Tuscany Villas

The Tuscan Towns

Tuscany is divided into ten provinces, each of them with its own distinctive identity. The province of Florence is certainly the most visited, due to its artistic and landscape beauties, including Mugello, the Arno valley and part of the Chianti. The province of Siena, with the Sienese Chianti, the Val d`Orcia and the many villages and towns that dot this part of Tuscany, is probably the richest one in things to see of the whole region. The province of Arezzo spreads in the eastern part of Tuscany. The province is famous for its goldsmiths. In the north of the province there is the hilly region of Casentino. The province of Prato is the most recent of the ten Tuscan provinces. With its textile industries, this small part of the region plays a fundamental role in Tuscan economy. Although it does not attract many tourists, the province of Pistoia is rich in relevant monuments. In winter, the Abetone attracts many Tuscan skiers, whereas Montecatini Terme and Monsummano Terme are two famous spa towns. Going to the west, there is the province of Lucca, spreading between Florence and the sea. With its diverse landscape, in summer it is one of the favourite destinations of sea lovers, whereas the Garfagnana attracts many hikers. The marble quarries that dot the Apaun Alps are the most striking feature of the province of Massa-Carrara. Michelangelo travelled personally to this part of the region to choose the pieces of marble for his masterpieces. The Leaning Tower is the most famous attraction in the province of Pisa. This province offers a magnificent hilly landscape dotted with charming countryside villages. The Etruscan city of Volterra is another point of interest of the province. The province of Livorno consists of a narrow strip of land spreading from north to south along the coast. The Elba Isle, a popular summer destination, is part of this province. The province of Grosseto is the southernest of the ten Tuscan provinces. Grosseto is the main city of the Maremma, a reclaimed swamp area. The Monte Argentario, the Uccellina national park and the Monte Amiata are the main attractions of the province.