Tuscany City-Cities
Tuscany Town Accommodation Bed Breakfast Tuscany
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Tuscany
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Florence | Pisa | Lucca | Siena | Montalcino | San Gimignano
Hotel Charming near art town tuscany
Cities in Tuscany for your Holidays:
Cities in Tuscany for your Holidays:
Places, cities, history: Chianti, Florence, Pisa,
Siena,Montalcino,san gemignano,
Lying on Italy's west coast on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tuscany is one of Italy's
most popular destinations, and not without reason. It was the starting point
of the Renaissance and offers a beautiful hilly landscape, often covered in
grape vines, olive groves or sunflowers. It also produces Italy's most
famous wine, Chianti . The most popular destinations in this region are
lucca ,Pisa,Florence and Siena,and both brimful with art and culture.
Regional culinary specialities include bistecca alla fiorentina (thick
t-bone steak), minestrone alla fiorentina (vegetable soup) and Siena's
panforte (rich fruit bread). Arguably Italy's finest olive oil is produced
here and liberally used in food. A common starter is bruschetta , bread
rubbed in garlic and dipped in olive oil. The region's wines are amongst
Italy's most well-known. These include Chianti , Vernacchia , Brunello di
Montalcino , Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the dessert wine Vin Santo .
The regional capital, Florence (Firenze), boasts a wealth of Renaissance art
and architecture. Visitors flock from all over the world to see
Michelangelo's David and the city's magnificent Duomo, to name two of a
plethora of attractions. The city's allure does not, however, only lie in
its artistic achievements but also in the charm of its position: situated on
tAhe banks of the Arno River, at the foot of wooded hills. Florence is host
to many music festivals throughout the year and an international film
festival in December. The patron saint of the city, St John the Baptist, is
honoured on 24 June with a celebration of spectacular fireworks.
The beautiful city of Siena has a number of monuments and museums worth
visiting, noteworthy of which is its black and white marble cathedral built
in the Romanesque and Gothic styles. It is also famous for its annual
medieval Palios , bareback horse races, which take place on 2 July and 16
August. These are fiercely competitive contests between the different local
teams which are accompanied by large processions and all sorts of other
festivities.
Pisa was once a great maritime city and port, and its claim to fame is its
leaning tower. The tower, the Piazza del Duomo and the Camposanto cemetery
all survived intensive bombing during World War II. Other towns worth a
visit are Lucca , famous for its Renaissance city walls and its churches;
San Gimignano , whose towers dominate the Elsa valley in which it is located
and leading to its name: the 'city of fine towers'; and Cortona , a medieval
town providing excellent views of the Tuscan countryside.
Spas can be found at Montecatini Terme and Chianciano Terme (located in the
hills of the southern Valdichiana).
The Tuscan Archipelago is made up of a group of islands scattered between
Tuscany and Corsica. Elba is the main island in the group and was made
famous as Napoleon's place of exile before his final defeat at Waterloo. It
is a mountainous, volcanic island with popular beach resorts. Sailing and
diving are among the many outdoor activities offered on the island offers.
Florence - Tuscany
Florence is glorified for its ancient and noble past, full of
history, culture and monuments and an atmosphere that fascinate
all visitors. One of the most beautiful cities in Italy, preserves
so many monuments and wonderful works of architecture and art
to fill up pages just to mention a few. The most known and important
ones are the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizzi
Gallery, the Arno River banks. APT Florence Official web site
Comune di Firenze.
APT Florence
Municipality
of Firenze - Official WEB site
Pisa - Tuscany
Pisa preserves a considerable amount of cultural and artistic
heritage especially from Renaissance times when Pisa, one of the
most powerful Marine Republic, dominated the Tirrenian sea. Numerous
are the architectural sites. The Cathedral Square, better known
as Piazza dei Miracoli which includes the famous Leaning Tower,
the Cathedral, the Baptistry and the monumental Churchyard, The
River Banks and its charming church Santa Maria della Spina, Piazza
dei Cavalieri. Many are the folkloristic and religious events
taking place in Pisa, especially in June in honour of Saint Ranieri,
the town patron Saint. One example is the Gioco del Ponte (game
of the bridge) which consists of two teams, one from each side
of the river, pushing a trolley on rails towards the opposite
bank. The luminara, where hundreds of flickering lights slowly
float down the river towards the sea. The historical Regatta,
a competition in the river Arno performed in beautiful 16th century
costumes and decorated boats.
