The Towns to Visit in Tuscany
Tuscany is filled with towns, which is why it can be difficult to figure out which one to visit. In all reality, you can visit them all if you’re staying in Tuscany long enough. All you have to do is find yourself a great farmhouse or villa in the Tuscan hills and take it from there.
Here are some of the greatest cities that you can visit in Tuscany:
• The first town to visit is Florence because of the incredible history that comes along with it and the fact that you can see some of the most famous paintings by Renaissance artists. Even if you are not into art, you will be fascinated by genuine works by Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Galileo.
• Your next town needs to be Pisa. You have heard of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, so it is time that you actually see it. But you don’t have to see just the tower. It sits in the Piazza del Miracoli, which is one of the main centers of medieval art in the world. It is here that you’ll also find the Baptistry, the Duomo, and the Campsanto.
• You will then have to go to Arezzo, which is in the Chianti region. This is where you are going to find the finest wines in the world. You’ll have to see the Piazza Grande, and check out the Saracen Joust festival that happens twice per year.
• Next is the medieval city of Siena. This is a city that dates back to the founding of Rome. You have to check out the Siena Duomo because of the Romesque architecture that it possesses. You’ll also have to check out the twice per year Palio horse race.
• About 45 kms west of Siena is San Gimignano, which is a small medieval town and is considered Tuscany’s “hidden gem.” The town is well-known for the towers that made it a rather fashionable city in the 13th century. At one time there were 60 of these towers, but now only 14 remain.
When you visit these cities in this order, you basically travel in a circle that enables you to head back to Florence or Pisa when you’re done. That way you get a great taste of the variations of Tuscany.