Tuscany is absolutely full of things to see and do but among this endless list of things, there are seven designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the region: the historic centre of Florence (initiated in 1982); the Cathedral square of Pisa (1987); the historical centre of San Gimignano (1990); the historical centre of Siena (1995); the historical centre of Pienza (1996); the Val d'Orcia (2004), and the Medici Villas and Gardens (2013). If you are planning a trip to Tuscany, a visit to any of these attractions would enhance any holiday.
In the last posts, we discussed some of the entries on the list so here are the last of those Tuscan UNESCO sites and why you need to visit!
In the last posts, we discussed some of the entries on the list so here are the last of those Tuscan UNESCO sites and why you need to visit!
5. The Historical Centre of Pienza
The scenic and small hilltop town of Pienza in the Val d'Orcia in southern Tuscany was awarded a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site award for its historic centre in 1996. Often known as the "ideal Renaissance city”, it was the creation of the great humanist Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who later became Pope Pius II.
Piccolomini used his money and influence to transform his birthplace of Corsignano, into his idea of a Utopian city. This is what eventually would come to be known as Pienza. Based on classical ideas of geometry and elegance, it is comprised of beautiful buildings and harmonious street plans. Recognised for its preserved 15th century splendour, Pienza is a truly unique and wonderful city. If you want to wander the streets of an ideal town for yourself find a luxury villa in Pienza!
The scenic and small hilltop town of Pienza in the Val d'Orcia in southern Tuscany was awarded a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site award for its historic centre in 1996. Often known as the "ideal Renaissance city”, it was the creation of the great humanist Enea Silvio Piccolomini, who later became Pope Pius II.
Piccolomini used his money and influence to transform his birthplace of Corsignano, into his idea of a Utopian city. This is what eventually would come to be known as Pienza. Based on classical ideas of geometry and elegance, it is comprised of beautiful buildings and harmonious street plans. Recognised for its preserved 15th century splendour, Pienza is a truly unique and wonderful city. If you want to wander the streets of an ideal town for yourself find a luxury villa in Pienza!
6. The Val D'Orcia
The Val d’Orcia, or Orcia Valley, is a region of Tuscany that extends from the hills south of Siena to Monte Amiata. This is the Tuscany that you have seen in countless photographs and movies all of your life. These are the iconic rolling hills and historic towns and villages that Tuscany is famous for. Hop in a car and explore or take a guided of this incredible part of the region and be sure to bring your camera to get pictures of Tuscany's most photogenic area.
7. Medici Villas and Gardens
Again, you're going to need to hop into a car as the Medici Villas and Gardens aren't one compact city centre or attraction but, rather, a series of rural building complexes in Tuscany that were once owned by members of the Medici family between the 15th century and the 17th century. These stunning country palaces and their gardens provide days and days of pleasant outings and each offer incredible architecture, wonderful works of art, fascinating tales and lovely gardens to wander in the same spot.
While there is lots to see in Tuscany, her UNESCO sites are pretty special and deserve a special mention!
The Val d’Orcia, or Orcia Valley, is a region of Tuscany that extends from the hills south of Siena to Monte Amiata. This is the Tuscany that you have seen in countless photographs and movies all of your life. These are the iconic rolling hills and historic towns and villages that Tuscany is famous for. Hop in a car and explore or take a guided of this incredible part of the region and be sure to bring your camera to get pictures of Tuscany's most photogenic area.
7. Medici Villas and Gardens
Again, you're going to need to hop into a car as the Medici Villas and Gardens aren't one compact city centre or attraction but, rather, a series of rural building complexes in Tuscany that were once owned by members of the Medici family between the 15th century and the 17th century. These stunning country palaces and their gardens provide days and days of pleasant outings and each offer incredible architecture, wonderful works of art, fascinating tales and lovely gardens to wander in the same spot.
While there is lots to see in Tuscany, her UNESCO sites are pretty special and deserve a special mention!
Photo credits
picture 1: Oschirmer / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Mongolo1984 / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Oschirmer / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Mongolo1984 / CC BY-SA 3.0
