Located in the north-central part of Italy, between Rome and Milan, Florence is not only the capital city of Tuscany but it is also perhaps one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in Italy if not the world.
The city itself certainly has many attractions, but these are not limited to just the city, they are spread all over its surrounding areas. So, if you are planning a stay in Florence allow yourself some time to spend a day or so away from the city, and explore the many attractions in the local towns and villages. Require accommodation? Why browse our range of Florence Apartment Rentals today!
Fiesole
Fiesole spreads itself over a cluster of hilltops 5 miles northeast of Florence, and can be reached by a short city bus ride. This village is proud of its status as an independent municipality and it predates Florence by hundreds of years.
Conveniently for tourists, Fiesole’s two museums and its archaeological site have the same opening hours and use a single admission ticket. The cathedral’s 13th century bell tower can be spotted from miles around, and the cathedral itself takes the form of a plain medieval church. It was built in 1028 using columns taken from local Roman ruins. The Roman theatre seats 3000 people. On entering, you will see that one half is original, while the other was rebuilt in the 19th century. This was the date that the area was first excavated. Close by you will find the archaeological site, but it is now overgrown. But you will still be able to make out sections of columns, broken friezes and other remnants of art. In the centre you will see a grove of olive trees. To the left of this site there is a modern museum, Museo Bandini, with a small collection of 13th to 15th century Florentine paintings.
Arezzo
Arezzo is an old city, located about 53 miles south-east of Florence. A medium-sized Tuscan city, an agricultural centre, built on a low hill, but it is a town full of artistic masterpieces and stained glass marvels. The main attractions are the Piazza Grande, with a slope that is crowned by 16th century loggia, and the Arezzo Cathedral, found at the highest point of the town. Building commenced on this cathedral in 1278 but the bell tower was not raised until 1859, and it took until 1935 to finish the simple façade. Gothic tombs can be found throughout the cathedral and the city’s patron saint , St. Donato is buried under the 14th century Gothic high altar. Interested in finding accommodation in the city? Book an Arezzo Villa today!
Prato
Prato is a small city, located along the Bisenzio, just 8 miles northwest of Florence. It is often missed by tourists because it is too close to Florence, but by ignoring it they are missing one of Tuscany’s most open and lively cities. It is the home of some very heavyweight art treasures from the likes of Donatello, as well as a glittering collection of many early Renaissance masterpieces. Prato is proud of its fine history and collection of art, but it is also proud of the light industry in the city and the fact that it makes it the third largest city in Tuscany. But the people also know how to enjoy themselves with many festivals and reputedly the most innovative theatre in Italy.
Siena
A medieval city, Siena is located about 40 miles south of Florence, and is famous for a bareback horse race that takes place in the main square, Il Palio. Siena is also very proud of its past. It was first founded as a Roman colony over 2000 years ago by Augustus, but the official myth is that the town was founded by the sons of Remus. The tourist attractions of Siena include the Piazza del Campo, arguably the most beautiful Piazza in all Italy. It was first laid out in the 12th century on the site of the Roman forum. The squares tilt, fan shape, and sculpture are all part of the city’s ancient water system and underground canal network. Another major attractions is the Palazzo Pubblico, Duomo, cathedral, which is a rich treasure house of Tuscan art, and despite being an overwhelmingly Gothic building, it has the campanile, a hangover of Romanesque art with its, mighty black on white banding. Browse our range of holiday accommodation in Siena today!
Greve
Greve is an attractive town in Chianti region of Tuscany, and is approximately 18 miles to the south of Florence. It is the centre of the wine trade and the unofficial capital of the Chianti region. The central piazza is a rough triangle surrounded by a mismatched patchwork arcade. This evolved because each merchant had to build the stretch in front of his own shop. Unsurprisingly, you will find dozens of the wine shops in the town, and in September, the town plays host to Chianti’s annual wine fair.
Other places to visit in the Chianti region include San Casciano in Val di Pesa, a commune located about 10 miles southwest of Florence with its Museum of Holy Arts; Radda in Chianti, a beautiful small village located about 20 miles south of Florence, popular for the scenery that can be seen from the promenade. If you have a love for natural beauty, food and wine then Gaiole in Chianti is a must for your itinerary.
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