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The ‘Borghi piu belli’ of Tuscany

The ‘Borghi piu belli’ of Tuscany

Tuscany’s cities are some of the most famous anywhere in the world. Florence, Pisa and Siena need no introduction and their skylines are easily recognisable the world over. However, there is so much more to Tuscany than its big cities. Tuscany is also a region with the most beautiful small towns and villages. It’s currently home to 27 ‘borghi piu belli‘. Translated literally, these are Italy’s most beautiful villages. In reality, a borgo can be more than just a village. Sometimes, it can be the historic centre (centro storico) of a larger town or a series of hamlets. However, what unites them is their fascinating history. Their admission into this select group is an attempt to maintain, preserve and promote this heritage.

Certainly, if you’re planning a holiday in a Tuscany villa, then we can highly recommend that you check which of the borghi piu belli of Tuscany are within easy reach of your villa in Tuscany so that you can add a visit to them to your holiday itinerary.

Anghiari

Anghiari is an enchanting hilltop Medieval walled town surrounded by thick 13th century walls. It has enjoyed a rich and fascinating history and, most notably, was the location of the famous battle for control of Tuscany that was fought between the troops of Milan and Florence, a battle that was famously captured by Leornardo da Vinci in his aptly named fresco ‘The Battle of Anghiari’. These days, stone houses line Anghiari’s narrow streets whilst balconies spill over with window boxes full of flowers. Check out our Anghiari travel guide for more information about what to see and do during your visit. And if you want to stay in Anghiari, then this stunning 7 bedroom villa in Tuscany is within walking distance of the village.

Barga

Barga is a stunning hilltop town near Lucca. Visitors should make sure that they visit the Collegiata di San Cristoforo, widely recognised as one of the finest Romanesque cathedrals in Tuscany. The facade is built using alberese limestone, a material that almost changes colour with the weather. Also of note are the Loggia dei Mercanti and Palazzo Pancrazi, both located in the Piazza Salvi. And finally, take the time to visit some of the buildings connected with Barga’s most famous resident, Giovanni Pascoli. Pascoli was a famous Italian poet. Find out more about him by visiting Casa Pascoli or head to the Teatro dei Differenti to see where he made his famous speech in favour of the Libyan war in 1911.

Buonconvento

A delightful village, Buonconvento may be small but it’s perfectly formed! It is surrounded by 14th century walls that pretty much remained completely in tact despite damage that was sustained during WWII. Seven of the nine original watchtowers are also still standing today. Head to Via Soccini, where you’ll find the bulk of the village’s cafes and restaurants along with the Museum of Sacred Art of the Val d’Arbia. The latter is home to a wealth of religious artefacts dating from the 14th to 19th centuries. A second museum in Buonconvento is also worth visiting – the Museum of Sharecropping – as are the Palazzo Comunale (town hall), the Palazzo Taja and the Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, all of which have the red brick construction so typical of this area.

Campiglia Marittima

Situated in the Maremma region of Tuscany just 10km from the sea, the history of Campiglia Marittima dates as far back as the Etruscans however what you see today dates back to the Middle Ages. Head to the top of the village to explore the Rocca di Campiglia, the remains of a 10th century fortress which is now also home to the Museo del Dongione. Before you leave, you may also want to pay a visit to the nearby Calidario thermal baths. These natural hot springs would have attracted the Etruscans and Romans hundreds of years ago and, still today, you can enjoy wallowing in the 36 degree hot water pool.

Capalbio

A perfectly preserved hilltop Medieval village not far from the Tuscan coast, Capalbio is a gem of a place to visit. Walk though its ancient gates, along its narrow alleyways and under its stone arches whilst soaking up the peace and tranquility of this picturesque village. The village is dominated by its ancient fortress – the Rocca Aldobrandesca – which has in part been transformed into an elegant Renaissance palace – the Palazzo Collachioni. You can enjoy some fantastic views from the terrace here. However, more wonderful vistas can be enjoyed from the walls of the village. These walls form a double circle. The inner lower walls date to Medieval times whilst the later, higher outer ones date back to the Renaissance.

