3 'quiet' towns in Tuscany

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Tuscany, it continues to attract tourists from all over the world. In the high season you can walk over the heads in Pisa and in Florence. But there are also beautiful villages and towns that are slightly more accessible. Of course it is even better to look for a less busy period of the year (although there is hardly any in the case of Pisa and Florence). Here we have 3 'quiet' Tuscan towns that you definitely want to visit.

1. Sienna

siena - tuscany — The historic center of Siena with the white duomo (photo: Edward Hendriks)

Siena is half an hour's drive from Florence and is certainly a popular tourist destination. Yet the old town has enough space for everyone. Unless you come during the famous horse races, the Palio, on July 2 and August 16.

Siena Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. The medieval square – Piazza del Campo – in the shape of a shell is one of the most beautiful in all of Italy. The color of the buildings around it, Siena (or Sienna) gave its name.

2. Lucca

A street in the old center of Lucca (photo: Edward Hendriks)

This small, medieval city is located an hour from Florence and is completely walled and car-free. If you come by car, make sure you don't accidentally enter a ZTL. Fortunately, there are plenty of parking garages and parking lots where you can park and you can easily get around on foot in the old town.

The main square is called Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and why it is so hot is easy to see when you stand in the middle of it. The foundations of the ancient Roman amphitheater have been used to build houses and shops.

Four gates give access to the square. the composer Puccini lived here and composed many of his most famous operas. The residence is now open to the public. In honor of Puccini, there are also almost daily performances in an old church. You can also take a nice bike tour of the city walls here.

3. Pietra Santa

The name of the place means 'sacred stone'. Pietrasanta is located in the same province as Lucca and is entirely devoted to the arts, especially sculpture. Michelangelo lived here, who extracted marble from the nearby Carrara mines. Just like the ancient Romans.

Today, the work of modern sculptors is displayed here in the main square and in the church of Sant'Agnostino, built in the fourteenth century. In the many trattorias you can treat yourself to real Tuscan food.