Official web
site Comune di Pisa
The leaning tower The leaning tower, thought
to have been planned by Bonanno Pisano, is the cathedral bell
tower. The building of the tower started in August 1173 but ceased
when the third storey was reached as it was sinking in the ground.
It was completed after an interruption of 90 years according to
the original plan. In the past it was thought that the lean of
the tower was part of the intentional plan. We now know that the
ground in the area is made of silt (once the site of the ancient
port of Pisa) and confirmed by the fact that other buildings and
monuments in the area sink slightly into the ground. Web site:
Opera Primaziale di Pisa
WEB site of tower of Pisa
Opera primarziale of Pisa
Lucca - Tuscany
Only a few miles from the ocean, by the Apuan Alps and the Monte
Pisano, Lucca is enclosed within Renaissance walls. The town,
one of the most charming in Tuscany, is cosy enough to be one
of the favourites to visitors as its centre is closed to traffic
and offers a great variety of traditional and modern shops. Best
time of the year to visit is late summer/early autumn when the
town offers some of its events, (including a magnificent procession)
its open market displays local produce, one of which is the world
known olive oil.
Monuments: The walls Lucca is the only town in
Europe still preserving its city walls intact. These, the third
set of walls (the first Romans, the second Middle Ages) were built
between 1504 and 1645. Roman Amphitheatre, now a picturesque oval
square, was built during the first and second century. The square
has, among other uses, been a site to a prison and later a market
square. Palazzo Mansi, the Palace of one of the ruling family
of Lucca, was built in the 17th century and interior design of
the 18th century. Porta S. Pietro, one of the entrance door to
town, rebuilt in 1556. Palazzo Pretorio built in 1492 was later
enlarged. It boasts a 17th century clock on its façade. Palazzo
Ducale, the residence of the Grand Duke of Lucca has a courtyard
planned by Ammannati. Museums: Capitolare Feliniana Library, Museum
Opera del DuomoA and Others.
Siena - Tuscany
Founded by the Etruscans, became a Roman colony under Emperor
Augusto’s reign. It became the sit of the Bishop after the invasion
of the Longobards but in the 11th century declared itself a laic
community. Florence and Siena fought against one another for centuries.
Florence was defeated in 1260 at Montasperti. After being ruled
by several noble families, the town fell under the imperial authority
.and became part of the Medici State., then under the Lorena Family
until 1859 when became part of the Reign of Italy.
Monuments:
Spedale di S. Maria della Scala, founded between the 10th and
11th century decorated by frescoes of different periods, the 16th
century Medici Fortress and several other palaces. Siena is mostly
known for the Palio, a horse race celebrated in costume twice
a year in the magnificent Piazza del Campo.
Info
www.siena.turismo.toscana.it
Montalcino - Tuscany
Montalcino The little town, like others in the Tuscany country
side, is at the top of a hill (about 661m over the sea level).
It can be reached by Poggio Civitella, an Etruscan archaeological
site. Montalcino is renowned for the Tordo festival, held the
last Sunday in October. The local people of the four districts
of town, Borghetto, Pianello, Ruga e Travaglio, parade along the
town streets in historical costumes, dancing the ” Trescone “
a folk Medieval dance and challenge one another in the bow and
harrow shooting competition to recall the bore hunting of the
late-gothic period.
Municipality
of Montalcino - Official WEB site
San Gimignano - Tuscany
San Gimignano San Gimignano is known for the silhouette of its
towers on the hill dominating Val d’Elsa. At first an Etruscan
settlement of the Hellenistic period (third and second century
b.C.) it later began its history in the tenth century acquiring
the name of the Bishop of Modena, San Gimignano, reputed to have
saved the village from the barbaric invasion. The town started
to prosper during the Middle Ages thanks to the Via Francigena,
for centuries the preferred transit route between Rome and the
lands beyond the Alps. The works of art adorning the churches,
monasteries and convents of San Gimignano, belong to this period.
In 1199 it was declared a free town after fighting against the
Bishop of Volterra and nearby towns, it then endured internal
conflict and was divided into: the guelfi (Ardinguelli) who supported
the Pope, and the ghibellini (Salvucci) supporting the emperor.
The 8th of May 1300, San Gimignano was visited by Dante Alighieri,
then the ambassador of the Guelfi League. The terrible pestilence
and therefore depopulation hit hard on San Gimignano. The town
had to submit to the domination of Florence. San Gimignano recovered
from the state of neglect the town suffered during the following
centuries, only when its beauty, its cultural importance, and
its original agricultural identity, were again appreciated.
