Seeing the Sights in Tuscany
With so many reasons to visit Tuscany, the difficulty can be where to start. A lot of people tend to start in Florence, then on to Siena and Pisa. Whichever route you choose to take, make sure not to miss out on some of the best sights in the region of Tuscany.
One of the unmissable stops on your visit should be the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa – The freestanding bell tower of Pisa’s cathedral. Built in 1173 with poorly laid foundation meant the tower began to lean soon after construction. It’s only a short walk from Pisa train station and as you get closer, you can see the tip over the tops of the buildings. With a height of only 55.86 m (183.27 ft) it was a lot smaller than I had imagined but I was still very impressed.
One sight not to be forgotten is Piazza della Signoria, Florence. The square used to be filled for public tournaments and incredible feasts which took place between 1400 and 1500. It has since been transformed into an open-air museum thanks to the addition of several statues, the most famous being Michelangelo’s David. The square is in Florence’s centre so it is surrounded by lots of shops, cafes and restaurants so it is very easy to spend the whole day here.
Another square that is excellent for sightseeing is Piazza Anfiteatro in Lucca, further north than Florence. This city square is built on an ancient Roman amphitheater in the heart of Lucca. The Anfiteatro used to be the home to a local market, but the area is more geared towards tourists with the addition of new shops and restaurants. I would advise you travel a little further out to find great value place to eat that is good enough for the locals.
To see the historic sights of Siena, you have to travel by foot. The centre is enclosed by walls and is closed to all traffic. Siena’s main public space is Piazza del Campo, one of Europe’s greatest medieval squares and home to the famous Palio horse races that take place in July and August. The city becomes alive with people from all over the country visiting to watch the races and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t forget to pay a visit to The Fonte Gaia (”Fountain of Joy”), built in 1419 where you will find Jacopo della Quercia’s nude figures. The first two female nudes, who were neither Eve nor a repentant saint, to stand in a public place since Antiquity.
Whichever way you chose to do your sightseeing in Tuscany, make sure you plan ahead so you don’t miss out on any of the regions famous and awe-inspiring public spaces. Have a look at another Travel Guide and make sure you have a holiday to remember.
By Roxanne Bridger – a travel enthusiast who loves to explore the world!
