Major and most popular Tuscan Towns to Visit
Tuscany is one of the major Italian regions for size and population and includes vast scenic plains, major mountain ranges, and an enchanting coastline facing a pristine archipelago. Both north and east Tuscany are surrounded by the Apennine Mountains, but what really distinguishes the territory is its hilly landscape.
Spectacular waving green hills and forests where your attention is continually captured by charming medieval villages, fairytale castles, ancient churches, and of course major Tuscan Towns, that rise here and there up in the hills. Chianti and Val d’Orcia are among the most impressive and suggestive areas of Tuscany.
Here follows a general introduction to help you get more familiar with the main Tuscan Towns and the best destinations to visit. Tuscany has plenty of spectacular ancient towns, from the most popular art cities to the smaller and most beautiful medieval hamlets, not to mention the countless off the beaten path villages and corners spread all across its territory.
Tuscany is indeed a great holiday destination!
Discovering Tuscan Towns: Best Towns in Tuscany
The region is well known throughout the world thanks to the many extraordinary works of art preserved in its cities and for its long and prestigious history. Tourism, as a result, is focused mainly on great Tuscan art towns, like Florence, Siena, Pisa, Arezzo and Lucca.
In perfect harmony with the sensational surrounding countryside, the major cities of Tuscany boast an exceptional historical and artistic heritage, reminiscent of a glorious past.
Florence, universally recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the whole world, enchants its visitors with the wonders of the Renaissance.
Siena, the city of the Palio, is a splendid example of medieval architecture, offering a lot to its visitor. Florence is literally full of interesting things to see, so follow our guide to Florence Top Attractions to not get lost amid all its artistic treasures. The same is for Siena where you find masterpieces of art everywhere, also just walking along its alleys. Follow our comprehensive guide to Siena Top Sights.
Pisa, with its unique and incredible white Leaning Tower and the marvelous Piazza dei Miracoli complex, is a real miracle of art and architecture!
Not far from Pisa, is Lucca, lovely town with impressive sixteenth-century walls and beautiful churches.
Another wonderful art town, though less visited, is Arezzo, with its enchanting square and its goldsmith tradition, now more popular for being the setting of La Vita è Bella by Roberto Benigni.
And then, here and there, high up on the hills, some of the most beautiful and spectacular medieval villages will await you: ancient fortified towns that have come to us perfectly preserved: the towers of San Gimignano, the town wall of Monteriggioni, Volterra and its alabaster quarries, Cortona and its endless panorama, Pienza, the beautiful hill town famed for its cheese, Montalcino, lovely hamlet home to the Brunello wine, Montepulciano, the real pearl of the 16th century, and Pitigliano, impressive Etruscan town born from the rocks!
And also Certaldo, picturesque village and the town of Boccaccio, Massa Marittima, the gem of Maremma with a stunning Duomo, San Galgano and the sword in the stone, Sovana, the timeless village with a hidden gold treasure…
A plenty of places where every corner hides fascinating curiosities, breathtaking landscapes and innumerable treasures of art. Discover Tuscany!
