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Architecture - A Brief History of Italian Art

No trip to Tuscany would be complete without a visit to at least one of these incredible towns.

San Gimignano
Known as la città delle belle torri, "the town of beautiful towers," this exceptionally well-preserved medieval village is one of Tuscany’s crown jewels and a World Heritage Site. Established in the 10th century on the site of an Etruscan settlement, it was named for Saint Gimignano, the Holy Bishop of Modena, who is said to have saved the town from barbarian hordes. Construction of the town’s distinctive towers began in the 11th century. The 13 towers that still stand today are impressive, but amazingly, the town once boasted 72. During your visit, investigate the village’s picturesque squares and medieval fortifications, check out the 13th-century cistern, which still works, and stop for a refreshing aperitivo (San Gimignano is famous for its white Vernaccia wine). And, for a special treat, head to Sergio’s, just off the Piazza della Cisterna, for a scoop (or two!) of heavenly gelato.
Tuscany Biking North of Siena
Tuscany Family Biking, North of Siena

Montepulciano
Take time to wander the winding streets of this highest of hill towns and discover its hidden squares, Renaissance palaces and churches. Just off the Piazza Grande, you’ll find an enoteca—the perfect place to taste the region’s glorious Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. After fully exploring the historic center, you may want to pay a visit to the Tempio di San Biagio, which was designed by Antonio da Sangallo the Elder to rival the churches of Assisi, Lourdes and Santiago de Compostela.
Tuscany Biking South of Siena

Pienza
This famous southern Tuscan town is one of the region’s architectural gems, thanks to the efforts of 15th-century Florentine architect Bernardo Rossellino. Propelled by Pope Pius II, who dreamed of creating a model town with a single architectural scheme, Rossellino transformed Corsignano (as Pienza was then known) into a city that exemplified the current Renaissance ideals. The town’s focal point is the Piazza Pio II with its classically inspired Duomo and the Palazzo Piccolomini, considered Rossellino’s masterpiece. (As it turned out, during the building of Pienza, Rossellino embezzled the pope’s funds and spent three times his original budget. The pope, however, forgave the architect in gratitude for "these glorious structures which are praised by all except those consumed by envy.")
Tuscany Biking South of Siena

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History

A Brief History of Tuscany
Tuscany is history lesson come to life. No matter where you roam, you’re guaranteed to come across fascinating vestiges of the region’s rich past.
It is said that the Tuscany region was born twice, once in Etruscan times and again 2,000 years later in the 14th century. The Etruscans built the first civilization in Tuscany and traces of their highly developed culture still remain. Their origin and period of existence, however, are both disputed. Some historians claim that the Etruscans migrated from Eastern Europe over the Alps, others believe they were an indigenous tribe and some say they sailed from Asia Minor. Their civilization is believed...

Bagno Vignoni
This ancient village originally catered to travelers making their way along the Via Francigena pilgrimage route. Visit the steaming sulfur piscina (bath), located in the town’s main square, which has been used since Roman times. Members of the Medici family—who built the site’s Renaissance arcade—and Saint Catherine of Siena were among those who soothed tired limbs and overworked livers in this unique and historic spot.
Tuscany Biking South of Siena

Monte Oliveto Maggiore
Make your way through a classic Tuscan tableau of cypress trees, pines and olive groves into the hills south of Siena to one of the region’s best-known monasteries. It was founded in 1313 by a group of elite Sienese merchants, who renounced worldly goods and formed an order known as the Olivetans, or "White Benedictines." The fresco cycle here—started by Luca Signorelli in 1497 and depicting scenes from the life of St. Benedict—is considered one of Tuscany’s finest.
Tuscany Biking South of Siena

San Galgano
Honoring Galgano Guidotti, a 12th-century saint who renounced his past as a knight by miraculously thrusting his sword into a stone, this was once Tuscany’s largest Cistercian monastery. You can still see the ruins of the abbey, the chapel, which contains faint frescos depicting scenes from St. Galgano’s life, and the sword in the stone.

