A Land of Beauty - Top Tuscan Sights

Nov 21
07:39

2014

Lisa Jeeves

Lisa Jeeves

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Booking one of the lovely Italian villas in Tuscany? Here are some of the most beautiful things to see in the region.

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Tuscany is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful regions in Italy. Its stunning countryside and historic towns and cities attract tourists throughout the year,A Land of Beauty - Top Tuscan Sights  Articles and it is very popular with holidaymakers booking Italian villas. If you're tempted to stay for a week or two in Tuscany, here are some of the most beautiful sights to enjoy.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the most famous bell tower in the world and is a must-see for anyone staying in Italian villas in the Tuscany. It is famous for leaning to the side, a trait that began during its construction because the foundation was too soft. It carried on tilting for centuries, until it was stabilised fairly recently, and now it leans at about four degrees.

Florence Cathedral

The cathedral or 'duomo' in Florence is one of the most beautiful and famous in Italy. Work began on the cathedral in 1296, but it was not completed until over a century later. Its impressive dome is the highlight, and at one time it was the largest dome in the world. It makes up part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers the centre of the city.

Elba

Elba is an island in the Tuscan Archipelago located just off the coast and it is the third largest island in Italy. It is famous for being the place where Napoleon was exiled and his old summer and winter homes can still be visited. There are dozens of stunning beaches to enjoy, including Procchio and Fetovia, and the beauty of the island is renowned.

Michelangelo's David

Michelangelo's statue of David is one of the most famous sculptures in the world, and if you're staying in one of the Italian villas close to Florence, it is not to be missed. Created at the beginning of the 14th century, the five-metre statue represents the biblical character of David and is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture. It was previously located in a public city square but now has a permanent home in the Galleria dell'Accademia.

San Gimignano delle Belle Torri

Tuscany is not short on beautiful medieval towns but San Gimignano is certainly one of the best. This small town is famous not only for its beauty but also for its impressive towers. In fact there used to be many more, which were built by residents as a display of their wealth and power, but only 14 remain. The cobbled streets are a joy to wander around and the views of the countryside from the town perimeters are breath-taking.

Tuscany is a land of staggering beauty and you do not have to go far to feast your eyes on some very impressive sights. If you're staying in one of the Italian villas in the region these are just a few of the attractions, but there are so many more to discover for yourself.