sites in Tuscany are candidates and "stand in line" for recognition as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site:

Beaches. Which is better

Conventionally, I would divide the rest on the beaches in Tuscany into several main areas.

Northern part of the Tuscan coast

It is also known as Versilia. Holidays in this part of the Tuscan coast are considered prestigious and elite even among the inhabitants of Italy itself, because not everyone can afford such a vacation. Hotels and restaurants Versions are distinguished by high quality and excellent service, and the beaches - by their environmental friendliness and warm sea.

Despite the high price tag, hotels are packed to capacity during the holiday season, so it's best to make reservations in advance. It is important to note that most of the beaches are paid, and if you are not a hotel guest, then you will have to pay for an umbrella and a sunbed (prices start from 35 EUR for one day use per person).

TO Versions include the following resort towns: Viareggio, Lido di Camaiore, Marina di Pietrasanta, Forte dei Marmi.

Southern part of the Tuscan coast

This part covers the cities of the Tuscan Riviera, which are located on the site from Livorno to Monte Argentario .

Unlike the first direction, prices here are more affordable, so more people can afford this type of holiday. But there are also extremely prestigious seaside resorts here!

The so-called Riviera Etruscans- part of the coast, which belongs to P Provinces of Livorno: Castiglioncello, Marina di Castagneto, Marina di Bibbona, Marina di Cecina . There are consistently many tourists here, in addition, this direction is considered ideal for a family relaxing holiday, because the main amusement parks of the Tuscany region are concentrated in the zone.

Speaking of the second part south coast (Maremma and Grosetto zones), then you can arrange a fashionable vacation in cities such as Punta Ala and Castiglione della Pescaia . Here are the resorts F ollonica, Marina di Grosseto and Tirrenia can please travelers with the affordability of their prices and the quality of beaches along coastline.

Islands of the Tuscan archipelago

You can also read about this direction a little below.

Their nature is simply amazing! Feels like you're in the Caribbean white sand, crystal clear turquoise water, coral reefs. It is in connection with the presence of unique marine flora and fauna that these islands are a favorite place for divers.

Although it seems that a vacation in the Tuscan archipelago is not cheap, it is not entirely true! On the island Elbe there are always many offers for different budgets, and the island Giglio pleases really low prices. Another undoubted plus of a holiday in the Tuscan archipelago is a large number of wild beaches, which, of course, are free :).

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

As one would expect, there are a huge number of beautiful churches and amazing cathedrals and basilicas in Tuscany.

Therefore, I tried to choose the most interesting and significant of them. All of them are located in different provinces of the region.

Churches in

The main Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is La Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore.

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella - La Basilica di Santa Maria Novella.

Basilica of Santa Croce - Basilica di Santa Croce.

Churches in Arezzo

Cathedral of Saints and Donato - La Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Donato. This temple is the heart of the spiritual life of the city.

Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie - Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie. This cathedral surprises with its unusual architecture. The inspiration for the creation of such a portico was the Orphanage (orphanage) in Florence.

Churches in Lucca

Cathedral of Saint Martin - La Cattedrale di San Martino. At the moment, the Cathedral houses the work of the famous Italian sculptor Matteo Civitali. Therefore, the entrance is paid - 3 EUR (just visiting the temple), 5 EUR (visiting and the opportunity to climb the tower).

Basilica of Saint Fridian - La Basilica di San Frediano. The main decoration of the temple is a mosaic depicting Jesus Christ and the apostles, which decorates the outer facade of the basilica.

Church of San Michele in Foro - La Chiesa di San Michele in Foro. On the facade of the church there is a statue of the Archangel Michael. According to legend, it is believed that under certain light, a green glow emanates from the statue, the cause of which is the emerald, which was well hidden there.

Churches in

Detailed information can be found.

Cathedral of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Il Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta.

Church of Santa Maria della Spina - La Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina.

Prato

Cathedral of Santo Stefano - La Cattedrale di Santo Stefano. The cathedral impresses both with its external and internal decoration. An ideal example of Tuscan architecture in its best traditions.

Churches in

Museums. Which are worth a visit

I think I will not surprise you if I say that Tuscany has a huge variety of museums. You can read about the most famous museums in the whole world in the article about the city already mentioned earlier.

I also suggest that you refer to the articles on Pisa and Siena if you want to know more information about the most interesting museums in these beautiful medieval cities.

In this section, I decided to take an alternative path and talk about the most unusual, perhaps even a little strange, museums that exist in Tuscany.

Truffle Museum in San Giovanni d'Asso (Il Museo del Tartufo a San Giovanni d'Asso)

Yes, indeed, in Tuscany, in the small town of San Giovanni d'Asso, there is a museum in which they will share with you all the possible and impossible information about this amazing mushroom “under the name of truffle”. An interesting fact is that it is in Italy that about 20% of the "world's truffle reserves" are concentrated. Tuscany is very lucky in this regard - the "truffle season" here lasts almost all year round. And no kidding, the truffle is truly a regional pride!

Address: Piazza Antonio Gramsci, 1, 53020 San Giovanni d'Asso SI

Opening hours: a April-November - every day from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 18.00

Ticket price:

The total cost is 4 EUR.

Discount for students - 3 EUR.

For children under 13 years old - 2 EUR.

