Is Tuscany Worth Visiting? (Yes! Here’s Why)

Cultivating Connections Travel Planners

Oct 22, 20224 min read

Updated: Feb 2, 2023

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With its sprawling, lush landscapes, numerous vineyards, and enviable lifestyle, Tuscany is widely considered one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Widely considered to be the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Tuscany is famed for its fine dining, world-renowned wines, artistic legacy, and influence on high culture around the world.

But why exactly is Tuscany worth visiting?

10. The History

First settled in the Paleolithic period, Tuscany has a vast and storied history, during which it was settled by the Etruscan people, acted as a neighbor to the Ligurian people to the north, and eventually conquered by the Roman Empire, later becoming a region of unified Italy.

As such, the historical landmarks and relics are plentiful, and there are countless museums and exhibits that showcase the history of the region. Some great examples include the National Archaeological Museum, the Stibbert Museum, and Capitoline Museums.

9. The Art

Considered to be the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Tuscany has a great influence on the art, architecture, and literature of the period.

The region was also the home of famed artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci, scientist Galileo Galilei, and Niccolo Machiavelli to name but a few.

Spanning the 15th and 16th centuries, this period sparked a cultural movement, which spread throughout Europe and sewed the seeds of modernity.

The region of Tuscany had a distinct part to play, especially the city of Florence, which paved the way for modern capitalism, banking, and financial independence, which allowed the flourish of creativity and opulence.

The works of art in Florence alone are countless, and examples can be seen in the architecture of the buildings, the statues located around the city, and of course in the galleries and museums.

8. The Cities

Closely tied to the history of the region, many of the cities of Tuscany are some of the oldest civilizations in the world, and include Florence, Sienna, Luca, and Pisa, all of which host plenty of natural and awe-inspiring landscapes and beautiful man-made renaissance structures.

In many of these cities, it can literally feel like you have stepped back in time, with many of the structures in the old towns unchanged since their construction.

7. The Villages

That being said, the real places to find authentic Tuscan culture are the numerous hilltop hamlets that litter the countryside.

Many of them are ancient and relatively unchanged since their founding, they are sources of quaint local wares, traditional Italian cuisine, and some of the best views in the region.

Volterra is a prime example, as is the coastal village of Cortona, and the fascinating walled settlement of Monteriggioni.

6. The Hot Springs

Whilst not immediately synonymous with Tuscany, the presence of hot springs throughout the region are one of many reasons for the continued prosperity of the Etruscan, Roman, and Italian people, who relied on these clean sources of water to heal their wounds, wash their bodies, and fuel their cities.

Now they are popular destinations for tourists and locals alike and provide a large part of Tuscany’s spa culture - a lingering tradition of the Roman Empire.

5. The Nature

One of the most attractive things about Tuscany is the fact that much of it is unsettled and rich in nature, differing somewhat from other countries in Europe.

For whatever reason, the Tuscan people have worked hard to preserve their historic and widely sought-after countryside, providing ample space for exploration, immersion in nature, hikes, and relaxation.

4. The Landscape

The landscape as a whole is also quite diverse, ranging from the rolling hills of wine country to the lush, grassy plains of the Pisan hills, rocky mountaintops, breathtaking coastal vistas, and even the snowy skiing communities of the Apennines.

The landscape alone is responsible for much of the artistic output from the country, and who could blame them for being so incredibly inspired by the beauty of the land.

Millions of tourists each year continue to flock to the various beauty spots and regions, and the sheer beauty of the region has been a leading factor in its continued popularity around the world.

3. The Mediterranean

The proximity to the Mediterranean sea is another reason to visit Tuscany.

With the crystal clear blue waters, and the favorable climate, the region could be confused for Heaven on Earth, and many tourists favor the region as a coastal retreat and a place for seaside vacations.

The coastal communities are widely known for their beauty, seafood, and excursions to the surrounding islands and beaches.

2. The Wine

As any connoisseur will tell you, Tuscan wine is some of the best in the world, stemming from a centuries-old tradition that is unique to the region.

Visitors to wine country can sample the famous wares, witness the fermentation and winemaking process, and spend time relaxing in the breathtaking beauty of the rolling hills.

Notable types of wine include the world famous red Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Bolgheri reds, and the Super Tuscan Ornellaia.

1. The Food

Of course, one of the primary selling points of any Italian region is the accessibility of traditional Italian cuisine, most of which comes from centuries-old recipes that have remained unchanged and untainted by modernity.

Using the same natural ingredients for centuries, and with a focus on homemade food and regional cooking traditions, Tuscany offers some of the best food in the world, with notable examples being pasta, lasagne, ragu, and Tuscan bread, such as the world-famous focaccia o schiacciata.

Conclusion

And there we have it, everything you need to know about Tuscany, and what makes it such a desirable location for so many people.

With the cuisine, the wine, the breathtaking landscape, and the beautiful climate, it is easy to see why millions of people each year continue to make it their chosen vacation destination.

Why not see for yourself?

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