Tuscany - The romantic Italian region of green hills
The first thing that makes Tuscany special is its history. Home to the ancient Etruscans, part of the Roman Empire, and the center of the Renaissance, Tuscany boasts a rich artistic and cultural tradition and is the perfect place to admire beauty—both natural and man-made.
Located in central Italy, its lush landscapes and medieval towns, a common backdrop for the film industry, invite us to experience a different side than the country's major cities, such as Milan or Rome. Simply put, Tuscany invites us to enjoy, to live in the present.
With stunning natural landscapes, lush green hills, and dreamy sunsets, the capital, Florence, is the region's best-known city and the true starting point for exploring Tuscany. Strolling its streets is like visiting an open-air museum, as it is one of the few cities in the world whose entire historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is because Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is home to some of the world's greatest artistic and architectural treasures.
One of Italy's most famous symbols is located here: the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, known as Florence's Duomo. With its brick dome, it is the fourth largest cathedral in Europe and the tallest building in the city. Besides visiting the Duomo, if you visit Florence, you can't miss the Baptistery of St. John and the Campanile. Luxury and lifestyle are also present in the Tuscan capital, with the world's best fashion, jewelry, and perfume brands present in Piazza della Republique. Here, you'll also find some of the capital's oldest and most exquisite cafés and pastry shops.
Florence's rich art history leaves no one indifferent. In Piazza della Signoria, for example, you'll find copies of some of the world's most famous sculptures, such as Michelangelo's David. Practically next door, in the Uffizi Gallery, Italy's largest gallery, you'll find paintings such as Leonardo da Vinci's Detail of the Annunciation, Botticelli's Birth of Venus, or Michelangelo's Holy Family. In the area, specifically in Santa Croce, a 13th-century Gothic church, are also the tombs of many famous Florentines, such as Galileo and Machiavelli. Don't say goodbye to Florence without crossing to the other side of the Arno River and climbing up to Piazza Michelangelo. The best viewpoint with the best view of the city will captivate you, especially if you choose a sunset moment.
But Tuscany goes far beyond its capital, with several beautiful cities to explore and enjoy. Lucca, for example, a walled city known as the City of 100 Churches, boasts a vast concentration of religious buildings in its historic center. Walking along its colossal walls, almost 5km long, is a true landmark and a unique architectural masterpiece in Italy.
Pisa, also part of the Tuscany region, is another invitation to discovery. Here awaits us one of Italy's most iconic monuments, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The city's most famous monuments are concentrated in Piazza dei Miracoli, where you can also see the Duomo and the Baptistery. But Pisa is far from limited to this square. Be sure to take a stroll along the banks of the Arno River and visit Piazza dei Cavalieri, home to the Palazzo della Carovanna.
While exploring Tuscany, we can't help but suggest a visit to Sienna, home to a rich artistic heritage. The city is internationally renowned for hosting Italy's most famous horse race, the Palio di Siena, a festival of medieval origins held twice a year in Piazza del Campo. You can stroll through the medieval streets and alleys of the historic center, with its lively squares, but the city has much to discover, especially if you're an art lover.
If you have time and want to fully experience Tuscany, be sure to visit Montalcino, a fortified medieval village known worldwide for its divine Brunello wine, one of Italy's most prized. Despite being a relatively small town, it boasts many treasures, including the imposing Rocca, Piazza del Popolo, and Italy's most beautiful panoramic road, the fabulous SP146, in the Val d'Orcia, which connects the small town of San Quirico d'Orcia to Montepulciano. Imagine yourself on a zigzagging road winding through rolling hills dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and imposing cypresses, a truly vivid Tuscan scene.
Tuscany boasts over 100 wine regions. Harvest season, in August, is a great way to experience the region's traditions and share the moment when people gather at local wineries for celebrations. Also famous for its production of regional olive oil and sunflowers, the cured meats and cheeses are a delight to taste.
The best time to visit Tuscany depends largely on your plans. If you want to explore the historical and cultural heritage of cities like Florence, any season can be interesting. However, between late May and early September, the warm weather also brings art and music festivals, and the terraces invite you to dine al fresco and experience a bit of la dolce vita . Here in Tuscany, the invitation is truly to live.
Text: Carla Martins
Photos: All Rights Reserved