{"id":5716,"date":"2015-10-09T15:06:54","date_gmt":"2015-10-09T15:06:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vintagetravel.co.uk\/test\/?p=5716"},"modified":"2015-09-30T11:26:33","modified_gmt":"2015-09-30T11:26:33","slug":"exploring-the-ancient-towns-of-tuscany","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vintagetravel.co.uk\/blog\/exploring-the-ancient-towns-of-tuscany\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring the ancient towns of Tuscany"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tuscany is a vast region of Italy where a fabulous surprise awaits round almost every corner. Dotted amongst Tuscany\u2019s splendid scenery is many an ancient town, each with its own fascinating history. If you are heading to Tuscany sometime soon and are interested in discovering the region\u2019s diverse and intriguing history, take a look at the following three great ancient towns that are crying out to be explored.<\/p>\n

\"Shaiith<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Pienza<\/strong><\/p>\n

The town of Pienza was created by humanist Pope Pius II in the Renaissance of the 15th<\/sup> century with the intention of being an \u2018ideal city\u2019. This ancient town has been incredibly well-preserved. One of its many highlights is the Palazzo Piccolomini, which was built in 1459 as a summer home for Pope Pius II. The palace is considered one of the earliest examples of Renaissance architecture.<\/p>\n

Concerts and events are hosted throughout the year in Palazzo Piccolomini\u2019s courtyard.<\/p>\n

With its fine examples of Renaissance architecture, incredible views and quality restaurants, shops and bars, Pienza is definitely a Tuscan town worthy of any discerning traveller\u2019s itinerary.<\/p>\n

Cortona<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cortona is located in the Arezzo province of Tuscany. This quaint and pretty town boasts a dominant position overlooking the Valdichiana, a stunning 100 kilometre-long valley that runs from north to south along the plain of Orvieto and the plain of Arezzo.<\/p>\n

Ancient walls surround this charming town. In recent years the amount of tourists visiting Cortona has increased due to the filming of the movie \u2018Under the Tuscan Sun\u2019, which is based on Frances Mayes\u2019 novel.<\/p>\n

Art-enthusiasts are in their element in Cortona as the town\u2019s museums are home to many an artistic treasure, including Beato Angelico\u2019s painting The Annunciation of Cortona.<\/p>\n

Pitigliano<\/strong><\/p>\n

The town of Pitigliano is situated to the south of Tuscany in the Grosseto province. What\u2019s been described as one of the \u2018best small towns in Italy\u2019, the hilltop town of Pitigliano stands out from afar, stood between two cliffs.<\/p>\n

One of this ancient town\u2019s biggest highlights is the Orsini Palace, which was built by the Aldobrandeschi family in the 12th<\/sup> century. In the 14th<\/sup> century the palace was extended by the Orsini family.<\/p>\n

Known as the Little Jerusalem due to the Jewish community, which has long been established in the town, Pitigliano is a Tuscan gem just waiting to be explored.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Tuscany is a vast region of Italy where a fabulous surprise awaits round almost every corner. Dotted amongst Tuscany\u2019s splendid scenery is many an ancient town, each with its own fascinating history. If you are heading to Tuscany sometime soon and are interested in discovering the region\u2019s diverse and intriguing history, take a look at<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":5717,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[66],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5716","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do-in-tuscany"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nExploring the ancient towns of Tuscany - Vintage Travel - Blog Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Tuscany is a vast region of Italy where a fabulous surprise awaits round almost every corner. 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