Arts in Tuscany: the most important towns

S.Gimignano  10 km

The ancient medieval village characterized by the magic of its stately towers was crossed by the via Francigena where there were churches and convents of a remarkable beauty adorned with flourishing works of art. Here we find the thirteenth century “ Piazza della Cisterna” with its old well.

Certaldo ~  18 km circa

Giovanni Boccaccio’s Etruscan- Roman home town. You can visit the home of the famous poet in the ancient part of the village which is situated on a higher level than the modern part. Its library specializes in all editions and translations of the Decameron. Also in "Certaldo Alto" you can visit the Praetorian Palace with its frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli.

Volterra 28  km circa

It is a jewel of  Etruscan, roman, medieval   art and it dominates at  550 metres  above sea level  the whole valley and on towards  the sea. It is famous for its imposing fortress and for its alabaster craftsmanship  made with love and passion  in the old shops of the historic centre.    Visit the  Etruscan  Archaeology “ Guarnacci”   museum.

Vinci ~ 40 km

The town of Leonardo. Here you can visit "the Leonardo museum " in the beautiful castle of Conti Guidi (XI-XII), which represents one of the largest and most original collections of Leonardo ‘s machines and models an inventor, technologist and engineer. Of great interest is the "Birthplace of Leonardo, and the Library Anchiano Leonardiana

Siena ~ 53  km

The city of the Palio well known for its streets, alleys, squares, churches and palaces. The square Piazza del Campo is of a unique beauty and here each year on 2nd of July and the 16th of August the famous horse race is run. Also it is fascinating to discover the charm of its interlacing alleys that hide less famous but no less interesting beauties rich of history.

Pisa ~ 64 km

Prestigious university city characterized by the famous Leaning Tower in the "Square of Miracles" as well as its very romantic riverside. Of great importance is also Piazza dei Cavalieri, designed by Giorgio Vasari, the unique building that houses the Scuola Normale "and the National Museum of S. Matthew.

Firenze ~  65 km

Renaissance city of art of extraordinary beauty, rich in monuments such as Michelangelo's David and museums, the most important of which is the Uffizi Gallery, a real gem . Unforgettable is the walk from Ponte Vecchio to Palazzo Pitti.

Lucca ~  65  Km

It 'a city of art with ancient origins and has a particular urban structure characterized by walls that protect it. The variety of scenery have made it a popular destination for tourists who love the mountains, with the Garfagnana e l'Abetone, and for tourists who love the sea and the fashion district of Viareggio and Versilia.

From the borgo on foot or by bicycle you may follow various paths which will enableyou to discover unforgettable walks and routes throughout the hills, across the vineyards, the olive groves, and the woodland, to breathe the atmosphere of this natural paradise. The region offers many attractions for those who want to enjoy the spectacular Tuscan landscape: the region of Chianti Classico with its ancient hill top towns of Castellina in Chianti, Radda in Chianti and Greve in Chianti is about 30 km away; the region of Crete Senesi is about 40 km away with its wonderful abbeys, such as Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore.

With half-day excursions you are able to visit: San Gimignano, Castelfalfi, Volterra, Certaldo, and Montespertoli. We advise you to do full day excursions to visit: Siena, Monteriggioni, Montalcino, Firenze, Lucca, Pisa.

This area is also well known for the olive production, excellent wines and vineyards and the typical Tuscany cuisine.

If you would like to enjoy a real relaxing holiday, this is the right place for you.

Photo courtesy of ETAOIN