Tuscany - Culture

Tuscany is a memorable place. It is where the Renaissance first began. Tuscany is surely a region of ancient splendour and modern day charm. For those who appreciate fine art and all that humanity can offer, a trip to Italy isn't quite complete without a few days in Tuscany. It is here that visitors from all over the world have come since the golden age of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and th' Medicis. Tuscany also is a well preserved medieval city. It is home to the Civic Museum where the Histories of Alexander III are kept, the Museum of the Opera Metropolitana and the Pinacoteca Nazionale.

Perhaps Tuscany is best known as home to Pisa, the ancient Roman naval base where the famed leaning tower and the Museum of the Sinopie reside. Pisa is synonymous with its grand Torre Pendente (which means Leaning Tower). The Leaning Tower actually is a bell tower. Construction began in 1173 and took almost 200 years to build!  Other sights of interest include Campo dei Miracoli, or Field of Miracles. Also visit the magnificent Duomo, the Battistero, and the amazing Galleria that encloses the Camposanto (meaning monumental graveyard). These all belong to Pisa's 'Golden Age', from the 11th to the 13th centuries. At that time the city was one of the maritime powers of the Mediterranean.  Pisa also is known for its excellent university established in 1343. Even today, it is one of Italy's top schools and home to many of the countries greatest poets and authors.

The city of Florence|| is another of Tuscany's greatest assets. Florence was the hub of the Renaissance. Even today it is one of the world's most architecturally beautiful cities. It is home to countless museums and art galleries filled with centuries old and well preserved masterpieces. The Galleria degli Uffizi, for example, holds the most important collection of paintings in the world. The Opera del Duomo features Michelangelo's famous “Pietà”.  Also in Florence, the Museum of the Bargello, St. Mark's Museum, the Academy, the Gallery and the Ethnologic Museum Stibbert are other sights to see in this amazing city. The Giardino di Boboli is a must see show stopping home to the most splendid Italian gardens.

Visit nearby Arezzo for jewellery and antiques. In this town you can also experience the excitement of the annual medieval Palios Festival featuring bareback horse races. The fiercely competitive races are between local teams. The races are accompanied by large processions and other amusing festivities. 

The quaint town of San Gimignano, is known as the 'town of fine towers' for the 700 year old structures that still stand! There are 13 of them in all. Montalcino in the southern part of Tuscany is famous for its 'brunello' wine. This wine is one of the best and most sought after wines in all of Italy.

If Tuscany is your destination, we can help you find the perfect place to spend your vacation. We offer a great selection of luxury rental accommodation including houses, villas, cabins and apartments. Our rentals feature saunas, hot tubs, swimming pools and a top quality maid service for an additional fee.