02.04.2019.
Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Livorno and Siena (also Arrezzo) are among the world’s most famous Italian towns. Inspiring with treasury of beauty and fairy-tale, they deserve such attention. Tuscany amazes by numerous descriptions in the novels and paintings. Its welcoming spirit is always so inviting.
If you’re visiting Tuscany being enthusiastic about outdoors, don’t miss the Apuan Alps and its stunning seaside views.
Firenze/Florence- the artistic capital of Tuscany
Well-known by its cathedral, bridge (Ponte Vecchio), its magnificent art for centuries, Florence/Firenze seems to be left out of the greenery upon these cobblestone streets. But it’s not. Boboli and Bardini gardens are two adjacent places full of fabulous art and sculptures with the rewarding view of Florence/Firenze.
Boboli Gardens- the royal gardens Florence, Tuscany
Boboli gardens come in the packet with Pitti palace and Porcelain museum, but can be visited individually. This inheritance of the Medici family gives the life to the ancient sculptures, fountains and architecture. Originated in 15th century by Borgolo family (thus the name) gardens continued to bloom upon family Medici in the 17th after the dominance of Lucca Pitty and Eleonora di Toledo.
The Neptune’s fountain is the most significant masterpiece of art which is placed above the Amphitheatre. Fountain of the Ocean comes along on its way at the end of a large promenade called Viottolone.
Kaffehaus is the pavilion with the view, a circular building on the three floors and the terrace that embraces greenery. Lemon House next to it is built in 18th century and adequately houses around 500 citrus plants as well as rose flowerbeds.
Giardino del cavaliere with the lovely tuscanian view accompanies the sweet little Porcelain museum.
Grotta Grande is the little cave decorated with sculptures and stalactites, dating already from 16th century.
Bardini Gardens
Though I was there in April, the Wisteria tunnel of lilac was not yet in bloom. The baroque staircase is another significant part of the garden filled with the sculptures, fountains with mosaics. The views of Florence and flowers shine in all its nuances from irises, roses to hydrangea, which holds over 60 varieties.
Rose Garden above Florence
Also was not still in the bloom in April but this garden is my favourite. With the majestic views of Florence enveloped in the bronze sculptures (ten of them) made by belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon. Just a great place to chill, free of charge with the 400 varieties of roses.
Fiesole, the lovely village near Florence
Fiesole is a town above Florence, 8 km away, place where you can find etruscan traces like the Etruscan wall, Etruscan amphitheather and the view upon Florence is just beyond words. Many hip-hop touristic buses come here.
Lucca- the charm of the fortified town in Tuscany
Lucca is such a sweet place, the source of tourism as there’s a faculty of tourism here. Except you can roll on at the wall (which is one great park) that encircles the town seeing it from the upper perspective, you can also enjoy the view from the remarkable 45m high tower Guinigi that covers exquisite garden at the roof. Here’s also a botanic garden with the small lake, various plants from the whole world, trees and flowers. Palace Pfanner in the centre of Lucca has its own artistic gardens too.
Around Lucca you can visit the village Collodi with its Pinocchio Park and the Gardens Garzoni. Many other villas find their place around like Villa Mansi, 12 km from Lucca which is a treasure of discovery and elegance.
Pisa- the iconic town in Tuscany
Pisa and its Square of miracles are always busy but very relaxing place with many people hanging out on its lawn. The importance of the Leaning tower is set up into being a UNESCO heritage site. With only 12 km from Lucca, Pisa is more than just a leaning tower.
The botanic garden of the University is what you might first notice after the Square of miracles. Originating from 16th century, this garden offers not only wordly and medicinal plants but also a huge Herbarium.
Nature Park of Migliarino-San Rossore-Massaciuccoli starts near the Leaning tower and covers the vast area of flora and fauna all the way to the sea. Or you can chill at the Pisan hills discovering the small place slike San Giuliano Terme.
Livorno & Castiglioncello- lovely seaside towns
Finally at the coast, Livorno is known by its port, by terrace Mascagni with the appearance of the huge chess field, by colourful canal streets called Little Venice, by its fortresses on the sea (Fortezza Vecchia & Fortezza Nuova). Majestic, isn’t it? Abandoned thermes near the train station with their mosaics show the story of natural but forgotten values with only park remaining now. Besides Livorno is a great base for going to Sardinia or Corsica. To Elba the most advisable way is by the ferry from Piombino if coming from tuscanian coast.
Castiglioncello is the sweet little place near the train route that should be visited when speaking about the tuscanian coast. With the huge relaxing park and the castle above, traces of famous actors like Marcello Mastroiani spending the holidays here Castiglioncello is the hidden gem, delicacy of the place. Though Pasquini castle is not an ancient one, it is so authentic providing some nature walks and cultural events. Torre Medicea down the coast also gives a great appearance to Castiglioncello.
More south to Cecina take some air in the Riserva naturale Tomboli di Cecina, 15 km long forrest with rich vegetation.
Siena- the charming streets of the UNESCO World Heritage town
Siena, splendid Siena opens the area of faboulous Val d’Orcia protected UNESCO site. Siena itself is UNESCO heritage site. Though Siena is not much of the greenery, the incredible views inside and outside make it up. From the church San Francesco (and the fresque of the lady behind the curtain) you can take a walking path towards the fortress La Fortezza to enjoy some views above to the town. The panorama of tuscanian hills can also be catched following the path from the park Orti dei Tolomei towards Sant’Agata.
Final thoughts
Tuscany doesn’t need the words, it just needs to be caught and enjoyed. But once when reached, it is the river of gold from every angle: artistic, poetic, landscape, mountains, curative purposes.
Love this, I was meant to be in Italy in May, this has made me want to go more. Thank you for sharing