Tuscany is one of the most diverse regions you can find throughout Italy. Many cities, such as Florence, are testimonies to an extensive cultural heritage where different aspects of Italian culture become evident. In today’s article, we will show you 10 of the most interesting facts about this fascinating region, whose idiosyncrasies and variety have inspired each of the rooms in our Italian restaurant. Let’s begin!
A cinematic region
Many cities and landscapes of Tuscany have been portrayed in the world of cinema. Major hits like Letters to Juliet, Hannibal, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Gladiator were filmed in its incredible landscapes and achieved great success on the big screen.
A cuisine like no other
The cuisine of Tuscany is highly valued in the world of gastronomy. Succulent dishes from the land and sea, such as:
- Handmade pici spaghetti
- Cacciucco
- Panzanella
- Pappa al pomodoro
- Lardo di Colonnata
can be found throughout the region and in many restaurants. Pici pasta, in particular, is one of the most delectable specialties of the region.
The home of Pinocchio
Pinocchio is one of the most famous stories in the world and has its roots in Tuscany, specifically in the city of Collodi. Across the countryside, you can find some depictions of scenes from the work of writer Carlo Lorenzini. This is no coincidence, as Lorenzini himself spent his childhood there.
The hidden Venice
In the southeastern part of the region, you’ll find one of its hidden gems: the city of Livorno. It is an Italian port city surrounded by canals, reminiscent of the famous Venice. Additionally, it is a place where you can also find Renaissance fortifications.
5 years of unification against the French
Between 1865 and 1871, Florence was declared the official capital of Italy. This occurred during the Italian unification against Napoleon. However, due to wartime circumstances and the reconquest of Rome by the Italians, it was later revoked.
It’s not just the Leaning Tower of Pisa
In the region, you can find other leaning buildings, such as:
- The famous Church of San Nicola
- The bell tower of the Church of San Michele degli Scalzi
Both are Romanesque architectural works that are still used as places of worship today.
A village lost in time
Toiano is a medieval village located near Volterra that is now completely uninhabited. It is a tourist attraction for many, as many original medieval buildings are preserved, and you can even find a drawbridge.
Two surreal traditions
The Palio of Sienna
The Palio is a horse race held annually twice a year. It’s a 5-lap competition in which each district (contrada) participates with a horse representing its neighbourhood. The race conditions are quite daring, as the horses gallop over cobblestones.
Calcio storico
This is a tradition over 300 years old originating in Florence. It’s a primitive type of football consisting of matches with more than 60 players, all dressed in Renaissance attire. The goal is to score the maximum number of points using all kinds of combat and wrestling strategies.
The medieval Manhattan of Tuscany
San Gimignano is one of Tuscany’s medieval cities where you can find towers of different sizes. According to local traditions, these towers belonged to landlords who competed with each other to demonstrate their power and authority based on the height of their towers. Today, 15 of its original 72 towers have been preserved.
A prized wine
Brunello di Montalcino is one of the most expensive and esteemed wines in the world. The Sangiovese grapes grown in the region are renowned for their exquisite flavour, providing the wine with both quality and longevity. The Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita recognises it as an official denomination of Tuscany.
This concludes our first article on fascinating facts about the Tuscany region. See you soon with more Italian curiosities!
Do you know everything about Italian cuisine? Visit our article on the differences and similarities between Italian and Spanish cuisine to learn more.