Passion Italy

-I'm Alessandra Poli.

I'm Italian, and I've been traveling to every corner of Italy, discovering the hidden gems of this beautiful country.

"Passion Italy" is my way to share them with you.

The real Italy?

It's a love for stunning landscapes, the creativity to transform marble into art, the soul to revive ancient traditions, the magic of creating images from stones, and tasting some delicious traditional biscuits.

Tuscany is the first region that comes to mind when you think about a great vacation.

It's a perfect combination of art, architecture, stunning landscapes, and incredible food and wine.

Let's discover it together on today's "Passion Italy."

Our journey in this amazing region will start from its enchanting capital -- Florence.

We will continue inland to reach the pretty town of Pistoia.

Lucca, the city of music, is our next destination.

We will finish up by the coast in Pietrasanta.

Who doesn't know Tuscany?

It's one of the most popular and visited regions in Italy and in the world.

Located on the west coast, on the Tyrrhenian Sea, this region with its lyrical landscapes, architectural and artistic masterpieces, amazing food and wine is a real dreamland for all tourists.

Your eyes will be filled by the stunning beauty of gentle rolling hills, golden wheat fields, silver-green olive groves, vineyards as far as you can see.

The countryside is dotted with postcard-style pattern of cypress, hilltop medieval villages, and soaring landscapes that will capture your soul.

The Etruscans and then the Romans were already seduced by this fertile land, but it was during the medieval and Renaissance periods that Tuscany really excelled, with painters, sculptors, and architects creating unique works of art that are still unrivaled.

There is so much to do and see in this region that it's hard to decide where to start.

[ Saxophone plays ] Romantic, entrancing, and utterly irresistible, Florence is a must-visit destination for art lovers.

This compact city, which lies on the bank of the Arno river, is packed with extraordinary art and architecture masterpieces.

Florence was a center of medieval European trade and finance and was often considered the birthplace of Italian Renaissance.

Thanks to the Medici family -- who ruled the city and supported the arts, culture, and science -- it became one of the world's most important artistic capitals.

Their amazing art collections, monumental architecture -- including the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio -- are still today the main tourist attractions in the city.

Renzo Scarpelli keeps the secrets of an art that was established in Florence in the Medici era.

For over 50 years, he has been creating incredible mosaics from gemstones which are appreciated worldwide.

His son Leonardo is also a master of art and combines ancient techniques with innovation, producing incredible artworks.

[ Machines clacking ] In Florence, there is a magic world, a dream factory that is unknown to most -- The Antico Setificio's looms.

Since 1786, they have woven here some of the most refined and precious fabrics in the world, following the textile tradition of the great Renaissance.

The stylist Stefano Ricci saved this place from oblivion and gave it a new life.

[ Machines clacking ] Among the looms, all from the 1700s, there is one designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

[ "Waltz of the Flowers" plays ] Only a few steps from the Duomo, there is an unexpected architectural wonder -- Palazzo Borghese Aldobrandini.

It's one of the few examples in Florence of neoclassic-style architecture.

The palace dates back to the 15th century, when the Salviati brothers unified three buildings into a single one.

Maybe, for the noble family, it wasn't big enough, since the century after, they commissioned a second complete renovation to the architect Gherardo Silvani.

The palace then became property of the Roman family Borghese.

After the marriage between Pauline Bonaparte and Prince Camillo, it was renovated once again.

The rich prince turned it into one of the most celebrated palaces in Florence for its rare interior's grandeur.

From the Mirror Room to the Monumental Gallery, everything is magnificent and rich.

Camillo opened the new palace with a memorable party on the 31st of January, 1822.

After the Prince's death, the palace was inherited by other Florentine families and became, also, the magic setting for every kind of special events.

It's time to leave Florence and its ubiquitous beauty to explore another architectural and artistic gem -- Pistoia.

Pistoia sits snugly at the foot of the Apennines, halfway between Florence and Lucca, about 20 miles away from either town.

Pistoia is not always included in the classic tourist itineraries of those traveling to Tuscany for the first time.

Yet it's noteworthy for its elegant architecture and the warm and friendly atmosphere.

The well-preserved historic center is full of museums and architectural wonders.

Art and history are all around you, from the little streets to the animated piazzas.

The colorful market is a lively place to stroll and buy some local fresh food.

The Fratelli Lunardi are the kings of the renowned Tuscan biscuits called cantuccini.

With their passion and spirit of research, dedication, and professionalism, they have transformed the family bakery into a sweet dream factory.

From the chocolate cantucci to the leavened pastries, everything is a combination of tradition, innovation, and delicious taste.

Try the almond cantucci dipped in the local wine Vin Santo.

Truly amazing!

[ Dog barking ] [ Birds chirping ] Lucca is a lovely city located on a plain at the foot of the Apuan Alps.

Recent archeological discoveries suggest an Etruscan origin to the city.

However, it was the Romans who left the most evident traces of their occupation with the foundation of the walled city and the gridded layout of the streets still recognizable today.

The trace of the Roman amphitheater can be seen in the shape of the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro.

Among the architecture of every century, music has always resonated in Lucca.

Its musical tradition has no equal.

Birthplace to the famous composer Giacomo Puccini, it hosted many other famous musicians.

[ Opera music playing ] The fascinating medieval Pietrasanta lies on the Versilian coast, and it is considered the marbles capital.

The city has earned the nickname of Little Athens due to the number of artists who have decided to settle here creating a veritable open-air museum.

The remarkable Cathedral of San Martino that overlooks the beautiful square has a bell tower with an amazing helical staircase.

And in this superb setting, I meet up with Massimo Galleni, a sculptor who, using the techniques learned from the local great masters, creates incredible works in marble.

The artistic vocation of the town in refining the marble has ancient roots.

Visiting the Museum of Pierluigi Gherardi Models will certainly give you an idea of this valuable centuries-old tradition.

Inside, you can admire a collection of 700 plaster models of sculptures by Italian and international artists.

[ Whirring ] I'd like to show you more enchanting places and talented people, but there are other amazing regions to explore, so see you soon on "Passion Italy."

"Passion Italy" is a deep dive into Italian culture and excellence, and I'll show you the Italy you've never seen before.

Come with me on "Passion Italy," for the people, the places, and the passion!