dream landscapes
Tuscany, a spellbinding region in Central Italy is undoubtedly every traveler’s dream. Covering an area of 22,990 square kilometers, Tuscany is visited by millions of vacationers every year. People visit Tuscany for different reasons- some are enchanted by its mesmeric artworks and striking history, some intend to experience its serene countryside, while others wish to enjoy its delectable wines and cuisine.
Known for its compelling landscapes, rich historical and cultural heritage and world famous wines, Tuscany is regarded as the origin of Italian Renaissance. Equally blessed with nature’s exquisiteness and excellence of many renowned artists, Tuscany is an architectural marvel that boasts of World Heritage Sites like the square of the Cathedral of Pisa, the historic centre of Florence, the historical centre of Pienza, the historical centre of Siena, the historical centre of San Gimignano and the Val d'Orcia. Different churches and cathedrals like the Florence Cathedral, Siena Cathedral, Pisa Cathedral and the Collegiata di San Gimignano are accented with remarkable frescos, sculptures and paintings by some of the World’s greatest artists.
Tuscany is the native soil of some of the most distinguished personalities in the field of arts and science, including Petrarch, Dante, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, Amerigo Vespucci and Puccini. An internationally recognized center of art, literature, music and history, Tuscany has preserved its varied artistic legacy in its magnificent museums. Named among the top art museums of the world, the Uffizi Gallery houses exemplary works by Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto, Botticelli and Michelangelo that date back to the renaissance era. Moreover, The Pitti Palace known for a riveting collection of sculptures, paintings, artworks in porcelain and silver and period costumes, The Accademia that features some of the widely known sculptures including Michelangelo's David, The Bargello Museum- an important sculpture museum and Volterra’s Alabaster Museum are other must visit museums to experience Tuscany’s beguiling bequest.
Tuscany hosts several events and celebrations that have long been an indispensable part of its tradition. The summers sizzle with the Luminara in the of honor the patron saint of Pisa, Saint Ranieri followed by the Battle of the Bridge, Calcio Storico, the Giostra del Saracino, the Palio horse race, the Pistoia Blues Festival, a jousting tournament called the Giostra dell'Orsoand Bravio delle Botti –a barrel rolling race. Besides the medieval crossbow contest also known as the Palio della Balestra, Autumn is the time when thousand of devotees turn to Prato to attend the display of the Virgin Mary's girdle which is kept under stringent security throughout the year. After the countrywide Roman Catholic Epiphany celebrations, the vibrant and flamboyant carnival celebrations during the winter is one of the most attended extravaganzas in the Tuscan Riviera. Ultimately, the spring blooms with the 300 year old Easter event called the Scoppio del Carro and the Maggio Musicale that includes a series of concerts, ballet and opera across different venues.
Tuscany is undeniably a shopping heaven that prides itself in its exquisite craftsmanship and highly skilled artisans; Tuscany is the home to an enticing array of local products including opulent gold jewelry, wrought-iron furniture, leather goods, painted ceramic plates, cutting tools like knives, extra-virgin olive oil and superb red wines among others. The culinary tradition of Tuscany is emphasized with pecorino cheeses, cured meats like the Cinta Senese, salame toscano and cinghiale. Tuscany is a prominent producer of globally admired wine labels like Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano and Brunello di Montalcino.
An idyllic holiday destination for cycling enthusiasts, Tuscany caters to cyclists of all levels. Tuscany has unstinted routes that lead through remarkable places exuding unrivaled panoramas. Many cycling legends like Bartali, Cipollini and Bettini have trained on these trails and slopes that adorn the hilly terrain of Tuscany. In addition to cycling, one can also indulge in hiking in the Monte Forato- the most popular hiking destination in the Apuan Alps. The Monte Forato, also referred to as the Holed Mountain, is in fact one among the few natural stone arches found in Italy.
