Tuscany – the birthplace of the Renaissance Movement; home to some of the best wines in the world; and a region that boasts of many historical sites including the leaning Tower of Pisa. Its picturesque hillsides rich with acres and acres of vineyards, and undulating farmlands bursting yellow with sunflowers continue to draw filmmakers and painters from all around the world. But don’t forget that Tuscany is made of distinct regions that have historically never seen eye-to-eye. So what binds this place together? What makes it tick? Here’s a tip: Passion.
Head into a medieval town called Sienna and you will understand what I’m talking about. Built around the 10th century, Sienna’s seat of power, central plaza and a very large cathedral – El Duomo de Sienna – that still dominate the city’s landscape, are some of the lavish gothic architectures you will ever find. In fact, well before Italy became part of the Roman Empire, each of its cities were separate kingdoms. Around the 12th and 13th century, Sienna had about 50,000 people living within its walls and was part of a major trade route in Europe. Because of its coveted location, the citizens of Sienna found themselves constantly under attack. And do you want to guess Sienna’s #1 enemy? It was Florence, the capital of Tuscany today. The story goes that with the emergence of the Renaissance period, Florence fast became the art and cultural hub of Italy – and backed by the Medeci family (highly influential bankers, who later became kingmakers and then part of royalty itself!! The Medici family is supposed to have had 3 popes, two queens and various other royalty in its lineage) – Florence had set its sight on Sienna and what that location could do for its coffers. So after a long-drawn siege, Sienna finally surrendered to Florence. But believe me, that loss from centuries ago has never been forgotten by Sienna and the locals still nurse the hurt. Florence is still considered the arch enemy – especially during the football (soccer) season. Going by the locals’ reactions, I guess those games would be like an India-Pakistan cricket match, where people take a day off and cheer their team in front of TVs.
Also if you are ever in Tuscany, don’t miss a little gem of a town called San Gimignano. Perched high up on the mountains of Tuscany’s Chianti wine producing region, it is another medieval town that has been declared a UNESCO Heritage site. But if you can take a little detour, how about lunch in the middle of a vineyard? Maybe one that makes some of the best Chianti wine in the world? As you sit under the shade, with sultry breeze blowing through those Mediterranean olive trees and look down at rows and rows of priceless grapevines, you realize these are not just some of the richest vineyards in the world – besides all that science and engineering that goes into harvesting these grapes, these are fruits of pride and passion for the entire Tuscan region. Take this from someone who’s just heard an earful: you get a Tuscan started on the wines from his region at your own peril. Chances are he will never stop talking about it or beaming with pride.
No trip to Tuscany is complete without seeing Michelangelo’s “David.” While you get to see his other masterpiece, the “Pieta” (Mary holding the body of Jesus) at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, keep in mind it is exhibited behind a glassed enclosure and it’s pretty much like watching animals at the zoo. But with David, you get to admire Michelangelo’s sheer genius at close quarters and from all angles. The almost 17ft David is male perfection in marble. You are suddenly transported in time and you see David as the man who brought down the giant Goliath; you see the intensity in his eyes; his poise speaks of passion; every muscle, sinew, bone and vein is defined with perfection under Michelangelo’s chisel. Is it said that unlike other sculptors and painters of his time, Michelangelo never believed in “outsourcing” his work to his students. Every crevasse, every bulge, every frown and every little hollow and shading you see on David was imagined and created by Michelangelo himself. Here’s a tidbit you might enjoy: Michelangelo was so passionate about his work, that it is believed that he had secret access to dead bodies so he could better understand the human anatomy and physiology. Talk about commitment!
Of course, when passion flows like a thick cup of cappuccino, something’s got to give, right? Maybe that’s why they could never get the Tower of Pisa NOT to lean. Because it was built on soft ground, the leaning tower has been getting more and more lop-sided over the years. Terrible mistake, right? But then what did those passionate Tuscans do? They got the tower recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World!! Oh well, you can’t beat those Tuscans, can you?
The Peacock Plumes 