Towns in Tuscany where you can find the authentic Italy
Italy is one of the top travel destinations in the world. When travelers go straight for Rome, Venice, Florence, and Pisa they leave authentic Italy, they are indeed good places and one should visit. But these popular places are always crowded. If you wish to plan your tour with some offbeat cities and still enjoy authentic Italy - here’s the list.
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Lucca
Lucca is not as well-known as Florence, but it was actually Tuscany’s capital. This city has retained its Renaissance and many churches. Which gives the impression of a place preserved in amber. Lucca is famous for being the birthplace of Puccini. The visitors can enjoy concert recitals most evenings in the atmospheric Church of San Giovanni.
Manciano
This town is built on a hilltop with grand views of the surrounding valleys and the sea. You can even explore Giglio Island, where the Costa Concordia cruise ship sank. Apart from the great views, in Manciano one can enjoy the thermal hot springs. Many people don’t know that Italy has some amazing natural hot springs and the Saturnia hot springs near Manciano.
Cortona
Cortona is a traditional walled Etruscan town. Although the town is small, it’s packed with interesting sites to visit – such as the Diocesan Museum, MAEC, Santa Margherita Sanctuary, Beautiful churches and many more. This place is famous for its red wine. You will find a lot of places to relax and enjoy a drink after a day of sightseeing.
Pitigliano
It is known as “Little Jerusalem”. This small Tuscan town is in the beautiful region of Maremma near the coast. You can explore the town’s Jewish history in the Jewish Museum of Culture, and try some local Jewish delicacies, “Sfratti”. You should also be sure to visit the underground tunnels and caves dug into the tufa beneath the city.
Fosdinovo
In Northern Tuscany, high in the steeper terrain, there is the enigmatic commune of Fosdinovo. It has a museum and cultural center that you can visit as well as walk around the remarkably well-preserved structure. Charming and live narrow streets go through the village and will lead you to Piazza Garibaldi. It is an ideal square to watch the world go by and admire the presence.
San Gimignano
The most well-known Tuscan village it is on the verge to be called the town, it started life in the 1150s as the Etruscan village. There are many museums and galleries which make this a varied and cultural village to visit in Tuscany.
Montepulciano
It is very near to Siena. Renaissance architecture makes this ancient town a beautiful place to visit. It was brought about by the Medici family around the 16th century. Major buildings are from the 1580s, it’s architecture is so elegant and genuine that the whole history looks like standing up and saluting with its grand architecture.