Also of note is the 12th century Romanesque Church of San Nicola, as is the Oratory of Providence, home to an incredible fresco by Perugino. And not far from Capalbio is the Giardino dei Tarocchi (Tarot Garden). The marvellous creation of Niki de Saint Phalle, it’s a brightly coloured sculptural garden designed around tarot gardens.

If you want to visit Capalbio during your Tuscan holiday, then how about a stay in this Tuscany villa in Porto Ercole, approximately 30 minutes away.

Castelfranco Piandisco

Castelfranco Piandisco is made up of the two Medieval towns of Castelfranco di Sopra and Pian di Scò. The most important attractions include the Arnolfo Tower (from the top of which you can enjoy some terrific views over the surrounding countryside), the 17th century Church of San Filippo Neri and the 14th century town hall found in the central Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. Also of note is the San Salvatore a Soffena monastic complex, home to a number of significant 15th century frescoes, and the old Romanesque church of Santa Maria Piano di Scò. Make a note of admiring the building’s six columns which support the roof. Each is adorned with human-like figures, animals and plants.

Castiglione di Garfagnana

Castiglione di Garfagnana dates back to Roman times when it was a Roman camp (castrum) thanks to its strategic position dominating the valley that lies between the Apennines and Alps Apuane. Its prominent position meant that it was subject to a number of sieges though, hence the 750 metre long town walls which are up to 17 metres high. These days, the most striking building in Castiglione di Garfagnana is its incredibly well preserved fortress. Sadly, the building is privately owned so it’s not possible to look around but you can enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding countryside from the area around it.

There are also a couple of churches of note within the village. These are the Church of San Michele and the Church of San Pietro whose bell towers are found on two of the towers of the town walls.

Finally, don’t leave before paying a visit to the Parco della Rimembranza and the Torrione della Brunella for more breathtaking views and for a chance to see what life would have been like for prisoners kept in the cells within the keep. Also nearby Castiglione di Garfagnana is the 13th century Medieval bridge in Mulino.

Cetona

As in Castiglione di Garfagnana, a fortress towers over the village of Cetona, this time surrounded by pine and cypress woods. Start your visit to Cetona in the 16th century Piazza Garibaldi at the heart of the historic centre. Here you will discover the 12th century church of San Michele Arcangelo, as well as the later 16th century church of Santissima Annunziata. Also of note is the 18th century Palazzo Vitelli and the Palazzo Terrosi whose gardens are open to the public during the Summer months.

Other buildings of note in Cetona include the church of Santissima Trinita, home to several frescoes and the Palazzo Minutelli, where the Prehistoric Museum of Mount Cetona is found.

Coreglia Antelminelli

A pretty mountain village framed by the Appenine mountains behind, Coreglia Antelminelli is most famous for its production of plaster figurines. The history of the industry dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries when it would have been the main occupation of residents in the town. In the late 19th century, figurine maker Carlo Vanni set up a school in his palace in Coreglia to educate local young people about the trade. This palace is now the home of the Museum of the Plaster Figurine and Emigration.

Also worth seeing in the village is the 11th century Castruccio Castracani tower. A massive bell tower approximately 25 metres tall, it was originally used as a defensive watchtower. And head inside the earlier 9th century Church of San Martino where you will find some exceptional artworks including Pietro Sorri’s Our Lady of the Rosary dating back to 1598.

Giglio Castello

Giglio Castello is a picturesque Medieval village on the island of Isola del Giglio. The island itself is tiny, measuring just over 9 square miles and is reached via a short boat tide from Porto Santo Stefano. Giglio Castello sits approximately 400 metres above sea level and is surrounded by thick 12th century walls. Its two main sights are its fortress – the Rocca Aldobrandesca – and the Church of Saint Peter. The latter originally dates back to the 12th century but significant renovation work in the 18th century gives it a much later appearance.