For children under 6 years old and disabled people - admission is free.

wine goreone museum (World Wine Town)

A real open-air museum city dedicated to exceptional Italian wines

In the exposition you will be able to find out absolutely everything that you “ever wanted to know, but were afraid to ask” about wines :). Moreover, the complex also houses hotels, restaurants, a wine academy and a culinary school! The place is a must for anyone who loves and appreciates this noble drink!

Address: Casone Ugolino, Via del Casone Ugolino, 24/32, 57022 Castagneto Carducci LI

Excursions and tours are conducted by appointment.

Gucci Museum (Gucci Museo)

This real paradise for people versed in fashion: the exposition is located on 3 floors of one of the historic buildings in the heart of Florence - Palazzo di Mercanzia. The amazing atmosphere of the place adds a certain entourage to the museum.

In addition, in addition to the museum, you can also visit a library or a cafe / restaurant (which are open to absolutely everyone, and not just museum visitors).

Address: Piazza della Signoria, 10, 50122 Firenze FI

Opening hours: daily 10.00-20.00. Exceptions: January 1, August 15, December 25.

Ticket price: 6 EUR.

***

In addition, you can look into very specific museums:

parks

In this section, I tried to present the whole range of natural resources that are located on the territory of Tuscany: protected areas, national and archaeological parks, mountains, baths, valleys, grottoes…

The list is endless, so I chose those places that I have not mentioned before.

Park in the Maremma area - Parco Naturale della Maremma

This park has beautiful beaches. But it is worth noting that access to some of them is closed, and to some it is limited, since the entire territory is a natural protected area.

Via del Bersagliere 7/9, Alberese.

Archaeological Park "Citta del Tufo" - Parco Archeologico "Città del Tufo"

On the territory of the park there are ancient Etruscan necropolises (III-II centuries BC), which are considered a unique archaeological monument.

Palazzo Pretorio | Piazza Pretorio, 12/a, Sovana, Sorano.

Biancane Naturalistic Park - Parco Naturalistico delle Biancane

An extraordinary park whose landscape has been influenced by the geological and geothermal processes taking place in this area.

Strada Provinciale Bagnolo, Monterotondo Marittimo.

The Baths of Fosso Bianco – Le Terme del Fosso Bianco

Thermal springs, which are located in the depths of the forest.

Via del Bollore, Bagni di San Filippo.

Terme di Saturnia - Terme di Saturnia

Notable Tuscans thermal springs adapted for convenient visiting of the place by visitors.

Saturnia, Grosseto.

Stretti di Giaredo - Stretti di Giaredo

Extraordinary beauty natural canyon! A place that has not yet become one of the areas of mass tourism;).

loc. Cavezzana Gordana, Pontremoli.

Laguna di Orbetello

One of the most picturesque lagoons in the region, which is surrounded by sandy spits. Is nature reserve because they live there different kinds migratory birds.

SS Aurelia Km 147 | Orbetello - Monte Argentario - Gr, Albinia, Orbetello.

Mount Capanne - Monte Capanne and Mount Pania della Croce - Pania della Croce

Marciana, Elba Island.

Piglionico, Molazzana.

Two picturesque mountains, which are a favorite place for hiking and walking.

Grotta del Vento (grotto) - Grotta del Vento and Tourist Grotto Antro del Corchia - Grotta Turistica Antro del Corchia

fraz. Levigliani di Stazzema, Stazzema.

Two delightful grottoes that are open to tourists. Really exciting places!

Botanical Garden “Pietro Pellegrini” – Orto Botanico "Pietro Pellegrini"

Via dei Colli | Pian della Fioba, Mass.

neighboring regions

The region of Tuscany shares a common border with 5 other Italian regions: Lazio, Marche, Umbria and Emilia-Romagna.

North

North of Tuscany is a region whose inhabitants are famous for their endless love for 2 things: good meat dishes and fast, racing cars. And this is not surprising: Emilia-Romagna is home to delicious meat dishes(lasagne/spaghetti alla bolognese = lasagne or spaghetti alla bolognese) and legendary racing cars (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati).

Northwest

To the west of Tuscany is another unusually interesting and beautiful Italian region -. Small but charming, it attracts tourists with excellent beaches and seaside resorts, in addition, there is the famous National Park. It is this region that is home to the popular "green" pesto alla genovese (pesto alla genovese).

South

South of Tuscany is one of the most famous Italian regions – Lazio Where is the capital of Italy located? the eternal City. Colorful and rich in antique (and not only!) sights Lazio attracts tourists from all over the world, for a huge number of travelers is on the list of must-see cities. That is why I believe that the phrase "all roads lead to Rome" has a full right to exist.

East

A little east of Tuscany are located Umbria and Marche. Umbria, fortunately or unfortunately, has remained a little in the shadow of Tuscany, so domestic tourism is well developed in the region - many Italians prefer to go to Umbria, where vacation prices are slightly lower, and nature is in no way inferior to the "untwisted Tuscany". Moreover, it is in Umbria produce the most famous Italian chocolate - Perugia (). In its turn Marche famous for its seaside resorts, the cleanest beaches and warm sea. But the "pearl" of the region, in my opinion, is the city - the birthplace of Rafael Santi.

nearby islands

In this section, it is worth mentioning Tuscan archipelago, which is also the largest marine national park in the Mediterranean.

