Tuscany was probably inhabited in the second millennium B.C.. There is anything for sure but just in that period there were the first tracks of men. In many places of Tuscany were found some villages’ relics, built on a pile dwelling, object and furnishing, sign of an advance civilization even were from Bronze and Iron Age.
Tuscany, during the eighth century B.C., started to appear the first Etruscan trucks. Thanks to them the Region was named Etruria, later Tuscia for Roman people and then Tuscania and Toscana.
Around sixth century B.C., the Etruscan reached the peak of their strength. They extended their possessions from Pianura Padana to Campania.
They built streets, they reclaimed marsh and they built big city such as:
The level of civilization that reached this people were testified from several archaeological relics found on their vast possessions. Most of them were found into the graves of necropolis.
In the third century B.C., Etruscan came in conflict and subsequently they were defeated from the big Roman military strength. This caused an economical, cultural and social collapse of the entire Region.
After the fall of the Roman Empire the Region passed through Ostrogothic and Byzantine domination. After them it were captured from Longobard in 569. Lucca became their Grand Duchy.
Carlo Magno won with Longobard and the Duchy became County and then Marquisate of Lucca.
In the XIth century the Attoni, big Canossiani feudatory, won the Marquisate. They already possessed Modena, Reggio Emilia and Mantova.
Around the XIIth century began the period of free Towns and Lucca became the first City in Italy. It born the first type of democracy and the association of arts and crafts. Tuscany became an important example of cultural, social and economical autonomy. Florence became the main important city.
Tuscany, and especially Florence, with Dante Alighieri and Giotto in the ‘300, and then in the ‘400 with other famous artists, gave a large contribution to the Italian Renaissance.
The Medici family ruled over Florence.
Medici family ruled Tuscany until 1737 with exception of Lucca that was a self-governing Republic; Piombino was a self-Principality and the area of Orbetello and Monte Argentario were under the State of garrison.
The Grand Duchy of Tuscany passed over the government of Austrian Family called Lorraine Family. They ruled until 1859. The Lorraine, in the name of Pietro Leopoldo, reclaimed all the Maremma area and they brought liberal principles that allowed Tuscany to became one of the most reach Region of Italy.
The most important innovation was the abrogation of death penalty in all the area under the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. It was the first State in the world. The law came into force on 30th November 1786.
During the Napoleonic period and in the first years of Risorgimento, Tuscany became the place of asylum for many writers and patriots. On 15 March 1860, thanks to a popular plebiscite, there was a passage from Grand Duchy to the Italian unitary State. The union was with the Region of Piemonte and thus, to the Italian Kingdom.
Florence was the capital city until 1870. It host the Government of the nation for five years.
Tuscany is an extraordinary Region for holiday. Holiday in Tuscany is synonym of high-class and refined holiday.
Villa Poggio ai Merli is located at few km from Florence and nearby the main places of interest of the Region. Leaving from the Villa it becomes easy to reach all the most beautiful towns of Tuscany.
Arezzo
The town of Arezzo is located between three of the four valley that made up its province. Arezzo rose in Etruscan age and became one of the main Etruscan city. Arezzo is today one of the most important junction between Rome and Florence. The city was also the film studio of the famous movie “la vita è bella” of Roberto Benigni. If you desire to experience cultural Tuscan holiday, here it will follow some of the main places of interest to visit, like the Vasari home and the Diocesan museum.
Museum and place of interest.
Churches
Building
Museum
Distance from Villa Poggio ai Merli: 78.2 km
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Siena
The city has been declared Human Heritage from Unesco. Siena have a long culinary tradition. On 2nd July and 16th August of each year it take place, in Piazza del Campo, the traditional and famous Palio of Siena.
It is the seat of Siena Jazz, the national Academy of Jazz.
Siena is an ideal place to stay for a characteristic Tuscan Holiday.
Monuments
Palace
Churches and other artistic religious place
Museum
Events
Distance from Villa Poggio ai Merli: 65.4 km
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Pisa
The city is the host of the main international airport of Tuscany. Its name is "Galileo Galilei". The city is also seat of three famous University: the University of Pisa, the School Normale and the School of Sant’Anna.
