At the top of a forest covered peak in Tuscany the monastery Monte Oliveto Maggiore stands in solitary majesty. You get here by driving up the winding country road before arriving at the impressive building complex. The monastery was built at the start of the 14th century when 3 Sienese noblemen and the holy Bernado Tolomei settled in this rugged place to pray and work.
Chianti wine was incredibly popular especially in the years from 1870 to 1900, which led to the shabby copies from other districts. As long as the wine was poured in the classic fiasco bottle, it could pass as Chianti. In 1924 a group of wine producers from central Chianti formed a consortium, which took its name from the Lega de Chianti’s symbol – a black rooster.
Many would insist that it is impossible to find a large interesting town in Tuscany with rich medieval and Renaissance remains not overrun by tourists. But you can, and it is called Arezzo.
centre of Siena is quite indescribable. Once you are through the old city gates you are met everywhere by reminders of times when neither electricity nor industry was available to the local inhabitants. Piazza del Campo with its town hall, the cathedral, Basilica di San Domenico, La Torre del Mangia and above all the streets and houses make an unforgettable impression on visitors.
Montepulciano is about 60 km southeast of Siena. The town is built on the crest of a hill 605 metres above sea level. The town is Etruscan in origin, but became an independent province in the fourteenth century.
Florence is the capital of Tuscany and has been a cultural centre since the early Middle Ages. If you travel to Tuscany, you really should pay Florence a visit at some point: Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery, the churches Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce, Palazzo Pitti and its exhibitions, the cathedral with Brunelleschi’s vault and Giotto’s bell tower...
Poppi is definitely not one of Tuscany’s largest or most well known towns, but once visited it is unforgettable. Poppi has 6000 inhabitants, and since very few tourists find their way out here, the town is wonderfully unspoilt.
