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 City Network of Lucca Top of Page | Lucca is the site of one of the most impressive city walls in existence today. Constructed in the 16th century, Lucca's 39' high and 98' thick city wall is 2-1/2 miles long with eleven bastions and six gates. The top of the wall is now used as a roadway lined with beautiful trees, a delightful place for a stroll with a fine panoramic view of the city's numerous ancient and artistic buildings. Lucca was also the home of the famous operatic composer Giacomo Puccini. The city was established as a Roman colony around 180 B.C. It flourished again during the Middle Ages and, in spite of suffering from periods of domination, it survived as a Republic independent of its powerful neighbor, Florence. |
Top of Page | VIAREGGIO, MARINA DI PISA, MARINA DI PIETRASANTA, LIVORNO, PORTO SAN STEFANO, PORT'ERCOLE, PORTO VECCHIO... Never to be forgotten is a stroll along a lovely Mediterranean beach. The Mare Tirreno (the Mediterranean Sea)and these coastal towns are within a 1 hour to 1-1/2 hour drive from most places in the Tuscan region. |
Top of Page | By the Lake of Massaciuccoli (Lago di Massaciuccoli) is the Villa Puccini, former home of the legendary opera composer, Giacomo Puccini. The villa can be visited during the summer months from 9:00am - Noon and 3:00 - 7:00pm. In the nearby town of TORRE DEL LAGO PUCCINI, each summer the Festival Pucciniano presents the master's works in an open-air theatre. There are several campgrounds around the town and lake which also make ideal picnic spots. |
Top of Page | Home of the famous Leaning Tower and many other points of interest, Pisa's most brilliant period was during the Middle Ages when it was a powerful maritime republic. It is only minutes away from the Ligurian Sea. |
Top of Page | Cradle of the Renaissance and prosperous merchant city of the 15th century, Florence became the artistic and intellectual capitol of Europe. |
 Commune di Castellina Chianti News (English Language Edn.) Castellina in Chianti.com Top of Page | One of the many small towns in Chianti region of Tuscany where the world famous "Gallo Nero" (Black Rooster) Classic Chianti Wine is produced, Castellina in Chianti is also blessed with a uniquely convenient location. You can easily find yourself in Florence (45 min's.), Siena (30 min's.), Pisa (50 min's.), Lucca (1 hr.), Montecatini (1 hr.), or one of many other equally fascinating towns that are less than an hour's drive away. This lovely town has truly become a center for those vacationing in Tuscany, with all the conveniences. In addition to the splendid views of vineyards, it offers the sites of several Etruscan tombs to be explored. |
Top of Page | The unofficial capital of the Chianti region, Radda is home to several 15th and 16th century palaces. These absorbing structures are tucked in amidst the predominately Medieval architecture of the rest of the town. |
 Comune di Greve in Chianti Tourism in the Chianti Top of Page | With the charm of a rural market town, Greve is another of the Chianti region's typically picturesque towns. This major wine distribution center is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. It makes an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding countryside, and is a wonderful place to shop for a selection of local wines. Market activity centers around the arcaded Piazza Verrazzano, where there is a monument to Giovanni da Verrazzano, the "discoverer" of New York Bay. Among the region's local fairs and festivals, Greve's Wine Festival, held each year in late September, is the largest wine festival in Chianti. In the month of May there is a beautiful flower show, and in June a "Horse Fair". Just up the hill from Greve is the elliptically shaped, fortified village of Montefioralle. This town, just to the east, was the feudal redoubt of the Vespucci family, whose now famous navigator son lent his name to the American continent. Other places of interest include Castello di Verrazzano, 50022 Greve. Tel:055-854-243 /295-189; and Vignamaggio, Tel:055853-007 /853-559. Situated on a beautiful hilltop overlooking the vineyards below, this villa is said to have been the home of Leonardo da Vinci's most celebrated model, the woman whose portrait is known as the Mona Lisa. Most recently, the villa served as the location for the filming of Kenneth Branaugh's film of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing". |
Top of Page | Near the charming town of Greve, Gaiole is a small market town in the "Agricoltori Chianti Geografico". The headquarters of the local cooperative, where you can purchase Chianti, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, VinSanto, and olive oil, is located at: Via Mulinaccio #10, Tel: 577-749-489. Gaiole also serves as an excellent starting point from which to visit several of the impressive castles in this area. Just to the west are the walls, and the imposing Dungeon, of the Castello di Vertine. This outstanding sight has managed to keep its 13th century appearance nearly intact. It is one of the most striking sights in the entire Chianti Region. To the east of Gaiole stands the ancient fortified village of Barbischio, and just 3km to the south, on route N-408, is the impressive medieval Castello di Melito. Most majestic of all, however, is the Iron Baron's celebrated Castello di Brolio, owned by the famous Ricasoli family. The Castello is located 10km south of Gaiole along route N-484. The grounds, medieval chapel, and gardens are open daily from 9am to 12noon, and from 3pm to sunset. At Madonna del Brolio, 10km south of the Castello, you can also visit the Cantine Barone Ricasoli. Phone ahead for an appointment to tour this very interesting and active wine producing facility. Tel:0557-311-961. |
 San Gimignano City of Towers Top of Page | A most charming and completely walled medieval town, San Gimignano rises on a hill dominating the river Elsa valley. Seat of a small Etruscan village during the Hellenistic period, its modern history began in the 10th century when the town took the name of San Gimignano, Bishop of Modena. It served as an important relay point for pilgrims to and from Rome on the Via Francigena. The patrician families who controlled the city during the 13th and 14th centuries built some 72 tower-houses (some as tall as 160ft, or more) as symbols of their wealth and power. Today, San Gimignano’s 14 remaining towers rise high from the narrow, twisting streets of a town that retains its feudal atmosphere and appearance to overlook a countryside dominated by olive trees and rolling vineyards. The view from the Rocca di Montestaffoli (a hilltop fortress dating from 1353) is truly spectacular. |
