THE CHIANTI REGION
An appreciated hilly region between Florence and Siena, an important zone of wine production called Chianti, best known in the entire world. Smooth, green hills, vineyards, olive trees, and Mediterranean scrub form a landscape of rare beauty. The Chianti region is also well known for its small villages, its characteristic farmhouses immersed in green nature. All together has become a perfect natural tourist attraction near Florenz and Siena. Villages to visit in the Chianti: Greve in Chianti, Panzano, Castellina in Chianti.
PIENZA
Pienza is a small hill town in the Siena province overlooking the Orcia valley. Its oldest name was „Castello di Corsignano“, later it became the name of Pope Pio II Piccolomini (Pienza means town of Pio). Under the reign of Pope Pio II Piccolomini in the XV century, the main palaces were built and also the Cathedral. The Medieval houses of the town center were transformed in new homes.
The entire town looks gracious and is worth a visit, especially the Cathedral, the museum of the Diocese and the Piccolomini palace. In case you like more to see, why not visit the Artistic Park or the Natural and Cultural reserve of the Orcia valley made up by the entire territory of Pienza, San Quirico Val d’orcin, Montalcino, Radicofani and Castiglione d’Orcia.
BOLGHERI
The ancient village in the heart of the Livornese Maremma on a small hill has grown around a Medieval castle (often reshiped in different centuries). You drive to Bolgheri from the Via Aurelia passing by the oratory of San Guido ( 7 Th. century) and then you follow the 5 km long cypress alley. The place has become famous by Giosuè Carducci’s poem: Davanti a San Guido (1874). There is a monumental cemetery in the village where the grandmother of the poet is buried: Lucia.
Not far away, at altitude 400 above sea level you can see the ancient nucleus of Castiglioncello di Bolgheri and the church of San Bernardo.
SAN GIMIGNANO
Ancient town in Siena province on a pass from where one overlooks the Elsa valley (Val d’ Elsa). Its origins go back to the Etruscan period but real prosperity and arts were developed in the Middle Ages. The place still reflects the ancient arts activities. Dante Alighieri, famous poet and ambassador of the Guelfan league was guest in this town. San Gimignano has maintained
almost entirely its 13 Th. century structure: 15 magnificent towers, beautiful Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral square), Piazza della Cisterna (Cistern square), Palazzo del Podestà (palace of the chief magistrate) and Palazzo Comunale (town hall). There are also worth seeing the Church of Sant’Agostino and the pentagonal fortress that was demolished during the Medici period.
San Gimignano is famos for its excellent DOCG wine, called Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
VIAREGGIO
Seaside resort at the Versilia coast, a famos tourist place between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Apuani alps. Its one o the best known sea side resorts in Tuscany. Its beach establishments have maintained their original characteristics. Well known is the carnival of Viareggo, its parades with allegoric floats and masks.
