Autumn in Tuscany means the grape harvest, horse chestnuts and olives. These are just part of what Tuscany has to offer at this time of year. The hills change color with every gust of wind, while the leaves turn yellow and red in the soft Autumn light. A trip to Tuscany in Autumn is the perfect time to discover the region’s traditional cuisine and local delicacies.
The grape harvest is followed by the production of the year’s first olive oil. Chestnuts are turned into flour which is then used to make traditional dishes such as necci and castagnaccio. These are typical products of the Apennines near Pistoia and in Garfagnana. Garfagnana is a lush valley traversed by the river Serchio and is an area full of myths and legends, such as the story of the Devil’s Bridge at Borgo a Mozzano. This bridge is built in such a way that it seems to defy the laws of architecture and gravity.
The famous Brunello wine is also made here in Tuscany, in a corner of the region around the town of Montalcino, in the heart of the Ombrone Valley. Nearby, along a dirt track, is one of the jewels of Romanesque architecture: the abbey of Sant’Antimo. This church is one of the most important of its kind in Italy and welcomes visitors with the silent calm of its cool interior as the first leaves begin to fall outside.
To the east are the towns of San Quirico and Pienza. Pienza is known for being the ‘ideal city’ of Pope Pious II who was born here. The main square is perfectly formed and the delicious fragrance of locally made pecorino cheese wafts from the town’s many alimentari, or grocery stores.
The next town to visit is Buonconvento, a medieval hamlet with red brick city walls. Rapolano Terme is also worth a visit, as well as the charming historic Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore which dates back to the 14th century. The abbey was built by the monks and is home to an important cycle of frescoes. Visitors to the abbey experience the same magical atmosphere as those who go to the impressive open air San Galgano cathedral. This cathedral is in the Merse Valley, in the province of Siena. From here, there is a footpath which leads to the Monte Siepi hermitage, home of the famous sword in the rock which was placed there by the saint as evidence of his giving up of arms and becoming a peaceful hermit.
Another atmospheric location to visit in Autumn is Massaciuccoli Lake. The lake, which was much loved by Puccini, is delicately shrouded by morning mist at this time of year. The Galleria Palatina and the Fattori Museum in Livorno are both home to many works of art by Fattori which depict this mystical part of Tuscany.
The grape harvest is followed by the production of the year’s first olive oil. Chestnuts are turned into flour which is then used to make traditional dishes such as necci and castagnaccio. These are typical products of the Apennines near Pistoia and in Garfagnana. Garfagnana is a lush valley traversed by the river Serchio and is an area full of myths and legends, such as the story of the Devil’s Bridge at Borgo a Mozzano. This bridge is built in such a way that it seems to defy the laws of architecture and gravity.
The famous Brunello wine is also made here in Tuscany, in a corner of the region around the town of Montalcino, in the heart of the Ombrone Valley. Nearby, along a dirt track, is one of the jewels of Romanesque architecture: the abbey of Sant’Antimo. This church is one of the most important of its kind in Italy and welcomes visitors with the silent calm of its cool interior as the first leaves begin to fall outside.
To the east are the towns of San Quirico and Pienza. Pienza is known for being the ‘ideal city’ of Pope Pious II who was born here. The main square is perfectly formed and the delicious fragrance of locally made pecorino cheese wafts from the town’s many alimentari, or grocery stores.
The next town to visit is Buonconvento, a medieval hamlet with red brick city walls. Rapolano Terme is also worth a visit, as well as the charming historic Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore which dates back to the 14th century. The abbey was built by the monks and is home to an important cycle of frescoes. Visitors to the abbey experience the same magical atmosphere as those who go to the impressive open air San Galgano cathedral. This cathedral is in the Merse Valley, in the province of Siena. From here, there is a footpath which leads to the Monte Siepi hermitage, home of the famous sword in the rock which was placed there by the saint as evidence of his giving up of arms and becoming a peaceful hermit.
Another atmospheric location to visit in Autumn is Massaciuccoli Lake. The lake, which was much loved by Puccini, is delicately shrouded by morning mist at this time of year. The Galleria Palatina and the Fattori Museum in Livorno are both home to many works of art by Fattori which depict this mystical part of Tuscany.
