Abbazia di San Galgano

This masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture was left standing but roofless by centuries of legendary history. Built between 1182 and 1185, the Abbey has lost all of its past wealth and grandiosity but very little of its beauty. If you are in the area, have a look at the Rotonda di Montesiepi nearby and look for the sword planted in the ground.

• Web:

  www.sangalgano.info/index_en.html

• Address:

  Località San Galgano, Chiusdino

• Phone:

  +39 0577 756738

• Opening hours:

  9AM–5:30PM

Cappelle Medicee

The Medici Chapels are two structures at the Basilica San Lorenzo, and an important landmark of the history of Florence. As hinted by its name, it celebrates the city's patrons and Grand Dukes family of the Medici, whose story is entangled to the history of Florence. The Sagrestia Nuova, dating from the 16th century was designed by Michelangelo.

• Web:

  www.polomuseale.firenze.it/musei/?m=cappellemedicee

• Address:

  Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 6, Florence

• Phone:

  +39 055 238 8602

• Opening hours:

  8:15AM–4:20PM

• Subway:

  Station Cappelle Medicee

Convent de "Eremo" Le Celle

Located just outside Cortona, the Convent de Le Celle is a Franciscan convent built in the 13th Century. Over the centuries, it has been occupied by a large variety of religious orders and dedicated to different saints, the most famous probably being St Michael Archangel. The convent is a sight in itself but also benefits from great surroundings.

• Address:

  Case Sparse, 73,Torreone, Cortona

• Phone:

  +39 0575 603362

Elba Island

Biggest Island of the Tuscan Archipelago, Elba is also the most famous. This is the island where French Emperor Napoleon was exiled in 1814 after its defeats. Its history is much richer than this story only, and goes all the way back to the Etruscans and Romans. Now, the island is popular for its clear-blue waters, sandy beaches and amazing nature as well as the thermal baths.

• Address:

  Tuscan Archipelago, Province of Livorno

Florence Cathedral

The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, located in Florence is the fourth largest cathedral in the world and was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio. Almost two centuries were necessary for the construction of this Cathedral! Outside, take a few minutes to admire the mix of pink, white and green marble and the clock above the entrance. Inside, don't miss Giorgio Vasari's frescoes of the Last Judgment. Climbing up the cupola is also not to be missed.

• Web:

  www.ilgrandemuseodelduomo.it

• Address:

  Piazza Duomo, Florence

• Opening hours:

  10AM-5PM

• Subway:

  Stop Oriuolo

Galleria dell'Accademia

Most famous for its Renaissance sculptures from Michael Angelo (including the world-famous David statue), the Galleria dell'Accademia ("Accademia Gallery") also hosts other major Italian artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Pontormo, Andrea del Sarto, Allessando Allori and Orcagna. From masterpiece paintings to incredible music instruments, it is a museum like you can only find in Italy.

• Web:

  www.galleriaaccademiafirenze.beniculturali.it

• Address:

  Via Ricasoli, 58/60, Florence

• Phone:

  +39 055 238 8609

• Opening hours:

  Tuesday - Sunday: 8:15AM–6:50PM

• Subway:

  Station San Marco Rettorato