Tuscany is more than just a region of beautiful rolling landscapes, luxurious vineyards, and pristine beaches. To say it boasts of its medieval art and architecture, great food and wine, and rich culture would also be downplaying the wonders that this Italian gem offers. Tuscany has everything for every type of traveler. This part of central Italy is one of the most visited regions for ample reasons. If it is on your travel bucket list, you’re on the right page. Here you will find six of the best places to visit in Tuscany with a few photos that I took during my 12-day respite under the Tuscan sun.
1. FLORENCE
Renowned for being the cradle of the Renaissance, the capital and largest city of Tuscany is a great place to immerse yourself in art, architecture, and history. Dubbed the Athens of the middle ages, the city thrived culturally and economically in the 15th and 16th centuries making it one of the wealthiest cities in Europe of that era. Brimming with world-class structures made by the great masters such as Giotto, Brunelleschi, and Michelangelo, the historic city of Florence itself is reasonably a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Like most of the cities in Europe, the streets are made of cobblestones and are meant for walking. You will be surprised that you can actually walk around the main sights on your own. Wandering the old and narrow avenues of this city is a beautiful experience.
2. PISA
Everyone probably visits this city for the famous Leaning Tower but Pisa offers a great deal more attractions than just the legendary tower. While relatively smaller compared to other prominent Tuscan cities, it is one of the most important and influential.
The origins of the city are quite uncertain although some evidence of Etruscan settlement dating from the 6th century exists. Pisa used to be a large and powerful maritime city during the Roman empire.
Pisa is also a college town. A fact that is not so well known among tourists. One of the oldest institutions and highly respected in all of Italy is the University of Pisa founded in 1343. The Scuola Normale Superiore founded by Napoleon is also located here.
3. LUCCA
Positioned halfway between the glorious cities of Florence and Pisa is this enchanting municipality colonized by the Romans in 180 BC. The city is encompassed by well-preserved Renaissance walls originally built as a defensive rampart. While its military relevance has long been lost, the formidable 4.2 km walls built between the mid-1600s and early 1800s are still intact to this day and have become a famous pedestrian promenade.
You can explore the walls via a guided tour to get more interesting facts about this magical town. You will be surprised there is so much to see than just the daunting walls. Secret hideaways are buried beneath the surface.
Another way to tour the walls is through a bike ride. Even for someone like me who never learned to ride a bike, the experience was all worth it. There are many places to rent different bikes. My husband got us a tandem bicycle so it was an easy feat.
One thing you will easily notice in Lucca is the abundance of churches. Everywhere you turn, there is one. It would not be christened the City of 100 Churches for nothing. Don’t hesitate to visit as many as you like because they are never the same.
Lucca is also just a 30-minute drive from the coast. Needless to say, this is your place if you want to include the beach in your itinerary.
4. SIENA
Stretched across a Tuscan hill, about 80km from Florence is one of Italy’s prettiest cities. It has a long record of battles against arch-enemy Florence. It used to be one of Europe’s largest cities and a major military force until its defeat by the Florentines.
Home to architectural gems, iconic artworks, maze-like alleys leading to hidden squares, and wine-making tradition, Siena is truly one of Italy’s medieval masterpieces.
While you can enjoy the city highlights in one day, I guarantee that extending your stay will be worth it. There is so much to see, feel, and taste!
5. STAZZEMA
This town is surrounded by the Apuan Alps. You will get amazing panoramic views and a glimpse of scattered small villages down the slopes of the mountains. It is in these mountains that Michaelangelo sourced his marbles for his Pieta and David.
While all around is beauty to behold, Stazzema has rather a dismal history. Back in the second world war, the village of Sant’Anna di Stazzema was the site of one of the most heinous Nazi massacres in Italy.
6. SAN GIMIGNANO
The most striking of them all and my top favorite is this embodiment of a Tuscan hill town. Labeled the Town of Fine Towers, this remarkably preserved medieval site sits about 55 km from both Florence and Siena.
In the middle ages, noble families of San Gimignano built around 72 towers. Only 14 of these have survived. While some of the structures were intended for protection, others were built for sheer display of wealth and power.
If you love everything medieval as much as I do, then I guarantee you’ll be excited to explore this another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is filled with Romanesque and Gothic architecture making you feel you’re transported back in time where you would be wearing tunics. Yep, it did get me whimsical!
You may have noticed I didn’t mention anything about food or where to eat in any of these places… that’s because all of Tuscany, or shall we say Italy, screams delectable cuisines and sensational wines. Everything I’ve eaten in every city on this list was palatable!
I am not exaggerating when I say there are countless gelaterias all around Tuscany so when strolling under the sun gets too much, you can always get a break with a real Italian frozen treat.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Tuscany holiday and I wish you loads of fun!
If you love Tuscany, you might find my blog on another Italian city interesting. Click here to know more about Verona.