Tuscany attractions

The Brancacci Chapel (Cappella Brancacci) is an iconic chapel tucked inside Florence’s Santa Maria del Carmine Church. Among the city’s most treasured landmarks, the chapel is adorned with early Renaissance-era frescoes painted in 1424 by Masaccio. So impressive is his work that the sanctuary is referred to by locals as the “Sistine Chapel of the early Renaissance.” Those interested in Italian art and history won’t want to miss it.

More cabinet of curiosities than traditional museum, the Stibbert is best known for its unusual collection of European, Islamic, and Japanese armor, which is displayed in full suits atop faux horses. Beyond the armor, visitors can explore the eclectic artifacts amassed by Frederick Stibbert, an Anglo-Italian businessman and man of letters, and enjoy a refreshing break from the high-minded atmosphere of the Uffizi and other major galleries.

What was commissioned by the Medici family, designed by Michelangelo, and home to highly valuable works written prior to the year 1000? That would be the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana, a 16th-century library safeguarding the Medicis’ impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts. This underrated site is a must for anyone interested in the history of architecture, literature, or the most powerful family in Florentine history.

Just a few steps away from the vendors, buskers, and selfie takers at Florence’s Piazzale Michelangelo is the serene Rose Garden. Nestled in the Florentine hills just outside of the old city walls, the small public park peers out at Palazzo Vecchio and Brunelleschi’s Dome. It’s home to 400 different rose varieties, which are peppered throughout the park among benches, lily ponds, and a charming collection of animal sculptures.

Sculpted in 1545 by Benvenuto Cellini, Perseus with the Head of Medusa is one of the main attractions in the Loggia dei Lanzi—the Uffizi Galleries’ (Gallerie degli Uffizi) open-air sculpture gallery. The bronze statue, which depicts the Greek hero Perseus defeating the monster Medusa, is considered to be a great masterpiece of Italian Mannerism.

Part of Siena’s magnificent duomo complex, the Piccolomini Library (Libreria Piccolomini) delights art enthusiasts with frescoes by Pinturicchio and his school, which included the young Raffaello. Take in the pieces' vivid colors, complex composition, and use of perspective, and revel in masterpieces that are among the most important works of art in Siena.

Locals and visitors alike enjoy strolling along Livorno’s Terrazza Mascagni, a scenic promenade with sweeping views over the Mediterranean, an elegant balustrade, black-and-white checkerboard pavement, park, and bandstand. No visit to the city is complete without a turn along this striking stretch of seafront.

This religious complex, known as the Santuario della Madonna di Montenero, is one of the most visited sanctuaries in the Livorno hills. Take in its peaceful chapel, caves used as a hideout for thieves over the centuries and as a shelter during World War II, and an impressive collection of 700 historic ex-votos.

An easy day trip from Florence, is this lovely haven for skiing, mountain biking, and hiking tucked in the forested mountains of Tuscany. A popular resort town since the early 1990s, Abetone has something to offer sports-lovers all levels technical prowess all year-long.

Adjacent to Siena’s magnificent cathedral, the Siena Cathedral Museum (Museo dell’Opera Metropolitana or Museo dell’Opera del Duomo) is one of the most important museums in this Tuscan city. The collection includes artworks and architectural details from the Duomo complex, including masterpieces by the greatest artists of the Sienese school.

The majestic gardens at the Garzoni Villa, in the town of Collodi, are considered some of the most beautiful in Italy. Their design blends Renaissance geometry with baroque elegance, and highlights include water features, lush flower beds, a hedge maze, and a butterfly pavilion.

The resort town of Forte dei Marmi on the Tuscan coast has been a holiday destination since the 18th century, when wealthy families traveled from inland Tuscany in search of cool sea breezes. Today, its sandy beaches lined with shady pines attract day-trippers from Pisa and Lucca.

The main square in Florence’s historical center, Piazza del Duomo is home to some of the city’s most impressive Renaissance architecture. While standing in the center of the piazza, you can marvel at the massive scale and stunning details of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore, Brunelleschi’s Dome, and Giotto’s Bell Tower—all without moving your feet.

Towering over Piazza del Campo, this 14th-century Gothic gem was built as a symbol of Siena’s wealth and power and still functions as Siena’s City Hall 700 years later. The Civic Museum inside is home to spectacular Sienese school frescoes, while the Torre del Mangia bell tower offers views over the rooftops to the Crete Senesi hills beyond.

While St. Mark’s English Church was established in 1881, it is set in a 15th-century palace initially owned by the Medici family. The center of Florence’s Anglican community, the church has Renaissance Revival interiors decorated in pre-Raphaelite style, but it is most known as a venue for live concerts. Catch La Traviata, opera love duets, arias by Mozart and Rossini, and other classical music performances at this unique location.

