Italy's Attractions: Tuscany – the Heart of the Apennines

Do you love sweets? Have you tried cantuccini? No? Then you don’t really love sweets! And do you believe in the healing power of wine? For example, Chianti or Vin Santo? You do? Then tell me — have you ever been to Tuscany? If you answer yes, then you know that Tuscany is that part of Italy that simply cannot be missed. It’s as unthinkable as going to Belgium and not seeing Brussels.

Tuscany is incredibly diverse. Tourist brochures often show idyllic photos — hills, farmhouses, vineyards, peasants in traditional clothing. But those who see Tuscany “live” are endlessly amazed by its cultural and scenic richness.

It's impossible to skip, especially because the province of Pisa is here — yes, the one with the famous Leaning Tower. You can admire it, climb it, and learn the story of its construction — and find out whether it will ever fall. In fact, this relatively small region is home to many of Italy’s iconic landmarks.

Who would pass up the chance to see the frescoes in Arezzo? The beautifully designed Church of San Francesco was decorated with them during the Renaissance. And how could anyone ignore the history of the Etruscans — a mysterious people whose origins, language, and customs still puzzle scholars. Their traces remain in Saturnia, Chiusi, and Tagliano.

The Italian language enchants with its melody. And it was Tuscany that became the cradle of the Italian we hear today — the one that delights us when sung by Toto Cutugno or Adriano Celentano.

It was in Tuscany, in the world-famous province of Florence, that Italian literary masters developed and refined the language. Florence holds enormous importance for all of humanity. Humanism began here, and it was home to great thinkers and scientists. In many ways, Florence is the source of modern European culture.

If you're planning a trip to Italy — be sure to include Tuscany in your itinerary. Tourists' glowing reviews are not just the result of sipping wine from Tuscan hills.

They are a sincere declaration of love for Tuscany — an amazing fusion of the fairy-tale landscapes of Maremma and Umbria, the seaside of Livorno, and the mountains of the Apuan Alps — the source of stunning Carrara marble — and the Tosco-Emilian Apennines. By the way, these mountains are great for skiing in winter.

The heart of the Apennines, the heart of the Renaissance, the heart of European culture — that’s Tuscany...