PROVINCES AND CAPITALS
OF TUSCANY
This multifaceted region in the heart of Italy is divided into 10 provinces, which characteristics we would like to present to you below!
Discovering Tuscany: A guide to the provinces and capitals of this beautiful Italian region
Massa-Carrara, Lucca & Pistoia
The province of Massa-Carrara lies in the north of the region, characterized by the Apuan Alps, marking the border with Liguria. In the mountains of Carrara, the world’s most beautiful stone, marble, is extracted. The capitals of Massa and Carrara are only a few kilometers from one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful coasts, the Versilia coast. The beautiful lake Lago Puccini is named after the famous composer Giacomo Puccini, who came from nearby Lucca.
To the east, the province of Lucca joins Massa-Carrara. The capital, Lucca, epitomizes a Tuscan city, attracting visitors with its lively atmosphere, romantic old town streets, and magnificent city wall, considered the most beautiful in the region. The Garfagnana mountain valley, with its deep green, wild landscape and the river Serchio, invites you to enjoy excursions and walks.
Pistoia stretches east of Lucca. The provincial capital, also named Pistoia, is an important economic and commercial center. In the hilly areas of Montalbano, you will find the birthplace of the universal genius Leonardo da Vinci (1452 – 1519). You can visit his birthplace in Anchiano. In nearby Vinci, two museums in the Castello di Vinci pay homage to him. The village of San Miniato, south of Pistoia, attracts connoisseurs with its annual truffle fair.
Prato, Florence & Arezzo
East of the province of Pistoia lies the province of Prato, which was part of the province of Firenze until 1992. The provincial capital, Prato, is Tuscany’s second-largest city and was once an important wool empire. Today, it still focuses on textile production. The old town attracts visitors with historical treasures, such as the Medici palaces (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage), baroque churches, and museums. The province offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities, from the Montalbano mountains and ochre-colored hilly landscapes to the Benzio valley.
The province of Firenze stretches east of Prato, and its capital, Florence, is the economic and cultural center of Tuscany. It is a must-visit for every traveler to Italy. Divided by the Arno River, this lively regional metropolis is the “cradle of the Renaissance” and attracts visitors with its world-class art and culture. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. The idyllic landscapes are characterized by the Arno River, which runs through the hilly landscapes of the famous Chianti wine region.
To the east lies the province of Arezzo. Its capital, Arezzo, is famous throughout Italy for the frescoes by Piero della Francesca in the main chapel of San Francesco. The city is also an ideal base for exploring the northern Casentino Natural Park, with its dense green forests and ancient castles, as well as the Etruscan Country between the Tiber and Chiana valleys.
Pisa & Livorno
The province of Pisa, with its provincial capital sharing the same name, is a must-see for travelers to Tuscany! The Leaning Tower of Pisa on the Piazza dei Mirácoli is the world’s most famous tower. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The riverbank of the Arno offers a beautiful cityscape with imposing palaces. Fine sandy beaches extend into southern Tirrenia and Calambrone just outside Pisa. In the interior, the province offers a multifaceted landscape with wide plains, hilly expanses, lush forests, and thermal resorts.
The province of Livorno stretches along the Tyrrhenian coast and reaches little inland. The coast, known as the Etruscan Riviera, boasts numerous finds from the Etruscan period. Dense forests of ancient pines characterize the southern coast. Livorno also includes the islands of the Tuscan archipelago. Elba is particularly popular for excursions due to its natural beauty, crystal-clear water, and excellent food.
Siena & Grosseto
The province of Siena extends over the southern center of Tuscany, offering some of the region’s most fascinating areas. Starting in the north with the southern hills of the Chianti wine region and the Val d’Orcia (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the province stretches to the loamy hills of the Crete Senesi in the southeast. The provincial capital, Siena, is characterized by brick-red Gothic architecture and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany. The famous “Piazza del Campo” hosts the exciting “Palio di Siena” equestrian competition every year.
South of Siena, the province of Grosseto extends to the Tyrrhenian coast. The vast province is filled with Etruscan remains and necropolises, mainly found in the Maremma scrub in Saturnia, Sorano, and Sovana. The hinterland is characterized by Monte Amiata, Tuscany’s highest peak, reaching 1,738 meters. The coast of Grosseto lures visitors with the protected natural park of the Maremma and its shady pine forests.
Booking and Information
Would you like to discover the variety of the Central Italian region, Tuscany? We will gladly provide further detailed information regarding our group tours in Tuscany upon your inquiry. We look forward to your no-obligation request via our contact form, e-mail, or by telephone at +49 611 945879 42!
Tuscany is one of the most popular regions
Art and culture cities
Etruscans in Tuscany
Festivals & events
Geographical position
Landscape of Tuscany
Provinces & capitals
Renaissance in Tuscany
The Tuscan Archipelago
The coasts of Tuscany
The island of Elba
Tuscan specialities
UNESCO World Heritages
