7 Hidden Gems in Tuscany
Tuscany is a beautiful region of Italy but apart from the most popular destinations, there are many hidden gems and below we list seven of the best ones to visit.
Montefioralle: A quaint medieval village located between Florence and Siena, with narrow cobbled streets and stunning views. It is one of the most ancient villages in the area and is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Montefioralle is still enclosed in the original defensive walls octagonal in shape and with four gates. Another great thing about it is it's almost car-free, so you can also enjoy the quiet atmosphere and natural surroundings.
It’s about 2.3 kilometres west of the famous village of Greve in Chianti, and about 30 kilometres south of Florence. remember it is a small village, for instance, it only has two restaurants, but the charm and beauty make it a must-visit place.
While there the Montefioralle’s Church of San Stefano is also worth a visit and the scenic views from all around the village are amazing. Renting a car is the best way to reach the village but some tours of the Chianti region include a stop in Montefioralle.
Pitigliano: Carved from volcanic stone, the town of Pitigliano is located south of Montepulciano and is an amazing sight. The old town is known as the Little Jerusalem, for its historical presence of a Jewish community based there.
Its houses seem to grow directly out of the red volcanic tuff, excavated since Etruscan times. You’ll love to explore the town’s old buildings, small individual shops and medieval lanes.
The Orsini family, ruled over Pitigliano before the Medici took hold of it in 1562. The Palazzo Orsini today hosts a 21-room museum (be warned there are a lot many stairs to climb!) but is worth a visit.
There is also an Archeological Museum which contains finds from local sites that are well displayed. Also, don't forget to explore the maze-like area around the ancient Jewish Ghetto quarter.
Bolgheri: This is a charming old hill town buried deep in a countryside rich with vines and olive groves. Bolgheri Wine is known as the wine of Tuscany some say producing some of the best wine in the world.
The Castle of Bolgheri has been known since the 8th century, the original structure had a different location: the castle we can admire today is the result of a reconstruction after the arrival in Bolgheri of the army of Emperor Maximilian in 1496.
There is also the sand dune of Bolgheri that has become a protected refuge and oasis managed by the World Wildlife Fund where from November to May thousands of migratory water birds make a stopover.
Saturnia Hot Springs: The Saturnia hot springs in Tuscany are completely FREE to visit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! It is one of the highlights of this beautiful area.
A collection of clear blue water springs on different levels that are heated by the nearby volcano. A small but strong stream of water keeps the water flowing down and makes sure it has a constant temperature of 37 degrees. Remember there are no changing facilities at these hot springs.
Anghiari: Anghiari is one of the most scenic walled towns in Tuscany. Its inhabitants were known for their skill with wood, textiles and ceramics.
The narrow cobbled streets are lined with pottery shops, antique sellers and workshops and you can spend many hours just wandering and observing.
The Abbey of San Galgano: The abbey is located about 25 miles from Siena, in southern Tuscany. The Cistercian Abbey was built in 1324 and holds a very important place in the art and history of Siena.
The site is made up of two major attractions: the Gothic roofless cathedral and the unusually shaped monastery of Montesiepi, which hosts the tomb of San Galgano and the sword in the stone.
According to tradition, in 1180 on Christmas Day San Galgano fixed his sword into the stone in order to realize a cross. Now in Montesiepi's Hermitage, a plexiglass shrine with the sword in the stone is still preserved.
Lucca's Medieval Walls: Lucca is one of the most stunning cities in Tuscany if not all of Italy. What makes this such a fantastic destination is the thick medieval walls that surround this circular city.
Built for defence, it later became a pedestrian promenade full of trees and places to sit and watch the world go by. Enjoy the peace and take in the excellent views of the city.
This is just the tip of the iceberg as far as exploring Tuscany is concerned but I hope these selections give you a taste of the fascinating region of Italy
