Tuscany is a part of the world that’s rich in natural beauty and impressive history. Unlike much of modern Italy, there’s a great deal of Tuscany that exists in much the same way that it has for hundreds of years. Thus, it’s a great destination for holidaymakers who want to experience a slice of the authentic, without compromising on modern conveniences.

Let’s take a look at some of the parts of Tuscany that travelers in search of history should make a point of visiting.

Lucignano

For a few centuries, between 1200 and 1500, Lucignano served an important strategic purpose, as a buffer between Siena and Arezzo. It’s a walled medieval town that sits on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside.

It’s been contested fiercely by a number of powers, right up until the Battle of Scannagallo secured it for Florence. This history is obvious if you take a stroll around the town center. From the Piazza del Tribunale, at the heart of town, you’ll see the church of San Francesco, Collegiata di San Michele Arcangelo, and the Palazzo Comunale, which boasts its own museum.

Florence

If you’re visiting Tuscany, then a visit to Florence seems almost mandatory. Throughout the Renaissance, this spectacular city was a breeding ground for influential artistic talents. Today, many of the more famous works produced by the city’s artists are showcased in the Uffizi Gallery, which includes Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and Primavera.

Naturally, you’ll also want to spend some time taking in the city itself. The Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore is a highlight!

San Quirico d’Orcia

It might be that you’d prefer to sample the Tuscan countryside. In this case, it’s worth venturing to another walled settlement – the village of San Quirico, which sits in Val d’Orcia, in the region’s south. There are a number of gorgeous historic buildings here, including the Collegiata, which was created from an 8^th-century church.

Then there’s one of the more famous features of Val d’Orcia, which is the chapel of Madonna di Vitaleta. You’ll find it sitting on a long dirt road, which leads to nearby Pienza.

This kind of place is perfect for bike tours, which allow participants to explore what’s on offer in Tuscany, to those willing to venture from the beaten track. You’ll also get a chance to build up a caloric deficit in the daytime so that you can indulge in pasta in the evenings.

Versilia

For those who’d prefer to spend some time beside the sea, Tuscany offers the country’s favorite summer beach destination: Versilia. The nightlife here is legendary, and you can spend the daytime lounging on a beach while soaking in the sunshine, in full view of the spectacular Apuan Alps.

Tuscany is is a destination that never disappoints. From the iconic Italian country side to the artworks of the grand masters to the sea.