City: Tuscany
Top Things to do in Tuscany
Top Hotels in Tuscany
Countries
10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Tuscany That You Shouldn't Miss
Tuscany (/ˈtʌskəni/ TUSK-ə-nee; Italian: Toscana, pronounced [toˈskaːna]) is a region in central Italy with an area of about 23,000 square kilometres (8,900 square miles) and a population of about 3.8 million inhabitants (2013). The regional capital is Florence (Firenze).
Restaurants in Tuscany
1. Piazza del Campo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14,045 reviews
Siena's main square is the site of the famous Palio horse races that take place in July and August.
Reviewed By Y7972VAmichaelh
The vast bustling Piazza del Campo in Siena is famous for the Palio horse races which attract thousands of visitors each year and must be a truly awesome spectacle. This is a most interesting city to explore for the spiders-web of streets that circumnavigate the Piazza lead to quite unexpected places, shops, churches and beautiful vistas. A photographers dream where sunlight and shadow enhances the beauty of the architecture at all times throughout the day. Siena is a must, and don’t cut your visit short for there’s much to see and do.
2. Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
3. Eremo Le Celle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,203 reviews
Reviewed By Borzov - Rijeka, Croatia
Hermitage of Le Celle, founded in the 13th century by Saint Francis and extended by his successor, Brother Elias, is a humble and simple monastery, built in a true spirit of the Franciscan order. The name “Celle” came from the small hermit houses built in the wholes of the mountain. It is a beautiful, calm and peaceful place, historical monument and a pleasant sight.
4. Hermann Geiger Cultural Foundation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 88 reviews
Non-profit association concerned with culture and social commitment. Geiger Foundation organizes periodic exhibitions with free entry.
5. Palazzo Vecchio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,946 reviews
Florence's principal palace was begun in 1299 and built as the seat of the Signoria, the fathers of the city's republican government.
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
The beautiful Palazzo Vecchio offers us mysteries, riddles, secret passages and a trip back into history to three eras. Palazzo Vecchio offers to us Roman ruins, a Medieval fortress and amazing Renaissance chambers and paintings. A microcosm where art and history have been indissolubly bound for centuries. Its significance and beauty is immeasurable. And its history is extremely interesting. Palazzo Vecchio is the main symbol of civil power for the city of Florence, whose original project is attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio. Construction on the solid fortress began in 1299 above the ruins of the destroyed Uberti Ghibelline towers, testimony of the final victory of the Guelph faction. From the very beginning, the main section of Palazzo Vecchio was destined to host the city council which was composed of chief members the Guilds of Florence (the Priori) who governed the Republic of Florence. In 1342, the Duke of Athens, Walter VI of Brienne, enlarged Palazzo della Signoria towards Via della Ninna, giving it the appearance of a fortress and even adding a secret staircase for nightly exits. The Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred) was built from 1494 during the Republic of Fra’ (friar) by Girolamo Savonarola. The Hall is the largest and most important room in terms of artistic and historical value inside the palace. Paneled ceilings and large wall frescoes, golden decorations and imposing sculptures leave us breathless. When the court of Medici was transferred to Palazzo Vecchio (from Palazzo Medici-Riccardi), it was transformed into a fascinating labyrinth of institutional chambers, apartments, terraces and courtyards. All of the rooms (the so-called Quartieri Monumentali) are magnificently decorated by artists such as Michelangelo, Giorgio Vasari and Donatello. It is fascinating that Pier Soderini, who was named gonfaloniere for life, selected the two greatest Florentine artists of the time, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti, for the construction of two large murals to decorate the walls of the room, with battle scenes depicting victories of the Republic. Leonardo began to paint the Battle of Anghiari, while Michelangelo used another part of the wall for the Battle of Cascina. The two geniuses of the Renaissance would have had the opportunity to work for a certain period of time face to face, but none of their work had ever been completed.
6. Marble Caves of Carrara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 523 reviews
Famous for their white marble, these caves in the Apua Mountains serve as studios of stone sculpting and bronze art, where famous artists and sculptors from all over the world come to work.
Reviewed By abs1950
On the flight to Italy we watch a move about Michelangelo and got inspired to visit a marble quarry. I was surprised to find a Viatour outing that fit our plan perfectly. This seems to be very popular with European tourist and there were several jeeps on the tour with us. No one we had spoken to that had been to Tuscany had ever mentioned seeing this sight- well worth it- First it's in the north of Tuscan and a different terrain and landscape, and seeing how marble is quarried now and in the time of Michelangelo was really a unique opportunity. On the way, stop in the town of Pietrasanta which is an artist workshop area and a lovely town.
7. Leaning Tower of Pisa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23,329 reviews
It is called the Leaning Tower or the Tower of Pisa but actually it was never used for defending the city; it is part of the religious complex in the Duomo Square and acts as its bell tower. It played an active role in both human and divine timekeeping with its seven bells – one for each musical note – the largest of which, cast in 1655, weighs a full three and a half tonnes! It is known throughout the world for the beauty of its architecture, for its extraordinary tilt, which makes it an authentic miracle of statics, and for the fact that it stands in the universally renowned Piazza dei Miracoli, of which it is certainly the prize jewel. And this is why it is one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
Reviewed By NickWood - Epsom, United Kingdom
We got a early train from Rome 6.25 up to Pisa. Train was pre-booked and a short walk from where we staying. Train station was easy to navigate and get on right train. We got there around 9ish and then walked 15mins to the Tower. We were lucky with good weather and the sun was out. It was not too busy at this time so you get a better chance to get a clear view to take you mandatory "holding/pushing" the tower. We went up the tower for a good view. Stairs are a little tight but fine for the average person. Good view out across Pisa at the top. We didn't book any of the other buildings so not sure if we missed out there or not but the Leaning Tower was the highlight. Got a 2pm'ish train back to Rome. Helped break up our trip and really glad we planned this in and feel like we ticked it off the bucket list in an efficient way by grouping with Rome visit
8. Piazzale Michelangelo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33,242 reviews
This 19th century piazza has undoubtedly the best panoramic view of Florence. The square is decorated with copies of Michelangelo's sculptures, but it's the view people come here to see.
Reviewed By 224lorie - Bonita Springs, United States
Many friends recommended that we get some food, a bottle of wine and go to the top of the Piazzale Michelangelo to watch the sunset and see the fantastic views of Florence as the sun sets and the lights of Florence go on. It did not disappoint. We walked there and found it to be a good walk but don't recommend walking it if you're not a walker. While it was very crowded, that did not take away from the experience. We are very happy we had this experience!
9. Duomo di Prato
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 644 reviews
DAL Lunedì al Sabato dalle 10.00 alle 17.00 Domenica e festivi dalle 13.00 alle 17.00 CHIUSO 25 DICEMBRE, 26 DICEMBRE, PASQUA, 8 SETTEMBRE Gli orari potranno essere modificati per esigenze liturgiche
10. Piazza Pio II
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 888 reviews
Reviewed By jaybeeFL - Palm Harbor, United States
If you walk down the main artery in Pienza, the Corso Rosselino, you will run into the Piazza Pio II. Named after Pope Pius II, this piazza contains most of the main structures in Pienza--- the Duomo, city hall (Palazzo Communale), Palazzo Piccolomini and the Palazzo Borgio now the Diocesan museum. Most of these structures were the product of Rosselino who was the principal architect, engineer and builder of them at direction of Pius II.
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