The Tuscan archipelago consists of 7 fairly large islands and a huge number of smaller islets. These islands are also called the "Seven Sisters", which include:

Each island has its own characteristics and unique aspects: they differ not only geologically, but also historically. For example, an island Montecristo was recognized as a State and Natural Reserve in 1971. Islands Giglio and Giannutri are distinguished by the presence of absolutely virgin, untouched nature - the central part of the islands is not inhabited by people. Island Elbe famous not only for the stunning beauty of its beaches, but also for its history. This island became the place of "honorable exile" of Napoleon Bonaparte, who in 1815 managed to escape from the island in order to leave another vivid memory of himself in history - the "Hundred Days" of returning to power. But, it is important to note that each of the "sisters" is absolutely beautiful and has unique natural resources: colorful reefs, blue grottoes, the purest water, special flora and fauna.

Food. What to try

The word "Italy" for many is synonymous with the word "pizza". But this is not entirely fair: indeed, pizza is prepared in absolutely every region, and in every major city you can find a couple of excellent pizzerias, the owners of which are, as a rule, Neapolitans. This is not surprising, since everyone's favorite pizza was "born" in Naples, so the Neapolitans, like no one else, know the correct recipe for its preparation.

All this introduction was necessary in order to emphasize one, in my opinion, very important fact: when you are planning your trip to a certain area of Italy, do not be lazy and check out the specialties of the regional cuisine, because only there you can taste the most authentic dish.

Now, with peace of mind and a sense of accomplishment, I can move on to describing the features of Tuscan cuisine :).

Hot dishes

In my opinion, truly the "queen of the Tuscan table" is Florentine steak - bistecca alla fiorentina (bistecca alla fiorentina). Only beef is used to prepare this type of steak. Moreover, a real steak can only be prepared from the meat of a special breed of cows - " chiantina» (the name is given in honor of the Chianti Valley). The steak is not marinated, no spices are added (except for salt, pepper and oil, which are served already during the meal), the meat is eaten without a side dish - all in order to feel the real taste.
Bistecca alla fiorentina- it is always a steak with blood, there are 2 degrees of meat roasting: al sangue- fried, but with a little blood and molto al sangue- almost raw meat in the center. It is important to note that the portion for one person is simply huge, since the size varies from 450 to 1500 grams. The price of such a portion, respectively, is cosmic (beef is sold at a price 23 EUR per kilogram, add here the price for preparation, service and everything will come out 50 EUR per serving for one), but once such a dish is worth affording, especially if you consider yourself a meat lovers!

The next rather specific dish of Tuscan cuisine are brains in Florentine - cervello alla fiorentina (cervello alla fiorentina). When cooking, beef brains are used, which are fried in breadcrumbs, flour and eggs. In general, all kinds of offal are very often used in Tuscan cuisine: brains, scars, liver, stomachs, and so on. This part of the specific Tuscan dishes falls on the fan, because not everyone may like this.

also in regional cuisine Tuscany often uses game meat: deer, roe deer, wild hare, pheasant, duck, etc. Therefore, one of the most typical types of pasta in Tuscany are pappardelle with wild boar stew - pappardelle al cinghiale (pappardelle al cinghiale). Pappardelle are wide, long and flat ribbons of pasta that are extremely common in Tuscany and can be served with various sauces and stews.

But lovers of fish dishes should go to the Tuscan Riviera, where there are a lot of them. I would like to highlight cacciucco - cacciucco- a thick seafood soup, whose birthplace is the city of Livorno. Completely different seafood can be added to this dish: mussels, octopus, squid, langoustines. In addition, the composition of the soup should include at least 5 varieties of different fish (for example, sea bream, catfish, moray eels, scallops, devil or eel). Why 5? In accordance with the name of the dish, since the letter "c" is used five times when writing the word "cacciucco".

Dessert

Of the desserts, I would like to mention 2, which are typical for the Tuscany region.

My favorite is the cake, which is prepared on the basis of chestnut flour - castagnaccio (castagnaccio). In addition to chestnut flour, water, olive oil, pine and walnuts, raisins and rosemary are also added to its base. Thus, the dessert is not too sweet and with a very peculiar taste.

Another popular dessert is a cake called zuccotto - zuccotto. This is a soft biscuit-curd dessert, to which rum essence and pitted cherries are also added, which gives the cake a refined and delicate taste.

Features of the mentality

The Italian mentality is a separate story that can be told to children instead of a fairy tale, there are too many quirks lurking here. Even after I have lived here for a certain amount of time, the Italians continue to amaze me with some of their features, which still seem "overseas". But there is nothing to do - you have to adapt!

I would like to tell you more about the special daily routine and course Everyday life in Italy.

The daily routine is completely subordinate to meals, where lunch is a dividing line. The head of an Italian works in this way: I will have time to do what I have time to do, but it is impossible to postpone or skip lunch, because it is sacred! Therefore, do not be surprised that in the period from 12:00 to 14:00, everything in the city dies out.

After lunch, you need to have a little rest, otherwise the work will not go further. They dine late in Italy, usually restaurants start to open at 18:00 (the rest of the time - except for lunch - they are closed), and the peak of their work comes at 20:00. Accordingly, they finish eating already at 22:00-23:00 hours, so putting off some business for the time “after dinner” is a disastrous thing, because the evening was created for dinner and relaxation after dinner ...

