Tuscany

Tuscany is a beautiful region in central Italy. It is an important place with many people living there, and Florence is its biggest city.

Tuscany is known for its lovely views, long history, and great art. It is where the Italian Renaissance started. Many famous artists and writers, like Dante Alighieri, Petrarch, and Giovanni Boccaccio, lived here. Popular places to visit include the Uffizi and the Palazzo Pitti.

The region is also famous for its tasty wines, such as Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. Other nice places to see are Pisa, San Gimignano, Siena, and Lucca. Some areas in Tuscany have been named World Heritage Sites because they are very special.

History

Main article: History of Tuscany

Apennine, Proto-Villanovan and Villanovan culture

Main articles: Apennine culture, Proto-Villanovan culture, and Villanovan culture

Long ago, people called the Apennine culture lived in Tuscany. They traded with faraway places. Later, the Villanovan culture grew, leading to the early Etruscans.

Etruscans

Main article: Etruscan civilization

The Etruscans were the first big civilization in Tuscany. They built roads, farms, mines, and art. Their land was between the Arno and Tiber rivers. The Romans took over the Etruscans later.

Romans

The Romans built cities like Lucca, Pisa, Siena, and Florence. They added new technologies such as roads, aqueducts, and sewers. But many buildings were lost over time.

Medieval period

See also: Duchy of Tuscia and March of Tuscany

During medieval times, pilgrims travelling to Rome brought wealth to Tuscany. This helped towns grow. Tuscany had powerful cities like Arezzo, Florence, Lucca, Pisa, and Siena. Florence became very important during the Renaissance.

Renaissance

Further information: The Renaissance and Italian Renaissance

Tuscany, especially Florence, is where the Renaissance began. Florence grew by taking over nearby towns. The Medici family ruled Florence and helped make it a centre for art and learning.

Modern era

See also: Grand Duchy of Tuscany

In the 16th century, the Medici family ruled all of Tuscany. Later, other families ruled until Tuscany became part of Italy. After World War II, Tuscany grew again as a cultural centre. Since 1970, it has been governed by centre-left leaders.

• Cosimo I de' Medici, first Grand Duke of Tuscany

• Galileo Galilei

• Pinocchio, created by Carlo Collodi (1883)

Geography