There are some places around the world that are recognized as being of exceptional beauty and inestimable value. These places, both cultural and natural, have been listed, in order to protect them and pass them on to future generations.
Are you ready to discover the UNESCO sites of Tuscany?
Italy is home to 55 sites which, over the years, have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Seven of these extraordinary places are in Tuscany, and today we’d like to introduce you to them.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982, Florence is one of the most visited Italian cities, as well as one of the best known worldwide.
Also known as the Cradle of the Renaissance, the historic center is home to some of the world’s most astonishing masterpieces. Just think of the Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia and Palazzo Vecchio – and don’t forget the Ponte Vecchio and its famous shops!
Florence’s narrow cobbled streets give the city a romantic, magical atmosphere, as if time stopped in the 15th century, when the Medici family ruled the city.
And today, we’re lucky enough to be able to marvel at all these places!
To fully enjoy this marvelous city, we recommend losing yourself among its streets with a local tourist guide: legends and anecdotes will come to life as you retrace the stories of its inhabitants and the noble families who founded Florence and contributed to its splendor.
If you’re curious about the experiences we can offer you in Florence, click HERE and have fun choosing your favorite activity!
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, the city of Siena is an open-air museum where Gothic and medieval architecture come together in perfect harmony.
Exploring with a local tour guide, perhaps towards sunset after an exciting day in Tuscany, makes a visit to Siena one of the most romantic and magical experiences you can have in this region.
Squares and buildings blend seamlessly into the urban fabric and reveal the centuries of history behind every street and corner of the city. Start from the Palazzo Pubblico in Piazza del Campo, follow Via dei Pellegrini to the Baptistery, then on to Palazzo Piccolomini.These are just a few of the architectural marvels in store that will leave you open-mouthed.
Watch out, though: don’t miss the interiors of these sumptuous palaces! Remember that inside the Cathedral complex is the Piccolomini Library, which you can see in the photo above, frescoed by Pinturicchio with the help of Raphael.
Tuscany is famous for its wonderful art cities and breathtaking landscapes.
Val d’Orcia belongs to the second category: rolling hills dotted with cypress trees stretching skyward, dunes of white clay, lush vineyards and olive groves flanking the roads.
Listed by UNESCO since 2005, Val d’Orcia also offers the chance to visit some delightful towns of great historical and cultural importance. Their names? Montalcino, Bagno Vignoni, San Quirico and Pienza.
The best way to explore this astonishing area is definitely by car. In fact, we recommend hiring a car for your travels in this wonderful valley. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample excellent wine in Montalcino, perhaps in a medieval castle and – why not, combine the visit with a tasting and a typical Tuscan lunch.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, Pienza is one of the best-known medieval villages in Val d’Orcia. Its center became the symbol of quintessential architectural perfection during the Renaissance, thanks to Pope Pius II. In fact, the pope commissioned famous architects and artists to design and decorate the city’s spaces in the most authentic Renaissance style.
Pienza is well worth a visit: as you stroll through its narrow streets, we recommend tasting the local products. What’s more, just a few kilometers from the city is Caseificio Cugusi, winner of the first prize for the best Pecorino in the world, which we suggest you visit!
Today, Pienza is one of the region’s best preserved and most distinctive villages. It offers extraordinary views and picturesque little streets. If you’re keen to organize a one-of-a-kind experience, but don’t know where to start, email us by clicking HERE. We’ll be happy to advise you and help you organize your trip.
In the heart of Chianti, less than 45 minutes’ drive from Florence, stands the ancient town of San Gimignano.
This town is loved by adults and children alike: several top fashion brands have even set some of their commercials here.
The feature that immediately strikes you is the numerous towers that rise above the buildings.
The towers – as many as 72 in their heyday – symbolized the power of the families who built them.
Finally, we recommend you try a tasting of local wines on the outskirts of San Gimignano, perhaps paired with a typical Tuscan lunch in the winery. You’ll sample the town’s typical white wine, Vernaccia, and of course a glass of the inestimable Chianti produced in the area.
Piazza del Duomo in Pisa is better known as Piazza dei Miracoli: home to the world-famous Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, the Camposanto and the Cathedral.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Pisa is the perfect blend of Romanesque, classical, Lombard and oriental architecture, creating a magical atmosphere that will take you back to ancient times and evoke feelings of serenity and peace.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to sneak inside the Baptistery just before the guards close its doors for a wonderful demonstration. The baptistery echo is something special: standing beside the baptismal font, you’ll hear an echo with different notes!
A walk around Pisa is a wonderful experience, especially when you’re accompanied by a tour guide who can show you all the sights. To make a booking, email us by clicking HERE. We’ll be happy to help you organize your trip to Pisa.
In 2013, UNESCO also recognized the World Heritage status of 14 villas and gardens that once belonged to the Medici family, scattered across the Tuscan landscape.
Testament to the Medicis’ unique and refined style, they are all designed by the leading architects of the age. Moreover, they are early examples of perfect connection and harmony between buildings, gardens and the environment.
The villas were built between the 15th and 18th centuries. Of the 14 Medici villas and gardens, the most renowned are Poggio a Caiano, which once belonged to the Strozzi family, and Villa Medicea di Artimino “La Ferdinanda” in Carmignano, commissioned by Ferdinand I and designed by Buontalenti.
Others include the Villa Medicea di Castello, restored by Vasari and now home to the Accademia della Crusca, and the Villa Medicea della Petraia, considered one of the most beautiful Medici residences.
Each of the Medici Villas is special and unique in its own right. Illustrious names worked on them: one example is Michelozzo, who was commissioned to build the Villa of Fiesole and who renovated the Medici Villa of Careggi.
In short, you can immerse yourself in Tuscany, admiring these true gems given to us by the Medici family and discovering their secrets and lifestyle.
Have you visited any of these places? What other sites do you think deserve to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List?
Try visiting our page to explore all our Tuscan experiences!
Leave us a comment with your suggestions!
