Toscana, Arezzo,Florence,Livorno,Lucca,Grosseto,Massa Cararra,Pisa,Pistoia,Prato,Siena

Arezzo, pop. 323,288, is set on a steep hill rising from the floodplain of the Arno River .

In the upper part of the town are the cathedral, the town hall and the Medici Fortress (Fortezza Medicea), from which the main streets branch off towards the lower part as far as the gates.

The upper part of the town maintains its medieval appearance despite the addition of later structures.

Arezzo is an important market for agricultural and animal products from the fertile surrounding districts, and trades in textiles and clothing, shoes, olive oil, antiques, and gold and jewellery crafts. There is a fresco series by the Renaissance painter Piero della Francesca.

Arezzo was renowned for the strength of its brick walls, and also for its red pottery. It was an important Roman base during the Second Punic War (218-201 BC). In a civil war of the 1st century BC, Arezzo sided with the Roman general Marius against Sulla, who probably destroyed the town's fortifications in 81 BC. During the Middle Ages the people of Arezzo fought with the Ghibellines (supporters of the Holy Roman Empire), but were defeated by Florence in 1289, and in 1384 came completely under Florentine domination. During World War II the town suffered considerable damage.

The ancient district of the town stands on a hill, with the modern part at its foot. There is a 13th-century Gothic cathedral, with a 20th-century facade, which contains notable paintings. The 14th-century church of S Francesco contains Piero della Francesca's fresco Legend of the Holy Cross. Other buildings include several old churches, as well as palaces, several museums, and an art gallery. In late August and early September a competition takes place in the Piazza Grande, in which horsemen joust with a clockwork ‘Saracen king’, a pivoting target.

Ponte Vecchio is world famous for its jewellery shops. It was built to replace a 14th century wooden bridge that was destroyed by flooding, and was the only bridge that was not mined when the Nazis retreated in 1944.

Florence's museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world.

The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello, and the Accademia. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo's architectural genius. Wander some of the oldest streets in the city until you reach the Arno River, cross the Ponte Vecchio, and experience the "newest" area of Florence, the Oltrarno. Be sure to set aside time to see the vast and varied art collection housed in the Pitti Palace. When you grow weary of museums and monuments, head outdoors. Spend a day at the Boboli Gardens or climb the hill to the church of San Miniato al Monte to experience an enchanting view of Florence.

Livorno - pop. 326,444, the Tuscan gateway to the Mediterranean Sea, is crossed by canals and situated by the seaside.

Planned as an ideal town in the 16th century, Livorno reveals its history through its districts characterised by the Medicean canals, which are still navigable, and through its port, overlooked by towers and fortresses, leading to the town centre.

Around the middle of the 19th century, the first bathing establishments of Italy appeared in Livorno. This tradition still continues thanks to the town's bathing establishments, hospitable and welcoming, situated along the shoreline promenade that stretches for many kilometres among impressive 19th-century buildings, villas in the Liberty style and the green vegetation: pine trees, tamarisks and oleanders.

There are many places of interest by the sea, such as: the Naval Academy, a prestigious training school for officers of the Italian Navy founded in 1881, the city Aquarium, the Natural History museum of the Mediterranean, the Caprilli racecourse, a hundred-year-old setting for important horse racing seasons, and the Terrazza Mascagni, which offers a wonderful view over some of the islands of the Tuscan archipelago: Elba, Capraia and Gorgona, as far as Corsica.

Livorno is a town steeped in history with a Naval Academy, a wealth of museums and structures from the past. The Giovanni Fattori Civic Museum is an important landmark. It is housed in a magnificent structure and surrounded by a most verdant and beautiful garden. The museum has an exquisite collection of the Macchiaioli School of painting, especially that of the artist after whom it is named and who lived in Livorno until the turn of the 20th century. This is a distinct variant of French impressionism and cannot be found so extensively less than one roof elsewhere. The Meloria is another important attraction of historical importance, because this tall tower on a bed of reef is the site of a 13th century defeat of Pisa's maritime power by sailors from Genoa. The old quarter is a splendid tribute to 16th century architecture and town planning, with a 5 sided canal system.

The people are sporting and continue with a tradition of fiercely competitive rowing races against each other. Leghorn or Livorno is also a convenient base for the other and popular attractions of Tuscany. There is a choice of comfortable accommodation with splendid views of the sea and the surrounding countryside. Meat lovers and vegetarians may have to console themselves with many glasses of Chianti and huge fruit desserts as Livorno celebrates sea harvests from the antipasto onwards. The cuisine is really special and visitors could easily become shellfish and clam lovers after sampling the excellent seafood.

