Tuscany Map
Map description
MASSA CARRARA
The Province of Massa Carrara is situated in the northernmost part of Tuscany, not far from well-known places such as the Golfo dei Poeti, the “Cinque Terre” and Tuscan art cities like Lucca, Florence and Pisa. Here, nature has created a perfect harmony between land and sea. The Apuan Alps, famous for their marble quarries, overlo
LUCCA
A favourable location on the plain at the foot of the first spurs of Apennines and an abundance of water seem to have been the reason for the foundation of the city by the Romans in 180 BC. The rectangular grid of its historical centre preserves the Roman street plan. Nowadays the church of San Michele, named, because of its Roman origin, San Mich
PISTOIA
A Roman colony, used as military stronghold against the Ligurian tribes living in the nearby Apennines, Pistoia developed because of the road network. In fact the opening of a new stretch of Via Cassia (the consular road linking Rome with the Etruscan cities of the interior and Lunigiana) made it a junction of primary importance.Recent archeological investigations<
PRATO
FLORENCE
Just a few notes, intended, not for the ordinary tourist but, for the wise traveller, ready to relish the town, to capture that special flavour which will urge him to return in the future, so as to add a new tessera to the never-ending mosaic of Florence. Let us start from the town's religious hub and enjoy the great visual impact of the dramatic dome of 
AREZZO
Today a city of goldsmiths and antiquarians, in effect its monthly antique fair is the most important in Italy, Arezzo also attracts numerous tourists with the annual revival of the medieval tradition of the “Giostra del Saracino”, Joust of the Saracen.But actually Arezzo is much more than that.
Important Etruscan centre known to the Romans as Arre
SIENA
Like most Tuscan hill towns, Siena was founded by the Etruscans. According to legend, however, it had Roman origins having been founded by Senius, son of Remus, thus the town’s emblem: a she-wolf suckling the infants Romulus and Remus. Since it was not situated on any of the major roads and had no possibility for trade, Siena had to await the inva
GROSSETO
Grosseto lies in the south west of Tuscany, in the area known as the Alta Maremma. It is first mentioned in the 9th century as the fief of a noble family, the Aldobrandeschi. It grew in importance over the years with the decline of the Etruscan town of Rusellæ, whose ruins can still be admired at about five miles from the to
PISA
Pisa’s origins are controversial: proposed founders are the Ligurians, the Etruscans, the Greeks and the Romans. Its history tends to dissolve into mythology: it might have taken part in the war of Troy. Nevertheless its connexion with the 2nd Punic war is a historical event which laid the foundation of its subsequent naval and military power and of its role of “guardian” of the T
LEGHORN
Situated on the southern edge of the vast plain of the Arno River, Livorno was exposed to frequent raids from the sea and to the problems of a territory largely consisting of ponds and marshes. It was for a long time just a landing place. Archaeological investigations reveal the existence of a scant settlement near Castiglioncello, bringing to light an interesting
Province of Massa Carrara
The Province of Massa Carrara is situated in the northernmost part of Tuscany, not far from well-known places such as the Golfo dei Poeti, the “Cinque Terre” and Tuscan art cities like Lucca, Florence and Pisa. Here, nature has created a perfect harmony between land and sea. The Apuan Alps, famous for their marble quarries, overlook the Mediterranean. The excellent geographical position and the exceptional variety of the territory make this part of Tuscany a paradise, the appropriate destination for any type of tourism.The Province is made up of two twin towns, precisely Massa and Carrara.
The current town of Carrara rises on the area built to house the workers in the marble quarries created by the Romans in the early 2nd century BC. In fact, what really attracted Romans then, and tourists today, was the precious and famous, white marble which, as well as designing the dramatic skyline of the region, is full of artistic suggestions from Michelangelo up to Henry Moore.
The twin towns were ruled by the Malaspina family, until, after the struggle between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, they finally formed the Duchy of Massa and Carrara from the 15th to the 19th century.
