An Introductory History Of Tuscany
Return to the Renaissance when you visit Tuscany! Villas, romantic and charming, dot the hilly landscape awaiting your arrival. Once, the region was the agricultural centre of the mighty Roman Empire and a mighty capital of art, history and Italian culture. It remains a quiet influence in the country and remains famous for its wine, historical presence and artistic heritage.
Geographically, the region is bordered by a coastline on the west and is cradled by mountain chains. This ideal location was responsible for much of Tuscany's earlier prosperity. Its mild climate, perfect for crops, made it superb for agriculture. Its long and prosperous history has left its countryside and cities dotted with familial homes and ancient structures dating back to the Middle Ages in Tuscany. Villas sit snugly amongst the palette of history and they make an ideal base from which to enjoy a holiday.
In ancient times, the region was home to the early Etruscan civilization, widely regarded as the biggest influence of the civilization that later usurped it - the Greek empire. Over the centuries, the Romans eventually took over. At the time, the area was still a little Roman hamlet, but it is often mentioned in texts as a favorite holiday area. Throughout history, ownership of the area changed as political wills and power altered. But it was the Romans who established Florence, which later became the heart of the region.
Tuscany's reign as an influential capital did not really begin until the mid-Medieval times, when political clashes gave rise to powerful factions that split Italy into rich and independent communities, of which Florence was one of the most powerful. Today in Tuscany, villas where the powerful Medici family lived still stand, their palaces remain intact, and their contributions to the art movement remain evident. In the 14th century, Florence was truly the New York of Italy.
Of course, this part of the country is most famous as the birthplace of a time period commonly known as the Renaissance. During this era, the great Italian painters, poets and thinkers all converged on Florence and the surrounding areas. Names like Dante, Leonardo, Michelangelo and more walked its busy streets and rested under its shady trees. Musicians played romantic love songs on street corners and, in fact, the region is credited as one of the centers of chivalry, love poetry and the concept of true romantic love.
Florence and its surrounding countryside, were blustering, boisterous places filled with art, life and trade. People came from all over the world to visit, as they still do today. Many of them came to attend prestigious art schools like the Florentine School of Art and a famous rivalry existed between the four major schools located in Florence.
It is a marvel the region survived the period of anarchy, war and the changing of hands that followed the War of Polish succession. Officially, it was part of the Austrian Empire until the 1850s, when the Italian people reclaimed their former glorious cultural capital as their own. In modern times, Tuscany remains a central part of everyday Italian life. It is still a favorite destination for honeymooners, couples, families and the backpacker, in the same way that powerful European families used to winter in Florence. Tourists continue to marvel at the art, the streets and the exacting preservation of the historical sites of Tuscany. Villas located anywhere in this fabulous and welcoming part of Italy will allow you the freedom and inspiration to fully immerse in its embrace.
Geographically, the region is bordered by a coastline on the west and is cradled by mountain chains. This ideal location was responsible for much of Tuscany's earlier prosperity. Its mild climate, perfect for crops, made it superb for agriculture. Its long and prosperous history has left its countryside and cities dotted with familial homes and ancient structures dating back to the Middle Ages in Tuscany. Villas sit snugly amongst the palette of history and they make an ideal base from which to enjoy a holiday.
In ancient times, the region was home to the early Etruscan civilization, widely regarded as the biggest influence of the civilization that later usurped it - the Greek empire. Over the centuries, the Romans eventually took over. At the time, the area was still a little Roman hamlet, but it is often mentioned in texts as a favorite holiday area. Throughout history, ownership of the area changed as political wills and power altered. But it was the Romans who established Florence, which later became the heart of the region.
Tuscany's reign as an influential capital did not really begin until the mid-Medieval times, when political clashes gave rise to powerful factions that split Italy into rich and independent communities, of which Florence was one of the most powerful. Today in Tuscany, villas where the powerful Medici family lived still stand, their palaces remain intact, and their contributions to the art movement remain evident. In the 14th century, Florence was truly the New York of Italy.
Of course, this part of the country is most famous as the birthplace of a time period commonly known as the Renaissance. During this era, the great Italian painters, poets and thinkers all converged on Florence and the surrounding areas. Names like Dante, Leonardo, Michelangelo and more walked its busy streets and rested under its shady trees. Musicians played romantic love songs on street corners and, in fact, the region is credited as one of the centers of chivalry, love poetry and the concept of true romantic love.
Florence and its surrounding countryside, were blustering, boisterous places filled with art, life and trade. People came from all over the world to visit, as they still do today. Many of them came to attend prestigious art schools like the Florentine School of Art and a famous rivalry existed between the four major schools located in Florence.
It is a marvel the region survived the period of anarchy, war and the changing of hands that followed the War of Polish succession. Officially, it was part of the Austrian Empire until the 1850s, when the Italian people reclaimed their former glorious cultural capital as their own. In modern times, Tuscany remains a central part of everyday Italian life. It is still a favorite destination for honeymooners, couples, families and the backpacker, in the same way that powerful European families used to winter in Florence. Tourists continue to marvel at the art, the streets and the exacting preservation of the historical sites of Tuscany. Villas located anywhere in this fabulous and welcoming part of Italy will allow you the freedom and inspiration to fully immerse in its embrace.
Source...