Due to the fact that the evening meal is usually plentiful: the first (this is pasta) and the second (meat or fish dishes), sometimes the whole thing is accompanied by appetizers and dessert, then in the morning Italians don’t really want to eat. Therefore, the traditional Italian breakfast seems strange to us, accustomed to cereals and sandwiches. If an Italian has breakfast at home, then he drinks coffee with cookies, but usually they have breakfast outside the home. Italians order a cup of coffee, freshly squeezed juice and take a croissant or other pastry, which usually costs 3-4 EUR. In Moscow, for such “ridiculous money”, you definitely won’t have such a delicious breakfast in a cafe ...

As for the course of the working week, you need to be extremely attentive to the schedule of shops, supermarkets and pharmacies. On weekends everything opens later than on weekdays if it opens... For example, Sunday in Italy can turn into a real quest to find a working supermarket or pharmacy, because usually everything is closed. There are rare exceptions: there are a number of shops that are open until 12:00, but an even rarer occurrence are supermarkets that are open all day (usually large supermarkets that are already outside the city center, for example, Lidl, always open on Sundays). I’m just silent about shops that work 24 hours a day, they either don’t exist at all, or it’s such an “endangered species” that there are 1 or 2 of them in the whole city. But in this case, there is always a salvation: small shops / shops that are run by the Chinese or Pakistanis, who have a different mentality from the Italians and are ready (or forced) to work 24/7. These are the ways to retreat from the "hopeless situation" and ways to adapt to the "Italian mentality";).

You can also refer to my article about the region, where I also write about some features of the Italian mentality.

Holidays

In Italy, many holidays are celebrated, which (or analogues of which) exist in Russia. Examples include: Christmas, New Year, Easter, Labor Day. Another category already includes the Day of the Proclamation of the Republic, Ferragosto, All Saints Day - they are nationwide, therefore they are celebrated by the whole country.

In addition, there are a number of regional celebrations and folk festivals. It is this category of festivals, typical only for the region of Tuscany, that will be discussed in this section. Believe me, there are a huge number of them, but we will only touch on some of the brightest and most famous celebrations of Tuscan cities.

firenze. Florence especially celebrates the feast in honor of the patron saint of the city, which is John the Baptist. Every year on June 24, the city hosts a grand costumed parade and antique-styled folk festivals. But the crown of this festival is a sporting event - Calcio Storico - a football "historical" match, which is held according to the rules of the 16th century.

Viareggio. Another great event of the region is the Winter Carnival, which takes place in Viareggio. In terms of its significance as a celebrity, it is on a par with the Venice Carnival. But if the latter is a more subtle act, then the Carnival of Viareggio is the essence of pure and crazy fun, which is accompanied by a parade of wagons, where huge papier-mâché dolls are installed. It all ends with fireworks.

Siena. The most famous sporting event in the small town of Siena is the historic Palio - il Palio di Siena. The Siena Palio is a traditional horse race that takes place in the main city square (Piazza del Campo). They are held 2 times a year (July 2 and August 16), and every time this is a grand event. After the winner is determined, the city is “dressed up” in the flags and banners of its team, which will decorate the historical center until the next competition.

Pisa. The feast in honor of the city's patron Saint Ranieri (June 16) is the most important event in Pisa. The most delightful part of the holiday is the so-called Luminara, when the entire embankment of the Arno River is decorated with thousands of candles, thus creating an unforgettable and magical atmosphere…

In cities such as Arezzo (June/September), Massa Marittima (August) and Sansepolcro (September), historical games and competitions stylized under the Medieval Era will take place. Crossbowmen and riders, who are dressed in typical medieval attire, compete in agility and accuracy. A very impressive sight, it seems that you have really been transported in time! But in Montepulciano there is another fun - every last Sunday of August, a race with huge wooden barrels is arranged in the city .. Why? A tribute to tradition - the city has been famous for its excellent wine for many centuries!

Safety. What to watch out for

My main advice regarding security in Tuscany is: "be extremely careful with your personal belongings, money and documents."

Transport rental

In order to rent a car in Italy, you will need to present international driver license. You get them in advance, even on the territory of Russia.

To see offers and compare prices from companies that rent a vehicle (car / motorcycle / scooter), I advise you to refer to this.

Tuscany - holidays with children

When you travel with your family, the question always arises: how to make your vacation so that everyone is comfortable and interesting.

Personally, I am not familiar with a huge number of children for whom going to an average museum (which is not adapted for kids) causes wild delight. But I have met a lot of children who like rides, water slides and ice cream in my life;). And even adults… because I consider myself and my friends to be exactly in the category of “adult children”, especially when it comes to a trip to an amusement park or a water park! This type of spending free time, in my opinion, is a compromise - it is interesting and fun not only for children, but also for “adult children”.

Such theme parks are also located in Tuscany, and more precisely in the province of Livorno. I previously categorized this area as "beach family holiday».

Two more wonderful theme parks located in the province of Grosseto (Follonica) and in the province of Lucca (Colodi):

Ski holidays

5 things to do in this region

To sum up our exploration tour of the amazing region of Tuscany, I would like to present you with a list of 5 things that, in my opinion, are a must-do in this region! Otherwise, you cannot say that you have seen Tuscany:

Have something to add?