Loro Ciuffenna

Yet another Tuscan village with ancient origins going back to the Etruscan period, the village was originally just called Loro (meaning laurel) but its name was extended to Loro Ciuffenna in the second half of the 19th century. Incidentally, Ciuffenna is the name of the river that cuts the town into two. This river has played a vital role in the town’s history, providing essential water for the mills that are situated here. Today, it’s possible to visit one of the oldest of these water mills – Il Mulino – dating back to 1100 but which remains in use today, grinding chestnuts into flour.

Whilst here, take the time to admire the nearby arched Romanesque bridge which is widely believed to have replaced a Roman bridge. Also worth a visit is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Museum of Venturino Venturi which you will find in the town hall in the town’s main square. Venturi is a local artist who was born in Loro Ciuffenna in 1918 and who is famous for his sketches, paintings and ceramic work.

Lucignano

Lucignano is a small and very pretty Medieval hilltop village best known for its oval shape. It is made up of concentric rings typical of Medieval town planning designs. Over the years, it has also been of prime strategy importance, thanks to its position bordering not just the regions of Florence and Arezzo but also Siena and Perugia.

It’s worth taking the time to enjoy a stroll around Lucignano’s ancient walls after which you can enter the old town via one of its four gates – Porta San Giovanni, Porta San Giusto, Porta Sant’Angelo and Porta Murata. Inside Lucignano, you will find two main streets – Via Roma and Via Matteotti. The former is lined with the smaller dwellings of the lower classes whilst the latter is home to the homes of the nobility. A myriad of roads lead from these two main roads up to the top of the town where you will find the Palazzo Comunale (the town hall), the church of San Francesco and the Collegiata di San Michele Arcangelo, all in the main square, the Piazza del Tribunale. Head inside the Collegiata to admire some impressive 17th century canvasses widely believed to be the works of Mattero Rosselli, Rutilio Manetti and Giacinto Gemignani. And head into the town hall to discover an interesting museum whose centrepiece is a unique gold reliquary – the Tree of Gold – also known as the Tree or Love or the Tree of Life. If you’re visiting with a loved one, then make note. The story goes that if you profess your love to one another in front of the tree, then it will bring you good luck!

Montaione

Another picturesque small hilltop town, Montaione’s most notable buildings are the Palazzo Pretorio and the Church of San Regolo, both of which are found in the central square. The former has had a number of uses over the years but is now home to the Municipal Archaeological Museum whilst the latter is home to a number of important artworks dating between the 13th and 19th centuries.

Montefioralle

A charming town still set within thick, octagonal shaped defensive walls, for us part of Montefioralle’s charm is the fact that it’s almost free of cars. It also happens to boast some excellent restaurants! Head throguh the narrow streets lined with stone houses to the town’s summit to where you will find the Church of Santa Stefano. And if you need to burn off a delicious lunch or dinner, take the 2 kilometre long walk along the Via del Castello to enjoy some wonderful views over the Chianti countryside.

Montemerano

Montemerano is a 12th century walled town built by the Aldobrandeschi family and characterised by narrow lanes, pretty courtyards and stone houses. Entrance to it is via any one of three gates. Its main square – the Piazza del Duomo – is the heart of the town. The most important sights are the deconsecrated 12th century Pieve of San Lorenzo, the 15th century Church of Madonna del Cavalluzzo found just outside the walls and the 14th century Church of San Giorgio (dedicated to Montemerano’s patron saint). Incidentally, this is where you will also find the Madonna della Gattaiola (Madonna of the Cats), so-called as a former priest cut a crude cat flap into the bottom of the fresco to allow his feline friends to enter the church!

Whilst here, you may want to visit nearby Saturnia just a couple of kilometres away, famous for its hot springs.

Montescudaio

Head to Montescudaio’s impressive castle to enjoy some impressive views from its only remaining watchtower – the Guardiola – across the Cecina plains to the Tyrrhenian Sea and its islands. More beautiful views can be enjoyed from the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in the Piazzale del Castello. The other church not to miss is the Church of Santissima Annunziata whilst its palaces are worth admiring too – the Palazzo Guerrini is now the town hall. And finally, spend time in the heart of the town in the Piazza Matteotti. This was the home of the famous Italian sculptor, Italo Griselli (1880 – 1958).

