Tuscany is a beautiful region in western Italy, and its capital is Florence. Read on for our pick of the top 5 things to do in Tuscany to make your stay here an unforgettable experience.
The tower of Pisa
The leaning tower of Pisa one of the most iconic monuments in the world, and also one of the most intriguing. No surprise then that this is where our list of the top 5 things to do in Tuscany kicks off. The tower is actually the belfry of the Our Lady of the Assumption of Pisa cathedral. This marble masterpiece of Romanesque art is 58.36 m high, and was closed from 1990 to 2001 while works were carried out to stabilise it. As for the burning question – why does the leaning tower of Pisa lean? – there are two schools of thought; for some, it is down to its fragile foundations, for others, it is caused by subsidence as the tower is built on marshy ground.
The Ponte Vecchio in Florence
Head to Florence, capital of Tuscany, to visit the Ponte Vecchio bridge over the river Arno. The bridge is supported by 3 arches, two are 27 m long and the other is 30 m long. However, it is not a classic bridge used to cross the river. The Ponte Vecchio is actually a pedestrian street and a shopping arcade. Enjoy perusing the boutiques and admiring – or treating yourself to – beautiful jewellery and luxury wares.
The historical centre of Siena
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, the old town of Siena is well worth a visit. Piazza del Campo is the town’s main square, where the annual Palio di Siena bareback horse race is held. But that’s not the only reason we’ve included Siena in the top 5 things to do in Tuscany; the town’s historical centre also boasts beautiful churches like San Domenico or Santa Maria dei Servi, and picturesque little streets lined with small shops where you can discover the local crafts and products, such as the Tuscan dessert wine Vin Santo.
The historical centre of San Gimignano
Moving on to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Gimignano is a mediaeval town famous for its square towers and the Duomo, housing artistic masterpieces. Sit and relax in one of the many squares to soak up the atmosphere and admire the beautiful architecture of the old town.
The Chianti hills
Away from the bustle of the town, Tuscany’s inland landscape is a simply beautiful. Chianti is a rural area, whose name is synonymous with the wine produced there, and the pride of Italy. With its hills, castles and vineyards, the Chianti countryside is perfect for long walks amid breathtaking scenery. You can also meet the local winemakers who will be more than happy to let you taste their wine.
Best place to stay to enjoy the top 5 things to do in Tuscany
Renting a luxury villa in Tuscany with Chic Villas is the perfect way to ensure your stay is easy and enjoyable. We recommend Villa Reve de Toscane, offering large open spaces and incredible landscapes. This 700 m² villa has plenty of room to ensure that all guests enjoy their own space.
Comments are closed.