Florence, Pisa & Lucca: The Three Sisters of Tuscany
Welcome to Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance! This magnificent city in the heart of Tuscany is a treasure trove of art, culture, and history. Tuscany is home to some of Italy's most iconic cities, such as Florence, Pisa, and Lucca. See why a stop at all three should be on everyone's itinerary!
Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is a city that needs no introduction. It was the epicenter of the Renaissance, a cultural movement that had a profound impact on Europe and ushered in an age of humanism. The city's civic pride, wealth, and abundance of genius led to an explosion of artistic, intellectual, and economic growth. In just a couple of generations, Florence gave us some of the most celebrated works of art in history, such as Brunelleschi's dome, Leonardo's "Mona Lisa," and Michelangelo's "David."
As you stroll along the winding streets of Florence, you can feel the pulse of the Renaissance still beating in the air. This was the time when Europe emerged from the darkness of the Middle Ages and embraced a new era of creativity, inquiry, and humanism. Florence was at the forefront of this cultural explosion, thanks to the patronage of the powerful Medici family and the talent of the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and Michelangelo.
The Medici family, who ruled Florence for generations, played a significant role in the city's artistic boom. The family's wealth, derived from banking, allowed them to commission and sponsor art for art's sake. They also hosted famous artists, philosophers, and poets, such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli. Today, the Medici's influence is still visible in the city's palaces and art. They turned Florence into a mecca for artists, scholars, and intellectuals. The Medici palaces, gardens, and chapels are a testament to their love of art and their ambition to create a legacy that would endure for centuries.
One of the most impressive displays of Medici power and sophistication is the Medici Chapel in San Lorenzo. The chapel, designed by Michelangelo, is a richly decorated room that serves as the family tomb. Another striking examples of Medici art is the Chapel of the Magi in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi. This magnificent fresco cycle depicts the journey of the Magi to Bethlehem, but it also serves as a showcase for the Medici family, who are portrayed as the wise men themselves. The chapel is a fascinating blend of religious and secular themes, with realistic portraits of the Medici and their contemporaries mingling with biblical scenes.
Pisa
The Medici family's legacy is not limited to Florence. In nearby Pisa, we find the Leaning Tower, one of Italy's most famous landmarks. The tower's unusual lean was caused by a foundation that was too soft on one side, causing the tower to gradually tilt. Despite this, the tower has become a symbol of Italy and a popular tourist destination. Pisa was once a thriving port town that rivaled Venice and Genoa and is a worthwhile day trip from Florence. Pisa was one of the four Maritime Republics during the Middle Ages and was an important historical trade center. Today, the city still maintains its ports, and it accounts for much of its economy. Pisa also has a developed tourist infrastructure, with a fantastic array of beautiful historical buildings.
The city's Pisan Romanesque architecture is on full display in the Piazza del Duomo, also known as the Field of Miracles, where the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery stand. Climbing to the top of the tower, which leans about 15 feet, offers unforgettable views of the city and its grand cathedral, which features ornate facades and a spacious nave lined with Corinthian columns. The Baptistery, a free-standing building next to the cathedral, has a simple yet spacious interior.
Find out the Top 10 Things to Do in Pisa (besides the Leaning Tower of Pisa!)
Lucca
Finally, we come to Lucca, a perfect side trip from nearby Florence and a charming walled city that has managed to preserve much of its medieval character. Enclosed by its iconic Renaissance-era ramparts, Lucca is a stunningly preserved medieval town. These walls, which date back to the 16th century, have been transformed into a park that encircles the city. Visitors can walk or bike along the walls and enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside. Lucca is also the birthplace of the composer Puccini, and visitors can visit his childhood home and museum.
Unlike many cities that tore down their walls to make way for modern traffic, Lucca opted to keep its walls intact, effectively keeping out both traffic and the stress of the modern world. As a result, the city is a bit of a paradox, with its mightiest Renaissance wall and no battles since 1430. Locals treat their ramparts like a circular park, and visitors can rent bikes and take a leisurely peddle around its two-and-a-half-mile circuit.
Lucca's walls didn't come cheap, but all the hard work and investment, combined with clever diplomacy, earned the city a long period of independence. To this day, the proud Lucchesi have a strong sense of identity and a deep appreciation for their rich cultural heritage.
Walking through Lucca's winding streets, visitors can't help but feel as though they've stepped back in time. Romanesque churches and inviting piazzas are around every corner, and the main pedestrian drag, Via Fillungo, is a perfect place to stroll and take in the elegant old storefronts.
One of the highlights of Lucca is the Piazza San Michele, which has hosted a market since Roman times when it was the forum. The church of San Michele dominates the square with its fancy Romanesque facade, and above it stands the archangel Michael, ready to flap his wings on special occasions.
The town is also famous for its towers, once the home and private fortress of wealthy merchant families. Towers were single rooms stacked atop each other, with shops, living rooms, and kitchens. The tallest surviving tower in Lucca is capped with a bushy little forest, and those brave enough to make the climb are rewarded with commanding views of the city, all in the shade of its amazing trees.
Music lovers will delight in the nightly concerts celebrating hometown composer Giacomo Puccini, hosted at the Church of San Giovanni. Puccini was one of Italy's greatest opera composers, and his delightful arias seem to capture the spirit of this wonderful corner of Italy.
Find out the Top 14 Things to Do in Lucca, Italy!
Want to explore Tuscany a bit more? Take a more indepth look at the links below
FLORENCE
All about Florence, Pisa and Lucca
The Top 10 Must Sees in Florence
The Florentine Sandwich Shop that Everyone Is Talking About
LUCCA
14 Delicious Things to Eat in Lucca
PISA
10 Delicious Things to Eat in Pisa
VOLTERRA