Michelin Green Guide Tuscany, 9e

THEGREENGUIDE TUSCANY

Note to the reader Addresses, phone numbers, opening hours and prices published in this guide are accurate at the time of press. We welcome corrections and suggestions that may assist us in preparing the next edition. While every effort is made to ensure that all information printed in this guide is correct and up-to-date, Michelin Travel Partner accepts no liability for any direct, indirect or consequential losses howsoever caused so far as such can be excluded by law.

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

The blue-tabbed PLANNING YOUR TRIP section at the front of the guide gives you ideas for your trip and practical information to help you organise it. Youll find tours, practical information, a host of outdoor activities, a calendar of events, information on shopping, sightseeing, kids activities and more.

INTRODUCTION

The orange-tabbed INTRODUCTION explores Tuscanys Nature and geology. The History section spans from the Etruscans to the modern day. The Art and Culture section covers architecture, art, literature and music, while the Region Today delves into modern Tuscany.

DISCOVERING

The green-tabbed DISCOVERING section features Principal Sights by region, featuring the most interesting local Sights , Walking Tours , nearby Excursions , and detailed Driving Tours . Admission prices shown are normally for a single adult.

ADDRESSES

Weve selected the best hotels, restaurants, cafes shops, nightlife and entertainment to fit all budgets. See the Legend on the cover flap for an explanation of the price categories. See the back of the guide for an index of where to find hotel and restaurant listings in this guide.

Sidebars

Throughout the guide you will find blue , peach and green -colored text boxes with lively anecdotes, detailed history and background information.

w A Bit of Advice w

Green advice boxes found in this guide contain practical tips and handy information relevant to your visit or a sight in the Discovering section.

STAR RATINGS aaa

M ichelin has given star ratings for more than 100 years. If youre pressed for time, we recommend you visit the aaa , or aa sights first:

MAPS

All maps in this guide are oriented north, unless otherwise indicated by a directional arrow. The term Local Map refers to a map within the chapter or Tourism Region. A complete list of the maps found in the guide appears at the back of this book.

CONTENTS

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Welcome to Tuscany

With its hilly countryside and high concentration of art, Tuscany is a region that inspires awe at every turn. Alpine peaks in the north feed rich river valleys where rows of vines and grains and pockets of olive trees add texture and order to the land. Tuscanys extensive coastline features major ports, idyllic beach coves and several islands. Meanwhile, breathtakingly beautiful cities such as Renaissance Florence and medieval Siena combine with bucolic villages to make Tuscany one of Italys most appealing destinations.

FLORENCE ()

Cradle of the Renaissance and former headquarters of one of Italys most powerful families the Medici Florence is the capital of the region. Within its city limits are majestic buildings (Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral); troves of artistic treasures, both in the Uffizi Gallery and modest churches; vibrant markets and grand public squares. It merits a visit in ones lifetime.

Dome mosaics, Battistero, Florence

Y. Kanazawa/Michelin

AROUND FLORENCE ()

Outside the busy centre of Florence, Renaissance artists and architects graced the landscape with beautiful art and buildings. The Medici villas, the Valombrosa Abbey, natural hot springs and the town of Fiesole are all situated in the rolling pastoral countryside. The area is also one of central Italys major manufacturing areas and this is evidenced in Pistoia, a highly industrial town with a breathtaking medieval square. Take a measure of the land with a break from the sightseeing dash.

Detail San Michele in Foro, Lucca

O. Forir/Michelin

LUCCA, THE VERSILIA AND THE ALPI APUANE ()

Enveloped by 16C walls, pretty Lucca boasts a pedestrian-friendly centre, unique religious architecture and the boyhood home of composer Giacomo Puccini. The town lies at the threshold of northern Tuscany, known for its Garfagnana woodlands and the Alpi Apuane, where marble, especially at Carrara, has been quarried since Roman times. The gently rolling hills give way to a lush coastal plain at Le Versilia, dominated by a backdrop of the Alps.

PISA, ETRUSCAN COAST AND METALLIFEROUS HILLS ()

The marvel that is the Leaning Tower makes up one piece of the C ampo dei Miracoli, the miraculous set of religious buildings that is the centrepiece of Pisa. Lesser-known treasures abound in both the city and the surrounding area; from the Venetian canals in Livorno, to a coastal wildlife refuge on the Etruscan coastline. The ports and villages along the shore have their own personalities, ranging from stylish beach resorts at Forte dei Marmi and Punta Ala to historic stretches along the Riviera degli Etruschi. The Tuscan Archipelago, which includes Elba, popular for its natural vistas as well as its historical link to Napoleon, makes up another 200km/124mi of coast. South of San Gimignano, verdant pastures devolve into mineral-rich mining territory, an area known as the Metalliferous Hills.