The most important monument of the city is the magnificent leaning tower of Pisa of the XIIth century. It is 55 m high and it began to assume its slope after the beginning of its construction.
During your holiday in Tuscany you must spend a day in Pisa; it is at just 100 km from Villa Poggio ai Merli.
Exposition, exhibition and congress Centre
Monument
Distance from Villa Poggio ai Merli: 108.4 km.
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Lucca
Each year at end of October beginning of November it takes place the famous Lucca comics: one of the most important exhibition of Italian comics.
During July there is Lucca Summerfestival, a musical event that host famous artists from all over the world.
Recently there was the proposal to named it Human Heritage from UNESCO.
Once you plan your Holiday in Tuscany Lucca is not the first place where to go. But it is one beautiful city and you don’t have to miss it.
Monument
Distance from Villa Poggio ai Merli: 82.0 km
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Livorno
It’s one of the most important harbour of the coast, both commercial and tourist calling-port. It’s the most young city in all Tuscany. Livorno is an obliged place to visit for original Holiday Tuscany.
On 13th June it’s to mark the Sant’Antonio fair.
Monument and building
Holiday and village fair
Distance from Villa Poggio Ai Merli: 87.9 km
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Piombino
Piombino is located on the Tyrrhenian coast (called Costa degli etruschi), in the Maremma Livornese. The city of Piombino is one of the city on the coast that have a historical centre. The city of Piombino is also a part of the Wine tour itinerary. Inside the historical centre of Piombino is possible to see a small part of the city wall planned by Leonardo da Vinci.
Frequently Piombino is a city of obliged passage for your Holiday in Tuscany, because it’s from its harbour that you reach the fabulous Elba Island.
Monument
Festival
Museum
Distance from Villa Poggio Ai Merli: 160.2 km
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Grosseto
It is the most southern city of the Tuscany. Such as for Lucca, Grosseto is out of the ordinary city Tour of Tuscany, but it is a very interesting city. Of course, you don’t have to miss the Archaeological and art museum of Maremma.
Monument
Museum
Distance from Villa Poggio Ai Merli: 138.9 km
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Pistoia
Pistoia is a city located on the western part of Tuscany, at about 50 km from Florence. If you are searching a mix of culture and nature, Pistoia is the right place. The distance from Villa Poggio ai Merli is about 40 km.
Church
Monument
Museum
Distance from Villa Poggio Ai Merli: 46.5 km
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Prato
The city is famous in Italy and around the world for its textile production. Since 1992 Prato was a Florence’s district. One of the best reason to plan your holiday in Tuscany is that everywhere you can find anything special.
Prato, located at just few km from Villa Poggio ai Merli, has magnificent monuments as the Emperor Castle.
Monument
Church
Museum and Art-gallery
Distance from Villa Poggio ai Merli: 30.5 km
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San Gimignano
For its unique medieval architecture, with its famous towers, the historical centre of San Gimignano has been declared Human Heritage of UNESCO.
The city world-wide fame come also from the works of art that preserve and from the famous Vernaccia of San Gimignano white wine. It is also the native town of the medieval poet Folgore of San Gimignano.
During your Tuscany Holiday you must stop in this Town.
Place of interest
Distance from Villa Poggio Ai Merli: 49.6 km
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Place of interest – Florence
it’s considered the place where the Renaissance born. Florence is known around the world as the cot of the art and architecture with its gorgeous historical building, masterpieces and museums. Holiday in Florence is a mixture of beautiful landscape, cultural, wine and food tasting tour.
During your Holiday in Florence you have the chance to see an incredible number of marvellous squares, such as:
In Your Holiday in Tuscany you can’t miss the Historical Buildings of Florence
Florenceis also well-known for its monuments and churches. In your Holiday in Florence a visit to these places is obliged.
Florenceis shared from Arno river and the two side of the city are joined with several and famous bridge.
During your Holiday in Tuscany you will cross several of them.
Florenceisn’t just art and culture, but it has also breathtaking landscape. When you decide to pass a Holiday in Florence preserve time to walk around the well-known Florentine gardens.
During your holiday in Florence you can realize that the track left from Medici Family it’s still alive. You must visit the famous Medici Villas.
Museum and art-gallery