My beloved Italy is full of hidden paradises. No wonder we are the country with the most cultural heritages according to UNESCO. The cultural, architectural, gastronomic, artistic and natural wealth that can be found among its 20 regions is endless, but today I want to tell you about my favorite: Tuscany.
The region that saw the birth of classics such as Pinocchio, works such as The Last Supper, illustrious characters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo and Dante Alighieri, among others, makes everyone who visits it fall in love. In this article I will share with you 5 places that I consider to be unmissable and that everyone should visit at some point in their lives.
1.- Prato
My dear città natale could not be missing from this list. Prato is the second most populous city in the region and one of the most important textile centers in the continent. Being here you can enjoy both buildings from the Middle Ages that take you back to the past, as well as modern architecture. Its old area is walled and appreciating it is quite an experience. Whether you visit the famous church of Santa Maria delle Carceri, walk through the Castello dell' Imperatore, admire the Duomo di Pratoor visit the Palazzo Pretorio, I assure you that this destination will mesmerize you.
If you want to know more about Prato and its gastronomy, I invite you to read my past articles.
2.- Firenze
One of the most famous and beautiful places in all of Italy. If you are an art lover, you cannot miss it! Each of its museums allows you to travel back in time through the brightest minds of the Renaissance. Enjoying a gelato while walking along the famous Ponte Vecchio, visiting the Palazzo Vecchio, marvel at the Duomo or the Piazza della Signoria and appreciating the David in the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze are some of the plans you can make when you get to know Firenze. Its cobblestone streets and medieval architecture are undoubtedly unique.
3.- Pisa
I'm sure that when reading this name we all think of the same thing, right? The well-known leaning tower! This is just one of the many magical places that you can discover in this incredible destination. The best thing about this city is that its tourist attractions are quite close to each other, so you can get to know the most beautiful parts of Pisa by foot. Simply by going to Piazza dei Miracoli you will have access to attractions such as the Pisa Cathedral, the Leaning Tower, the Baptistery and the Monumental Cemetery. This impressive place is, since 1987, a World Heritage Site according to UNESCO.
4.- Siena
A beautiful city of medieval buildings. When visiting it you will not be able to stop impressing yourself with its architecture surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Siena is known internationally for its famous horse race, il Palio, held twice a year in its historic center. The riders represent each neighborhood in the city making attending this event an unforgettable experience. In fact, this race is a UNESCO World Heritage.
5.- San Gimignano
This incredible walled town is a unique place in the whole world. It is known as "the town of medieval towers" due to its 13 medieval buildings. Interestingly, these towers represented a competition between the families of the time, since building the highest meant having greater power. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I’m pretty sure you will fall in love with its beautiful panoramic views.
Which of these places catches your attention the most? If you want to live a unique experience in a destination that will remain forever in your heart, you now know where to go!