Tuscany is considered to be the cradle of Renaissance art, the heart of Italian literature and the land of some of the best wines in the world. The region borders with Liguria, Emilia Romagna, Marche, Umbria and Lazio. Tuscany is crossed by major mountainous chains, but it also has a few fertile plains and more than 600 km of coastline on the Ligurian Sean and the Tyrrhenian See. The region has a unique artistic legacy and there are numerous museums and art galleries, many housing some of the world’s most precious works of art. If you are thinking of buying a property in Italy, Tuscany might be an interesting option to consider. Here is a list of what you need to know about the region:
- UNESCO Heritage Site
Tuscany hosts 7 places that have been declared World Heritage sites. Among these are Florence, which is the birthplace for some of the greatest Renaissance artists like Michelangelo, Giotto and Brunelleschi. Thanks to these artists Florence has become an open-air museum. However, there are also smaller cities that are worth visiting such as San Gimignano, which offers a combination of medieval architecture and beautiful landscapes, as well as a great variety of excellent food and wine. In this sense, Tuscany is the perfect place for people who are looking for a quiet life and want to admire some of the most beautiful bucolic sceneries in Italy.
- Geography
Tuscany is characterized by a varied and complex morphology. The northern and eastern areas of the region are mainly mountainous. Arezzo and Pistoia are among the cities which are located in these mountainous areas. Tuscany also has a number of hilly areas which have become famous natural attractions. Finally, the west coastal part of the region is characterized by long sandy beaches that have become a popular destination among tourists. Among these are Forte dei Marmi, Viareggio, Punta Ala and the beautiful island of Elba.
- Tuscany’s strategic position
Tuscany is located in central Italy; therefore, it is in a very strategic position. It is connected to many big cities in Italy via high-speed railroads and there are two main airports: “Galileo Galilei” in Pisa, which is the main airport in the region, and “Amerigo Vespucci” in Florence.
- Weather
The coastal area is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by mild winters and hot summers. The mildest areas are the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. On the other hand, the inland is characterized by a continental climate with lower temperatures compared to the coast.
- Food and wines
Tuscany’s climate is particularly favorable to cultivation; its nutrient-rich soil, in fact, means that the produce thrives. Some areas are particularly famous such as Chianti and Montalcino which are surrounded by vineyards that produce some of the most famous wines in the world.
It is worth mentioning that Tuscany is also home to some of the best universities in Italy and in recent years it has attracted a large number of international students (10.8% of the population in Tuscany is foreign). In conclusion, whether you are thinking of heading to Tuscany in the near future for the food, the wine, the hilly views or the art and history, although it is difficult to determine which of these characteristics is the biggest draw, the combination will make it a perfect getaway.
If you would like further information about real estate investment opportunities in Tuscany do not hesitate to contact us at info@italianrealestatelawyers.com. We will be happy to help you.
