Tuscany is one of twenty regions of Italy and is easily one of the most famous. The capital of Tuscany is Florence and many people consider Tuscany the most beautiful region in Italy because of its geography, landscape and artistic history. It is located in central Italy and the geography is hilly, mountainous and almost ten percent of the region is considered “plains-lands.” Tuscany is divided into ten provinces.

History and Culture

The history of the region is both rich and ancient. The first culture to settle in the region was the Etruscans who were prehistoric and were known for their agricultural, mining and infrastructure as well as their artwork. The territory was ceded to the Romans in the first century, BC and was frequently routed by the armies of Greece, Carthage and Gaul. All of these influences held great sway in forming Tuscan culture and in influencing much of the artwork and architecture that later made the region famous. Ultimately, the Roman civilization collapsed in the fifth century AD and the region was occupied for a short time by the Goths and ultimately by the Longobards, a Germanic people from northern Europe who entered the Roman empire late in its history.

Understanding the different ancient cultures that called the region home is critical to understanding its present day reputation as the culture and beauty epicenter in modern Italy. Each ancient culture played a role in shaping their approaches to art and architectures as well as added to its rich culinary and cultural traditions. It was not, however, until the Medieval period that the Tuscany region ironically began to flourish in both trade and art, fueled in large part by a “pilgrim” industry of peoples traveling through the region from France and Rome. During this time, relying on trade, Florence became the cultural center of the region.

This set the stage for Tuscany to serve as the birthplace of the Renaissance. During this period, architecture, painting and sculpture flourished as did the building of museums to house these treasures. Many of those museums are still in existence today and are a must-see. The Uffizi and Bargello in Florence are two of many museums any traveler should see. Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Dante Alighieri all were born in the Tuscany region.

Where to Visit

Tuscany is also known for its famous wines and wine country and has 120 nature reserves. It also is renowned for its production of olive oil. Culturally, Tuscany is still known for its “Cities of Art,” Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano. Each of these cities has enough to keep a traveler busy for individual trips in and of themselves. The region also has many sea resorts that are worth visiting and a series of islands that are world famous for marble quarries.

As you plan your trip to Tuscany, make sure you use a professional travel service. By doing this you can ensure that your trip will be professionally managed and that your decisions as to where to visit, stay and eat will be stellar throughout your stay. Once there, you will likely find that your plans will never allow you to see all Tuscany has to offer in just one trip. You will, without question, fall in love with Tuscany and want to return time and time again. Tuscany is the ultimate in luxury travel!