Page 321 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italy

CENTR AL IT AL Y  319

TUSCANY

Renowned for its art, history and evocative landscapes,
Tuscany is thought to offer the quintessential Italian
experience, and is understandably popular as a result. Hill-
towns gaze across the countryside, many encircled by Etruscan
walls and slender cypress trees. Handsome palaces testify to
the region’s wealth, while medieval town halls indicate a long-
standing tradition of democracy and self-government.

In the countryside, among the vineyards Its navy opened up extensive trading
and olive groves, there are hamlets and routes with North Africa, and brought
farmhouses, as well as fortified villas and to Italy the benefits of Arabic scient ific
castles – reminders of the violence and and artistic achievement. During the
intercommunal strife that tore Tuscany 16th century the Arno estuary began to
apart during the Middle Ages. Several silt up, ending Pisan power.
imposing castles and villas were built for At the heart of central Tuscany lies Siena,
the Medici family, the great patrons of the which was involved in a long feud with
Renaissance who supported eminent Florence. Its finest hour came with its victory
scientists, such as Galileo. in the Battle of Montaperti in 1260, but it
Northern Tuscany, and the heavily was devastated by the Black Death in the
populated plain between Florence and 14th century and finally suffered a crushing
Lucca, is dominated by industry, with defeat by Florence in the siege of 1554–5.
intensively cultivated land between the Northeastern Tuscany, with its moun tain
cities and the wild mountainous areas. peaks and woodland, provided refuge for
The area centred around Livorno and hermits and saints, while the east was
Pisa is now the region’s economic hub. home to Piero della Francesca, the early
Pisa, at the height of its powers, Renaissance painter whose timeless
dominated the western Mediterranean and serene works are imbued with an
from the 11th to the 13th centuries. almost spiritual perfection.

A view across treetops towards the medieval town of San Gimignano in central Tuscany
The picturesque farmlands of Pienza in Tuscany

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