Hotel Atleti - Three star hotel located 3 km from the port. Description of rooms, facilities, price list, online reservations form, and some pictures.
www.hotelatleti.com/ing/paginahotel.htm

La Cecinella - A tourist village near Cecina. Introduction, photographs, facilities and pricing. Flash required.
www.lacecinella.com

A charming Tuscan town - pop. 86,000, enclosed by massive red brick walls. Duomo di San Martino - Lucca's finest Romanesque building, the impressive facade is a triumph of sculpture, carving and inlay work.

Torre Guinigi - The tower with the tree on top, a fifteenth century 130 foot high tower.

Church of San Frediano - The facade of the church is decorated with a lavish thirteenth century mosaic.

Lucca has one particularly stunning feature - ancient ramparts that ring the old city. The inhabitants built these brick walls in the 16th century for defense. Today, walk (or bike) around the city on the wide shaded walkways atop the walls. If that doesn't tire you out, climb up the Torre Guinigi - the 130 ft. tower has an ancient oak tree on top!

Worth seeing are the churches San Michele in Foro and San Frediano, the cathedral San Martino, the shopping street via Fillungo, Palazzo and Torre Guinigi (14th c.), the latter is one of the few still existing, plant with stone oaks, clan towers (at the heyday of Lucca in the city there were, inclusive church towers, about 170 towers) and the Piazza Anfiteatro. On the ruins of the Roman amphitheater, churches and houses were built, which now form a beautiful oval square. The best ice, by the way, you can buy at the Gelateria Pinguino in Piazza Napoleone.

Pop. 71,263. Walking among the military, civil and religious monuments, you are able to cover twelve centuries of history and envision each of the periods and rulers as they are unveiled, layer by layer, before you.

Imaginary time travel takes place as you see the Etruscan ships sail Lake Prile, teeming with fish and stretching from the coast to the city of Rosella and submerging the whole Grosseto area.

Originally, in fact, there was a large sea gulf surrounded Grosseto and that was gradually transformed over the centuries into a lagoon with marshes and cane thickets. The city began to expand about 935 after the devastation of Roselle by the Saracens and became civitas in 1138 when Innocent II transferred the Episcopal seat there. In the 11 th century it became the feud of the Aldobrandeschi family, then later fell under Sienese dominion and finally under the rule of Cosimo de1 Medici in 1559.

Grosseto City Hall - Address: Piazza Duomo, 1 - 58100 Grosseto - ITALY
Phone Number: (+39) 0564-488111; Fax: (+39) 0564-488286

Grosseto Localities - Alberese, Batignano, Braccagni, Istia d'Ombrone, Marina di Grosseto, Montepescali, Roselle, Santa Maria di Rispescia

Massa Cararra

Pop. 68,000. The Province of Massa Carrara is situated in the northernmost part of Tuscany, in the centre of wonderful places such as the Golfo dei Poeti, the “Cinque Terre” and tuscan art cities.

Here, the nature has created a perfect harmony between the land and the sea.

The Apuan Alps, famous for its marble mountains, overlook the sea breaking on the sandy beach, which extends for kilometres.

The excellent geographical position and the exceptional variety of the territory make this part of Tuscany as a paradise, the right destination for any type of tourism.

The Lunigiana is the northernmost part of the province and it stretches beyond the Apuan Alps. This small plot of land – one among the richest of history and tradition – takes its name from Luni, an important centre during the Roman Age.

Following the river Magra, crossing the medieval itineraries of the Via Francigena, it is possible to find the well-preserved signs of an ancient and evolved civilization.

The Province of Massa Carrara takes also is tourist importance from the Apuan Alps, a magnificent mountain chain which reminds, with its peaks and slopes, the morphology of the Alps in northern Italy.

Fantastic mountains, which always, after long walks trough the paths and the fields, offers you a fantastic view of the sea. But the province is not only mountains and sea, here the tourist will find a variety of landscapes, different in each season.

Carrara is at the heart of the worlds marble industry. The mines have supplied marble since Roman times. The sculpturer Michelangelo used Carrara marble.

The many castles, that you will find during your trips, recall to the memory the battles made for the occupation of this small part of Tuscany, which was an independent Principality under the Cybo Malaspina family for many centuries, a noble dynasty which gave to Massa and Carrara an unique mark of renaissance and Baroque Art style.

The quiet Romanesque parishes in the plains and on the hills attract you with their medieval mysticism. You admire their ancient stone structures, which saw many believers stopping there during their walk to the north, to France, to England, to Spain and to all the Faith places along the well known Via Francigena (called also Francesca o Romea), which, today, represent a Pilgrimage Road to destinations as Santiago de Compostela or Reims or Canterbury.

On this road, crossed by pilgrims, crowd and merchants in the past, were raised many villages, that today offer the opportunity to see many artworks, created by great masters from Lucca, Genua, Milan, Florence and from France.

