The Italian region of Tuscany is a feast for all senses. A creative incubator that has cultivated art and architecture for eras including Etruscan, Roman, Renaissance and modern times. Timeworn churches once stop on nineteenth-century Grand Tours, and stand tall in the towns’ piazzas. Rolling hills of wheat and colourful olive groves, that inspire authentic Tuscan cuisine, are dotted with villas built by the prestigious Medici family. The Tyrrhenian Sea extends off its coast, lapping the shore of Elba, the island where the emperor Napoleon was exiled. Quaint villages, historic towns and bustling cities are scattered across its landscape, which is almost as varied as the communities themselves. From annual horse races at Piazza del Campo, and the centuries-old winemaking traditions of the Chianti region to the city of Pisa, the ancient Maritime Republic known for the youthful spirit of its Scuola Normale Superiore and Leaning Tower alike, Tuscany is the place of dreams, where thousands come to relive its history and take in the beauty of a region. In the fashion world, Ferragamo, Gucci and Pucci all have ties to Florence and its endless inspiration.

However, what truly defines Tuscany is its timelessness. Masterpieces from centuries past still lure immense crowds. Brunelleschi’s dome in Florence never fails to strike onlookers with awe. Cesare Cunaccia is a writer, lecturer, curator and journalist. He was an editor at large for Vogue Italia and L’Uomo Vogue and the antique consultant for Architectural Digest Italy. He has also contributed to the divisions of Architectural Digest in Germany, China and Russia, as well as Connaissance des Arts, Opera Magazine and L’Oeil. Cunaccia has published a variety of books, particularly on the Italian artistic heritage, which has been translated into twelve languages. He is also the best-selling author of Capri Dolce Vita (2019).