Municipality
of San Gimignano - Official WEB site
Places, cities, history: Chianti, Florence, Pisa,
Siena,Montalcino,san gemignano,
Lying on Italy's west coast on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tuscany is one of Italy's
most popular destinations, and not without reason. It was the starting point
of the Renaissance and offers a beautiful hilly landscape, often covered in
grape vines, olive groves or sunflowers. It also produces Italy's most
famous wine, Chianti . The most popular destinations in this region are
lucca ,Pisa,Florence and Siena,and both brimful with art and culture.
Regional culinary specialities include bistecca alla fiorentina (thick
t-bone steak), minestrone alla fiorentina (vegetable soup) and Siena's
panforte (rich fruit bread). Arguably Italy's finest olive oil is produced
here and liberally used in food. A common starter is bruschetta , bread
rubbed in garlic and dipped in olive oil. The region's wines are amongst
Italy's most well-known. These include Chianti , Vernacchia , Brunello di
Montalcino , Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the dessert wine Vin Santo .
The regional capital, Florence (Firenze), boasts a wealth of Renaissance art
and architecture. Visitors flock from all over the world to see
Michelangelo's David and the city's magnificent Duomo, to name two of a
plethora of attractions. The city's allure does not, however, only lie in
its artistic achievements but also in the charm of its position: situated on
tAhe banks of the Arno River, at the foot of wooded hills. Florence is host
to many music festivals throughout the year and an international film
festival in December. The patron saint of the city, St John the Baptist, is
honoured on 24 June with a celebration of spectacular fireworks.
The beautiful city of Siena has a number of monuments and museums worth
visiting, noteworthy of which is its black and white marble cathedral built
in the Romanesque and Gothic styles. It is also famous for its annual
medieval Palios , bareback horse races, which take place on 2 July and 16
August. These are fiercely competitive contests between the different local
teams which are accompanied by large processions and all sorts of other
festivities.
Pisa was once a great maritime city and port, and its claim to fame is its
leaning tower. The tower, the Piazza del Duomo and the Camposanto cemetery
all survived intensive bombing during World War II. Other towns worth a
visit are Lucca , famous for its Renaissance city walls and its churches;
San Gimignano , whose towers dominate the Elsa valley in which it is located
and leading to its name: the 'city of fine towers'; and Cortona , a medieval
town providing excellent views of the Tuscan countryside.
Spas can be found at Montecatini Terme and Chianciano Terme (located in the
hills of the southern Valdichiana).
The Tuscan Archipelago is made up of a group of islands scattered between
Tuscany and Corsica. Elba is the main island in the group and was made
famous as Napoleon's place of exile before his final defeat at Waterloo. It
is a mountainous, volcanic island with popular beach resorts. Sailing and
diving are among the many outdoor activities offered on the island offers.
Florence - Tuscany
Florence is glorified for its ancient and noble past, full of
history, culture and monuments and an atmosphere that fascinate
all visitors. One of the most beautiful cities in Italy, preserves
so many monuments and wonderful works of architecture and art
to fill up pages just to mention a few. The most known and important
ones are the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizzi
Gallery, the Arno River banks. APT Florence Official web site
Comune di Firenze.
APT Florence
Municipality
of Firenze - Official WEB site
Pisa - Tuscany
Pisa preserves a considerable amount of cultural and artistic
heritage especially from Renaissance times when Pisa, one of the
most powerful Marine Republic, dominated the Tirrenian sea. Numerous
are the architectural sites. The Cathedral Square, better known
as Piazza dei Miracoli which includes the famous Leaning Tower,
the Cathedral, the Baptistry and the monumental Churchyard, The
River Banks and its charming church Santa Maria della Spina, Piazza
dei Cavalieri. Many are the folkloristic and religious events
taking place in Pisa, especially in June in honour of Saint Ranieri,
the town patron Saint. One example is the Gioco del Ponte (game
of the bridge) which consists of two teams, one from each side
of the river, pushing a trolley on rails towards the opposite
bank. The luminara, where hundreds of flickering lights slowly
float down the river towards the sea. The historical Regatta,
a competition in the river Arno performed in beautiful 16th century
costumes and decorated boats.
Official web
site Comune di Pisa
The leaning tower The leaning tower, thought
to have been planned by Bonanno Pisano, is the cathedral bell
tower. The building of the tower started in August 1173 but ceased
when the third storey was reached as it was sinking in the ground.
