Tuscany Italy – 10 Fun Facts
Ciao tutti! Welcome to The Best of Italy, a video series on Digging up Roots on the Boot’s YouTube Channel. Marilena is going to share 10 fun facts about Tuscany. It is one of 20 Italian Regions in the North of Italy. Watch the video and continue reading below. Also, be sure and subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss out on new video posts.
1 Tuscany Italy - Birthplace of the Italian Language
Tuscany, the heart and soul of the Renaissance, was an incredibly important cultural center. It was a major influencer of commercial and artistic development in Europe. So, it is only natural that the Tuscan dialect is the origin of the modern Italian language.
2 Tuscany Italy was the first region to adopt Pavements
The city of Florence became the first European city to pave its streets in 1339. A product of the rich banks and merchants of that era, Florence set the bar for cities around Europe and the rest of the world with this trend-setting action.
3 Amerigo Vespucci - Italian Explorer
Amerigo Vespucci was an Italian explorer born in Florence in 1451. He is famous for his namesake, the continents of North and south America. He started working under the Italian noble Medici family who ruled Florence throughout the Renaissance.
4 Pinocchio is from Tuscany Italy
Most people associate Pinocchio with the 1940 Disney film. But, Carlo Lorenzini wrote the story and published it in 1883. There is a Pinocchio Park in the small town of Collodi where Carlo’s mother was born.
5 Tuscany the Hollywood of Italy
The sheer beauty and magnificence of the Tuscan countryside lend itself to becoming a film set for many blockbuster hits, including Twilight, New Moon, and Gladiator. It might not have as many A-list celebrities enjoying the local restaurants as the Beverly Hills does, but it certainly has a claim to fame.
6 The Tower of Pisa is not the only one leaning.
Pisa comes from the Greek word for marshland. Italian architects didn't consider this before they built the 15,000-ton tower. It is the most iconic leaning tower in the world. Amazingly, it is still standing and leaning today. Believe it or not, it is not the only tower in Tuscany with a distinct lean. The St. Nicola Church and the bell tower of St. Michele dei Scalzi also lean. Although, the lean is on a much smaller scale.
7 Italy's Precious Artwork in Tuscany
Some of Italy’s most precious artwork comes from or is housed in Tuscany. A few of the masterpieces you can find in the Tuscan museums are Michelangelo’s David, Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation.
8 Chianti Wine Region
Like so many Italian regions, Tuscany is well known for its fine wines. The Chianti wine region is incredibly popular with British tourists. The Italians even gave it a very British nickname, Chiantishire.
9 Traditional Tuscan Bread
There is no salt in traditional Tuscan bread, and the story behind this is quite childish. Florence and Pisa were at war with each other in 1497. The Pisan’s thought that if they blocked the salt shipment from Florence, they would have to surrender. Instead, the Florentines adapted to life without salt in their bread.
10 Tuscany's Carrara Marble
Tuscany is famous for its marble used for both sculptures and construction. So, it is no surprise that Carrara wants to preserve and promote the culture and history of marble extraction. They opened a museum in 1982 that hosts a rich permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
Do you know any other fun facts about Tuscany? Let’s talk it out in the comment section below. Thanks for watching the best of Italy. A presto!
My fun fact is that I love Chianti wine. Io amo Chianti.