The Unesco Heritage of Tuscany
Are you ready to discover the Unesco Heritage sites in Tuscany? Some places in the world are recognized as of exceptional beauty and inestimable value.
These places, both cultural and natural, have been selected with the aim of being protected and passed on to future generations.
Italy holds 55 sites which, over the years, have been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Seven of these wonderful places are located in Tuscany and today, we want to present them to you.
FLORENCE
Enrolled in the list of World Heritage Sites by Unesco since 1982, Florence is one of the most visited Italian cities in the world as well as one of the best known abroad.
Also known as the “cradle of the Renaissance“, it boasts some of the most beautiful masterpieces in the world in its historic center. Just think of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Uffizi, the Accademia Gallery, and Palazzo Vecchio. Don’t forget also Ponte Vecchio and its shops!
Its alleys and paved streets make the atmosphere of the city romantic and magical as if time had stopped in the fifteenth century when the Medici family was at the helm of the city.
All places that, even today, we are lucky enough to be able to admire!
To fully enjoy this wonderful city, we advise you to get lost in its streets together with a local tour guide: legends and tales will come to life and you can retrace the stories of its inhabitants and the families who founded it and who contributed to its splendor.
If you are curious to find out what experiences we can offer you in Florence, click HERE and have fun choosing your favorite activity!
SIENA
Unesco World Heritage Site since 1995, the city of Siena is an open-air museum: the Gothic and medieval styles come together in perfect harmony.
Walking with a tour guide, perhaps at sunset on an exciting Tuscan day, makes a visit to Siena. one of the most romantic and magical experiences that can be done in this region.
Places and buildings adapt completely to the urban fabric and will reveal to you the centuries-old history that hides behind every alley and corner of the city. Starting from the Palazzo Pubblico in Piazza del Campo, passing through via de Pellegrini, which leads to the Baptistery, up to Palazzo Piccolomini. These are just some of the architectural works of art that await you and that will leave you speechless.
But be careful: don’t miss the interiors of these sumptuous buildings! Just think that inside the Duomo Complex stands the Piccolomini Library, which you can see in the photo above, frescoed by Pinturicchio with the help of Raphael.
VAL D’ORCIA
Tuscany is known for its wonderful cities of art and its breathtaking landscapes.
Val d’Orcia belongs to this second category: these are gentle hills dotted with cypresses that stretch towards the sky, Crete and Biancane, rich vineyards, and olive groves that line the streets.
Inserted in the Unesco list since 2005, in Val d’Orcia it is also possible to visit some urban jewels of historical and cultural importance. Some of these? Montalcino, Bagno Vignoni, San Quirico and Pienza.
The best way to discover this fantastic place is by car. In fact, we advise you to rent a car and wander around this wonderful area. Absolutely do not miss the opportunity to taste excellent wine in Montalcino, perhaps in a medieval castle and, why not, combine the visit with tasting with a typical Tuscan lunch.
PIENZA
Unesco World Heritage Site since 1996, Pienza is one of the best-known medieval villages of the Val d’Orcia. Its center became the symbol of the architectural perfection typical of the Renaissance by the will of Pope Pius II. The latter, in fact, called in his presence famous architects and artists to design and decorate the spaces of the city, so as to bring out all the Renaissance canons to the maximum.
Visiting Pienza is worthwhile: while walking through its narrow streets we recommend you to taste the typical local products. Furthermore, a few kilometers from the city, there is the Cugusi Dairy, winner of the first prize for the best Pecorino in the world, which we recommend you visit!
Today, it is one of the best-preserved and most particular villages. It offers glimpses of extraordinary beauty and picturesque alleys. If you are curious and want to organize a unique experience of its kind, but do not know where to start, write us an email by clicking HERE. We will be happy to give you advice, help you organize your trip.
SAN GIMIGNANO
In the heart of Chianti, less than 45 minutes from Florence, you can find the ancient town of San Gimignano.
This city is appreciated by everyone, young and old: just think that some high fashion brands have set some of their commercials in this place.
The feature that immediately catches the eye of this town is its towers, all raised above the buildings.
The towers, which in the period of maximum splendor were 72, symbolized, at that time, the power of the families who built them.
Finally, we recommend that you try a tasting of local wines on the outskirts of San Gimignano, perhaps combining it with a typical Tuscan lunch in the cellar. You will taste the typical white wine of this city, Vernaccia accompanied, of course, by a glass of the priceless Chianti produced here.
PISA DUOMO SQUARE
Piazza del Duomo in Pisa is better known as Piazza Dei Miracoli: here stands the famous Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, the Camposanto, and the Duomo.
Inserted in the list of World Heritage Sites by Unesco in 1987, this place is the perfect combination of Romanesque, classical, Lombard and oriental styles, creating a magical atmosphere, which will bring you back to ancient times in your mind and will give you a aura of serenity and peace.
If you are lucky, you will be able to sneak inside the Baptistery just before its guardians close the doors to create a wonderful show. In fact, the echo of the baptistery has something special: standing on the side of the baptismal font, you get an echo with different tones!
A walk around Pisa is worthwhile, especially if accompanied by a tour guide who can show you all the monuments. To book you can send us an email by clicking HERE. We will be happy to help you organize your experience in Pisa.
MEDICI’ VILLAS AND GARDENS
Since 2013, UNESCO has also recognized as a World Heritage Site in Tuscany the system of 14 sites including villas and gardens that belonged to the Medici family and scattered throughout the Tuscan landscape.
These are testimonies of their unique and refined style: they are all residences designed by the best architects and designers of the time. Furthermore, they are the first example of perfect connection and harmony between habitat, gardens and environment.
The villas were built between the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries. Among the 14 Medici villas and gardens, the most famous are that of Poggio a Caiano, obtained from a villa belonging to the Strozzi family or the Medici Villa of Artimino “La Ferdinanda” in Carmignano commissioned by Ferdinando I to Buontalenti.
In addition, for example, the Medici Villa of Castello restored by Vasari is now home to the Accademia della Crusca and the Medici Villa of Petraia is considered one of the most beautiful Medici residences.
Each of the Medici Villas is particular and unique in its kind. Famous names have worked there: an example is Michelozzo who was commissioned the Villa di Fiesole, and who restored the Medici Villa of Careggi.
In short, you can get lost in Tuscany and admire these authentic pearls given to us by the Medici family and discover their secrets and lifestyle.
Have you ever visited at least one of these places? What other sites, in your opinion, deserve to be included in the Unesco World Heritage List?
Try visiting our page to explore all our experiences in Tuscany!
Leave us a comment with your suggestions!
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