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What to do and see in Tuscany, Italy: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites
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. 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.
2. Church of San Francesco Arezzo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,339 reviews
Reviewed By Marco_Polo499 - Milan, Italy
St. Francis is an unassuming Franciscan church which contains a real trove of frescoes of the Renaissance period, many of which were painted by the most famous artists of that time. Among these, the frescoes painted by Piero della Francesca in the years 1452-1464 stand out: they narrate the "History of the true cross" and are one of the greatest masterpieces of painting of all time. In fact, they marked a turning point in the history of painting, to the point that the aesthetic ideas expressed in those frescoes are still a source of inspiration for today's painters: celebrated artists such as Botero, Balthus and Diego Rivera carefully studied them, and this is clearly perceived in their works. Piero painted all the walls of the Great Chapel (also called the Bacci chapel), located behind the high altar; in various squares he narrated both historical events and hagiographic legends concerning the Holy Cross: among the most famous scenes of the cycle are the veneration of the Queen of Sheba of the tree from which the wood of the Holy Cross will be taken (a legend) and the dream of the Holy Cross made by Emperor Constantine the night before his battle with Maxentius (a historical fact). Detailed information concerning these frescoes is posted at the entrance of the church (in Italian, English, French and German). In the past the colours of the fresco had dramatically paled because of the intense daylight coming through the windows, but about 30 years ago they were perfectly restored thanks to the generous sponsorship of a local bank (Banco dell'Etruria, a bank which was recently dismembered and partly dissolved due to a sad story now under scrutiny by the courts). Two other cycles of very remarkable frescoes were painted by Parri di Spinello Aretino (Parri, son of Spinello the Arezzian) who is sometimes referrred to as Parri Spinelli: he was born in Arezzo in 1387. The first cycle is in the Guasconi's chapel (also behind the high altar); the second one is located in the upper part of the left wall of the church; the latter cycle had originally been painted on the façade of the medieval Hospital Santo Spirito (Holy Spirit), a hospital also known by the name Santa Maria del Ponte (St. Mary of the Bridge); this hospital was located in the centre of Arezzo and operated continuously from 1216 until 1924; in the year 1880 the frescoes by Spinello were detached and transferred to their present position. The church hosts innumerable other frescoes by less important artists. Many of them have suffered the ravages of time and man and, for some, only fragments remain. My family is from Arezzo and my elders told me that, during the Napoleonic campaign of Italy, the French army used the church as a stable for their horses; it is also known that in the 19th century plans were made for transforming the church into a theatre ! From the architectural point of view the church is absolutely disappointing: it looks like a shed, since the interior is just an immense empty room; no decoration was ever applied to the façade, which has the masonry visible. The church is a National Monument. Access is 8 €, and reservations are required. Access to the church is free when the religious functions are in progress, but access to the chapels is not allowed at that time. The ticket office is in the basement of the church. Opening hours are: Monday to Friday 9:00 to 18:30; Saturday 9:00 to 13:30; Sunday from 13:00 to 17:30. Access is free on the first Sunday of each month. The best hours to visit are in the afternoon, when Piero's frescoes are strongly illuminated by daylight; in the rest of the church the lighting is dim and artificial.
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. 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.
5. Duomo - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28,537 reviews
Designed by Arnolfo di Cambio at the end of the 13th century, the Cathedral's trademark dome is now the symbol of Florence.
