GROSSETO
This is the largest city of southern Tuscany and is situated in the plains a few miles from the Tyrrhenian sea. It dates back to 1138 when Innocent II moved his episcopal seat there, taken away form the disgraced Roselle family; then after the Aldobrandeschi's rule, it was Siena who took charge of it.
Due to its environmental disrepair and decay, the city entered a serious economic and demographic crisis, settling down in 1559 with the arrival of the Florentine State; but its true rebirth came only with the success of the draining of the marshy countryside carried out by the Lorraine family and carried on after the Unification of Italy when its urban growth was encouraged and importance was given to the quality of the life of its inhabitants.
Although many of its buildings were destroyed during the Second World War, the 16th century city walls and ramparts have survived, and have been converted into parks. Grosseto also has several museums such as the Archeological Museum, the Town Aquarium, and Maremma's Natural History Museum.
MASSA MATITTIMA
Massa Marittima is a city of art nestled among the Metalliferous Hills, surrounded by the Maremma countryside and rich in historical, environmental and architectural beauties inherited from a thriving past. Characterized by ancient and steep alleys that intertwine in the historic center and climb up to the upper part of the village, it is a fortress of suggestive panoramic corners that overlook the valley as far as the sea. Many of the most significant places are enclosed by the city square: the wonderful Cathedral of San Cerbone, the Palazzo Comunale, the Fountains that surround the famous fresco of Abundance, the Palazzo del Podestà, seat of the archaeological museum. Going up to the New Town you come across buildings dating back to the 13th century: the complex of San Pietro all'Orto, with the cloister of Sant'Agostino, the Torre del Candeliere and the Fortezza Senese. Tourism is becoming the leading activity of the town: in addition to the historical-monumental heritage, the museums, the city offers various excursion opportunities, from trekking, to cycle tourism, to horse riding.
The city is surrounded by the typical vegetation of the place: from the thick and low maquis, to the laurel and broom bushes, up to the trunks of holm oaks and strawberry trees.
Particularly interesting and evocative for tourists and visitors are the main events that take place every year in the city: the Balestro del Girifalco, the Toscana Fotofestival, Lirica in Piazza and Calici sotto le stelle.
ROME
If you are on holiday in Tuscany, at the Agriturismo Le Fue Ruote, the city undoubtedly deserves a visit.
Rome is history, art, cultural ferment, leisure and entertainment, green areas; to complete this all, we think about the goodness of the cuisine and the welcoming and friendly atmosphere that you breathe. For many, Rome is the most glamorous city in the world.
The undisputed symbol of the Eternal City is certainly the Colosseum, famous throughout the world, in fact it was included in 2007 among the "Seven Wonders of the modern world".
Rome is characterized by countless religious buildings, first and foremost we have the Basilica of San Giovanni Laterano, the Papal Cathedral and Mother of all the Churches in the city and in the world. The Basilica, dating back to the 4th century, houses wonderful works of art inside, such as the Fresco of the Ascension and the High Altar. The Basilica of San Paolo fuori le Mura is the second largest in Rome and inside you can admire the mosaics by Cavallini, the ciborium, the cloister and the statue of the saint. The Sistine Chapel dating back to the end of the 15th century is today the place where the Conclave meets to elect the Pope; the building is also famous for the numerous frescoes inside, relying on the mastery of Michelangelo, with his "Last Judgment", Botticelli, Perugino and many others. St. Peter's Basilica, dedicated to the homonymous saint, is the most important for Christians, it is the monument that manages to bring together both the faithful and art lovers. The Basilica is located in Vatican City: the smallest independent state in the world in terms of territorial extension and population. Another interesting building is the Pantheon, famous for the central opening of the dome, which creates luminous suggestions inside, emphasizing its beauty. Also worth seeing is the Church of Trinità dei Monti.
SIENA
Located in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by hills, it is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Italy.
The fulcrum of the city is the famous Piazza del Campo, with its particular shell shape, where the famous Palio is held, one of the most important events for all Sienese. The Palio di Siena is a passionate horse race that takes place every year in July and August and its origins seem to date back to the seventeenth century.
According to legend, Siena was founded by Senio, son of Remo, and in the city there are several statues depicting the mythical Romulus and Remus suckled by the she-wolf. Piazza del Campo has been the central nucleus of Siena since Roman times, who had their forum here.
The square was repaved during the Government of the Nine, a semi-democratic group in power between 1287 and 1355, with a subdivision into nine sections in memory of the Government and symbolizing the cloak of the Madonna that protects the city.
The Campo is dominated by the red Palazzo Pubblico and its tower, called Torre del Mangia. The Palazzo Pubblico, as well as the Cathedral of Siena, was built during the Government of the Nine, which was Siena's economic and cultural heyday. The Palazzo still today houses the offices of the Municipality, similarly to Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. From the internal courtyard of the Palace you can access the Civic Museum and the Torre del Mangia, at the top of which, having climbed the 500 steps, you can enjoy a splendid view over the city.
FLORENCE
Florence with its museums, palaces and churches houses some of the most important artistic treasures in the world. Among the best known places of art and worship in the city there are undoubtedly the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Baptistery, the Uffizi Gallery, the Bargello and the Accademia Gallery. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are real art galleries, just as the Laurentian Library is an exceptional expression of Michelangelo's architectural genius. We advise you to reserve some time to visit the important and varied collections conserved in Palazzo Pitti.
When you feel tired of visiting museums and art galleries, go outdoors and you will discover that in Florence it is beautiful even just to stroll through the beautiful streets of the historic centre. Walk until you reach the Arno, linger on the romantic Ponte Vecchio and continue to the Oltrarno, the "newest" part of Florence. Spend a day in the Boboli Gardens or climb the hill behind Piazzale Michelangelo and reach the Church of San Miniato al Monte to enjoy an incredible view of Florence.
Florence and its unique treasures are waiting for you!
PISA
It is the famous Leaning Tower that makes Pisa known all over the world, but the city also offers many other interesting things to see and it is worth spending at least one day there.
Arriving in the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli, the eye is undoubtedly captured by the Tower and, we cannot deny it, the experience of climbing to its top is incredible and absolutely not to be missed (you can also buy tickets in advance)!
Once you have appreciated the Leaning Tower of Pisa from every angle (including, if you like, the classic photo in which you pretend to hold it up...), continue your visit to the other monuments in the square: the Cathedral and the Baptistery. Along the perimeter of the square you will also find the Camposanto, the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo and the Museo delle Sinopie. Then enjoy a nice walk along the Arno and also reach the ancient Palazzo dell'Orologio and Piazza dei Cavalieri, once the place where the power of the city was centralized and then the seat of the Order of the Knights of Santo Stefano. The prestigious Scuola Normale di Pisa is also located in the Palazzo della Carovana overlooking the square.
Look Also
Back