BEST OF THE REST: TUSCAN CITIES |
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Siena Florence’ s greatest rival during medieval times, Siena enchants visitors with its gothic architecture and dramatic Piazza del Campo. The city’ s centre is remarkably well preserved, while its biannual Palio horse race remains one of Italy’ s most extraordinary traditions. |
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images: alamy; Francesco Lastrucci; awl images; getty |
SHOPPING
While Milan may dominate modern Italian fashion, Florence remains the spiritual home of artisanal luxury. Elegant boutiques line Via de’ Tornabuoni, Florence’ s premier luxury shopping street, where flagship stores from Italian fashion houses occupy grand Renaissance palaces. Gucci, Ferragamo and Pucci all share Florentine roots, and their influence continues to shape the city’ s refined aesthetic.
Yet Florence is at its best when visitors venture beyond the global labels. The Oltrarno district, located across the Arno River, remains a haven for artisans and traditional workshops. Here, leather makers, jewellers, bookbinders and perfumers continue centuries-old practices with skilled dedication.
Florentine leather goods are particularly prized. Handcrafted bags, belts and jackets can often be commissioned directly from workshops. San Lorenzo Market offers a vast range of leather goods and local products in a lively atmosphere, though discerning visitors may prefer to visit smaller artisan ateliers, where craftsmanship and authenticity are easier to verify.
Goldsmithing also holds a special place in Florence’ s identity. The Ponte Vecchio’ s jewellery stores continue a tradition
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dating back hundreds of years, displaying intricate gold pieces that sparkle against the medieval stone bridge.
For enthusiasts of interiors, Florence offers exceptional homewares and decorative arts inspired by Tuscan design traditions. Think hand-painted ceramics, fine linens and marbled paper products that make for elegant souvenirs with a deep connection to their place of manufacture.
Florence’ s influence extends into fragrance as well. The Officina Profumo- Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the world’ s oldest pharmacies, is still producing perfumes, soaps and herbal remedies inspired by Renaissance formulas today. Stepping inside feels like entering another century, with frescoed ceilings and antique cabinetry framing beautifully packaged products.
ART & MUSEUMS
Few cities in the world rival Florence when it comes to artistic significance. The city is effectively an open-air museum, where masterpieces appear around almost every corner as you stroll the streets.
The Uffizi Gallery remains Florence’ s crown jewel. Housing works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Caravaggio, it offers one of the most important art
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Pisa Famous for its Leaning Tower, Pisa offers far more than a quick photo opportunity. The Piazza dei Miracoli is one of Italy’ s most beautiful architectural ensembles, while the city itself has an elegant university atmosphere and quieter charm than many expect.
Lucca Encircled by perfectly preserved Renaissance walls, Lucca is one of Tuscany’ s most graceful smaller cities. Cycle along the tree-lined ramparts before exploring elegant piazzas, Roman churches and peaceful laneways largely untouched by mass tourism.
San Gimignano Rising dramatically above the Tuscan countryside, San Gimignano is often called the‘ Medieval Manhattan’ thanks to its surviving stone towers. Though popular with visitors, its skyline remains unforgettable and is worthy of a visit, particularly in the softer light of late afternoon.
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