الجمعة، 14 سبتمبر 2012

Tuscany's Most Beautiful Churches

Italy's Tuscan region is filled with some of the world's oldest and most beautiful architecture. But, you'll find no architecture more beautiful than that of the many churches that are found throughout the region. Each small town and village offers at least one charming church, rich with history and beauty.

Florence, Pisa Chianti and Montepulciano are some of the most visited areas in Tuscany. Villas are located both inside these towns and along the countryside adjacent to them, making it easy to have privacy and comfort while enjoying the area.

In Florence, you'll find the Duomo, the town's most important cathedral. It is one of the most dominating features of the city. The cathedral offers a beautiful representation of 7th century Gothic architecture. You'll also find the Church of the Holy Cross (Santa Croce), a Franciscan structure that is the burial place of Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Rossini. There is also a Baptistery dedicated to St. John the Baptist, along with eight other churches in the town. Florence offers more churches than any other town in Tuscany. Villas nearby often sell out early during the tourist season, because of the huge numbers of visitors that flock to Florence each year.

Pisa is, of course, home to the world famous Leaning Tower. But, it is also home to the Square of Miracles, where you'll find the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore. In fact, many people don't realize that the famous Leaning Tower is actually the bell tower of the church. The church and adjacent baptistery both represent impressive examples of Romanesque architecture. Though frequented by many tourists each year, Pisa is actually one of the smaller towns in Tuscany. Villas for rental are mostly located outside the small town centre, but they offer a convenient way to see the city and enjoy the countryside at the same time.

Chianti is one of the most famous areas in Tuscany. Villas in this area offer the opportunity to have an impressive view of the many vineyards that line the roads. Chianti is, of course, most noted for being one of Italy's most important wine regions. But, Chianti is also made up of some of the prettiest towns in Italy. When in the Chianti region, be sure to visit the town of Barberino Val d'Elsa and the Church of St. Bartholomew. The church is one of the newer ones you'll find in the region, having been built in 1910. However, it is home to a stunning fresco from the 14th century. Not far outside the city is Semifonte, home to the Church of Sant Appiano and the Chapel of St. Michael. Both of these churches are quite beautiful.

In Montepulciano, you're sure to be impressed by the medieval architecture, and the view from this little hilltop town. But, you'll also be impressed by the two beautiful churches here. The first is the Church of Sant Agostino, designed by an artist who worked for the Medici family, who controlled and established the town. There is a crucifix in the church attributed to Donatello. The Church of Santa Maria dei Servi is also in the town, as is the Church of San Biagio, one of the most impressive examples of Renaissance art.

It would be nearly impossible to visit all the beautiful churches in this region, particularly in one visit. But, beginning with these churches in these beautiful areas, is a wonderful way to start.

Giovanni Balboni works for To Tuscany, who specialise in finding the perfect Tuscany villas in Chianti as well as selected villas in Umbria and Puglia. To Tuscany is proud of their villas and their reputation. All our Tuscany villas are personally selected and visited by our representatives to ensure we offer only the best in the region.


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