The period that saw art and culture blossom in Tuscany also saw the creation of the rolling country landscape that attracts millions of visitors every year.

Florence Spread out along the banks of the Arno, Florence, Tuscany's capital city, is one of Italy's main centres for culture and the arts. This cultural significance is unsurprising considering the wealth of talent that has resided in this incredible city at one time or another. Florence's most politically and artistically influential sons include: Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Dante, Machiavelli and Raphael who all contributed to the vast wealth of cultural capital that continues to enchant visitors to this day.

Where to go Perhaps the most famous attraction in Florence is Michelangelo's "David". Housed in the Galleria dell'Accademia this evocative statue is one of the artist's greatest triumphs and is considered to epitomise the glory of Italian art. Situated in front of the old Battistero is the magnificent Cathedral Duomo. Building work on this the fourth largest cathedral in the world started in the twelfth century and has continued in one way or another ever since. The enormous dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi was built between 1420 and 1436 and visitors an climb to its summit and take in spectacular panoramic views of the city. The original Gothic exterior was unfortunately removed in 1587 in order to make way for a replacement in the then popular "High Renaissance" style. This project died however with its champion the Grand Duke Francesco de Medici and sufficient funding for the current neo gothic exterior was not raised until the nineteenth century.

Pisa Clearly the most popular of tourist attractions is the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but this city has much more on offer for the cultural visitor than just a subsiding monument. Its rich architectural heritage and typically Italian café culture make it the ideal destination for a day's unforgettable sight seeing. Away from the main tourist attractions, which a mostly grouped in one area of the town, one can wander the peaceful streets and admire the magnificent bridges and churches that seem to be everywhere. Where to go The Piazza del Duomo or "field of miracles" as it is known locally manages to pack more history into its relatively small acreage than almost anywhere in Europe. The leaning tower itself, as well as the glorious Duomo and grandiose Baptistery, are housed in this historically significant part of the city and are a must see on any visitors list. Museo dell'Opera del Duomo This important museum houses much of the significant art work from the twelfth century Romanesque cathedral. There are many works by artists such as Michelangelo, Donatello and Giovanni and a trip here is the perfect educational compliment to the Piazza del Duomo.

Siena
Whilst the Florentines were "improving" their city during the renaissance the Senese were minding their own business and as a result much of the city's architecture remains as it was in the middle ages. Indeed, Henry James was convinced that on a visit to the town he had had "half and hour's infinite vision of medieval Italy".

Where to go
The Plazzo Pubblico was built during the thirteenth century in response to the city's need for bigger magisterial buildings. The decoration was courtesy of the Siena Art School many of whose students went on to become internationally famous artists.

The Cathedral was completed at the end of the fourteenth century and was described by E Gibbon as "the most beautiful monument of gothic magnificence" and by Henry James as "a work of goldsmithery in stone".

San Gimignano
Known for the silhouette of its sentinel towers, the charming town of San Gimignano sits on a hill overlooking the Val d'Elsa and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Entering through the ancient city gates one is struck by the medieval aspect of the architecture and layout and if it weren't for the modern hotels and street signs you could be forgiven for thinking you had stepped back in time.

Where to go
As with all medieval Tuscan towns, the churches are an absolute must see, but none more so than the beautiful San Agostino. One of the few examples of Renaissance architecture in the town this tribute to Saint Augustine features some of the artist Benozzo Gozzoli's best fresco work. Also of note is the marble altar dedicated to St Bartolo whose ashes are still kept there in an urn by Benedetto da Maiano.

Palazzo del Popolo Dating back to the thirteenth century, the people's palace is the place to go for views of the town. Its one hundred and sixty foot tower, also dating from the thirteenth century, is ideal for taking in the lay of the city and the surrounding countryside. The palace also houses the Museo Civico which has a fine collection of twelfth century Florentine and Sienese art.