Volterra
One of the oldest towns in Italy, with a maze of cobblestone streets and array of historic sites, such as the Etruscan arch and the Roman amphitheater. Visit the Museo Guarnacci, housing the finest collection of Etruscan artifacts in Italy. Then, for a different perspective on the region’s past, head to the Pinacoteca e Museo Civico, where you’ll find paintings by Lucca Signorelli and other Florentine artists. This is alabaster country, so virtually every shop here is brimming with bowls, vases, ornaments and statuary that have been crafted from the beautiful local mineral. If you’re in need of a bite, you’ll enjoy the eateries here, which range from sit-down restaurants to cafés offering quick and simple panini (sandwiches).
Tuscany Biking North of Siena
A Taste of Tuscany North of Siena - Family Trip

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Cuisine

The Food of Tuscany
It goes without saying that Tuscany—known for its healthy and robust regional cuisine—will nourish your body as well as your soul. There’s no better complement to a Chianti wine than a regional dish made of Tuscany’s local products. Many of the area’s recipes appear to be variations on the traditional dishes of peasants. Bruschetta made from day old bread topped with oil or other grilled vegetables is a fabulous way to begin a Tuscan feast. Pecorino cheese is produced...


Badia a Coltibuono
The "Abbey of the Good Harvest" is Lorenza de’Medici’s famed Tuscan cooking school, where you can learn the secrets behind such delectable dishes as fresh handmade gnocchi, lemon risotto, a typical Tuscan bread called schiacciata or a rich chocolate pear tart, depending on the season and fresh ingredients on hand. (Italians live by the season—what’s fresh is what’s good!) Discover the nuances of the world’s finest olive oils and pungent balsamic vinegars—two staples of Tuscan cooking—at our informative tasting with Coltibuono’s resident expert.
Tuscany Cooking & Easy Walking
A Taste of Tuscany North of Siena - Family Trip

Greve in Chianti
Notable chef Silva Maccari joins us for a walk through the center of Greve and helps us select fresh ingredients for our afternoon cooking lesson. From here we walk the short distance up to the medieval hamlet of Montefioralle for a Tuscan-style Backroads picnic. Under the tutelage of our chef, we have a chance to demonstrate our culinary skills with piatti tipici Toscani, typical Tuscan dishes.
Tuscany Cooking & Easy Walking


Enjoy two irresistible family recipes from Massimo Prioresch, Backroads’ Vice President of Sales & Marketing (and Tuscan descendant).

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Wine

Wine
A journey through this region reaffirms the fact that "Tuscan wine" now means much more than a simple red in a straw-bound flask.
Italy is famous for its Chianti wines, especially its Tuscan Chianti. In the mid-18th century, Baron Bethre Ricasoli established the original formula for making Chianti. It began as a blend of four grape varietals in specific proportions. Four types of grapes are still used in making Chianti wines: two types of red grapes...

Montalcino
As you approach this classic hill town, you can’t help but notice some of the best-kept vineyards in Italy—the source of southern Tuscany’s prestigious Brunello di Montalcino and other wines. Stop for a while to explore Montalcino’s quiet streets and perhaps taste the local lifeblood at one of the numerous enoteche (wine cellars).
Tuscany Biking South of Siena

Volpaia
Once a small village of about 200 people, it is today one of the best-known winemaking communities in Chianti. Many of the wineries in this picturesque hilltop town are housed in historic buildings and mansions.
Tuscany Cooking & Easy Walking
Tuscany Walking North of Siena

Radda In Chianti
This ancient ridge-top village overlooking the valleys of Pesa and Arbia was the capital of the Antica Lega del Chianti (Chianti League) in 1415 and remains a center for Chianti Classico wine production. Explore the town on foot for a close-up look at a variety of architectural styles, which include classical Medici villas and houses constructed from castle ruins. Radda is also an excellent spot to grab a bite to eat and perhaps sample what locals believe is the best bruschetta in Tuscany.
Tuscany Walking North of Siena
Tuscany Cooking & Easy Walking
A Taste of Tuscany North of Siena - Family Trip

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