Madrelingua Italiana

Tuscany is a region of central Italy. The regional capital is Florence and the provinces are Arezzo, Grosseto, Livorno, Lucca, Massa Carrara, Pisa, Pistoia, Prato and Siena. The region derives its name, as well as its deepest cultural nature, from the earliest inhabitants in historical times, the Etruscans, whom the Romans first called etrurii and then tusci. Tuscany has the shape of a large triangle, which faces west on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The northern part of the region is boldly marked by the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. Along the coast the only two stretches of plain of a certain extention are the Versilia and the Maremma or the Ombrone Grossetano plain. Among the protected areas, are those of the Maremma, the Uccellina mountains, Migliarino-San Rossore-Massaciuccoli, the Tuscan Archipelago, the Casentino forests, the Apuane Alps, the Abetone forest, as well as the Orbetello wildlife refuge. Tuscany is known for its landscapes, traditions, history, artistic heritage and its influence on high culture. It is considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and has been the home of many influential figures in the history of art and science. This region is home of world-famous museums such as the Uffizi and Palazzo Pitti. Tuscany produces excellent wines of great renown, including Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano and Brunello di Montalcino. Having a strong linguistic and cultural identity, it is sometimes considered "a nation within a nation". Tuscany is traditionally a popular destination in Italy, and the main tourist destinations for tourist arrivals are Florence, Pisa, Siena, Lucca, Arezzo. Tourism is an important and impactful activity for the economy of the region. Tuscany is traditionally a popular destination in Italy, of which main tourist destinations for tourist arrivals are Florence, Pisa, Siena, Lucca, Arezzo. The income produced through tourism places the region at the top of the national ranking, in comparison with any other region. Every year there are over seven million bookings in hotels, tourist villages and campsites, of which one third are foreign presences. Seven Tuscan towns have been designated World Heritage Sites: the historic center of Florence (1982); the Piazza del Duomo in Pisa (1987); the historic center of San Gimignano (1990); the historic center of Siena (1995); the historic center of Pienza (1996); Val d'Orcia (2004) and the Medici Villas and Gardens (2013).