4 Sights Not to Miss in Eastern Tuscany

When staying in Tuscany, villas give visitors the freedom and opportunity to explore this beautiful region. The area is rich in contemporary and historical culture, stunning landscapes and fine dining, and experiencing it all in one visit is impossible. For those who wish to go on day trips to experience the sights of the eastern part of the region, the following four are especially recommended: the Santa Maria della Pieve, the Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale ‘Gaio Cilnio Mecenate’ and the Santuario della Verna.

Santa Maria della Pieve

Located in the city of Arezzo, the Santa Maria della Pieve is a church dating back to at least the early 11th century. Its most striking external feature is its 12th century Romanesque arcaded façade, with tiered loggias of individually decorated columns; 13th century carved reliefs — the Cyclo dei Mesi — represent the months over the central doorway. Inside, the 14th century Tarlati polyptych by Pietro Lorenzetti adorns the high altar, while traces of 14th century frescoes remain. Arezzo is a pleasing day trip destination for people staying in Tuscany - villas, historic buildings, Roman ruins, museums and numerous restaurants abound.

Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca

The most famous ancient civilisation of Italy is that of the Romans, but they were not alone. A major earlier culture was the Etruscans, who assimilated into the Roman republic in the 4th century BC. In the town of Cortona, the Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca displays some major pieces of their art. It is an essential destination for anyone with an interest in Italy’s ancient past. Artefacts include the famous bronze lampadario (Etruscan hanging lamp), other important bronzes, and one of the longest inscriptions in the scantly testified Etruscan language.

Museo Archeologico Nazionale ‘Gaio Cilnio Mecenate’

Another sight in Arezzo, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale ‘Gaio Cilnio Mecenate’ overlooks what remains of an amphitheatre that held up to 10,000 Roman spectators. The museum itself is in a 14th century convent. It holds a worthwhile collection of Etruscan and Roman items, and a vase attributed to the famous Athenian vase painter Euphronios (late 6th and early 5th centuries BC) depicting an Amazonomachy of Heracles and Telamon battling Amazons, which was found locally. Like the Museo dell'Accademia Etrusca, the museum's ancient art and the beauty of the artefacts is a highlight for visitors to Tuscany. Villas nearby make it easy to create an itinerary to cover all these major artistic sites.

Santuario della Verna

On the side of Mount Penna stands the Santuario della Verna, a sanctuary around the spot where Saint Francis of Assisi is said to have received his stigmata while praying. It is thus an important pilgrimage site in the Christian faith. There are several buildings, including a basilica and the Cappella delle Stimmate, the chapel commemorating the miracle. The chapel is notably decorated with a crucifixion by the sculptor Andrea della Robbia. The sanctuary is accessible by car from any of the surrounding Tuscany villas, with a car park on-site.

Jonathan Magoni is Senior Manager of Cottages to Castles, a family owned company specialising in high quality holiday villas, apartments and cottages in Italy. For spectacular Tuscany villas or accommodation in the Italian lakes, ski resorts or city centres, we offer only the very best. Discover Italy at your own pace and without time restrictions in our hand picked villas and cottages.

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