Here is a list of 10 Tuscan municipalities that could be included in the definition of Borghi Umanistici Medicei, with reasons for inclusion, tourist information, and the relevant municipal contacts. This selection of villages not only highlights their historical importance and connection to the Renaissance period and the Medici, but also provides an overview of the tourist attractions that make each village a unique destination to visit.

GRAND DUCAL HUMANISTIC FIEFS

Medici County of Reggello (FI)*

Reason:

The Medici County of Reggello* is located in the Upper Valdarno and its borders coincide with those of the homonymous Municipality of Reggello; the County was created and named a Grand Ducal Humanistic Fiefdom by decree of HRH Grand Duke Ottaviano de’Medici of Tuscany on 13 May 2025, for various reasons linked to the influence of the Medici family and the cultural climate of the Renaissance.

Tourist information:

Reggello offers numerous tourist attractions that reflect its history and natural beauty: among the attractions, the Medici Villa of Mandri stands out in particular, which in the Grand Ducal decree creating the humanistic fiefdom was named the “ideal centre” of the County of Reggello and as such could therefore be transformed into a county seat if the appropriate agreements were made with the current or future owners.

Contacts:

Official website of the Municipality: www.comune.reggello.fi.it; • Wikipedia: Reggello – Wikipedia; • Telephone: +39 055 86691; • Email: info@comune.reggello.fi.it; • PEC: comune.reggello@postacert.toscana.it

MEDICI HUMANISTIC VILLAGES

1. San Gimignano (SI)

Known as the “City of Towers”, San Gimignano is a perfect example of a Renaissance village. During the Medici rule, the village has maintained a strong connection with the art and architecture of the period.

Tourist information:

San Gimignano is famous for its medieval towers, the Cathedral with Renaissance frescoes and the Piazza della Cisterna, the centre of city life.

2. Volterra (PI)

Motivation:

Volterra, with its long history, experienced the influence of the Medici especially during the Renaissance, when it was a centre of great cultural production.

Tourist information:

Volterra is famous for its Palazzo dei Priori, the Roman Theatre and the alabaster quarries, as well as the Etruscan Porta dell’Arco.

Contacts:

3. Monteriggioni (SI)

Motivation:

The fortified village of Monteriggioni, with its medieval walls, was a strategic and cultural bulwark during the Medici rule.

Tourist information:

Famous for its 14 impregnable towers and the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta, Monteriggioni offers a perfect immersion in the medieval and Renaissance era.

Contacts:

4. Greve in Chianti (FI)

Motivation:

This village, famous for its Chianti wine, has maintained its Renaissance tradition thanks to the influence of the Medici and their policy of promoting the arts and culture.

Tourist information:

Greve in Chianti is known for Piazza Matteotti, the Wine Museum and its wine-growing hills, the heart of Chianti.

Contacts:

Montefioralle (FI)

Motivation:

An Etruscan city that experienced notable development during the Renaissance, Cortona has preserved its cultural traditions, linked to the arts and literature, thanks to the influence of the Medici.

Tourist Information:

Cortona offers monuments such as the MAEC Etruscan Museum, the Basilica of Santa Margherita and a splendid view of the Valdichiana.

Contacts:

6. Montalcino (SI)

Motivation:

Montalcino, home to noble families linked to the Medici, is renowned for its wine production, particularly Brunello di Montalcino, and for its connection to Renaissance art and culture.

Tourist Information:

Don’t miss the Rocca di Montalcino, the Civic and Diocesan Museum and the Jazz & Wine in Montalcino festival.

Contacts:

7. Montepulciano (SI)

Motivation:

A village known for its wine and for having been an important center of cultural development under the Medici influence. Montepulciano has preserved a rich architectural and cultural heritage.

Tourist Information:

Among the main attractions are the Cathedral, the Town Hall and the Temple of San Biagio.

Contacts:

8. Pienza (SI)

Motivation:

Designed as an “ideal city” of the Renaissance by Pope Pius II, Pienza is a rare example of Renaissance urban planning. The city was built with the intention of representing the humanistic ideals of the time, supported and influenced by the Medici family.

Tourist Information:

The village is known for its splendid Piazza Pio II, surrounded by Renaissance buildings such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Palazzo Piccolomini and the Palazzo Vescovile. It is considered a UNESCO heritage site.

Contacts:

9. Castellina in Chianti (SI)

Motivation:

This village was an important strategic and military control center under the Republic of Florence and the Medici. Castellina in Chianti, as part of the Chianti region, contributed to the development of the Tuscan Renaissance.

Tourist Information:

Castellina is famous for its medieval fortress, underground cellars and wine production that is part of the Chianti Classico.