Palazzuolo sul Senio

An absolutely charming village that dates back to the 12th century. Its cobbled streets are a far cry from the busy pace of modern life. There are a couple of excellent museums in the town. These include the Archeological Museum of the Upper Mugello situated in the Palazzo del Capitani which details the history of man in this region from pre-historic times through to the Middle Ages. The palace also plays host to the town’s second museum – the Antonio Poli Museum of Mountain Folk which educates visitors on the life and work of the local population in bygone years.

Pitigliano

Pitigliano is often affectionately referred to as ‘Little Jerusalem’ thanks to the size of the Jewish community. In fact, it was once one of the liveliest Jewish ghettos in Italy but, unfortunately, during the Fascist era, these Jews had to go into hiding in the surrounding countryside and the size of the Jewish community has been slowly dissolving ever since. Do explore the Jewish quarter of Pitigliano though where you’ll find a kosher butcher shop, baths, a synagogue, a Hebrew cemetery, a kosher oven where unleavened bread was baked and a cellar where kosher wine was produced.

Some of the other main attractions in Pitigliano include the 14th century Palazzo and Fortress Orsini which is now home to a museum, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, the Church of San Rocco and the 16th century aqueduct originally constructed by the Medici family.

Pitigliano’s skyline is unmistakeable. However, there is plenty to see not just above ground but also below ground too. Enjoy a walking tour of the underground cellars that are dug beneath each house. These caves date back to Etruscan times when they would have been used as tombs but more recently have been used to store wine, keeping it at a constant temperature.

Poppi

A perfectly preserved walled city, Poppi is dominated by its magnificent 13th century castle, once home to the Guidi family. The thin tower of the castle is remarkably similar to the one in the Piazza Signoria in Florence and, in fact, some have said that it provided the inspiration for the design of the Palazzo Vecchio. Another notable feature of the castle is its courtyard with its splendid intricate staircase, as is the Chapel of Conte Guidi with its series of remarkable 12th century frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi. Finally, also of note is the castle library – Libreria Rilliana – whose hundreds of Medieval manuscripts were generously donated by the Rilli-Orsini family.

Poppi has a couple of other sights well worth seeing. The first of these is the Church Oratorio della Madonna del Morbo, so called as it was built in the early 17th century as a way of thanking god for sparing the residents of Poppi from the plague. And, secondly, there is the Abbey of San Fedele. This is where you will find the crypt containing the remains of the Hermit San Torello who supposedly performed a series of miracles including saving a boy from a wolf. Incidentally, head through the Porta San Fedele near this church to enjoy some fantastic views over the castle.

And, if you have time to venture outside the walls of the town, not far from Poppi is the Camaldoldi Hermitage founded in 1012 by Saint Romauld.

Populonia

Once the only Etruscan city on the coast, Populonia’s ancient past is still visible today in the remains of its walls and Roman buildings. Not far from the town is the Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia. This is essentially an open air museum dedicated to the Etruscans and Romans. It is where you will find the two Etruscan necropolises of San Cerbone and delle Grotte along with the Acropolis of Populonia home to temples, mosaics, streets and buildings of the Roman era. Also of note from Populonia’s more recent past is the early 15th century Rocca in the town. This is home to alleyways and shops.

Porto Ercole

A seaside town in Tuscany, Porto Ercole is definitely one of Italy’s hidden gems sitting in one of the natural bays of the Monte Argentario peninsula. It boasts a beautiful harbour below whilst the old town sits on the hillside above.

Check out our Porto Ercole travel guide for more information about what to see and do during your visit. And if you want to stay in Porto Ercole, then this stunning 4 bedroom villa in Tuscany is within walking distance of the shops, restaurants, the marina and beaches.

Raggiolo

Surrounded by chestnut woods, a visit to Raggiolo is like stepping back in time. To learn more about the history of chestnut farming, head to the Chestnut Museum in Raggiolo which will take you through the history of this farming tradition along with some of the harvesting and cooking methods. The village’s other main attraction is the Church of San Michele. It is built inside the palace that once belonged to the Guidi counts.

