Exploring Tuscany is like crossing the threshold of a fascinating painting: green hills extend to the horizon, cities of art tell centuries-old stories, while the authentic flavors of local dishes delight every palate.
Tuscany, an exciting journey between natural beauty and timeless culture.
Here are some curiosities about Tuscany designed for you!
1. Old bridge
In Florence, Ponte Vecchio has fallen on hard times. In 1944, during the Nazi retreat, all the city's bridges were destroyed except the Ponte Vecchio, which was spared thanks to its fascination with Hitler. Then, in 1966, a devastating flood hit the city. Ponte Vecchio, although damaged and muddy, remained standing, an indelible witness to its strength and resilience.
2. Cypresses in San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a picturesque Tuscan city of medieval origins.
It is famous for its towers that soar above the urban panorama, giving the place a unique and characteristic appearance. His fame, in fact, is mainly due to them. In medieval times San Gimignano boasted 72 towers, which gave its skyline a unique appearance. However, today only 14 remain. Among these, the Torre Rognosa is the oldest, dating back to the beginning of the 13th century; while the Torre Grossa is the tallest, reaching 54 metres. These towers form a significant part of San Gimignano's charm and history, offering visitors a fascinating journey into the city's past.
3. The Eroica
The Eroica of Florence is a famous cycling competition that takes place annually in the picturesque hills of Tuscany. L'Eroica was created by Giancarlo Brocci, a passionate Italian cyclist, in 1997. Brocci's idea was to create a cycling event that recalls the traditional roots of cycling, creating a unique atmosphere, which encourages the participation of cyclists coming from all over the world.
The race retraces the routes of dirt roads that pay homage to tradition. For this reason, in 2010 it was decided to run a stage of the Giro d'Italia on the Eroica route, arriving in Montalcino.
4. Via Fillungo in Lucca
Via Fillungo offers a charming promenade dotted with shops, cafes and restaurants, creating a unique atmosphere in the heart of Lucca. 700 meters long, it crosses the city from the medieval Porta dei Borghi to Via Santa Croce, approaching Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and the Church of San Frediano. In the last part, the part that follows the Roman cardo, you find the Church of San Cristoforo and the Torre delle Ore. Here, climbing the tower, it is possible to meet the ghost of Lucida Mansi, who had surrendered her soul to the devil to preserve her youth and beauty. When the thirty-year term expired, he climbed the tower trying to stop the clock and the advance of time, but without success, he then had to serve his penance.
You can discover many other curiosities dedicated to Tuscany in our new Journal "Tuscany"!
