Hidden gems in Tuscany

Hidden Gems of Tuscany

Beyond the rolling hills of Tuscany lie unique sites often overlooked by the standard itinerary. This selection features the thermal Cascate del Mulino and Niki de Saint Phalle’s esoteric Tarot Garden. In Florence, discover the 19th-century Tepidarium in the Horticultural Garden, scientific instruments at Museum Galileo, and a profile carved by Michelangelo into the Palazzo Vecchio. Explore Lucca from the tree-topped Guinigi Tower or visit the rock-cut Etruscan Hildebrand Tomb in Sovana’s archaeological park.

Hidden Gems of Tuscany — Map

Markus Bernet / CC BY-SA 2.5

A

Saturnia Hot Springs

The Terme di Saturnia are a group of springs located in the municipality of Manciano in Italy, a few kilometers from the village of…

Sailko / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

The Tarot Gardens

The Tarot Garden is a sculpture garden based on the esoteric tarot, created by the French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle in Pescia…

Bernz / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Museum Galileo

Come here to learn about the history of science. Housed in Palazzo Castellani, the museum boasts a great collection of scientific…

Sailko / CC-BY-SA-3.0

D

Giardino delle Rose

Giardino delle rose is a garden park in the Oltrarno district of Florence, in Tuscany, Italy.

H005 / Public domain

E

Guinigi Tower

The Torre Guinigi is a tower in Lucca in the region of Tuscany, central Italy.

sailko / CC BY 2.5

F

Horticultural Garden

Dating back to the 19th century, this garden is a nice and quite spot popular with locals.

Thermos / CC BY-SA 2.5

G

Boar Fountain

Il Porcellino is the local Florentine nickname for the bronze fountain of a boar.

Clemens M. Brandstetter, Buers / CC-BY-SA-3.0

H

Hildebrand Tomb

A tomb discovered in 1925 which is completely carved out of stone. It's a very important monument worth seeing.

Sergi Palay Azoz / CC-BY-SA

I

L'importuno di Michelangelo

A small profile of a man's face carved into the stone facade of the Palazzo Vecchio. Tradition attributes the graffiti to Michelangelo, who allegedly sculpted it with his hands behind his back while listening to a tedious acquaintance.

Other Lists

Tuscany Essentials Editor's Choice Tuscany's Best Museums Iconic Churches of Tuscany Castles and Fortifications of Tuscany Architectural Wonders of Tuscany Enchanting Gardens of Tuscany