Tuscany must see places (Part 2)

Tuscany must see places (Part 2)

The Crete

The almost bare clay hills of the Crete stretch south of Siena and make up one of Tuscany’s most beautiful and distinctive landscapes. In winter the soft rolling hills with white dune-like hillocks and winding roads give an almost other world feel that almost feels like lunar landscape. In summer a dramatic change takes place with the fields ablaze with poppies, sunflowers and ripening wheat. Seen at sun rise or sunset the landscape is even better.

Within the Crete there are many medieval hamlets, churches, castles and fortresses. The area has been inhabited since the Etruscan era with the town of Asciano being one of the nicest. It stands at a crossroads between a number of ancient roads which accounts for its location.

Volterra

Volterra is yet another hill town that has an impressive Etruscan, Roman and medieval heritage. It is located 1770 feet above the sea level between the rivers Bra and Cecina, it also features two outstanding castles. However Volterra claim to fame is that the city is a centre of alabaster par excellence with the tradition dating back to the Etruscans. The city’s Alabaster Museum displays over 300 works of alabaster art, together with antiques and paintings

Duomo, Siena

Siena' s Duomo took almost 50 years to build from its start in 1215. Designed partly by Nicola Pisano it was his son Giovanni who conceived the plans for the lower half of the façade which was started in 1285. The facade' s upper half was not finally added until the 14th century. In 1339 it was decided to construct a new nave off the right transept. However in 1348 the Black Death and killed 80% of Siena' s population. The work was never completed and the half-finished walls survive to this day. The cathedral is filled with art worth viewing including a fresco cycle by Pinturicchio.

Piazza Grande, Arezzo

Arezzo is a beautiful idyllic town with a very attractive and lively historical centre. The main attraction is the Piazza Grande, it resembles very closely Siena' s Piazza del Campo. If there were a contest then it would be a contender for best Tuscan Piazza. The church of San Francesco is renowned for its frescoes.

The Uffizi

The Uffizi Gallery is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Florence and Tuscany. However the long queues to get in are almost as famous as its content. You need to plan any trip here to get the most out of your time and always buy your tickets before you arrive.

Botticelli’s Birth of Venus is just one masterpiece amid dozens in the galleries of the Uffizi. Giotto, Cimabue, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raffaello, are just a few of the most famous artists show here.