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Things to do in Tuscany, Italy: The Best Observation Decks & Towers
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. Torre dei Cerchiai
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Rocca of Montestaffoli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Walk to the castle on this hilltop park to get a sweeping view of the town's many towers.
Reviewed By Mairwen1
Walking to the hilltop was the highlight of our visit to San Gimignano. However don’t expect a huge fortress as it is mostly a crumbling, but picturesque ruin. It's the absolutely stunning views that are worth going for. The path is easily accessible for most people. It is a gentle uphill walk - a steady incline and not too steep. Starting just past the Duomo, there is a clear path the whole way. Halfway up, there is a large viewing point on your left which is a great spot to stop and take photos. The fortress itself is just a shell really but you can walk up on the old tower that still remains and the views from here are a 360 degrees panorama – it’s an absolutely commanding view. There was a big storm brewing the day we were there. Watching the dark clouds rolling in across the distant mountain and over the beautiful green vineyards and lands below was dramatic and stunning. Afterwards we wandered through the small gardens. Meandering paths, olive trees, a musician playing, a central medieval well… it couldn't be prettier. It is also quite peaceful up here as most day-trippers seem to stay close to the main historic centre. Had it been a better day, I can’t think of anything much nicer that taking some food up and having a picnic under the olive trees. NOTE: Entrance through the park and fortress is free.
3. Torre Grossa (o Torre del palazzo del Podesta)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
Along with the Clock Tower, the Podesta's Palace Towers are the most impressive as they look out over the Piazza Duomo.
Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain
Torre Grossa is the highest tower in San Gimignano, a fantastic medieval town located in Tuscany Region, in the center of Italy. I am almost sure that it is a bell tower, where there is a very interesting museum of the history of San Gimignano, where you can see objects, paintings and explanations about the history of the town. Also, you can enter to the Pallazzo Comunale and see some official rooms. While you go up to the tower, you can see some very interesting videos about he history of the city and when you arrive at the top of the tower, you can see top views of this medieval town. Wonderful! Also, I came here with my 3 years old daughter (in August-2019) and she enjoyed a lot going up and down, seeing the videos and hearing the music, and seeing the charming views from the tower. A top for adults and children in Tuscany, in Italy, in Europe and probably on world.
4. Torre di Buranaccio
5. Torre del Mangia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,951 reviews
The tower, more than 290 feet high, was constructed in 1325 by Minuccio and Francesco di Rinaldo, and has the Chapel of the Piazza at its base..
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
Torre del Mangia can be seen from almost all parts of the city. The civic symbol of Siena, it stands out in the Piazza del Campo next to the Palazzo Pubblico. Arriving at the main square, Piazza del Campo, we can immediately admire the beautiful tower and the palace next to it. The atmosphere in this beautiful square is beautiful. The reason for this is all the beauty of Torre del Mangia with all its buildings, palaces, fountains, restaurants and bars. At one point, I feel like the time has stopped and I am back in the Middle Ages. The construction of the tower was begun by the brothers Francesco and Muccio di Rinaldo in 1325 and completed around 1348. The tower was built to be exactly the same height as the Siena Cathedral as a sign that the church and the state had equal amounts of power. The tower is in red brick until the crown, while the upper part in travertine is the work of the Sienese sculptor Agostino di Giovanni, following the design by Lippo Memmi. In 1666, after several attempts of fusion, a large bell was put in, and the Sienese called it the “Campanone”, also called “Sunto” because it was dedicated to the Madonna dell'Assunta. The bell plays a notable role in the celebrations of the Palio. It owes its curious name of Torre del Mangia to the fact that the Municipality entrusted, from 1347 to 1360, to bellringer to be Giovanni di Balduccio to ring from the tower, nicknamed “Mangiaguadagni” (eat-the-profits), for his spendthrift tendency, idleness or gluttony. It was later replaced by an automaton, which, in memory of his first bellringer, was called Mangia. The remains of this automaton are now kept inside the Cortile del Podestà. At the base of the tower is the Cappella di Piazza (Square Chapel), built in 1352 as a thanks for the end of the terrible plague of 1348.
6. Torre Guinigi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,864 reviews
This tower is easily recognizable: it has a leaning tree growing out of its top.
Reviewed By ArmyRangeratMIT - Wayne, United States
There are so many lovely things to do in Lucca, and climbing the Guinigi Tower to get a panoramic view of the lovely city you’re in is a great idea, especially early in the day when you are working up your appetite for a delicious Pranzo lunch! Don’t miss it!
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. 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.
9. Rocca di Vicopisano (del Brunelleschi)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By HenriL153 - Kirkkonummi, Finland
This is really a hidden jewel in Tuscany and Pisa region - still authentic, not too much made for the purpose of tourism - more for a "local pride" and for purpose of preserving history. Very professional 2-hour guided tour is included in the price, which was a nice surprise. Children from 8y to 18y enjoyed as well. Be there right on the opening time to join the tour.
10. Torre Salvucci Maggiore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Authentic redesigned XII Century Tower in San Gimignano, converted in a historic house spread across 11 floors and 143 steps, available for holiday rentals (exclusive use). The tower house can be visited also during the season April-October, only when free from rentals.
Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain
Torre Salvucci Maggiore is one of the some towers located in the old town of San Gimignano, a fantastic medieval town in Tuscany Region, in the center of Italy. It is a private building, but nowadays it is possible to enter and go up to see the wonderful views of the town. Also, from the top you can see the brother towers only few meters far. Great views! I think that it is possible to rent this tower to stay diring some days, so the inner part is decorated as a hotel and each little floor you can different decoration: very curious, very interesting. (See also Historic Centre of San Gimignano)
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