What Tuscany is famous for?

One of the most popular regions within Italy, this picture-perfect landscape is well worth the visit!

Tuscany isn’t just famous for one thing, but multiple! Famed for an endless list of exceptional features, from glorious landscapes, vast history, delicious cuisines, to even artistic legacy. Tuscany one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, offering a smorgasbord of cities and small villages scattered about the lush greenery.

  • History

    The first to inhabit the region were the Tuscany Etruscans, an ancient civilisation that lived between the 8th and 3rd centuries B.C. The Etruscans were a rich civilization who developed the first true cities of Europe, setting the stage for ancient Roman art and culture. They were known by the Romans the ‘Tusci’, and their name was used to title Tuscany. Over the years, the region of Tuscany faced numerous battles and ownerships, with the Romans, the Lombards, and the Medici all claiming a section of the land in one time or another.

  • Its Art

    In the thousands of years of Tuscany’s lifetime, there has been a multitude of art periods. All of which have a fascinating history and significance of the country’s culture. These include the Etruscan, Roman, Middle Ages, Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque, but by far Tuscany’s most famous art style was its Renaissance period. It is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, created in the late 13th century to the early 15th century. The city that is renowned as the homeland of the Renaissance in Florence. As the most famous artists of this time lived here, including Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Donatello. Within the art world, the development of the Renaissance style was affected by the Philosophy, Literature, Architecture, Religion, and Science of the country, with the majority of the artworks developed for the Catholic Church. Many of the masterpieces created in this time remain in their birthplace, with Florence jam-packed with an incredible range of talent.

    Michelangelo’s David

    The famous statue of David is defiantly one of the world’s most famous sculptures. Created by the iconic Michelangelo, the sculptures showcases the ‘perfect man’ displaying the male human anatomy. Standing at around 5 meters tall, the structure plays tricks on your mind with the proportions of his body, with each angle you view it. This was done by Michelangelo’s science behind his art, with each section of David highlighted by his craftsmanship.

    Botticelli’s Birth of Venus

    It is the most recognisable painting on earth, with even non-art enthusiasts acknowledging its beauty.  Displaying the Goddess Venus arriving onshore after her birth, forming fully grown from the sea foam. Created with Botticelli’s signature style, the stunning painting boasts a colourful range of detail, colour, and beauty.

    Brunelleschi’s Dome

    It is an architectural marvel found in the region of Florence. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century, this Renaissance cathedral dome showcases the exceptional detail and care this past style once created. At the time of its creation, it was known as the largest dome in the world, and although this is no longer true, it still is an extraordinary structure to see in person.

  • Its Food

    Everybody loves Italian food, with the iconic cuisines of pizza and pasta taking over the world with its popularity. Tuscany’s food is no exception, with their entire range of cuisines based on the Italian idea of ‘cucina povera’, meaning poor cooking. It is about simple meals, inexpensive and easy to make in large amounts. Back in historic times, this was due to the region’s low economy, but the style of food remains similar despite their wealth ever-increasing over the years. Nowadays, the simple style showcases the natural flavours of each dish, using fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from the countryside. Tuscany is most famed for its olive trees and wheat, historically planted together to form the best produce in all of Italy.

  • Its Wine

    Regarded as one of the world’s best wine regions, Tuscany has no shortage of vineyards and wineries throughout its lush landscape. Each wine is carefully created and cared for, aged to perfection and contemplated with the rich hues of the land. Tuscany’s best-known wine regions include Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, as well as Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Carmignano.

    Brunello di Montalcino

    Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s most prestigious wine regions, A wine made with 100% Sangiovese with Italy’s highest DOCG classification. The Sangiovese is a main red grape of Tuscany, which most wine critics cite to have the best flavour in the entire country. The wines have aromas of red and black fruit, with underlying vanilla and spice flavours that bring a hint of earthiness.

    Chianti

    Chianti has the most popular red wine in the entire world, known for being a very dry red that pairs perfectly with food. The region has a romantic atmosphere, with sweeping landscapes, dazzling sunny days, and extravagant art and food. The wine is created with at least 80% of the Sangiovese grape, making it an earthy and rustic feel with aromas of cherries and strawberries.

    Montalcino

    Nestled in a medieval hilltop town in Tuscany, full of Renaissance palaces, ancient churches, and charming squares. Due to its position, the entire region boasts vast panoramas of the surrounding valleys of Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana. It is the second most planted grape in Italy, with a reputation for its inky, black-fruit, chocolatey flavours. Pairing these wines with food is a must, as the medium-bodied red wine has a high natural acidity which matches perfectly with the carb overloaded foods of the country.

Related article: What are some of the typical regional dishes of Tuscany?

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