The region of Tuscany (Toscana) 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, the low ridges of the Apennines, Pratomagno and Chianti stretch, from 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 saturation, the birthplace of many areas of Italian schools of painting and architecture. This amazing place formation of the ancient Apennine culture, Etruscan civilization, the Roman Empire and the state of the Lombards, as well as the birthplace of the Renaissance. A huge number of unique cultural sites are concentrated here, so as many as six Tuscan cities fall into the UNESCO World Heritage List (the historical centers of Florence, Siena, San Gimignano and Pienza, Pisa Square and the Val d'Orcia valley).

Attractions

In the vicinity of the city lie picturesque town Volterra(halfway between Pisa and Siena) with its Palazzo dei Priori, Pinacoteca, Art Gallery, Romanesque Cathedral, Baptistery, Etruscan Arch and the Etruscan Museum of Guarnacci. In the homeland of Boccaccio - in the town Certaldo- you can see the villas of Chigi, Cetinale, Chela, Volte Alte and the castle of Velcaro. 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, the Duomo Cathedral, the Palazzo Piccolomini Palace with a luxurious park, the Palazzo Borgia (now the collections of the Diocesan Museum and the Museo delle Cattedrale are located here), the 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 a church from the 8th century), as well as the surrounding monuments of Pieve Cosignano and the grottoes of Monticchiello.

IN Lucca noteworthy are the Roman amphitheater, the 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 Maria della Piave church (XIII century), the Fraternita dei Laici palace (XIV-XV centuries), the Vasari loggia, the Bishop's palace (XIII century) and the 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 others architectural monuments.

"Ideal City" of the Italian Renaissance - Livorno famous for its Venetian area with hundreds of old buildings and a dense network of canals, the Mascagnano Museum, the Montenero shrine, the monument to Duke Ferdinando I of the Medici, as well as the Castello Vecchia (XII-XIV centuries, with the bastions of Captain, Ampoletta and Canaviglia) and Castello Nuovo (late 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 castle, as well as the churches of Santa Maria delle Carceri (1484), Sant'Agostinho ( 1440), San Domenico (1281-1310), San Francesco (1281-1331), San Fabiano (IX-XI centuries) and the monastery of San Vincenzo. In Massa - the Malaspina castle (X century), the Palazzo Ducale in Piazza Aranci, the cathedral, the mountain Botanical Garden Alpi Apuane Pietro Pelegrini and the picturesque port of Marina di Massa.

nearby Carrara, since ancient times known for its marble, today is famous for its cathedral (XII century) and the Palazzo Ducale (XVI century).

Located not far from 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 coast of the region and Corsica. The largest, greenest and most visited of them is the island of Elba (an area of 223 sq. km, Livorno region), which encloses the Gulf of Follonica from the sea. Currently, Elba is part of the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago (covers the water area between all seven islands) and a fashionable resort area, famous for its picturesque coastline, 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 the Madonna of Montserrat, as well as the Palazzina dei Mulini (Napoleon's place of exile) 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 Portoferraio, Capiloveri, Lacona, Porto Azzurro, Rio Marina, Prochio, Campo del Elba, Cavo Marciana, Marciana Marina, Poggia and Marino di Campo stand out. .

Island Giglio(region of Grosseto), which lies opposite Cape Argentario, is considered a paradise for divers, because it is a huge rock of gray granite, steeply leaving in 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 fine cuisine. volcanic island Capraia lies almost off the coast of French Corsica and is known 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 the public (the state prison is located here). The same fate befell the small flat island Pianosa next to the Elbe, as well as the famous island Montecristo, lying between Giglio and Corsica, but the latter can still be visited, albeit with the permission of the authorities (without such, landing, swimming and fishing at a distance of less than 500 meters from the coast are prohibited).

Tuscany, Italy - detailed description with photo. All about Tuscany: Popular cities and places, how to get there, gastronomy and shopping, where to stay.

Tuscany region

Tuscany is a region in Central Italy. It's a place of 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 territory of the region is extremely hilly. Plains occupy less than 10 percent and are located in the valley of the main Tuscan water artery - the Arno River. The climate of Tuscany is quite comfortable, with very warm summers and mild winters. Better time to visit April-May and September-October. Summers here are quite hot, and Tuscan winters are not only mild, but also cold nights. At the same time, 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 the Renaissance. The Tuscan dialect became the basis of the modern Italian language.

There are many reasons to visit Tuscany. Someone goes to touch the world's artistic masterpieces, history and culture, someone wants 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 get a bright and atmospheric experience.

How to get to Tuscany?

Tuscany has two international airports in Pisa and Florence. Although most international flights operate to the airports of Rome and Milan. These cities are located about 3 hours from the capital of Tuscany.

By train and bus you can easily reach Florence and major Tuscan cities from many regions of Italy. You can find out the schedule and buy tickets here - http://www.trenitalia.com/. You can get around Tuscany 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 ease of preparation of many dishes, Tuscan food pleases with the richness and variety of tastes and can satisfy any gourmet. Typical Tuscan dishes:

Soup in vegetable bread
Tomato soup
Pasta with egg or meat (hare, wild boar)
Minced meat with bread
Florentine steak
Game - hare, wild boar, pheasant, etc.
Sauteed vegetables, spinach, beans with olive oil
Various salads

Local products:

olive oil
Assorted meats (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 everything is just excellent quality. The main wine-growing region is located between Florence and Siena and is called Chianti. This is the real kingdom of vineyards and agritourism.

Where to stay in Tuscany

If you do not want to spend time traveling around the region or you do not have a car, then it is better to stay in the cities - Florence, Siena, Pisa, Arezzo, which are perfect for this.

