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The Tuscany in Italy is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, delicious cuisine and rich cultural heritage. Among the gems of this region are numerous picturesque villages well worth a visit. Here we present our selection of 5 most beautiful villages in Tuscanyas well as their main tourist attractions and captivating history. Are you ready? Follow us on our tour!

1. Montepulciano: a town of art and wine

Perched on a hill in southern Tuscany, Montepulciano with its medieval and Renaissance architecture, splendid views over the surrounding vineyards and its excellent Nobile di Montepulciano wine. Here are a few must-sees:

  • Piazza Grande and its remarkable buildings, such as the Palazzo Comunale and the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral
  • Numerous churches, including San Biagio with its elegant facade
  • Historic wine cellars carved out of the rock, where you can taste local vintages

Montepulciano's history dates back to Etruscan times and extends right up to the exceptional artistic period of the Renaissance. Several generations of artists, such as Michelozzo and Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, left their mark on the town's architectural heritage.

2. Pienza: a 15th-century jewel

Located in the heart of the Val d'Orcia, Pienza is famous for its completely preserved historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here's what not to miss:

  • Piazza Pio II, a sublime creation by the architect Rossellino, with treasures such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Palazzo Piccolomini.
  • The Duomo, a Renaissance masterpiece whose luminous interior houses precious works of art
  • The gardens of Palazzo Piccolomini, offering breathtaking views of the Val d'Orcia

Originally called Corsignano, Pienza owes its current name and unique beauty to one of its most illustrious inhabitants, Pope Pius II. Pope Pius II decided to transform his modest hometown into an ideal city according to the canons of Renaissance architecture, making Pienza a perfect example of humanist urban planning.

3. Cortona: a plunge into Etruscan antiquity

Located on a hill near Lake Trasimeno, Cortona is one of Italy's oldest cities. Its Etruscan past and strategic location make it an unmissable destination:

  • The extraordinary collection of Etruscan artefacts on display at MAEC (Etruscan Academy Museum), testifying to the city's importance in antiquity.
  • The medieval fortifications and narrow streets that criss-cross the historic center and offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside.
  • The Sanctuary of Santa Margherita, home to the relics of Cortona's patron saint and offering a spectacular view of the town and its artistic diversity.

Founded by the Etruscans around the 8th century BC, Cortona was conquered by the Romans, before being besieged and gouvered by various factions during the Italian Middle Ages.

4. Pitigliano: Tuscany's "Little Jerusalem

Pitigliano is characterized by its extraordinary geographical position: built on a tufa promontory, this "perched citadel" imposes its majestic silhouette overlooking the mineral cliffs. Here are a few treasures not to be missed:

  • The picturesque Jewish quarter, with its restored synagogue, is well worth a visit.
  • The "vie cave", Etruscan paths dug into the tufa rock slopes
  • The ancient entrenched houses rising above the canyon that bounds Pitigliano

Pitigliano's history is rich and complex: founded by the Etruscans, it later became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The town became a refuge for Jews persecuted during the Spanish Inquisition of the 16th century.

5. San Quirico d'Orcia: the charm of an authentic medieval village

Perfectly preserved, San Quirico d'Orcia offers a journey back in time through its many architectural treasures:

  • La Collegiata di San Quirico, a remarkable Romanesque church where you can admire the splendid carved portal by Giovanni Pisano
  • The Horti Leonini gardens, with their shady avenues lined with centuries-old cypress trees, offer a haven of coolness away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
  • Piazza della Libertà with its charming gothique fountain in the village center

San Quirico d'Orcia's past is steeped in mystery: according to legend, the apostle Tommaso established a basilica here in the 1st century. Later, the village was fortified and a palace built during the golden age of medieval Tuscany.

What makes these traditional Tuscan villages so charming?

The Tuscan villages, with their typical facades and old stone buildingsThese buildings captivate visitors with their authentic charm. This aesthetic is largely based on the use of local materials, which vary according to the geological resources of each region. In general, there are 3 typical stones that contribute to this charm:

  • The Pietra Alberese This limestone, quarried mainly around Prato and Pistoia, has left its mark on local architecture. Used to build the walls and facades of public and religious buildings, it is also prized for making lime, creating soft, warm shades,
  • The Pietra Serena : This elegant gray stone is emblematic of Tuscan architecture, particularly in the Renaissance period. Its sturdiness and soft color make it the material of choice for columns, porticos and the facades of many buildings,
  • The Rosso Ammonitico Tuscan stone: This deep red stone brings a unique touch of color to Tuscan buildings. It is particularly appreciated for its singular geological features and warm appearance.

These materials, worked and assembled by local craftsmen, give Tuscan villages a strong identity and a timeless character. A stroll through these villages reveals a heritage built with care, in symbiosis with the surrounding nature.

So much for our top 5 of the most beautiful little villages in Tuscany! Don't hesitate to extend your exploration by visiting other equally charming destinations such as MontalcinoPoppiVoltèra or even Arezzo. Tuscany never ceases to surprise and delight.

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