Reviewed By sanju_222323 - New Jersey, United States
This dome is not only Florence's identity, but it also represents Italy along with other monuments. The list of Florence’s tourist attractions can never be complete without a mention of this great artistic treasure that Italy proudly boasts of. This is one of the most famous cathedrals in Italy due in large part to its dome – the largest in the world from when it was built in 1431 until 1888. It’s still the largest brick and mortar dome in the world and architects are still trying to figure out how the architect, Filippo Brunelleschi, pulled it off. You will have to strain your neck to see the church's massive, iconic dome. The red-tiled cupola was designed by Brunelleschi and is described as a must-see by experts and travelers alike. Though in the photo, it does not look big, but in reality, it’s very huge and do I need to mention how beautiful it is. Outer walls art, it’s so brilliant. This majestic cathedral features 600 years’ worth of stunning architecture and artworks. From its beautiful Gothic facade of red, green and white marble to its elaborate interior of stained-glass windows, mosaics, frescoes and bronze statues. As you take a tour of the baptistery, its museum, the cathedral, and the bell tower, you will come across some of the best-known masterpieces of architecture and art by the greatest artists – Michelangelo, Giotto, Donatello, Brunelleschi, and Ghiberti. There is one ticket for all (Crypt, Museum, Belltower, Dome & Belltower) and that too is only 18 euros, so it’s totally worth it if you are thinking about it. I also felt like the cathedral was designed inside-out: its exterior boasts intricate designs and breathtaking features while the interior is surprisingly plain. Yes when you get in, it feels like where am I? it was so extravagant from outside but inside it’s like any normal church. if you have a ticket, you can get down to Crypt. The dome climb is one of the more popular attractions in Florence but in high season the line can stretch to over 2 hours.so folks get the ticket online with the time slot so that you can reach there on your ticket time and skip the line. Be aware that there is no elevator and some of the narrow walkways require you to stand to the side while people pass in the opposite direction. Also, I think this is not for the claustrophobic. Duomo complex also includes the impressive structures of the Baptistery and Giotto’s bell tower. A climb to the top will reward tourists with incredible views of Florence and the outlying valley. Dome is totally dominating the panoramic view of Florence from Piazza Michelangelo. If you are an appreciator of art and architecture, this is one of the best places to see in Florence to visit. If you’ve never been before and only have one day in Florence you should at least walk around the outside of the cathedral to get a feel for its immensity and see the Gates of Heaven.
6. 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 ;
7. Basilica of San Frediano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 978 reviews
Reviewed By Ylandre - Cape Town Central, South Africa
As with a few other Lucca attractions this Basilica calls for a visit. Artwork, carvings, displays are worth every minute of the visit. The monumental golden mosaic on the facade is breathtaking. The 12th century baptismal font is a must see. This is also the resting place for Santa Zita (1212-1272) and she is on display inside the Basilica. Please be respectful when visiting the Basilica and dress appropriately.
8. Church of Sant'Agostino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By awanderingweb - Calgary, Canada
This small church is beautiful with incredible frescos. It is nearby to a small square with quaint restaurants. This is a quieter area of San Gimignano as the main square is very busy with tourists. It is worth the walk to visit this church.
9. Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 937 reviews
Reviewed By Toscoantico - Pisa, Italy
With my family we visited the abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore in September 2020 during our holidays in Val d'Orcia and this place, together with others such as the Temple of San Biagio, the Chapel of Vitaleta, the abbey of Sant ' Antimo, the gentle hills with the little big gems on the top, will remain one of the most beautiful images in my mind. The abbey is located in a pine forest with beautiful surroundings, the structure itself is very beautiful and the atmosphere is very serene. The abbey is still functioning according to the Benedictine rule and therefore it is not possible to visit it entirely but the part that can be visited is definitely worth. In addition, the visit is free, a non-binding offer may be requested. The Cloister of the Abbey contains the most important work of art of the complex, a cycle of frescoes on the stories of San Benedetto painted both by Luca Signorelli (the first 8 lunettes 1497-1498) and by Antonio Bazzi known as Sodoma, a curious nickname , (the remaining 26 lunettes painted after 1505). You can also visit the church, the refectory, the library and the pharmacy of the monastery plus a small exhibition of paintings from various periods. Serenity, History, Art and Harmony, Val d'Orcia at its best.
10. Abbazia di San Galgano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,803 reviews
Reviewed By Tualie - Varese, Italy
We decided to have a stop here, thinking we could make it in half hour (because we thought that it was ONLY the abandoned abbey in the middle of nowhere) but as 1st timers we did some mistakes. Any normal visit, may take 1.5 hours, because looking a place to park the car, figure out where to go, buy the tickets, pictures, contemplation time, drinks and toilets easily is gone the hour or more for both places (abbey and chapel). To start, if coming with own transport, the area addresses everybody to park in the huge parking lot where there are tourist buses (the left side) this one is fine if have plenty time; a small tip (to save some walking time); if going to the chapel to see the similar Excalibur keep driving forward through the cypresses road and park by the chapel; then to visit the abbey, drive back and get the road to the abbey, there is a restaurant bar with parking places. It is said that St. Galgano was born in the area (town of Chiusdino) and lived lavishly; after a couple of celestial visions involved with Archangel Michael, he started to change in favour of a humble life of prayer and isolation. While he was looking some wood to plant a cross, he plunged the sword in the ground since then nobody could removed it. When he died in XII century, the chapel was built in his honor and a number of miracles were reported; a century later, the cross-shaped abbey was built by Cistercian monks in his memory, lived for century and decayed. P.S. The chapel is another attraction listed, the Eremo di Montesiepi
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