If you are not afraid of Italian public transport or you rent a car, then 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. Indeed, in an hour's drive there are not only the most interesting cities, but also the beautiful borgos and the Chianti wine region.

Shopping and shopping

The best cities for shopping in Tuscany are Florence and Siena. Shopping - local products: cheese, olive oil, wine, leather goods, wool, gold, ceramics. For fashionable and economical, there are several outlets:

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 in Tuscany

There are so many interesting things in Tuscany that sometimes you don’t know what to choose and where to go. The most popular cities - Florence, Siena, Pisa can give you amazing impressions of getting to know the masterpieces of architecture and culture.

But the list of interesting places and cities is not limited to these three. We highly recommend visiting the wine-producing 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.

Tours for May to Italy
Hot tours to Italy

Even in Italy, spoiled by sights, the historical region of Tuscany (Toscana) rightfully occupies a special place. More than half of the Italian monuments under the protection of UNESCO are concentrated here. The architectural ensembles of Florence and Pisa with the famous tower, the city of "medieval skyscrapers" of San Gimignano and the untouched walls of Lucca, as if descended from the paintings of the Renaissance masters - all this is Tuscany.

It is also the birthplace of Dante and Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci... and Chianti, whose popularity still brings the region a steady income. Ecotourism lovers have chosen the countryside of Tuscany, and fans of beach holidays and diving - the coast of the region and the island of Elba, famous not only for the residence of Napoleon, but also clear sea with coral reefs.

How to get to Tuscany

Most air travelers traditionally choose to travel via Rome or Milan. Tuscany itself can be reached by rental car on the E35 toll motorway or by train. Italy has a well-developed network railways, and ticket prices are low - for example, moving from Rome to the capital of Tuscany, Florence, will cost 16-45 EUR per passenger. You can check the schedule and buy tickets online at the office. Trenitalia website (in English). Budget ways to get to Tuscany also include an air flight to Rimini - in the summer the local airport serves transfers from Russia. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Most of Tuscany is hills and mountains, and the flat terrain, located in the Arno Valley, occupies less than 10% of the entire territory of the region. To the north and east, Tuscany is surrounded by the Apennines, in the provinces of Lucca and Massa Carrara are the Apuan Alps, which are the source of Carrara marble, in the center of the region are the Metaliferous Hills, and between Pisa+ and Lucca are the Pisa Mountains.

Cities of Tuscany

Entertainment and attractions

The indigenous people of Tuscany, without false modesty, consider their region rich in sights to be the cradle of European civilization - it, like a sponge, has absorbed the best achievements of mankind over 2500 years. In the small town of Fiesole, founded in the time of the Etruscans, to this day you can visit the well-preserved Roman amphitheater and ancient baths; the famous monument of the era, the “city of skyscrapers” San Gimignano, can tell a lot about the turbulent times of the Italian Middle Ages. Ancient Pisa is known not only for its super popular tower among tourists, but also for the role of the local native Galileo in the development of European science.

The countryside of the region is an attraction in itself. For several centuries, it has not changed much, gentle hillsides covered with vineyards, groves along the roads and small cozy towns have been attracting tourists from all over the world for many years.

Weather

The best periods to visit Tuscany are from May to June and from September to October - at this time the temperature range is most favorable.

It is quite hot in summer, during July and August the temperature constantly rises above +30 ° C, and in autumn the rainy season begins, gradually weakening by January. Winter is quite cold by Italian standards, but even in the mountains it rarely comes to frost. On the coast, the climate is milder. Due to the fact that it is protected by the mountains from the cold northern winds, the heat brought by the African winds is stored here throughout the year.

The Tuscany region is located in the central part of the Apennine peninsula, on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The relief in the region is varied: in the east and northeast the Apennines, Chianti and Pratomagno ranges stretch, from the northern part - the ranges of the Apuan and Ligurian Alps, and along the valley of the river. Arno and closer to the coast begins a small strip of plains.

It's no wonder why this region is so loved by vacationers in Italy. Tuscany is one of its most beautiful parts, the birthplace of many schools of architecture and painting, a place of unique historical richness, as evidenced by numerous tourist reviews. This is the place of formation of the Etruscan civilization, the Apennine ancient culture, the state of the Lombards and the Roman Empire, in addition, the birthplace of the Renaissance. This place is concentrated incredible amount cultural sites, due to which as many as 6 cities of the region are included in the UNESCO List (among them are the historical centers of Siena, Florence, Pienza and San Gimignano, the Val d'Orsia valley and Pisa Square).

Italy, Tuscany: attractions

Many tourists, coming here, remember with pleasure the picturesque town of Volterra with its Pinacoteca, Palazzo dei Priori, Romanesque cathedral, art gallery, baptistery, Etruscan museum of Guarnacci and the Etruscan arch. In the town of Certaldo there is an opportunity to see the villas of Cetinale, Chigi, Volte Alte, Chela, as well as the castle of Velcaro. Pienza arose through the efforts of Pope Pius II on the site of the former village of Corsignano, whose roots go back to the Etruscan era. This is one of the most picturesque settlements in the region. Its decorations are the Palazzo Piccolomini Palace, which has a luxurious park, the Duomo Cathedral, the Palazzo Borgia (the collections of the Museo delle Cattedrale and the Diocesan Museum are now located here), the Palazzo Comunale Town Hall, Ammannati, Cardinale Atrebatense and Gonzaga, the Church of San Francesco (the oldest in the city, built in the eleventh century), in addition, the grottoes of Monticchiello and the monuments of Pieve Consignano.

