Towers, castles, villas and abbeys characterize the landscapes of the Tuscan towns. Come with us on a journey to discover the most beautiful villages near Florence!

The birth of the villages in Tuscany

Tuscany is one of the Italian regions with the highest concentration of villages.

This phenomenon is closely linked to its history dating back to very distant times when the ancient Etruscans founded the towns of Populonia, Volterra, Chiusi, Sorano, Pitigliano and Saturnia.

Evidence of Etruscan grandeur and their urban planning abilities are still visible today, just think of the “Vie Cave” that connects Sorano, Sovana and Pitigliano.

Between 1150 and 1350 the erlier villages are transformed into the medieval villages, enriched with brick houses and palaces that replace the wooden houses with thatched roofs typical of the first villages. Castles and fortresses are built to protect the population and wealth.

Some of these beautiful villages, such as Greve in Chianti, are formed from the expansion of the square where the market took place. Traders and artisans then established their homes near the square.

Certified Tuscan Villages

Tuscany registers a large number of “certified” villages that have obtained a quality recognition and a “brand” that guarantees its excellence.

Some villages have received more than one recognition. For example both certifications “Most beautiful villages in Italy” and “Orange flags” were obtained from:

• Anghiari;
• Barga;
• Cetona;
• San Casciano dei Bagni;
• Santa Fiora;
• Pitigliano;
• Suvereto.

Pienza, San Gimignano and the Val d’Orcia are also declared World Heritage by UNESCO.

The most beautiful villages near Florence

Tuscany is a territory of excellence regarding medieval villages and landscapes.

Seeing them all would take a long time so the tourist visiting the “Cradle of the Renaissance” can certainly concentrate on the villages near the city and easily reachable for exciting trips outside the city.

But which are the most beautiful villages near Florence? Here is a possible list.

Scarperia
A beautiful village a few kilometers from Florence, between the rolling of hills and rows of cypresses, where the production of blades and “sharp tools” ensured fame to local artisans.

Certaldo
Certaldo is the birthplace of Giovanni Boccaccio. A real medieval jewel crossed by narrow streets and small squares dominated by the Palazzo Pretorio, right on the top of the hill.

Pienza
Pienza is located on a hill opposite the beautiful Val d’Orcia. It is a Renaissance city recognized since 1996 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pitigliano
The village of Pitigliano was all built in tuff and even today the spectacular inhabited area hides another underground city beneath it, made up of rocky oratories, tunnels and tunnels.

Vicchio
A village with an ancient history as evidenced by the Etruscan presence of the important excavations of Poggio Colla. Vicchio is also the birthplace of the great painter Giotto and offers the opportunity to visit the “Casa di Giotto” Museum on the hill of Vespignano.

Villages between Siena and Florence

Tuscany is a region full of beauties and, going outside the more well-known tourist itineraries, you could find real gems of rare beauty.

Cities like Florence and Siena are must-see tourist destinations when it comes to well-preserved ancient villages.

A journey through culture, history and wonderful landscapes that will remain in your heart.

It is the ideal choice whether it is a weekend or a longer holiday. The true charm of discovery is found in those places less traveled by tourists, often kept in the heart of the province.

In these villages, true works of art, restaurants and old houses alternate. You will live a tourist experience that goes beyond the classic selfie for social media, you will find the real Tuscany and you will fall in love with it instantly.

The villages in Siena

One of the most beautiful villages in Siena is definitely Buonconvento.

It is located among the lesser known places and can be reached by train. Located in the valley of the Ombrone river, it is a small medieval village.

A real perfectly preserved jewel where you can find an interesting Museum of Sacred Art in which the works of painters from the 1300s to the 1600s are exhibited, among which you can admire the paintings by Duccio di Buoninsegna and Pietro Lorenzetti.

The village of Montalcino, whose name is synonymous with wine all over the world, has now become an obligatory destination for those who love Brunello.

This country has a thousand-year history full of events and many well-preserved architectural wonders. Among these ancient structures you can visit La Rocca, a very imposing fortress dating back to the 14th century.

From its imposing structure you will have the sensation of dominating the entire Val d’Orcia. And if you are not tired yet, we suggest you also visit the village of Pienza, the most important and significant center of the Val d’Orcia.

This village perfectly represents the entire Italian Renaissance. You absolutely must not miss the Duomo, Palazzo Piccolomini, Palazzo Borgia as well as the beautiful Piazza Pio II.

San Quirico d’Orcia is a small iconic town located along the Via Francigena. The Collegiata is very interesting, a Romanesque structure dating back to the 11th century. Bagno Vignoni has in the center Piazza delle Sorgenti, a very large tub fed with thermal hot water.

The villages of Florence and its surroundings

One of the most beautiful villages near Florence is definitely Volterra. This village has experienced the passage of many civilizations from the Etruscans to the Renaissance.

It is rich in works of art and majestic architectural structures such as the city walls themselves and the gates, such as Porta dell’Arco which is characterized by a mysterious symbology.

The village of Vinci is located in the metropolitan city of Florence, on the slopes of Montalbano.

It is famous for being the birthplace of one of the greatest inventors and artists of all time: Leonardo da Vinci.

Precisely on the basis of this, you can build a path by following in his footsteps starting from the Castello dei Conti Guidi which houses the Leonardo Museum.

If you love art, you absolutely cannot miss Certaldo, home of Boccaccio. A very interesting symbol of the city is Palazzo Pretorio, well preserved and a must see.

So, if you are planning a trip to discover the most beautiful villages near Florence then we are waiting for you at Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort!