The sun-drenched beaches of Tuscany, the most picturesque nature reserves and magnificent monuments of architecture annually attract hundreds of thousands of tourists to this part of Italy. We will also go to the most beautiful cities in this region of Italy, and visit interesting and picturesque places, as well as see the majestic and unique sights of Tuscany.
1
Santa Maria del Fiore
It will be natural if we present photos and descriptions of the sights of this region of Italy, we start with the administrative center of Tuscany - the most beautiful Florence.
The majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, whose construction began in 1296, and was completed only at the beginning of the 15th century, has long been recognized as a symbol of this Italian city.
The temple, built in the shape of a Latin cross, has three naves, a semicircular apse, and in 1443 a clock was installed on it, which continues to this day. Santa Maria del Fiore is included in our ranking of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in the world.
2
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The simple mistake of the builders created a landmark that made this Italian town famous throughout the world. The Leaning Tower was built in two stages, and is included in the architectural ensemble of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
The beautiful bell tower of white marble attracts thousands of tourists to the city, and scientists at different times used the curvature of the building to conduct various experiments.
From time to time, work is underway to strengthen a unique attraction, but scientists suggest that after 250 years it will fall.
3
Cathedral of St. Zeno
On the majestic Cathedral Square Pistoi rises above other city buildings the monumental building of the cathedral, built about the X century.
Many ancient Christian relics have been preserved in the cathedral to this day, among which it is worth noting murals on the religious themes of the great Italian masters of painting.
The temple was rebuilt several times, and at the end of the twentieth century during the restoration it was given its original appearance using old drawings and drawings.
4
Tuscany-Emilian Apennines Park
In the very center of the region in 2001 there was a gorgeous national park, famous throughout the world for its natural beauties.
There is Mount Monte Kusna in the park, which resembles a sleeping person with its outlines, which is why it has received the nickname "Sleeping Giant". Flora is represented by various types of unique plants, and from the representatives of the fauna you can meet a wolf, wild ram and roe deer.
In addition to enjoying nature, here you can buy unique souvenirs, as well as taste unusual dishes of national cuisine, including white Tuscan truffle.
5
Siena Cathedral
A vivid example of Gothic architecture was erected in the town of Siena in the first half of the 13th century, and consecrated in honor of the Ascension of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
On the octagonal base of the temple lies a dome, which is supported by numerous columns. Finishing of internal and external elements is made of marble of various colors, and at the altar there is a statue of John the Baptist by Donatello himself.
The mosaic floor is also striking in its beauty, and a magnificent landscape with narrow streets and cozy squares opens from the facade of the temple.
By the way, on the pages of most-beauty.ru there is a fascinating article about the most beautiful streets of the world, take a walk?
6
Cultural landscape of Val d'Orcia
Traveling in Tuscany by car, one cannot fail to visit Val d'Orcia, which is an integral part of the large agricultural area of picturesque Tuscany.
The most beautiful natural object created by human hands has become a vivid example of human industriousness, capable of creating such a beauty. Above all this splendor rises Mount Amiata, an extinct ancient volcano, whose height is 1,748 m.
Long since the valleys, and the hills above them inspired the great Italian painters, and poets sang these beauties in their works.
7
Villa Medici di Cafagiolo
In the picturesque valley of the Sieve, not far from the town of Barberino di Mugello, there are apartments of an aristocratic villa dating back to the beginning of the XIV century.
The villa was built on the site of the destroyed Florentine fortress, and jyf passed from generation to generation of the Medici family. After the death of the last of the Medici clan, the construction passed to the Habsburgs.
Today, the aristocratic medieval villa is privately owned, and the former majestic halls and outbuildings are converted into residential premises.
8
Castle of Castello di Vincillata
In the 13th century, a monumental fortress was erected on a rocky cliff near the town of Fiesole, which belonged to the noble family of Vizdomini for many centuries.
In the XIX century, the castle was reconstructed, and during the reign of Mussolini, the fortress was nationalized and contained opponents of the fascist regime.
Now the gates of the fortress are open for tourists to visit, and it can also be rented for weddings and other family holidays.
9
Church of the Holy Spirit
In the beautiful town of Pistoia, on the street Piazza dello Spirito Santo, there is a monumental church, the first stone in the foundation of which was laid back in 1647.
The author of the project was the Jesuit architect Tommaso Raminiani, and the construction dragged on until 1685. Like many religious buildings of the Jesuits, the facade of the church is devoid of decorative ornaments, and is made in a strict ascetic style.
But the main facade of the church was made in the Baroque style and decorated with sculptures and paintings by the great masters of the Italian Renaissance.
10
Beach Castiglione della Pescaya
The beautiful beach in the southwest of Tuscany offers magnificent views of the islands of Elba and Giglio, and in clear weather you can see the beauty of Cape Argentario.
A gentle entrance to the sea, golden sand and fresh air are perfect for family holidays. Everything is thought out and for relaxing with children. In addition to the natural beauties, there are attractions, water equipment rental.
In the evening, you can walk along the beach along a path buried in the foliage of centuries-old trees.
11
Church of Santa Maria della Spina
The small, compact church in Pisa is conveniently located on the banks of the Arno River. They erected it in 1230, and named it Santa Maria di Pontenovo, which literally means "Santa Maria at the New Bridge".
A rectangular church, the facade of which is decorated with multi-colored marble, is a vivid example of Gothic architecture in Italy. Inside the church is almost not decorated, which sharply states with luxurious decoration of the facade.
During the restoration of the 19th century, the ceiling of the religious building was painted with magnificent paintings. At the altar is a copy of the figure of the Madonna, the work of the Italian sculptor Andrea and Nino Pisano, the original of which can be seen in the museum of the city of San Matteo.
If you want to know more about the most beautiful Gothic buildings in the world, follow the link.
12
Valley Val di Cecina
In the southern part of the famous province of Pisa, the Val di Cecina Valley spreads, impressing guests of the region with rural landscapes, hillsides covered with cypress trees and magnificent olive groves.
In addition to natural splendor, you can visit unique architectural monuments, churches and monasteries. Among the hills, numerous luxurious villas and ancient castles sheltered.
In modern conditions, ecological tourism is actively developing in the valley, and cycling along the rugged terrain of the beautiful valley is becoming the most popular type of recreation.
13
Sansepolcro Dome Cathedral
Among the architectural monuments of Tuscany there are also buildings made in the Romanesque style. The cathedral in honor of John the Theologian was built in the XIV century on the site of the ancient ruins of small churches.
In the main Romanesque style of the building, there are also elements of the Gothic style, especially on the facade of the temple. The interior is striking with the works of Bartolomeo della Gatta and Santi di Titoi, as well as the famous crucifix of the work of Perugino.
The altar of the cathedral in Sansepolcro is decorated with a wooden crucifix, created back in the 10th century, and often called the “Holy Savior”.
14
House Lecchino
Agritourism in Tuscany is quite common, and apartments among the picturesque beauties of the Montaione area will allow you to fully plunge into the charm of rural life.
This region of Italy in ancient times was inhabited by Etruscan tribes, and later, as archaeological excavations testify, the first Roman settlements began to appear on the peninsula.
The house itself is surrounded by magnificent pine trees and olive groves. Nature lovers can also stroll through the botanical garden, which has a collection of rare plants and flowers.
15
Castello di Poppy Castle
The first confirmed documentary evidence of a beautiful monumental castle belonging to the family of Conti Gvidi dates back to 1169.
For over 300 years, the Guidi family controlled the valley, where they built their ancestral estate. Inside the fortress was built a twisted stone staircase, decorated over time with family crests.
Throughout its history, the walls of the majestic castle twice restrained the attack of enemy troops in the 1289 and 1440s.
16
Principina Beach
Describing the best places in Tuscany, one can not help but mention the wild beach near the town of Principina a Maare. Golden sand dunes alternate here with small cliffs overgrown with sparse vegetation.
The sea water of the beach is considered the cleanest on the entire Italian coast, and being on this sand, a feeling of calm and harmony comes.
In ancient times, salt was mined here, and those who wish can visit the Medieval Fortress, located near the beautiful beach.
17
Pienza
Separately, it is necessary to talk about the town of Pienza, which in itself is a unique architectural landmark.
In 1459, on the site of a small village where Pope Pius II was born, the renowned architect Bernardo Rossellino built an ideal city in the Renaissance style. Among the monuments of the town, it is worth noting the majestic cathedral church, as well as the numerous palazzos in which the famous Italian families lived.
We also note that the layout of the Tuscan city was later adopted by many European architects, and the city itself was declared a World Heritage Site in 1995.
In conclusion, we note that Tuscany is the second most important cultural center of Italy, and its attractions have long been included in the list of cultural and historical heritage. The magnificent symbol of Tuscany has become the magnificent hills of Chianti, whose slopes are adorned with pyramidal, evergreen cypresses rushing upwards.
And for sure, finally, one interesting fact from the life of Russian stars. In Tuscany is the family nest of Andrei Konchalovsky and Yulia Vysotskaya, who acquired an estate of the 18th century in the early 2010s. But what can I say, Russian celebrities have always loved this part of Italy, and many poets and writers of the past have repeatedly improved their health on the beaches and resorts of Tuscany.