Contacts:

10. Bagno Vignoni (SI)

  • Reason: Unique for its square consisting of a large thermal pool.
  • Tourism: Relax in the medieval spa.
  • Official website: Comune di Bagno Vignoni

11. Anghiari (AR)

  • Reason: Famous for the historic battle and the well-preserved medieval center.
  • Tourism: Explore the streets of the historic center.
  • Official website: Anghiari

12. Capalbio (GR)

  • Reason: Nicknamed “Little Athens” for its vibrant cultural scene.
  • Tourism: Discover the Rocca Aldobrandesca and the Tarot Garden.
  • Official website: Capalbio

13. Lucignano (AR)

  • Reason: Medieval village built with an unusual elliptical shape.
  • Tourism: Visit the Collegiate Church of San Michele.
  • Official website: Lucignano

14. Pitigliano (GR)

  • Reason: “Little Jerusalem” for the historic Jewish community.
  • Tourism: Explore the historic center and the Medici aqueduct.
  • Official website: Pitigliano

15. Castiglione della Pescaia (GR)

  • Reason: Known for its medieval village and beaches.
  • Tourism: Enjoy the sea and visit the Rocca.
  • Official website: Castiglione della Pescaia

16. Radicofani (SI)

  • Reason: Famous for its fortress and medieval houses.
  • Tourism: Admire the view from the Rocca.
  • Official website: Radicofani

17. Chiusi (SI)

  • Reason: Important Etruscan and medieval center.
  • Tourism: Visit the catacombs and the Etruscan museum.
  • Official website: Chiusi

18. Vinci (FI)

  • Reason: Birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci.
  • Tourism: Explore the Leonardo Museum and the castle.
  • Official website: Vinci

19. Buonconvento (SI)

  • Reason: Known for its medieval walls and the Museum of Sacred Art.
  • Tourism: Stroll through the historic center.
  • Official website: Buonconvento

20. Castelnuovo Berardenga (SI)

  • Reason: Famous for the villas and vineyards of Chianti.
  • Tourism: Visit the wine estates and Villa a Sesta.
  • Official website: Castelnuovo Berardenga

21. San Quirico d’Orcia (SI)

  • Reason: Splendid example of Renaissance architecture.
  • Tourism: Explore the Collegiata and the Parco dei Mulini.
  • Official website: San Quirico d’Orcia

22. Colle di Val d’Elsa (SI)

  • Reason: Very famous for its crystal production.
  • Tourism: Visit the Crystal Museum and the historic center.
  • Official website: Colle di Val d’Elsa

23. Sarteano (SI)

  • Reason: Famous for its Etruscan tombs and castle.
  • Tourism: Explore the Castle and local spa.
  • Official website: Sarteano

24. Poppi (AR)

  • Reason: Known for the Castello dei Conti Guidi.
  • Tourism: Admire the Castle and the view of the valley.
  • Official website: Poppi

25. Montescudaio (PI)

  • Reason: Famous for DOC wines.
  • Tourism: Visit the vineyards and the medieval center.
  • Official website: Montescudaio

26. Bibbona (LI)

  • Reason: Well-preserved medieval historic center.
  • Tourism: Walk through the center and visit the cellars.
  • Official website: Bibbona

27. Marciano della Chiana (AR)

• Motivazione: Borgo medievale con una fortezza.

• Turismo: Esplora il Castello e il Museo di arte sacra.

• Sito ufficiale: Marciano della Chiana

28. Radda in Chianti (SI)

• Motivazione: Centro vinicolo e artistico del Chianti.

• Turismo: Scopri le enoteche locali.

• Sito ufficiale: Radda in Chianti


29. San Miniato (PI)

• Motivazione: Famoso per la raccolta del tartufo e l’architettura rinascimentale.

• Turismo: Visita la Rocca di Federico II e il centro storico.

• Sito ufficiale: San Miniato

30. Sovana (GR)

• Motivazione: Antico borgo etrusco con influenze medievali e rinascimentali.

• Turismo: Esplora la necropoli e il Duomo.

• Sito ufficiale: Sovana

31. Murlo (SI)

• Motivazione: Conosciuto per il Museo Etrusco e i paesaggi circostanti.

• Turismo: Scopri il museo e le colline delle Crete Senesi.

• Sito ufficiale: Murlo

32. Asciano (SI)

• Motivazione: Ricco di chiese medievali e influenze rinascimentali nelle Crete Senesi.

• Turismo: Visita l’Abbazia di Monte Oliveto Maggiore.

• Sito ufficiale: Asciano

35. Monterchi (AR)

• Motivazione: Famoso per il “Madonna del Parto” di Piero della Francesca.

• Turismo: Ammira l’affresco di Piero della Francesca e visita il Museo della Madonna.

• Sito ufficiale: Monterchi

36. Cetona (SI)

• Motivazione: Borgo tranquillo con influenze medievali e una fortezza.

• Turismo: Passeggia nel centro storico e scopri le grotte preistoriche.

• Sito ufficiale: Cetona

37. Vicopisano (PI)

• Motivazione: Borgo medievale con torri e una rocca, progettata da Brunelleschi.

• Turismo: Scopri le torri e la Rocca del Brunelleschi.

• Sito ufficiale: Vicopisano

38. Barga (LU)

• Motivazione: Influenzato dal Rinascimento, è noto per la cattedrale e i festival culturali.

• Turismo: Visita il Duomo di Barga e il centro storico.

• Sito ufficiale: Barga

39. Castelnuovo di Garfagnana (LU)

• Motivazione: Famoso per la Rocca Ariostesca e le mura medievali.

• Turismo: Esplora la rocca e goditi la natura circostante.

• Sito ufficiale: Castelnuovo di Garfagnana

40. Castiglion Fiorentino (AR)

• Motivazione: Città fortificata con influenze etrusche e medievali.

• Turismo: Esplora il Museo Archeologico e il Castello.

• Sito ufficiale: Castiglion Fiorentino

Questi borghi combinano elementi medievali e rinascimentali, offrendo un’atmosfera unica che rappresenta bene il patrimonio artistico e culturale della Toscana, arricchito anche dall’influenza medicea.