Furthermore, our Province offers an uncontaminated nature to be experienced at first hand. The mild and sunny climate allows the tourists to enjoy the beaches in summer and also in winter.

From the Roman age, the sea of our Province represented a landing place for travellers and traders, who, from Lunigiana, exported the fine hill wine, one among the valuable product which is possible to taste in our territory.

Among the typical products, you will find the popular Lardo di Colonnata, but, during your stay, you can also taste many other delicacies such as: Testaroli with pesto sauce, Chestnut honey, Panigacci, Mushrooms, Focaccette of Aulla, Torte d’erbi (Herb Quiche), Olive bread, Chestnut bread and so on.
The ancient art of stone working, which has been active in the Ligurian-Apuan civilizations since the Roman age, when they were defeated by the Roman Army, at the beginning, was focused on the sandstone , the typical stone of the mysterious stele statues (stone idols dating back to 2000 years BC – t.n.).

But the real thing that attracted Romans and that attracts tourist nowadays, is a white and precious stone: the marble (The fascinating quarries, the art works bearing from marble, and the most suggesting and unique landscape of Europe).

Pisa, pop. 92,000, sits on the banks of the Arno river approximately 10 km. from the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The city is known for its famous monuments in Piazza del Duomo, with its Leaning Tower, Duomo, Baptistery and Camposanto.

There is a lot more to the Tuscan city of Pisa than its famous Leaning Tower, especially for art and architecture buffs. But the Tower itself – which is the campanile of Pisa Cathedral – is a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture, composed of band after band of harmonious blind arcading. And it is part of a beautiful architectural ensemble that spreads across the flat and green Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles).

Pisa has a population of about 90,000 and is located about 50 miles west of Florence on Italy's west coast. First settled before 1000 BC, it was a trading port under the Romans. By the 11th century, it had become one of Italy's most powerful maritime republics and in 1135 it defeated rival Amalfi to secure its weath and power for the next century. It was during this period that the monumental buildings were added to the landscape. But in 1284 its fleet was defeated by Genoa, initiating the city's decline. Florence took control of Pisa in 1406 and kept it until Italian unification in the 1860s.

Since the demise of its naval power, Pisa's main claim to fame has been its university, founded in 1343. Pisa is also the birthplace of the great astronomer Galileo (1564-1642), who dropped uneven weights off the Leaning Tower to learn about gravity. Follow a link below to learn more about the rich spiritual and architectural heritage of Pisa.

Accademia Palace Hotel - Four star accommodation located outside city center. Description of rooms, restaurant and services, with map, rates and booking form.
www.accademiapalacehotel.it

B and B Arcobaleno - Central location. Images, brief description and pricing.
www.bbarcobaleno.it

Boboba - [Marina di Pisa] Resort offering accommodation, entertainment and dining. Description of services, rates, photographs and booking form.
www.boboba.it

Grand Hotel Duomo - Information and photographs on the four star structure, with rates and booking form.
www.grandhotelduomo.it

Hotel Leonardo - Located in historical center, presents services, rates and map.
www.hotelleonardopisa.it

Villa Annamaria - Between Lucca and Pisa - a few photographs and brief English text.
www.villaannamaria.com

Villa Farnia - House with pool in Fauglia, close to city. Prices, photographs and description.
www.villafarnia.ch

Pistoia, pop. 268,503, can be a real adventure. Its past is reflected in the ancient stones on the roads and in the squares of the centre, in the colour of its architecture, in the wise words of its people and in the strong taste of its food, and visitors can explore a city away from the more crowded itineraries.

It is still possible to find Pistoia’s trade and craft shops or you can sample traditional food in cosy, characteristic surroundings. The city has various cultural events involving visitors with theatre shows, musicals, guided tours, art exhibitions and literary meetings, and there are plenty of events related to the local folklore.

You know for sure Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Siena, Volterra, San Gimignano, Pienza (all these places are from 30 minutes to 2 hours far from Pistoia), but other minor places like Monsummano Terme, with its spectacular natural caves and chocolate's festival, Pescia with its renowned flower market and the 18th century Villa Garzoni surrounded by a marvellous garden in Italian style, merit a visit.

