Introduction
Exploring the rich artistic legacy of Tuscany doesn’t necessarily mean sticking to the well-trodden tourist paths in Florence. Though the city is famous for its Renaissance art and architecture, Tuscany offers countless other towns and regions that are equally rich in art, history, and cultural significance. With this guide, we invite you to step off the beaten track, venture beyond just Florence, and discover the unexplored areas of this enchanting Italian region.
Stunning Siena: The Heart of Gothic Art
Begin your exploration with Siena, an important city that rivals Florence in terms of historic and cultural significance. The city is best known for its enormous, simply fascinating 14th-century cathedral, known as the Duomo of Siena. The remarkable alternating bands of dark and light marble make it a classic example of the Italian Gothic style of architecture.
| Important Artistic Highlights of Siena |
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| Duomo of Siena |
| Piazza del Campo |
| Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia |
Revelling in the Renaissance: Pisa and Lucca
Continue your journey towards Pisa, which beckons travelers not just with its legendary ‘Leaning Tower’ but with a rich Renaissance motif running throughout the city. Just a short hop away resides Lucca, often dubbed as Tuscany’s best-kept secret. Its intact city walls, ancient towers, and historical churches ooze unmistakable Tuscan charm.
The Pisan Kingdom of Art
Pisa houses the famed ‘Piazza dei Miracoli’ complex, featuring the Cathedral, the Baptistery,and the Leaning Tower all situated within a sprawling green field, presenting an incredible amalgamation of art, history, and mathematics.
Lucca’s Historic Charm
The intact walls of Lucca, dating back to the Renaissance era, today serve as a pedestrian promenade. The city’s historical center is a labyrinth of narrow, old-fashioned alleys lined with medieval churches and Renaissance ‘palazzi’ (mansions), while its gorgeous piazzas host vibrant markets.
The Hill-top Haven: San Gimignano
The small, walled medieval hill town of San Gimignano is a treasure trove of art and architecture. Its skyline, adorned with fourteen medieval towers, has earned it the nickname “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”. The Collegiate Church, filled with beautiful frescoes, conveys the economic and cultural prosperity experienced during the Middle Ages.
Seeking Masterpieces in Arezzo and Cortona
Arezzo, a serene city nestled on a hilltop, boasts the masterworks of Piero della Francesca, one of the most important artists of the early Renaissance. Cortona, on the other hand, is a charming small town rich in Etruscan history and Renaissance art. It also provides breathtaking views of the surrounding valley, making it a feast for both art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Piero della Francesca’s Legacy in Arezzo
The cycle of frescoes titled ‘The Legend of The True Cross’ in Arezzo’s Basilica di San Francesco is the masterpiece of Piero della Francesca, providing testimonies of the artist’s innovative technique and profound humanity.
Cortona: An Etruscan and Renaissance Jewel
Home to the Museo dell’Accademia Etrusca, harboring Etruscan artifacts, and the Diocesan Museum, housing masterpieces from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Cortona is a town that breathes history with every step.
Conclusion
Whether it is the Gothic grandeur of Siena, the Renaissance essence of Pisa and Lucca, the medieval magic of San Gimignano, or the artistic allure of Arezzo and Cortona, each town beyond Florence grants you a unique opportunity to savour the rich artistic legacy of Tuscany. So take the journey and let the art and history of this remarkable Italian region leave its indelible mark on your soul.