3 Top Museums to Visit in Tuscany

Millions of people visit Italy every year to experience the landscapes, beaches, and the huge list of archaeological sites scattered throughout the country. But while it’s not surprising that many tourists opt to focus on the nature and history of the country when they visit, its art cannot be overlooked.

The stunning region of Tuscany, apart from being known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, has been home to many great artists. In fact, the city of Florence in Tuscany is often referred to as the "Art Palace of Italy." For an art-filled Italian vacation, accommodation and itinerary must be the first two factors you take care of. Tuscany is a major artistic and cultural hub and it requires planning to enjoy the kind of vacation you have in mind. For starters, here are some museums you must not miss.

Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery in San Gimignano

It’s important to note that before anticipating an enjoyable Italian vacation, accommodation should be secured first. Once you have that out of the way, it will be easier to prepare your itinerary, based around what's within reach. One of the best things about Tuscany is that beautiful sites are not limited to the major cities or more populous, touristy destinations. In fact, even small towns such as the medieval San Gimignano boast excellent museums worth checking out. The Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery, which is housed in the Archaeological Museum, should not be missed. Also high on the list of "must-sees" is the panoramic view of San Gimignano from the top of the Torre Grossa, the city’s tallest tower.

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence

When preparing for the ultimate art focused Italian vacation, accommodation should be well within reach of public transport, unless you have your own car. Art lovers cannot go to Tuscany and not visit the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and the city is easily reachable by train from anywhere in the region. Considered by many as one of the best museums in the world, the Uffizi contains masterpieces such as Botticelli’s Primavera, as well as works by Leonardo Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and Michelangelo. It’s a once in a lifetime experience to see paintings acknowledged by the world as the best of the best.

Leonardo Da Vinci Museum in Florence

The Leonardo Da Vinci Museum is also located in Florence and is another must-see site on any Italian vacation. Accommodation options near the museum are easy to secure, so you can opt to book in nearby and enjoy the convenience of walking to the museum and all the other sights of Florence. The Leonardo Da Vinci museum is more than just a museum, however - it is an homage to one of the greatest men not only in Italy, but the entire world. The museum features many of his works, along with reconstructions of some of his inventions, which are all life size. Regardless of how much or how little visitors know about Da Vinci, they invariably come out of the museum totally in awe and with a new sense of appreciation for the definitive Renaissance icon.

Helen Forbes is from Essential Italy, a company specialising in Italian holiday villas, apartments and hotels. If you’re looking for the perfect Italian vacation accommodation we can help. Our handpicked villas offer distinctive Italian qualities, great comfort and convenience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.