City: Tuscany
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Things to do in Tuscany, Italy: The Best Architectural Buildings
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. Villa Masini
2. 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
3. Basilica San Miniato al Monte
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,337 reviews
Situated on a hill (monte) outside Florence with unsurpassed views of the city, this structure is one of the finest examples of Tuscan Romanesque architecture, built between the 11th and 13th centuries.
Reviewed By DJ-TA-11 - Perth Hills, Australia
A beautiful quiet (off the beaten track) Basilica that is well worth a visit. We combined it with our sunset visit to Piazzale Michelangelo. Infact we had planned to stay at Michelangelo for the sunset however we decided to travel further to San Miniato after reading positive reviews on TA, we are so very glad we did. Before sunset we were able to visit the Basilica and spend a good amount of time listening to the monks chanting. At sunset we enjoyed some snacks from one of the park benches whilst watching the sun set on the Florence skyline. It was magical and one of our most memorable nights in Florence. As oppose to the hundreds of people at Piazzale Michelangelo, there was probably only about 40 people at San Miniato watching the sunset with us. It was so quiet and peaceful . Even a couple of the monks came out to sit near the stairs with the people.
4. Church of Santa Maria Novella
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,679 reviews
Dominican monastery that serves as a distinguished monument to the religious and artistic history of Florence, which features valuable examples of Florentine paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries..
Reviewed By athyoz - Liverpool, United Kingdom
Most people rush past on their way to and from the main Florence railway station which takes its name from this church. If you can, I would recommend that you try and find an hour or so to visit. As well as being a beautiful church with amazing cloisters, it also contains many art treasures: frescoes, statues, paintings and wooden crosses, some of the pieces are world famous, like my favourite, The Holy Trinity, a fresco by Masacchio which profoundly influenced Florentine painting and inspired future generations with its use of perspective. Back home now, I can still visualise it up on the wall of the church. Fantastic. Highly recommended.
5. Cappelle Medicee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,031 reviews
Opulently decorated in marble, gold and jewels, these chapels are a celebration of one of Italy's most famous and powerful families - the Medicis.
Reviewed By SoCalOregonian - Murrieta, United States
The Medici chapels are more than just religious places of prayer; they have been a state museum since 1869. The chapel consists of the Sacrestia Nuova (New Sacristy), Cappella dei Principi (Chapel of the Princes), La Cripta (The Crypt) and the Treasure of the Basilica of San Lorenzo. The main attraction is of course the New Sacristy, commissioned by Pope Leo X as the resting place for his brother Giuliano (Duke of Nemours) and his nephew Lorenzo (Duke of Urbino). Then in 1555 the remains of Lorenzo the Magnificent and his brother Giuliano were interned here. This sacristy has on the tomb of Lorenzo, Dusk and Dawn, on the tomb of Giuliano, Day and Night. The tomb of Lorenzo the Magnificent and his brother Giuliano has Madonna and Child. In the Chapel of the Princes, the grand sarcophagi are empty and serve as cenotaphs; the remains are interred in the crypt. In the niches are 2 statues, Cosimo II and Ferdinando I both created by Tacca.
6. Campanile di Giotto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,493 reviews
Reviewed By Travelmad237
As part of our Duomo climb ticket (Cupola) we also had access to the other sites on the complex. After scaling the hot & dizzy heights of the duomo in July standing at 92m high we noticed the campanile adjacent to the dome & couldn’t resist climbing there too to enjoy the magnificent views from there. The climb inside the campanile offers more respite moments to catch your breath on much more open staircases climbing to a similar height of 82m & equally magnificent views all around including the wonderful Duomo. So if you’re unsure of tackling the challenge of climbing in more confined & upright spaces in the duomo then consider the campanile climb instead. You will not miss out on the glory of the views over Florence in a slightly less intense environment.
7. Battistero di San Giovanni
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,639 reviews
The Baptistery of San Giovanni was founded on 15 August 1152. It is here that the Sacrament of Baptism is administered and the Christian embarks upon the path of Faith. The reason that such a fascinating and enigmatic building was constructed was certainly the wish to endow the cathedral with a worthy adjunct: a Baptistery that, in terms of position, size, materials and style, would be in harmony with the majestic building that already stood opposite.
Reviewed By albinaepaolo - Milan, Italy
It seems to be more attractive outside than inside, but it is enough just to go beyond the surface and you will notice some peculiarities that do not appear: the echo produced by a simple monotonous sound in the center; the contrast between the large baptismal font and the small statue of San Giovanni; the pulpit which although is massive, appears small to those who enter.
8. Duomo di Pisa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,355 reviews
Founded in 1064 and consecrated with great pomp on September 26th 1118, the Cathedral was built in two stages, one by architect Buscheto, who created the original layout with the basilican body with four aisles and one nave, a transept with one nave and two aisles, and the dome on the cross vault, and one by Rainaldo, who extended the building and the façade. The building was not finally completed until the last quarter of the XII century, when Bonannoís bronze leaves were placed on the central door, which were later destroyed by the devastating fire of 1595, after which many of the destroyed works were replaced and a vast decorative plan was started.
Reviewed By Ulysses336 - Brasov, Romania
the complete name of the Duomo di Pisa is Primatial Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumtion of Mary ; construction began in 1063 and ended in 1092 and this monumental cathedral is built in Pisan Romanesque style rivaling with Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Venice ; the cathedral lies right across the leaning tower of Pisa and is the siege of the Archbishop of Pisa ; it is monumental,impressive ,a feat for the eye ;
9. Ospedale del Ceppo
10. Lucca's Duomo (Cattedrale di San Martino)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,516 reviews
Reviewed By LePatioDordogne - France, null
We paid €9 each for the ticket which allowed you to climb to the top of the bell tower (you need a good head for heights), into the spectacular cathedral and into the museum. We thought it was great value for money, the views were amazing, the stained glass windows and paintings were beautiful and the museum was great. We highly recommend this.
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