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Tuscany
Located in the heart of Italy, Tuscany is surely one of the most famous Italian landscapes. The essence of this beautiful region are its natural, artistic, and cultural heritage.
Bounded by the Ligurian and the Tyrrhenian Sea (two arms of Mediterranean), this region is divided into ten provinces, whose capitals are Arezzo, Florence, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa-Carrara, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena. Florence is the capital city of the region itself.
The region was populated first by the Etruscans on the 7th century BC, and about 500 years later by the Romans.
The words Humanism and Renaissance evoke Tuscany, as immediately as Pope evokes Rome: just think that between the fourteenth and the sixteenth century, both these ages were born here. The entire region attained a very important artistic role.
If you are keen on art and nature… well you’re definitely in the right place! ;-)
Indeed the fathers of Italian painting, architecture and sculpture lived in this beautiful towns: such as Cimabue, Giotto, Brunelleschi, Donatello, Botticelli, Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo. This is the reason why the entire region is rich in museums where thousands of amazing works are kept. You’ll be impressed by the majesty of the many ancient palaces (for examples “Palazzo Vecchio”, “Palazzo Pitti”, “Palazzo Medici”), monasteries and villas that are springing up all over the Tuscany.
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Tuscany, because the climate is mild. Bus-lines and trains connect the larger towns, but having a car would be a great advantage, and you would be easily able to enjoy the small towns and vineyards, which represent some of Tuscany’s strong points.
The “Chiantigiana road” is a must to see: it produces some of Italy’s finest wines. This is the colourful and legendary road of the “Chianti" region. The grape cultivation dates back to the Etruscan times. One of the biggest pleasures will be sipping different wines, at the wineries or at the wine bars scattered in the towns.
What about a drop in on “Mugello”? It is a countryside surrounded by oaks, chestnut trees and by the Apennines, This land of artists and painters have been source of inspiration in its farmhouses and colours. with kind people, authentic cooking, good wine, plus a great tradition in handicrafts.
The Apuan Alps are a monumental work of the nature. They consist in some of the highest peaks in the region: This regional park sets up the chance for those who want to practice trekking, cycling, horse riding or simply walking to enjoy this beautiful landscape.
Versilia is an area of 20 km sandy beaches located in the north of the region. The seaside with the colourful bathing areas is rich in bars and meeting places. Camaiore, Forte dei Marmi, Massarosa, Pietrasanta, Seravezza, Stazzema and Viareggio are the towns of this beautiful coast.
Another great attraction of this region is the archipelago. The largest island is Elba: more than one hundred kilometers of coast.
Curiously enough, since the Etruscans introduced the use of fresh herbs, the Tuscan cooking is still based on vegetable dishes, bread-based soups, meats perfumed with sage, rosemary, and thyme. Moreover the secret of its success is the good care and the devotion to guarantee the quality of the products of the land... crostini of chicken liver, soups, tortelli with Bolognese sauce, “pappardelle” with hare sauce or with boar sauce, boar hunter style, fillet of beef, salted cod with tomato sauce, ricciarelli, cantucci, Tuscan salt-less bread… We’re sure your mouth is already watering!
A holiday in Tuscany is an experience that will bring you back happy memories for the rest of your life.
You might also be interested in reading about the following Tuscany topics:
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