Agriturismo Le Piagge - [Quarrata] Photographs, map, brief details and rates.
web.tiscali.it/lepiaggequarrata/index.htm

Le Colonne - Country house offering agritourism close to Pescia; text and photographs.
www.lecolonne.com/engindex.html

Tenuta di Pieve a Celle - Profile, photo-gallery, maps, rates and contact details.
www.tenutadipieveacelle.it

Hotel and Restaurant Amelia - Two star hotel located 12 Km far from the downtown of Pistoia. Services offered, price list, map ad an availability request form.
www.albergoamelia.it/eng/index.html

Pensione Roma - Located in Cutigliano. Hotel and restaurant near Abetone, Apennine mountains. Services offered, prices and some photographs.
www.pensioneroma.it

Agostini's Countryhouse - Description, map and photographs, plus prices, local information and guestbook.
www.agohouse.com

Le Coloniche - [Montalbano] Offers various apartments. Photographic tour, description, map, and local information.
www.residencelecoloniche.it

Mamma Isora - Four apartments in two restored farmhouses near Pistoia. Photographs, descriptions, map and rates.
www.mammaisora.com

Residence Il Castagno - Description of apartments, prices, services, facilities and surroundings. Flash content.
www.residenceilcastagno.com

Tenuta di Groppoli - Estate offering apartments in several farmhouses. Description of services, rates, map and contact form.
www.groppoli.it

Villa Carri-Braschi - Apartments in an old farmhouse just outside the town. Photographs, floor plans, maps, prices and reservations.
www.villacarri.com

Prato, pop. 174,000, has been one of Italy's most important textile manufacturing cities since the 13th century.

Prato is a small but thriving Tuscan city, with a beautiful historic centre and a vibrant cultural and economic life. Famous for its textile industry, the city has a population of 180,000 inhabitants, a growing percentage of whom are immigrants from mainland China, the Indian sub-continent, north and west Africa and elsewhere.

Prato has a rich historical and artistic patrimony, including a mid-13th century castle built by the Hohenstaufen Emperors, almost perfectly preserved medieval walls which enclose the ancient city centre, a Romanesque cum Gothic cathedral dedicated to Santo Stefano with an external pulpit by Donatello and Michelozzo, the church of Santa Maria delle Carceri by Giuliano da Sangallo, and the well preserved Palazzo Datini, the late 14th century home of the famous 'Merchant of Prato', Francesco Datini.

The city is also home to the prestigious Contemporary Art Centre 'Luigi Pecci' and to many theatres, including the highly acclaimed avant-garde Metastasio Theatre.

Prato is well connected by train to Florence (30 mins), Bologna (1 hour), Pisa (1 ½ hours), Lucca (1 hour), Rome (2 hours), Venice and Milan (3 hours).

Pop. 54,00. Surrounded by olive groves and the vineyards of Chianti, Siena is one of the most beautiful cities of Tuscany. Set on three hills, the city is drawn together by winding alleyways and steep steps, while the Piazza del Campo stands at its heart, and the Duomo and St Maria della Scala serve as additional cultural landmarks. Famed for the "Palio", the annual historic horse-races that take place on 2 July and 16 August, it is also home to one of the oldest Universities in Europe, which ensures a vibrant Italian student atmosphere throughout the academic year. In addition to the bustling daily life of the streets and squares of the city, Siena offers many cultural events, concerts, cinema, theatre and a wide range of sporting activities.

Few geographical areas in the world can boast of the variety of environment that surrounds Siena. To the north, we have the richness of the Chianti landscape, woven with vines and olive-trees throughout the hills. Here also are beautiful towns like San Gimignano and Monteriggioni with old walls, winding streets and incredible views. South of Siena, the Arbia valley leads to the hill-top town of Montalcino, home to the famous Brunello wine. And the area La Crete stretches out, amazing visitors with its harsh rock formations and unique landscape. Westwards we head towards the coast, to captivitating coastline towns like Castiglione della Pescaia, and nature reserves like the area called Maremma. With such natural beauty within easy reach by car or public transport, Siena is a good place to base yourself for a Tuscan experience. The Chianti area, between Florence and Siena, is one of the most beautiful countrysides in Italy and a famous wine production area.

Siena is also the Cathedral and the extraordinary panorama from the Facciatone; the Sala del Pellegrinaio in Santa Maria della Scala, the Libreria Piccolomini and the prestigious Accademia Chigiana; the enormous Medicean fortress that on the inside, at the Enoteca Italiana, harbors the most precious wines of Siena, Tuscany and the peninsula; sweet-smelling Trattorias, sweet spices, the sounds of the artisans and spouting fountains; Fontebrande and the mystery of the Diana, a famous river underneath Siena; the alchemy geometry of the Piazza, suggestively neo-Gothic and cathartic.

Fattoria di Corsano - Farm houses located on the southern hills of Siena. On Wednesday, courses of typical Tuscan cooking. Pictures and rates.
www.fattoriadicorsano.com

Fattoria di Catignano - [Pianella] Description of accommodation and property history, photographs, rates.
www.fattoriacatignano.it

Tuscany By Design - Offers an eighteenth century hilltop villa rental at the estate of Montestigliano. Photographs, local information, descriptions and course details.
www.tuscanybydesign.com

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Tuscany - Italy