(Voltera's Roman Amphitheatre)Top of Page | Set in a contryside of rolling hills, vineyards, and cypresses seemingly unchanged since the days of the Renaissance masters, Volterra is one of the lesser known hilltop towns in the heart of Tuscany. Only an hour’s drive from Pisa, Siena, or the Tyrrhenian coast, and near to Castellina in Chianti (about 25 min's.), it is a fascinating Etruscan town. Within Volterra's medieval walls you can immerse yourself in history, shop for local crafts, feast on authentic local cuisine, taste characteristic local wines, or simply drink in the sights of one of the most lovely corners of the globe. Major points of interest here include the nearly perfectly conserved 4th century Etruscan Gate, and the Roman Theatre and Archeological Park. The well-preserved Roman amphitheatre is also an active archeological dig site. Volterra’s Etruscan Museum houses artifacts from the 6th to the 1st centuries B.C., and the nearby Etruscan tombs. Some of the more intriguing artifacts in the museum have been brought in from the recent discoveries of more Etruscan tombs near Rome. Shopping in Volterra is wonderful, especially for the beautiful works in alabaster produced by local craftspeople. . |
Top of Page | Aside from its unusual name, Poggibonsi provides an interesting look at a modern, industrial town set in picturesque surroundings. With its bustling wine and oil markets, this city is a must for those interested in seeing a bit of modern Italy along with the historical. |
 Siena Jazz Top of Page | A perfectly preserved medieval town, Siena's narrow, twisting streets are lined with 14th and 15th century buildings. One of Italy's most famous horse races, Il Palio, is held each year in this picturesque city, on July 2nd, and again on August 16th. Before the race riders representing different areas within the town, dressed in colorful traditional costumes, take part in a splendid parade in the main campo. |
Top of Page | Home to one of the Italy's finest museums of ETRUSCAN artifacts. The town center also boasts a lovely little concert hall dedicated to the composer, Maestro Pietro Mascagni. Nearby are several very intriguing Etruscan tombs that can be explored. |
 Castiglione del Lago Top of Page | Travel back in time as you enter the Medieval fortress through the undulating darkness of its fortified wall to climb the sloping, centuries old steps of its circular tower. Picnic along the shores of Italy's largest lake. Catch a ferry to one of the three picturesque islands, of particular interest to many is the lace manufacturing on Isola Maggiore. Perched high atop its hill, with a view overlooking Lago Trasimeno, this picturesque walled town is one of the oldest continuously fortified sites in Italy. Castiglione del Lago is also home to a delightful series of summer evening concerts performed in an outdoor amphitheater set in the ruins of its ancient fortress. |
Top of Page | In progress... |
Top of Page | Perugia is home to both the famous Perugina chocolates and one of the largest universities in Italy which specializes in programs for "stranieri", or foreigners. Picturesquely situated, its hill top location provides some spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Large sections of the old city walls dating back to the pre-Roman times of the Etruscans are apparent near the city gates. |
Top of Page | Built over an earlier ancient Roman settlement, this medieval town includes among its many points of interest the basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. Begun in 1228 A.D., this unique structure consists of two churches built one above the other. An easy day trip from the Florence, Castellina, Siena area. |
Top of Page | The town of Torgiano still preserves its medieval appearance which is reinforced by the remains of its ancient walls. The Museum of Wine here, the most highly regarded in all of Italy, is of great interest and contains a precious collection of historical documents regarding the art of the vintner and wine-maker, as well as technical instruments, prints, items of specialized craftsmanship and folklore documents and bibliographic documentation on the subject. The fortified part of the town is situated near the confluence of the Tiber and Umbrian valleys. Here, the cultivation of the vine is an ancient art and the craft of pottery has a long tradition as well. |
Top of Page | World famous for its beautiful and distinctive hand painted pottery, Deruta ...in progress... |
Top of Page | High on its hillside, Todi ...in progress... High hillside town that LA TIMES ARTICLE THINKS IS BEST PLACE IN WORLD TO LIVE |
Top of Page | The ancient hill top city of Orvieto is home to one of the most beautiful and intriguing Cathedrals in all of Italy. In nearby Bomarzo is the most unusual, and little known, "Parco dei Mostri" (Monster Park). Originally created in 1552 by a Prince of the famous Orsini family, this fantastic treasure was lost when it was abondoned almost immediately his heirs and became completely overgrown by brush an bracken. It was only "re-discovered" in the 20th century and provides a most interesting and amusing side trip on your journey. |
Top of Page | Bologna is world famous for its trade fairs and exhibits, as well as the "sausage" that bears its name. It is the home of the oldest university in Europe which is renowned for its prestigious School of Medicine. Founded in the 6th century B.C., this tenacious city-state was conquered twice by the Roman Empire, forced to submit to Papal rule during the 16th Century but did not finally become part of the unified Italian kingdom until 1859. This rich history, along with its open arcaded shopping area makes Bologna one of the "must see" towns in the region. |
Top of Page | Home of the world famous Spoleto Festival of performing arts with exciting world class artists in musical and theatrical performances. ...in progress... |