In Lucca, the sixteenth-century ramparts, the Roman amphitheater, the churches of San Fernando, San Michele, Santa Maria Forisportam, the Pinacoteca, the eleventh-century Cathedral of San Martino, as well as the delightful villas of Torrigiani, Mansi, Garzoni di Pesca and Marlia with their luxurious gardens. Churches worth seeing in Pistoia are San Francesco and Madonna del Umilta. In Arezzo, the Piazza Grande, the Church of Maria della Piave, the Fraternita dei Laichi Palace, the Bishop's Palace, the Loggia of Vasari are interesting, in addition, the churches of San Michele, Sant Donatus, Santa Maria in Gradi, the Basilicas of San Domenico and San Francesco, the Cathedral of Sant'Agustin and a huge number of other architectural monuments. Each of these towns causes genuine delight among vacationers, who then share admiring reviews with all their friends.

Resort Tuscany

The Tuscany region in the mind of a tourist is mainly associated with the Siena-Florence-Pisa triangle. These once warring and powerful republics became the real focus of medieval Italian life. These republics have been gone for a long time. But the enchanting climate, the sea and the mountains of the Mediterranean, which Italy can give vacationers, remained outside the power of man and time.

Tuscany in the summer is an opportunity to kill three birds with one stone with a well-aimed tourist shot, while devoting time to history, seeing the Tuscan Maremma (including the baths and Saturnia). It is not for nothing that you can see mostly only admiring reviews about the region! In addition, you can sunbathe on luxurious beaches. Italy is famous for them! Tuscany coast provides vacationers with a chic, wide, sandy coastline.

To sea!

For some, this will be a discovery, but in Tuscany (Italy) there is a sea - the Tyrrhenian. Consequently, there are also resorts, reviews of which also arouse interest in this region. Forte dei Marmi has long been preferred by show business stars, European aristocrats and famous fashion designers, for whom Italy (Tuscany) is ideal for relaxing. The coast in Marina di Carrara and Marina di Massa is simpler, and so is the public, while there are more hotels, and the beaches are longer. But in Monte Argentario, yachtsmen are in charge. In addition, there is Elba Island with seven dozen beaches where you can go diving and snorkeling. Italy (Tuscany) is famous for this. Resorts of the region will be considered in more detail below.

Impressions in Livorno

Livorno, the “ideal city” of the Renaissance, is famous for the Venetian area with a dense network of canals and a huge number of old buildings, the Montenero shrine, the Mascagnano Museum, the monument to Ferdinand the First Medici, the fortresses of Castello Nuovo and Castello Vecchia. Therefore, the impressions of vacationers from staying here are only the most vivid.

Attractions Prato

Here you can see the Cathedral of Santo Stefano, the Pretorio Palace, Castello del Imperatore ( old castle), the churches of Sant'Agostinho, Santa Maria delle Carceri, San Domenico, San Francesco, San Fabiano, and San Vincenzo (cloister). No wonder many tourists are attracted by this particular city in Tuscany, which they are happy to tell all their friends about. Italy as a whole is full of attractions, but here they are concentrated very tightly. In Massa you can see the Malaspina Castle, in Piazza Aranci the Palazzo Ducale, the Cathedral, Marina di Massa (picturesque port) and Alpi Apuane Pietro Pelegrini (mountain botanical garden).

Nearby Carrara today is famous for its Palazzo Ducale and its cathedral.

Idyll in Chianti

Once in Tuscany, you need to visit the Chianti region for at least two days, which is advised by many vacationers here, try the wine of the same name, and also enjoy the view of the hills. You can also spend the night here - the main number of castles are currently operating in the mode of hotels, although there are also hotels that are more familiar to us. Tuscany (Italy) provides high-quality service to its vacationers. At the same time, amazingly trained staff is amazing, anticipating the desires of their guests. Basically, they have shops that sell bottled Chianti, aromatic olive oil and other gourmet things, which is what makes this region and Italy in general famous. Tuscany, reviews of which can be found exclusively admiring, pampers vacationers with its freshest olives and aromas.

Tuscan Islands

They stretch between Corsica and the coast of the region. Judging by the reviews, the greenest, largest and most visited among them is Elba Island. Today it is considered part of the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago and a prestigious resort area, which is famous for its olive and eucalyptus groves, picturesque beaches, the San Giovanni baths, the churches of Forte della Stella, Misericordia and Santissimo Sacramento, the fortresses of Forte del Falcone and Portolongone , the monastery of the Madonna of Montserrat, the Palazzina dei Mulini (Napoleon's exile took place here), as well as the Villa San Martino, which today houses his museum. The coast of the island is completely built up with elite resort areas, among them Capiloveri, Portoferraio, Porto Azzurro, Lacona, Prochio, Rio Marina, Cavo Marchiana, Campo del Elba, Marciana Marina, Marino di Campo and Poggia stand out. It is not surprising that many famous personalities like Tuscany (Italy) so much, the rest in which is difficult to compare with anything.

