History and heritage are sacrosanct to all Italians. From the beautiful architecture, frescos and art to time honoured traditions such as truffle hunting and the violent spectacle of the Palio, all have been preserved to pass on to future generations of the all-important famiglia.
Almost every single village and town in Tuscany is proud of its ancient heritage and will have some prized religious artefact or painting for the visitor to discover.
Ancient Etruscan and Roman remains are almost commonplace in Tuscany with some of the most outstanding being found in the spectacular hill fortress town of Volterra, just a short drive from San Martino, where there is an Etruscan museum, Etruscan remains and an impressive Roman theatre and ruins.
The eventful history of the Middle-Ages when cities like Florence, under the rule of the infamous Medici family, Pisa and Siena were engaged in almost constant conflict and upheaval, is reflected and depicted wherever you go in Tuscany, where fortified villages and towns abound. |
