Tuscany, like a fine wine, has been some time in the making...

From the Etruscans to the Romans to the Renaissance, Tuscany is possibly the greatest repository of art in the world, from extraordinary paintings and sculpture to frescoes and architectural masterpieces.

Visitors to Tuscany come for many reasons. Many come in search of fine art, others to explore the extraordinary countryside. Gourmets and wine buffs descend on Tuscany to enjoy the simple yet wonderful cuisine and wine. Walkers enjoy the mountain paths, cyclists the rolling hills, summer vacationers the sea coast and islands. Students come to learn the beautiful Italian language and culture.

There is a lot to see and do in Tuscany, the difficulty is really where to start. Certainly most should start with Florence, then continue on to Siena and Pisa. The roll call of città di arte, cities of art, is daunting: Arezzo, Cortona, San Gimignano and Lucca are all striking. The more you come to know the region, the more extraordinary Tuscany appears.

City: Arezzo Is an ancient city of Tuscany (Italy) of 95000 inhabitants. Arezzo is about 80 km (50 miles) south-east of Florence. Arezzo is set on a steep hill rising from the floodplain of River Arno. The upper town looks medieval with the cathedral, the town hall and the Medici Fortress (Fortezza Medicea). Arezzo is one of the wealthiest cities in Tuscany and it produces gold jewelry and clothing for shops all over the world.

Sights and Attractions: the Gothic Duomo built around the 15th C with hexagonal bell tower and neo-gothic façade (fresco by Piero della Francesca) • The gothic church of San Francesco with Inside one of the Italy’s greatest works of art: The “Leggenda della Vera Croce” (Legend of the true cross), a magnificent fresco cycle by Piero della Francesca (1450) • The Romanesque church of Santa Maria with imposing bell tower and hosting “ a beautiful polyptych by Pietro Lorenzetti (1320) • "Piazza Grande”, the square where twice a year takes place the “Giostra del Saracino” (Jousting tournament) and where the first weekend of the month is the most important Italian antique fair (500 exhibitors) • The Vasari Loggia along the north side of Piazza Grande, a flat Mannerist façade designed by Giorgio Vasari • The Gothic Renaissance “Palazzo della Confraternita dei Laici” an important work by Vasari (1573) • The Gothic “San Domenico”, with Romanesque Portal, frescos and big crucifix by Cimabue • The church of Santa Maria in Gradi • Palazzo Pretorio medieval palazzo • Fortezza Medicea, (Medici’s Family fortress),  dating back to the 16th Century and from which you can enjoy a splendid view • The Roman Amphitheater.

Museums: “Museo d’arte medioevale e moderna" which preserves sculptures and paintings  • The Archelogical Museum preserves many Etruscan, Roman and Prehistoric finds and a refined collection of Vases  •  Vasarian museum.

Events: Giostra del Saracino” (Jousting tournament) twice a year in June and Sept • Antique Fair (1st weekend of each month, about 500 exhibitors participate) •

Typical products: Chianina meat (excellent for Bistecca alla Fiorentina), wine, gold jewelry, clothing articles.