About Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is a region located in central western Italy that is known for its wine, rich traditional landscape, Italian decor, Renaissance art, food and romantic atmosphere. Tuscany is full of timeless beauty and rich architecture that is apparent throughout the rolling countryside and villages of this beautiful European location.

Significance

Tuscany prides itself on being able to share the natural beauty of its landscape as well as offer a romantic backdrop for honeymooners and vacationers alike. Tuscany is home to one of the most influential cities of art and romance in the world, Florence. Florence is also the largest city in Tuscany. Art is prevalent in Tuscany in the forms of rich textured art prints and sculptures stemming from the Renaissance era. Wine and food are very important to Italians in Tuscany. Tuscan food, inspired by the Mediterranean, includes fresh fish, rich pasta and fresh bread. Wineries are abundant in Tuscany and most make their own wine and sell to the locals as well as export wines around the world. Wine is an essential drink during dinner time at homes across Tuscany. Some of the most famous and most popular wines derived from Tuscany are the Brunello and the Chianti.

History

Tuscany was ruled by the Etruscans directly after the fall of the Roman Empire in late 300 B.C. The history of Tuscany dates back centuries to where Italians decided that the rolling hills and warm moist atmosphere of the area were perfect conditions for growing fruits and vegetables. Grapes are the most popular fruit grown in Tuscany, making the region not only famous for its wine but also for the organic jelly that is derived from the fruit. Fruits such as cherry, pear and lemon are prevalent in most areas of Tuscany and are a major economic staple in the region. Early immigrants during the Renaissance era brought their artful instincts with them and the flowing landscape inspired Tuscan artists in to produce colorful paintings now on display in art museums throughout the country and the world.

Features

Tuscany is renowned for its pristine architecture. Palazzos and eccentric castles make up some of the most unique homesteads across the Tuscan countryside. Some traditional homes have scalloped trim--work that is set in colors like deep brown, burgundy, yellow and burnt orange. Roofs are scalloped with clay roofing, creating a gorgeous contrast between the overall colors of the house. Gardens flourish in the Mediterranean climate and are full of colorful blooms and vines that attract birds and butterflies. Italians spend hours on their patios, which are typically created by paver bricks lined by topiary bushes and ceramic statues. Remote areas still exist in some areas of rural Tuscany and water and electricity can be scarce. The Pisa Cathedral as well as the leaning Tower of Pisa are some of the most renowned features and landmarks in the region of Tuscany and welcome thousands of world tourists daily.

Identification

Enjoy the old world styled shops that line small town in Tuscany that are full of art, fine dining and clothing boutiques. Church architecture is unparallelled in Tuscany and attract regular worshipers as well as tourists who take snapshots of the intricate work carved into every detail. A good example is the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral in the Siena area of Tuscany. Couples stroll the paved brick streets on foot and relax on the park benches that overlook quaint yet bustling cityscapes. Bicycles are common throughout rural and urban areas and help to avoid congestion in the busier areas. Fine Italian restaurants can be found in all areas of Tuscany, as well as quaint, small family-owned restaurants and coffee shops.

Geography

The countryside of Tuscany is rolling and hilly with accents of grapevines in vineyards overlooking green colorful valleys. The Apennine Mountains as well as the Apuan Alps can be found in Tuscany and provide scenic hiking views overlooking ancient architecture and mass colorful gardens. Tuscany sits aside of the Tyrrhenian Sea, which is part of the Mediterranean Sea and offers pristine views of the marina with a wealth of fishing boats and yachts that dot the waters. Many roads throughout the countryside of Tuscany are remote and composed of narrow dirt pathways.

Resources

• Discover Tuscany