No doubt: first Florence – the essence of everything Tuscan. Then, there’s the gothic sophistication of Siena. Followed by the grace of Lucca, with its medieval, baroque and neoclassical influences. With its beautiful beaches, quaint boutiques, and stunning views, Forte dei Marmi is the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation. Or flee to the cosseting surrounds of the nearby Essere Spa in ultra-luxe Castello di Casole for a spell of vacation pampering. Stroll along the banks of the Arno River, marvel at the stunning architecture around the city, or visit one of the many museums and churches for a taste of local history. Siena In recent years the most important contemporary architecture projects in Tuscany have been wine cellars. These include the Cantina Petra in Livorno by Mario Botta, which is sunken into a hillside; the magnificent Cantina Antinori in the province of Florence, a futuristic structure in Corten steel with a signature spiral staircase on the exterior by Archea Associati; and the Cantina Frassinello in Gavorrano, Grosseto, a minimalist contemporary castle designed by Renzo Piano.

Afterwards, wind your way through its streets to find the elliptical Piazza dell’ Anfiteatro, shaped by the Roman amphitheatre that it was built on. Tuscany is distinct in its nature, creativity and history – and the locals are no different. The people of the region are known for their proud individuality and unmistakable accents: from Florence and Siena – eternal rivals – to Lucca, Livorno and Pisa, whose citizens were scorned by Dante. The letter “c” is aspirated and slurred, sometimes with an exasperated yet satisfied insistence, exhaled through the teeth – like the Greek “th” – then offered to a gust of wind. Everyone has their own mental “landscape”. Everyone cultivates shared references and roots like DNA.Nostalgia, a 1983 film by the Russian director Andrei Tarkovskij, is so intense and different, evocative and poetic. It beautifully depicts the Gothic ruins of San Galgano Abbey in Chiusdino, not far from Siena.

It’s not all wining and dining, of course. Tuscans love letting their hair down and have many opportunities to do just that, with a seemingly endless rotation of festivals that take place across the region. Lucca’s Romanesque Cattedrale di San Martino may stand resplendent in striped pearly white but it has fierce competition: Lucca is known as the “City of a Hundred Churches” dating from a particularly productive period of church-building in the 12th and 13th centuries as the city flaunted its wealth.

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With its charming architecture and stunning countryside views, Montepulciano is the perfect destination for anyone looking to experience all that Tuscany has to offer. to create maximum impact these bookmatched tiles are offered in 1500 x 3000 mm format, ideal for use in hotel The city is home to a number of interesting sights, including the the Duomo di Grosseto (Grosseto Cathedral), and the Museo Archeologico e Etnografico de lla Maremma (Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum of Maremma). a href="https://www.frommers.com/slideshows/848469-let-tuscany-inspire-you-with-these-ravishing-photos-of-the-storied-italian-region "target="_blank">Let Tuscany Inspire You with These Ravishing Photos of the Storied Italian Region; By: Zac Thompson, Frommers Online (USA), June 2021

Castle of Sammezzano, in the province of Florence, was transformed in 1853 into a Moorish fairy-tale ... [+] palace with decoration inspired by the Alhambra. (Credit: Massimo Listri) That’s without even mentioning the countryside – it really does look like the films; rolling vine-covered hills that turn from bright green in summer to tones of ochre as autumn takes hold. The leaning tower is only one quarter of the centre’s impressive Piazza dei Miracoli, whose more successful architectural projects, the Duomo, Baptistery and Camposanto give justice to its name, which translates as the Field of Miracles. Villa dell’Ombrellino. Of course, Tuscany is not just a playground for contemporary luminaries. Some of history’s most prominent families have also left an indelible mark on Tuscany. A few centuries ago, in 1801, Napoleon Bonaparte had established a brief monarchy in Lucca, giving the control to his beloved sister, Élisa. Still have time to spare? Drive further southeast to the small hilltop town of Cortona. Hills mean views, and Cortona has plenty to go round.

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Breccia Tuscany | Crystal Quartz | Dark Emperor | Lapis Blue | Marmi Bianco | Marmo Orobico | Persa Chiara | Persa Grigio | Smoky Quartz | Tiger Quartz But, for me, smaller precious cities such as Pienza, Montepulciano, Massa Marittima and Volterra are all unforgettable. Make sure you visit the Etruscan Museum Guarnacci and the Pinacoteca and Civic Museum, both in Volterra. In the latter, you can see the incredible Volterra Depositionby Rosso Fiorentino. Siena, because of its incredible art patrimony and dominant position high on the hills. It brought about many eccentric, sophisticated artists, such as Duccio di Buoninsegna, the gothic glam of Simone Martini, and Sassetta’s influences from the early Renaissance – who refused to accept the innovative ways of the Florentine culture. Armed with a couple of Italian phrases, you’re going to be near unstoppable. Where to Visit in Tuscany: Map One must also see the wild beach of Roccamarein Castiglione della Pescaia, as well as the Isle Giannutri, which is timeless. Cortona’s small convents and the San Biagio Church, near Montepulciano, are also wonderful places to visit.

marbles. Our latest marble-effect range features ten striking marble styles and is available in six sizes. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, be sure to add Montepulciano to your itinerary. Cortona All porcelain tiles within our collection comply with LEED ® certification and are suitable for the LEED ® approval process. EU Ecolabel

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My favourite painting in the world is the Pala Capponi(the Deposition From The Cross) by Pontormo – a Mannerism masterpiece displayed in the church of Santa Felicita at Ponte Vecchio. It is a marvellous metaphysical dance of beauty and death, constructed with unnatural colours. The Lucchese are a fiercely proud bunch, striving hard to maintain the unique culture and atmosphere palpable within the city. If you’re looking for a stylish and sophisticated town to add to your itinerary, Forte dei Marmi is sure to please. Grosseto There are plenty of things to do in the area, from wine tastings and cooking classes to hikes and bike rides.