Tuscany - A Historic Hideaway

The region of Tuscany with its undulating hills, and large imposing mountain ranges, and varied landscapes are truly a beauty to behold. Six of its' localities have been listed as UNESCO protected sites, which only serve to emphasize the historic significance of the entire region. With its architecture complemented by the lush landscapes, the region has become a tourist destination that one should not miss.

Being steeped in history and culture, there are a lot of interesting things to do and places to visit. In fact, fairly recently, Tuscany was named by the New York Times as the "Top Destination in Italy" for the year 2008.

The most visited places are of course the capital of Tuscany which is Florence. Here you can visit numerous museums, cathedrals, and churches. The streets are also lined with shops and items of interest for everyone. At the heart of Florence is the Piazza della Signoria which was the political center since the middle ages.

Other interesting places in Florence are The Campinile or simply "Bell Tower" where you can climb to the top of 414 stairs and have a spectacular view. The Baptistry is also a place of significance since it one of the oldest buildings in the city. Within it are some mosaics, and an intricate marble pavement design of the zodiac.

Also popular with tourists is Siena, a medieval town in Tuscany boasting of a large piazza. What people usually visit in Siena are the art museum, Pinacoteca Nazionale, where some of Italy's most precious and famous paintings reside and there is also the Piazza del duomo, which has an imposing and impressive black and white façade and has its share of ornate carvings and statues.

The architecture of the various buildings and landmarks in Tuscany are truly a sight to behold, and make one marvel at the beauty of these old buildings. How they were made and carved out is a testament to the capability, genius, and creativity of man. It is only right that these buildings throughout Tuscany are preserved and saved for the consumption of the younger generation. Not often is there a region filled with so many historical landmarks that can be appreciated and learned from.

From art, to history, to architecture, to religion, and much, much more, Tuscany is truly a bonanza of all these. It is no wonder then that Tuscany is the place to be in Italy. It is a place you should not miss in your lifetime.

Sources:
*Tuscany Landmarks and Historic Sites, WorldWeb.com
*Tuscany- Top Place To Go in Italy in 2008, About.com