The island of Giglio, near Cape Argentario, is a diver's paradise, as it is a granite rock that plunges steeply into the sea. Many of the scuba diving enthusiasts are happy to talk about this place later. The island's rocky shores alternate with small beaches, while the ancient towns of Giglio Castello, Giglio Porto and Campese are famous for their fine cuisine. The island of Capraia is located off the coast of Corsica and is known to many for the picturesque lake that occupies the crater of the volcano.

Giannutri is famous for its untouched nature and incredibly beautiful sea, which attracts romantics so much. The miniature Gorgon Island, which lies opposite Livorno, is incredibly beautiful, but it is not accessible for visiting (a prison is located in this place). The same fate befell the flat small island Pianosa near Elba and, in addition, the island of Montecristo, which lies between Corsica and Giglio.

The amazing cities of Fiesole

This small town Italy, which is located very close to Florence - the distance between them does not exceed 10 kilometers. In this ancient town, which appeared in the sixth century BC. e., the remains of the fortress walls of the Etruscan dwellings, as well as the amphitheater and ancient baths, the legacy of the legendary Roman period, could be preserved. By the way, theatrical performances and concerts are still held in the amphitheater, about which vacationers here then talk with delight for a long time.

All the main historical and architectural sights of the town are concentrated in its center, on the square. Mino da Fiesole - the episcopal and Pretorio palaces, the Cathedral of San Romolo. Nearby is the Bandini Museum, where you can get acquainted with the stunning sculpture and painting by Italian masters of the 13th-15th centuries.

San Gimignano - the territory of luxury

This is a city of luxurious palaces and majestic medieval towers, which Italy is famous for. Tuscany, on the other hand, has collected a huge number of monuments, including San Gimignano. This attracts thousands of tourists to the city every year, who initially read the reviews about the city. In the Palazzo del Popolo is art Gallery with works by Benozzo Gozzoli, Lippi, Pinturicchio and other masters of the Florentine school of painting. The city also has a museum of religious art, a wonderful Archaeological Museum, the main city museum, which consists of 10 exhibition and spacious halls. Another interesting place, which it is advisable not to meddle with for the faint of heart, is the Museum of Torture and Torture.

By the way, the historical center of this city is included in the UNESCO list.

Such an unusual Lucca...

Many people like the cities of Tuscany. Italy as a whole is able to amaze and surprise vacationers. An example of this is Lucca. This Tuscan town is often referred to as the "city of 100 churches". In fact, there are a great many of them here. Built in different eras, they miraculously managed to survive to the present day, while others can only be seen in the form of ancient ruins.

Of great interest is the Cathedral, located in Piazza San Martino, the Church of San Giovanni, the basilicas of St. Fredian, San Pietro Somaldi, as well as other historical and architectural buildings.

Renaissance art lovers should visit National Museum in order to admire the work of Bronzino, Tintoretto, Giordano, while fans of unhurried long walks will be interested in a wide shady alley that stretches along the fortress wall of Lucca.

Famous Siena

The city, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, is located in the Chianti Valley, famous as the main center of winemaking in the region. Thanks to its fortress walls, it was able to preserve its own medieval appearance, which is so loved by many vacationers in the country of Italy. Tuscany, on the other hand, generously provides tourists with the full enjoyment of these views.

Its central del Campo is the center of the life of the city - the townspeople once gathered here, wanting to resolve important political issues, as well as to celebrate any events. Currently, the popular Palio races are organized here, which take place twice a year.

On the square you can admire the luxurious Cathedral, famous for the Fountain of Joy, while visiting the Civico Museum - its expositions exhibit stunning frescoes by Simono Martini. Stunning impressions will also remain after examining the works of Sienese painters in the National Pinakothek, in addition, tasting the best in the Enoteque.

Sights of Pisa

City located on Tyrrhenian coast, primarily famous for the architectural white marble Square of Miracles, which includes the baptistery, the famous as well as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore. Near the square is also the Campo Santo cemetery with holy earth, which was brought in the 13th century from Jerusalem on ships.

An interesting architectural landmark of Pisa is also the 11th-century Basilica of San Pietro a Grado - legend has it that it was erected at the place where the one who landed from Constantinople to Rome landed. The University of Pisa is famous here - it is one of the most prestigious and oldest educational institutions in the world. Here he studied, and then taught Galileo Galilei.

Also noteworthy is the botanical garden, which was founded in 1544. It is an example of a traditional Renaissance garden. Therefore, this place, judging by the reviews, is loved by all fans of architecture and history.

Italy, Tuscany: Florence

Stunning Florence, located near the border between Emilia and Tuscany, was founded in the 59th century BC. e.

At the very beginning, the town was just a settlement for legionnaires, and by the eleventh century, due to its convenient location at the intersection trade routes he was completely transformed, becoming a major artisan and shopping center, in which the famous da Vinci and Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Galileo, Petrarch and Dante worked and lived in different eras. No wonder you can not find a single negative review about this city.

Acquaintance with the city must begin with the squares of Florence, which are a kind of open-air museums. It is interesting to look at Piazza della Signoria, densely lined with the works of the famous sculptors of Italy of the Renaissance, as well as at Piazza Duomo with Giotto's bell tower and the ancient baptistery.

Arriving here, you should definitely visit the most popular museum in the country - the Uffizi Gallery, which presents one of the most complete European collections visual arts Renaissance period, look at the palaces of Vecchio and Pitti, the original statue of David in the Accademia Gallery and, of course, the Boboli Gardens - this is one of the most famous parks in the world.