Tuscany, and Florence in particular, are considered the cradle of the Renaissance. Although "Tuscany" is a linguistic, cultural and geographical concept rather than a political reality, in the 15th century Florence extended its dominion by annexing Arezzo and buying out Pisa. And Livorno became Florence's port.
The ideal destination to enjoy a cultural vacation!
From Florence, the republic was dominated by the increasingly monarchical family of the Medici. Initially, the forms of the republic were retained and the Medici ruled without titles, usually even without official headquarters. The Medici presided over the Florentine Renaissance.
There was a return to republican rule from 1494 to 1512, when Savonarola and subsequently Soderini governed. Cardinal Giovanni de Medici recaptured the city with Spanish forces in 1512, before becoming Pope Leo X. Florence was ruled by the Popes until 1527, when the citizens again declared it a republic until 1530, which ended after a siege by an imperial and Spanish army. Pope Clement VII and Charles V then appointed Alessandro de Medici as the first hereditary sovereign.
The Sienese Renaissance
The commune of Siena was incorporated into Tuscany in 1555, and Siena underwent a more conservative "Sienese Renaissance". Lucca remained an independent republic until 1847, when it was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany by the will of its people.
There are many excellent and quaint restaurants to discover in Tuscany, as well as all types of holiday accommodation in seasonal rentalHere are some typical gîtes (Agriturismo in Tuscany), and guest houses, spacious apartments, welcoming villas and luxurious castles with magnificent gardens and beautiful swimming pools waiting for you!