Part 2: Top 5 Unique Cities of Tuscany, Italy

3. San Gimignano

San Gimignano is an old medieval town in the heart of Tuscany. San Gimignano is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. San Gimignano is located 334 meters above sea level, on the site of an ancient Etruscan settlement. Historical documents first mention the city in the 10th century, when it was renamed San Gimignano in honor of the bishop Geminianus, who, according to legend, protected the city from the invasion of the Huns of Attila.

San Gimignano is called the city of medieval skyscrapers. The city of towers. And so it is. Previously, there were about 140 towers in the city, symbolizing the power and wealth of the noble families living here. Unfortunately, only 15 of them have survived to this day. It is the towers, like a magnet, that attract tourists seeking authenticity.

One of the most beautiful squares in San Gimignano is Piazza Well or Piazza Della Cisterna. Della Cisterna got its name in 1273, when a well was built here for the townspeople.

An interesting feature of the city. The stone authentic central streets are crowded with tourists speaking all languages. But, if you turn into side streets, you can find peace and quiet. And finally, touch the real Middle Ages. All streets of the town can be walked around in 1-2 hours.

4. Volterra

Volterra is a small picturesque city-museum in the province of Pisa (Tuscany). It is located on a hill between the Cecina and Era valleys, it is famous for its beautiful landscapes and keeps many historical monuments from different eras.

The historical part of Volterra is surrounded by an ancient fortress wall (IV century BC - XIII century). It has preserved the Etruscan arched gate, decorated with three stone heads and several medieval gates.

Among the attractions of Volterra, it is worth noting the Piazza dei Priori, the oldest Palace of the Priors in Tuscany, based on the prototype of which the Palazzo della Signoria in Florence was built.

The Medici Fortress, a symbol of Florentine power, was built on the highest point of the city. It is closed for visits, since it still serves as a prison, but its towers and fortifications are important sights of Volterra, testifying to the medieval power of the city.

Interesting fact. Volterra is also a mystical city. Legends say that it was here that the very first witch on earth appeared - the streuga Aradia. She was the daughter of the Goddess Diana, who descended to earth to teach people witchcraft.

5. Sienna

Siena is considered one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Italy. It has retained its old look. Even the residents of the new neighborhoods that stretch outside the medieval walls gravitate towards the old center. And also in it everything is as, it was in the XIII-XIV centuries. Stone courtyards, where if there is greenery, then only in pots and Narrow streets, over which darkened houses hang and Paving stones and Bell towers and the bulk of the cathedral, in which horizontal stripes of dark and light marble alternate.

In the very center of the city, on Plaza del Campo, the Mangia Tower rises like a pink candle. Parishioners pray in churches that were painted six to seven centuries ago. And cars are prohibited from entering the old neighborhoods.

Since 1644, every summer, on July 2 and August 16, the famous Palio festival has been held here, whose participants, dressed in medieval costumes, arrange horse races. And this is not a costume show for tourists, but a serious duel. And passions are raging here more seriously than at football matches.

The main attraction of the city is the Cathedral, which amazes the imagination with its monumentality and beauty. The inlaid floor in the cathedral is the pride of Siena. In addition to various geometric patterns, it features over 50 scenes from the Bible and classical literature.

According to legend, Siena was founded by Senius, the son of one of the founders of Rome, Rem. Therefore, the city's coat of arms is a she-wolf feeding babies Romulus and Rem. This symbol of the city is found everywhere on the streets of Siena - on city gates, on the walls of houses and fountains, even on sewer covers.

Conclusion

Try to plan your trip to Tuscany in the fall. The most beautiful autumn in Tuscany begins at the end of September. It is during this period that the weather in the region is optimal for walking and sightseeing. And lovers of gastronomic tourism will be pleasantly surprised by the number of thematic festivals.

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