Information about Tuscany

Tuscany – the heart of the Italian way of life

“Tuscany is not in Italy, but Italy is in Tuscany,” as the German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe succinctly put it in 1786. And so it is: The heart of Italy beats here; Tuscany is the epitome of la dolce vita, and its capital, Florence, is considered the cradle of the Italian Renaissance. Culture meets pleasure, unspoiled landscapes meet urban cities, history meets the present: those who come here will never want to leave in a hurry.

Tuscany is located in central Italy and consists of a total of ten provinces. The region borders Liguria and Emilia-Romagna to the north, Umbria to the east, Lazio to the south, and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west. In the Tyrrhenian Sea lies an archipelago of seven islands that also belong to Tuscany—the most famous of which is Elba.

A stronghold of important sites

Tuscan cultural centers such as the cities of Florence and Siena, the Medici Gardens, and the village of San Gimignano are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The latter is also known as the “Medieval Manhattan” due to its skyline of tall historic towers and is famous far beyond Italy’s borders. Tuscany is home to important buildings throughout the region—including the Ponte Vecchio in Florence and the Siena Cathedral—as well as artistic treasures and traces of the Etruscans, who gave the region its name. They settled here in ancient times and were called the “Tusci.”

Tuscany on the tip of your tongue

Even today, Tuscany attracts history buffs, but above all those who want to be inspired by its culinary delights. Known for its agriculture, the region is renowned for its high-quality local products. Olives provide “liquid gold,” delicious wines such as Chianti or Montepulciano come from grapes grown here, and the meat for the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina comes from white Chianina cattle. Visitors can enjoy these specialties in countless restaurants and bars.

Too good to be true

It’s a scene straight out of a postcard: pale red tiles adorn the roofs of villages nestled in rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves stretch out, and cypress-lined avenues wind their way to the horizon. The coastline is dotted with pristine bays, rocky formations, and sandy beaches. Tuscany—a feast for the eyes! It can be explored through various nature parks, along picturesque bike paths, hiking trails, or on motorcycle tours. (mki)