San Casciano dei Bagni

San Casciano dei Bagni has been attracting visitors since the 1400s onwards, thanks to the thermal baths that are situated just outside the town itself. it is claimed that the water’s therapeutic properties can treat a number of ailments. Inside the town itself, there are a number of churches worth visiting. These include the Collegiate of Saint Leonard and Cassiano, where you will find a painting above the altar by Pietro di Francesco, and the Church of San Michele Arcangelo. Also in the historic centre is the Palazzo dell’Arcipretura. This is now the town hall but in the past has been both a courthouse and the residence of the Podestas of San Casciano.

Santa Fiora

A Medieval town nestled at the foot of Monte Amiata, Santa Fiora is a delightful place to visit. The town’s focal point is the 16th century Palazzo del Conte situated at the highest point in Santa Fiora. Constructed over the Aldobrandeschi Castle, in the past this was the residence of the Sforza Cesarini, but is now where you will find the town hall. Head inside to discover some wonderful 16th century frescoes along with the Monte Amiata Mercury Mining Museum. This area has a long history of mercury extraction going back 200 years, and the museum is a great way to learn more about this industry.

Also of note in Santa Fiora is the Chiesa del Suffragio and the 12th century Pieve delle Sante Flora e Lucilla. The latter is named after two local saints whose relics were brought here in the 11th century. It is also home to some incredible terracottas by Andrea della Robbia. Head downhill to discover the Church of Sant’Agostino and the Capuchin Convent below. And then, keep heading downhill and you will reach Peschiera. This is a charming little lake fed by a natural spring. Head into the small Church of the Madonna della Neve. Its floor is covered in glass panels, allowing you to see the source of the spring below.

Scarperia and San Piero

These are two Medieval villages. Scarperia is dominated by the 14th century Palazzo dei Vicari. This was once home to the vicari, officials who governed the area on behalf of Florence, and its exterior walls remain decorated with the crests of these men. Inside, you’ll find some beautiful Renaissance frescoes as well as the Museum of Cutting Tools which will explain the knife-making history of the village.

Also of note is the 14th century Propositura as well as the slightly older Oratory of the Madonna di Piazza (1320) which is where the vicari would have been invested and where now you’ll find Jacopo del Castentino’s painting of the Madonna di Piazza.

San Piero is equally pretty. It’s worth visiting the village church dating back to the 12th century. Pay particular attention to the terracotta font which is widely believed to be the work of Giovanni della Robbia. And opposite the church is the Oratory della Compagnia which became a hospital in 1275.

Sovana

A tiny little town but still well worth a look, Sovana is again situated on top of a hill but unlikely many of Tuscany’s hilltop towns, its centre is flat. Whilst it probably will only take you an hour to explore, it’s still worth a visit. The main square is the red brick Piazza del Pretorio. Here you will find the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore (home to the oldest ciborium in Tuscany), the Loggia del Capitano and the Palazzo del Archivo. Look at the palace facade to find a series of stone coat of arms which would have belonged to Siena’s commissars whilst inside you will find the archaeological museum. This is home to artefacts fro the Tomba Ildebranda in the nearby Necropolis of Sovana. Also of note nearby is the Duomo of Sovana.

Head from here to the remains of the Rocca Aldobrandesca, which still dominates the town. Once this would have been the site of a bakery and grain warehouse but now just the portal, a tower and a small stretch of wall remain.

Suvereto

Suvereto is a charming village surrounded by ancient walls and towers, whilst inside you will discover an intricate web of narrow streets, alleyways and staircases. Visit the ruins of the ancient rocca (castle) which was once home to the Aldobrandeschi family. There are also a number of churches worth visiting in Suvereto, including the Church of San Giusto and its adjacent Museum of Sacred Art. Also worth seeing is the early 13th century Medieval town hall. This sits adjacent to an old clock tower which was constructed to symbolise the signing of the Charta Libertatis which paved the way for the town to enjoy freedom from the dominating Aldobrandesci family.

If you’ve already added Tuscany’s borghi piu belli to your bucket list and need a villa in Tuscany from which to base yourself, then look no further than Tuscany villa rental specialists, Bookings For You.

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