It was completed after an interruption of 90 years according to
the original plan. In the past it was thought that the lean of
the tower was part of the intentional plan. We now know that the
ground in the area is made of silt (once the site of the ancient
port of Pisa) and confirmed by the fact that other buildings and
monuments in the area sink slightly into the ground. Web site:
Opera Primaziale di Pisa
WEB site of tower of Pisa
Opera primarziale of Pisa
Lucca - Tuscany
Only a few miles from the ocean, by the Apuan Alps and the Monte
Pisano, Lucca is enclosed within Renaissance walls. The town,
one of the most charming in Tuscany, is cosy enough to be one
of the favourites to visitors as its centre is closed to traffic
and offers a great variety of traditional and modern shops. Best
time of the year to visit is late summer/early autumn when the
town offers some of its events, (including a magnificent procession)
its open market displays local produce, one of which is the world
known olive oil.
Monuments: The walls Lucca is the only town in
Europe still preserving its city walls intact. These, the third
set of walls (the first Romans, the second Middle Ages) were built
between 1504 and 1645. Roman Amphitheatre, now a picturesque oval
square, was built during the first and second century. The square
has, among other uses, been a site to a prison and later a market
square. Palazzo Mansi, the Palace of one of the ruling family
of Lucca, was built in the 17th century and interior design of
the 18th century. Porta S. Pietro, one of the entrance door to
town, rebuilt in 1556. Palazzo Pretorio built in 1492 was later
enlarged. It boasts a 17th century clock on its façade. Palazzo
Ducale, the residence of the Grand Duke of Lucca has a courtyard
planned by Ammannati. Museums: Capitolare Feliniana Library, Museum
Opera del DuomoA and Others.
Siena - Tuscany
Founded by the Etruscans, became a Roman colony under Emperor
Augusto’s reign. It became the sit of the Bishop after the invasion
of the Longobards but in the 11th century declared itself a laic
community. Florence and Siena fought against one another for centuries.
Florence was defeated in 1260 at Montasperti. After being ruled
by several noble families, the town fell under the imperial authority
.and became part of the Medici State., then under the Lorena Family
until 1859 when became part of the Reign of Italy.
Monuments:
Spedale di S. Maria della Scala, founded between the 10th and
11th century decorated by frescoes of different periods, the 16th
century Medici Fortress and several other palaces. Siena is mostly
known for the Palio, a horse race celebrated in costume twice
a year in the magnificent Piazza del Campo.
Info
www.siena.turismo.toscana.it
Montalcino - Tuscany
Montalcino The little town, like others in the Tuscany country
side, is at the top of a hill (about 661m over the sea level).
It can be reached by Poggio Civitella, an Etruscan archaeological
site. Montalcino is renowned for the Tordo festival, held the
last Sunday in October. The local people of the four districts
of town, Borghetto, Pianello, Ruga e Travaglio, parade along the
town streets in historical costumes, dancing the ” Trescone “
a folk Medieval dance and challenge one another in the bow and
harrow shooting competition to recall the bore hunting of the
late-gothic period.
Municipality
of Montalcino - Official WEB site
San Gimignano - Tuscany
San Gimignano San Gimignano is known for the silhouette of its
towers on the hill dominating Val d’Elsa. At first an Etruscan
settlement of the Hellenistic period (third and second century
b.C.) it later began its history in the tenth century acquiring
the name of the Bishop of Modena, San Gimignano, reputed to have
saved the village from the barbaric invasion. The town started
to prosper during the Middle Ages thanks to the Via Francigena,
for centuries the preferred transit route between Rome and the
lands beyond the Alps. The works of art adorning the churches,
monasteries and convents of San Gimignano, belong to this period.
In 1199 it was declared a free town after fighting against the
Bishop of Volterra and nearby towns, it then endured internal
conflict and was divided into: the guelfi (Ardinguelli) who supported
the Pope, and the ghibellini (Salvucci) supporting the emperor.
The 8th of May 1300, San Gimignano was visited by Dante Alighieri,
then the ambassador of the Guelfi League. The terrible pestilence
and therefore depopulation hit hard on San Gimignano. The town
had to submit to the domination of Florence. San Gimignano recovered
from the state of neglect the town suffered during the following
centuries, only when its beauty, its cultural importance, and
its original agricultural identity, were again appreciated.
Municipality
of San Gimignano - Official WEB site
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