A holiday in Tuscany is an exciting journey along which one discovers the history of the civilisations that have populated this magic territory, making it what it is today. Mysterious Etruscan sites and ancient Roman remains are hidden throughout the green countryside. Small hill top towns and the splendid city of Pisa are symbols of the strong mark left behind by the Middle ages on the Tuscan territory. Visiting Florence, one becomes immersed in the magic atmosphere of this city and is transported back in time to the XV Century when Brunelleschi, Masaccio and Donatello commenced the Italian Renaissance. The artistic evolution of Tuscany continues today with numerous works of contemporary art, symbols of modern artists’ creativity.

Art and culture in Tuscany: discovering its ancient origins

The Etruscan and Roman populations have left important traces of their presence in this territory. Many Tuscan towns have Etruscan origins, for example Volterra.

A holiday in Tuscany is an exciting journey along which one discovers the history of the civilisations that have populated this magic territory, making it what it is today.

Art and culture in Tuscany: Mediaeval treasures

The middle ages were a time of great splendour. During this time urban centres such as the beautiful town of Pisa were established and small fortified villages sprung up among the Tuscan hills.
 

Art and culture in Tuscany: the magic of the Renaissance
Florence is known as the “cradle of the Renaissance” because it is here that the famous artistic movement began. The splendid monuments of the historic city centre, a triumph of harmony and elegance, make the chief town of Tuscany one of the most famous cities of art throughout the world.

Art and culture in Tuscany: an ever changing process
There are many works of modern art, a cultural expression of the current century. Pontedera pays homage to contemporary art, transforming the streets of the city centre in to a fascinating open air museum and there are many interesting modern art museums in many of the Tuscan cities such as Florence and Prato.

Tuscany’s artistic evolution has not stopped, on the contrary it is continually evolving as the numerous works of contemporary art demonstrate.

Art and culture in Tuscany: re living the magic mediaeval atmosphere.

True Tuscan culture can be seen at its best through the numerous historical re-enactments and local festivals which animate the territory. There are many tournaments which take place in the beautiful Tuscan towns such as the famous horse race known as the “Palio” in Siena, the “Giostra del Saracino” (Game of the knight on horseback) in Arezzo, the “Gioco del Ponte” (Tug of war of the Bridge) in Pisa and the “Balestro del Girifalco” (the Gerfalcon’s crossbow) in Massa Marittima. Many hilltop villages host mediaeval festivals during which the streets are full of knights, noble men and women, jesters and historic artisans who together create the atmosphere of the XIV century.