FLORENCE Perhaps no other place on Earth of- fers the sheer concentration of art and architecture that bella Firenze does. Te only danger in this city is seeing too much of it. In fact, 18th century travelers believed you could get ill from taking in too much beauty. Tey called it Stendhal Syndrome and it was characterized by rapid heartbeat, dizziness and confusion. Don’t worry. You will be just fine,
even divine. Tere are an outrageous number of treasures to be found here. Sixty percent of the world’s art is in Italy and it is estimated that 60 per- cent of Italy’s art is located in Tusca- ny, mostly in Florence. Te best strategy is to pace yourself.
Take your time exploring the Uffizi Gallery, one of the world’s greatest mu- seums. Te Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David is a must. Te Vasari Corridor, an enclosed passage- way above the Ponte Vecchio, recently opened to visitors (reservations only) and displays the Medici family’s fa- mous collection of self-portraits. See the stunning architecture of Brunelles- chi in Florence’s Duomo. If you can, climb 463 steps to the top of the dome for a bird’s-eye view. In Florence, art isn’t limited to the museums or churches. It is literally everywhere, in every form imagin- able. Head to the Oltrarno (“other side of the Arno”) neighborhood, where you will find artisans like sil- versmiths, leather workers and hat makers toiling away in centuries-old shops. Tis is where “handmade” tru- ly means something. Culinary artisans are at work in Flor- ence, too. Foodies should visit Flor- ence’s newly renovated Central Mar- ket (Mercato di San Lorenzo) where they can find the traditional Tuscan lampredotto sandwich (made from cow stomach) and a new selection of inter- national foods. Tere’s a restaurant and cooking school here, too. You might be
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surprised by the bread served in Flor- ence; it is made without salt because Florentine bakers revolted against a medieval tax on salt by leaving it out.
SIENA In medieval times, Siena was Flor- ence’s archrival. A lot of blood was spilled in their battles. Today, Siena is a peaceful city whose historic center will immediately transport you back in time. Te city’s ornate cathedral (Duomo) warrants a visit, especially if the intricate marble floor is on display or the Door to Heaven (the walkways in the vault of the ceiling) is open.
CHIANTI Between Florence and Siena lies what might be considered the very heart of Tuscany: Chianti. Te picture-perfect postcard-worthy landscape is protect- ed by strict building laws that allow little new construction—instead let- ting the rolling hills of vineyards and olive groves flow into fairytale stone villages as far as the eye can see. Take a meandering drive from win-
The Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo’s David is a must.
ery to winery and try some of the fa- mous Chianti vintages. In the fall, you can taste olio novello, delicious fresh- pressed olive oil. Te villages of Cas- tellina, Radda and Greve are charm- ing stops along the way. Make your way to San Gimi- gnano, known for its medieval towers. Once numbering
72, you can still spot 14 and explore a fresco-filled church, local museums and climb the Torre Grossa, if you’re feeling fit.
© Sorincolac/Shutterstock One of the most famous events in all
of Tuscany is the Palio di Siena, a horse race that takes place around the Piazza del Campo twice a year on July 2nd and August 16th. Te medieval spectacle at- tracts visitors from around the world. Seventeen of the city’s contrade (or neighborhoods) compete for the Palio, a banner with an image of the Virgin Mary. Te city is decked out in flags representing contrade and each contra- da hosts a huge feast in its main square. Plan ahead to attend the Palio, as tickets are hard to get and hotel rooms fill up.
HILL TOWNS About an hour south of Siena sit a captivating trio of hill towns that of- fer up absolutely charming medieval streets interspersed with unforget- table panoramas around every corner. In Montepulciano, vino and views are the main attraction. Visit the Cantina del Redi, deep underneath the town where huge vaults hold giant barrels of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Tese are among the most impressive wine cellars you will ever see. Te event to attend in this hill
town takes place on the last Sunday in August. Te Bravio delle Botti pits teams of men (who belong to the town’s contrade) against each other in the task of pushing wine casks up a hill. Don’t laugh; this is a serious endeavor and the town celebrates for the entire last week of August. In nearby Pienza, the smell in the streets is heavenly. No, not flowers or
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