7 of the best towns and villages in Tuscany to visit in 2024

Though Italy has no scarcity of enchanting vacation locations – the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Puglia and Sicily, to call just some – there’s one thing notably magical about Tuscany.

This can be a area that always appears to be bathed in a tender golden mild, with gently sloping hills and exquisite Italian villas nestled amongst olive groves, cypress bushes and vineyards.

Though you might simply fill your days within the cities of Florence and Pisa, or exploring the slim streets and central piazza of Siena, maybe one of many biggest experiences in Tuscany is exploring the various medieval hilltop cities and villages which are scattered by means of the countryside.

From well-known towers of San Gimignano and charming Pienza to Greve within the wine-making area of Chianti, there are many cities and villages to find, all with their very own distinctive charms and inside straightforward driving distance of each other. Listed here are seven of our favourites.

San Gimignano

San Gimignano is likely one of the greatest recognized small cities in Tuscany – and for good cause. With its hilltop location, charmimg native eating places and picture-perfect setting, it’s a favorite amongst vacationers. Guests can stroll by means of the medieval streets, cease in at one of many many small retailers, gaze on the city’s spectacular Duomo cathedral and go to the civic museum on the Palazzo del Popolo.

There’s a enjoyable story behind San Gimignano’s well-known towers. Between the eleventh and the thirteenth centuries, the noble households who managed the city believed their towers had been an indication of wealth and energy to their political and financial rivals, and so saved constructing an increasing number of – it’s believed {that a} whole of 72 could possibly be present in San Gimignano at its peak. Solely 14 have survived, however they’re nonetheless slightly spectacular and provides the city a palpable sense of historical past.

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Montalcino

Montalcino is a wonderful selection for wine lovers – it’s well-known for its Brunello di Montalcino and Rosso di Montalcino wines. The situation within the hills of the Val d’Orcia provides it an much more rustic setting than different cities on this record. Vistors will discover themselves surrounded by countryside dotted with cypress bushes and flowers, in addition to rolling olive groves and vineyards. Vacationers can climb the fortress partitions, amble by means of the winding streets and spend a while in town’s Piazza del Popolo – however no customer ought to miss the wine tastings which will be loved in and across the city.

Pienza

Pienza additionally lies within the Val d’Orcia, the place gently rolling hills are populated by Renaissance cities, vineyards and medieval castles. The city itself is surrounded by medieval partitions, inside which is a maze of fairly cobbled streets lined with typical Tuscan homes. From the city you may take pleasure in superb views over the hills and olive groves, and within the distance sits Mount Amiata.

All roads on this city result in the Pio II plaza, with notably picturesque streets together with the Through dell’Amore and Through del Bacio. The city’s cathedral sits on this sq., as does the Palazzo Piccolomini and Palazzo Borgia, which homes the city’s museum.

Greve in Chianti and Montefioralle

A go to to Tuscany is arguably not full with no go to to Chianti, the area’s well-known wine-producing space. Greve in Chianti is likely one of the extra scenic cities on this a part of Tuscany – it’s centred across the triangular Piazza Matteotti, the porticos of which cover distributors of assorted recent produce.

Within the foothills slightly below Greve in Chianti lies Montefioralle, one of many oldest villages in Tuscany. It’s nonetheless enclosed by its unique defensive partitions, and its (practically) car-free centre is a superb place for a relaxed stroll. The encircling vineyards will possible be the main target of your go to, however make sure you climb up the hills to the very best level within the village the place you may see the Santa Stefano church and soak up a sweeping view of the vineyards, olive groves and cypress bushes.

Volterra

Volterra was as soon as a mighty Etruscan metropolis, however these days it’s best recognized for Italian handicrafts and remnants of its medieval previous. It’s dominated by its Duomo together with the Palazzo dei Priori and thirteenth century palazzo, although the two,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre is one other spotlight. Remnants of its Etruscan previous stay within the fifth century Porto all’Arco partitions and the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum, whereas the smaller Pinacoteca museum focuses on artwork from between the 14th and seventeenth century.

Pitigliano

Pitigliano is positioned within the Maremma area close to the Tuscan coast. It’s one other hilltop city, and options rows of sandstone buildings constructed on prime of volcanic crimson ‘tufa’ stone. In addition to having fun with wine tastings, vacationers can amble by means of the mazy streets, cease for a drink or chunk to eat across the pretty Piazza del Popolo, discover the palace-fortress of Palazzo Orsini (and its museum) and go to the Sette Cannelle fountain.

This city is also called ‘Little Jerusalem’ as a big Jewish inhabitants resided there till across the time of the Second World Battle, and there are a number of remnants of its spiritual historical past nonetheless current, from an previous Jewish Quarter – now with a Jewish Museum – to a gilded synagogue.

Pietrasanta

Pietrasanta nonetheless retains among the inventive creativity that was related to it in bygone instances when artisits similar to Michelangelo frequented the city. At present it has one of many highest concentrations of artwork galleries in any Italian city, from the Favret Mosaici Artitici to the Flora Bigae Gallery of Up to date Artwork.

Pietrasanta is positioned very near the coast, close to upmarket resorts like Forte dei Marmi, and so is a city influenced by each native historical past and trendy tourism. Away from the seashores, the highlights embrace the Duomo and the Rocca di Sala fortress, whereas an archaeological museum, marble quarry and yearly performing arts competition (named La Versiliana) are just a little extra off the overwhelmed observe.

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