After a visit to the quarries one might be interested in exploring the towns centres and visit, in Carrara, the white marble Romanesque Cathedral or the 16th century Ducal Palace, now the seat of the Fine Arts Academy, whereas in Massa a must are the 15th century Malaspina Castle, overlooking the city from a hill, and the Renaissance Ducal Palace on the picturesque Piazza Aranci, the square of the orange trees.
The province of Massa Carrara, furthermore, offers an uncontaminated nature to be experienced at first hand. In just a dozen of kilometres one can leave the sunny beaches of Marina di Massa, Ronchi and Poveromo, and arrive directly to 1000 metres above sea level by car, or even trek to 1500 metres, on the breathtaking Apuan Alps and look down on the white marble quarries and the coastline.
This combination between sea and mountain can also be savoured in the local cuisine. From the typical stockfish in the “massese” style to the stuffed mussels, from the tordelli (similar to ravioli with a meat or vegetable filling) to the lasagne tordellate (the pasta used for lasagne with meat sauce), as well as the rice pies (in both versions: savoury and sweet). Last, but certainly not least, the typical product of this territory, the popular lard, Lardo di Colonnata, cured for months in basins made of the local marble with rosemary and other spices.It used to be the main poor food of marble workers in the old good days. Nowadays it is trendy to taste it simply on a piece of toasted local bread, or with small, juicy tomatoes or better still with a drop of local chestnut honey. An inseparable experience in a journey to Massa Carrara.
Gragnola - RIF. S56
This beautiful farmhouse is located in the heart of Lunigiana, an area of Northern Tuscany rich in history and uncontaminated nature and is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday. Originally belonging to the noble family of the Tognolis, one can find their coat of arms painted above the fireplace of the bedroom. The B&B consists of two old stone buildings which lodge the bedrooms and the restaurant. Each room is spacious and has a living room corner with sofa and fireplace as well as a beautiful view. The furniture is typical of this area.
This holiday accommodation enjoys a wonderful view over the valley and the beautiful Castel dell’Aquila (Eagle Castel) of Gragnola, which at 2 km is the closest village where one can find shops and a supermarket. Aulla, an important city of Lunigiana where the motorway entrance is located, is only 15 km away. In Equi Terme, 8 km, there is a spa and an interesting cave under the Apuan Alps.
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Montemarcello - RIF. S26
This holiday accommodation is located in Montemarcello, a beautiful medieval village on a hill facing the Ligurian sea, right between Liguria and Northern Tuscany. The apartment is on two floors: a staircase leads to the entrance, kitchen, living room, and a small toilet. On the first floor there are a double bedroom with wonderful view over Portovenere, an en-suite bathroom, a twin bedroom and a little balcony. A public car park is at 50 metres. The famous Cinque Terre villages are, respectively, at 20 and 30 km.
The village is famous for its fine restaurants, for the beautiful corners and views and also for its trekking routes through the woods to the sea. It is crossed by tiny streets which are not accessible to cars. The sea town of Lerici is at only 6 km whereas the World Heritage Sites of Portovenere. Excursions to the art cities of Lucca and Pisa are possible within an hour, being at 60 km. The nearest beach is right down the hill, and can be reached by a staircase of 1000 steps or otherwise more easily by a boat service from a village at 3 km.
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Fivizzano - RIF. S66
This holiday home is located in the heart of Lunigiana, on the hills between the Alpi Apuane and the Appennine Mountains, in the middle of an uncontaminated nature. This Tuscan farmhouse has been painstakingly restored and the apartment for rent is very comfortable and cosy. On 3 floors, the flat consists of a living room with a double divan bed on the ground floor, a kitchen and bathroom on the first floor and a double bedroom on the second floor. An enchanting area to explore, full of history and myth, one will find it the perfect spot to visit the surroundings. At just 9 km is the famous walled city of Fivizzano, also known as “The Florence of the North” because of its medieval trade and administration links with Florence. Nearby is the Verrucola Castle, home to the artist Pietro Cascella until his death in 2008. Other villages to visit are Pontremoli, Equi and its spas, Bagnone and Zeri, as well as marble quarries. At an half an hour drive it is also possible to visit the sea and the famous Cinque Terre, “The Five Lands”, on the coast of the Ligurian Riviera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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