Tuscany is a land of unparalleled beauty, where history, culture, and nature blend in perfect harmony. Here, we present three itineraries that will take you through various facets of this region, from the most famous spots to those still relatively untouched by mass tourism.
Siena, Pienza, and the Crete Senesi
The first itinerary takes us through some of the most iconic places in Tuscany, where every corner tells an ancient and fascinating story. These are perhaps the most frequented by international tourists, but they belong to that category of must-see places. Moreover, the agritourisms in these countryside areas are true regenerative havens.
Siena
Siena is a city that has preserved its medieval charm. One of the most significant historical events is the Palio di Siena, a horse race held twice a year in Piazza del Campo. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages and is one of Italy's most spectacular historical events. Another relevant historical event is the Battle of Montaperti in 1260, where the Sienese army defeated the Florentines, profoundly marking the city's and the region's history.
Pienza
Pienza is known as the "ideal city" of the Renaissance. It was transformed by Pope Pius II, who commissioned the architect Bernardo Rossellino to redesign it according to Renaissance urban planning principles. This intervention turned Pienza into one of the most extraordinary examples of a Renaissance city in Italy. Today, you can still visit the Piccolomini Palace, built in 1459, which was Pope Pius II's summer residence and an important center of intellectual and artistic activity.
Crete Senesi
If you search online for "Tuscan landscape," you will immediately find many images characterized by rolling hills dotted with tall cypress trees. These are the so-called Crete Senesi. This area is famous for its lunar landscapes, with clay soils and gullies shaped by human hands for centuries. During World War II, the Crete Senesi were the scene of fierce battles between German troops and the Allies, leaving indelible marks in the local historical memory. Despite this, the area has managed to enhance its natural resources through slow tourism that highlights rest, calm, and tranquility.
Garfagnana: An unexplored area.
For those wishing to discover a lesser-known Tuscany, Garfagnana area offers a fascinating journey through medieval villages and mountainous landscapes.
Castelnuovo di Garfagnana
This village was an important center during the Middle Ages and under the rule of the aristocratic Este family. The poet Ludovico Ariosto resided here, serving as the governor of the Este province from 1522 to 1525. During his tenure, Ariosto sought to maintain peace and justice in a region often marked by turbulence.
Barga
Barga is another medieval gem of Garfagnana, known for its Romanesque cathedral. A significant historical event is the visit of Giovanni Pascoli, one of Italy's greatest poets, who lived here for many years and found inspiration for some of his most famous works. Pascoli is buried in the nearby hamlet of Castelvecchio, where you can visit his house-museum.
Mugello
Mugello is an area rich in greenery and coolness, perfect for a summer trip full of relaxation discovering the mountain and the lake. In this area you can find little village where cheese and wine are well produced.
Lake Bilancino
Lake Bilancino is a popular summer attraction with equipped beaches and opportunities for water sports. This artificial basin was created in the 1990s to solve the area's water supply problems and to prevent flooding of the Sieve River. Today, it is an important leisure spot for tourists and locals alike.
Vicchio
Vicchio is famous for being the birthplace of the painter Giotto di Bondone, one of the fathers of the Renaissance. The Museum of Sacred Art and Popular Religiosity Beato Angelico houses some works related to Giotto and his most famous pupil, Fra Angelico. Another significant historical fact is the presence of many Medici villas in the area, testifying to the importance of this region for the Medici family.
Dicomano and San Godenzo
These villages offer pleasant summer coolness and rich local history. Dicomano was an important crossroads during the Roman and medieval periods, while San Godenzo is known for the Abbey of San Gaudenzio, which hosted an important political meeting between the White and Black Guelphs in 1302, attended by Dante Alighieri.
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Each itinerary offers a unique mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, allowing you to discover the many facets of Tuscany. Whether you are passionate about art, history, or simply seeking relaxation, these routes will provide unforgettable experiences.