The Navy Planetarium is a draw for astronomy and history enthusiasts visiting Lisbon. You can travel through space and time by seeing a show at the dome theater, watching live demonstrations of celestial navigation techniques, and learning about the life of astronauts. The planetarium also offers interactive exhibits and educational programs, making it a fascinating experience for all ages.

In 1596, Ferdinando I de’ Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, commissioned the famous Italian architect architect Bernardo Buontalenti to build a hunting villa, which quickly became the court and estate of the Grand Duke and Duchess. Today, Villa Artimino is one of twelve villas and two gardens collectively granted UNESCO World Heritage status.

The fresco-filled Basilica of San Francesco houses one of the most important masterpieces of the Renaissance: Piero della Francesca’s Legend of the True Cross, which tells the story of the wood used for Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. Nearly 600 years after its creation, the remarkably restored fresco cycle is open to the public in the basilica’s Bacci Chapel.

A quintessential Tuscan villa, Villa Gamberaia has long inspired landscape architects and designers across Europe. While some interior rooms are open by reservation, the main draw is the immaculate 17th-century gardens, largely preserved since their creation. Visitors need no special expertise—simply enjoying the sweeping views over the Arno Valley is reason enough to come.

Set in the vineyard-covered Chianti hills near Arezzo, Villa La Ripa is one of the area’s most historic estates. Today, the Renaissance-era villa is home to a prestigious winery that offers tours of the vineyards and cellars, and tastings of its red, white, and rosè wines and award-winning extra-virgin olive oil. You can also book a Tuscan picnic, truffle hunt, and other foodie experiences.

Commissioned by the wealthy Florentine Medici family in the 16th century, this structure in the Boboli Gardens was brought to life by Bernardo Buontalenti. Bestowing the space with whimsical stalactites to evoke a natural cave, Buontalenti then added Renaissance flourishes of mythical beasts, coats of arms, fountains, and frescoes through its three rooms. The imagery caught the eye of Dan Brown, who propelled the grotto to fame in the Inferno novel and film.

Towering over Piazza del Campo, this 14th-century Gothic gem was built as a symbol of Siena’s wealth and power and still functions as Siena’s City Hall 700 years later. The Civic Museum inside is home to spectacular Sienese school frescoes, while the Torre del Mangia bell tower offers views over the rooftops to the Crete Senesi hills beyond.

Set in the UNESCO-listed spa town of Montecatini Terme, the Terme di Montecatini is one of the most storied hot spring complexes in Italy. Mineral-rich water rises from four natural springs and is used for both drinking and bathing in the city’s clutch of elegant spas. Spend a day here soaking your cares away surrounded by magnificent Art Nouveau and neo-Gothic architecture for an authentic spa experience in the heart of Tuscany.

Don’t judge the Arezzo Cathedral for its somewhat understated Gothic exterior—its real treasures lie within. Pop in for free to see masterpieces such as Piero della Francesca’s renowned 15th-century fresco of Mary Magdalene. At the altar, an ornate marble shrine contains the remains of Arezzo’s patron saint Donatus, while colorful stained glass windows filter in the sunlight.

With a name related to local quarries dating back to ancient Rome, Cavoli Beach is a soft-sanded beauty with protected waters on Elba’s southwest coast. Thanks to its café and restaurant, pedalo and kayak rentals, and playground, the beach is very popular with families—and lies within pedal-boat distance of the enchanting Grotta Azzura (Blue Grotto).

Situated across two popular Italian provinces—Tuscany and Emilia Romagna—the Casentinesi Forest National Park comprises forests, villages, peaks, and even ancient monasteries. From the protected stretches of Sasso Fratino to the towns of Premilcuore and Portico di Romagna, this forest park is easy to explore on both foot and horseback, as well as by bike and boat.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pieve is considered a symbol of Arezzo for its striking Tuscan Romanesque architecture. Strolling through the city’s picturesque historical center, you can’t miss the church’s imposing bell tower and four-tiered facade with increasingly narrow arches. Inside the high-ceilinged church, which dates back to the 1100s, visitors will find the remains of an ancient well and a vivid gold altarpiece featuring the Madonna and Child.

Born in Lucca, Giacomo Puccini was one of Italy’s foremost composers. Now his native city celebrates him with near-daily performances, as part of the permanent Puccini e la sua Lucca International Festival. Enjoy evening concerts featuring Puccini’s arias performed by international musicians in historic churches across the city.

The Hard Rock Cafe Florence is a lively branch of the famed restaurant chain, tucked unexpectedly inside one of the city’s grand historic buildings. It features the brand’s distinctly rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere with walls decked out in memorabilia from iconic rock stars, and serves its signature menu of classic American fare—think a variety of burger choices, salads, and entrees.