Arts and Entertainment

Florence, and Tuscany in general, have gone through intense centuries, rich with history, that continue to live on in the various cities through the many artistic and architectural treasures conserved through time. Prestigious museums, famous works of art and beautiful monuments make Tuscany one of the most important and appreciated regions in all of Italy.
In addition to art, Tuscany is host to a long tradition that supports music and theatre through numerous festivals, exhibitions, and events which take place across the region.

Sites

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	Medieval Art in Pisa - www2.alfea.it - Virtual museum offers a complete view of the historical-artistical heritage of the medieval city. Works of art, buildings and museums are catalogued and described in detail: location, history, photographs and bibliographical information. History of the main artists of Medieval times in Pisa are also present, as well as on the history and culture of medieval Pisa. [Site only available in Italian]
	The Palio of Siena - www.ilpaliodisiena.com - Site created by members of the various contrade in Siena full of interesting information on the Palio: its history, latest news, regulations and customs of the events, FAQ, a list of victories since 1700 to the present and lots of photos of the horses, jockeys and contrade. A whole section is dedicated to the contrade, each with the coat of arms, motto, main office address and lots of anecdotes, statistics and more. The site has lots of useful information but, unfortunately, a lot of this information has not been translated into English yet.
	Michelangelo Buonarroti - www.michelangelo.com/buonarroti.html - This site contains a brief overview of the life of Michelangelo from early to late work. It focuses on Michelangelo's life as an artist, briefly summarizing his work and showing a few thumbnail images. One can find interesting information on his connection to the Medici family and other political happenings of the times that influenced him as an artist. Excellent for anyone who wants to learn in general about Michelangelo's life.
	Opificio delle Pietre Dure and Restoration Laboratory - www.opificio.arti.beniculturali.it - The OPD institute began its restoration practice in Florence in the late 19th century after centuries of work on semiprecious stones. In addition to a museum displaying its artistic semiprecious stone production, it is also the location of a state conservation school, a research center and laboratory and a specialized library in the area of conservation. The site contains details on the history of the institute and on all activities carried out in the field of restoration and conservation.
	The Digital Michelangelo Project - graphics.stanford.edu/projects/mich/ - A captivating research study in the advancement of the technology of 3D scanning by a group of faculty and students from Stanford University and the University of Washington. The group traveled to Italy to scan the sculptures and architecture of Michelangelo. One can find photos of the 3D computer models that were created from the images scanned, such as parts of Michelangelo's "David".
	Leonardo da Vinci Biography - www.kausal.com/leonardo/ - Good information on the life of Leonardo Da Vinci. Site contains brief descriptions of the artist's life with thumbnail photos of each segment, as well as information on some of his work such as his most famous piece, The Mona Lisa.
	Michelangelo: Artist and Aristocrat - hlla.com/reference/mb-bio.html - Contains excerpt from the book "Michelangelo: The Complete Sculpture, Painting, Architecture" by William E. Wallace. It describes the life of Michelangelo's focusing on his work as a sculptor and architect, with some details on his life and the unique relationships he formed with those who commissioned his work.
	New York Carver - www.newyorkcarver.com/tuscany.htm - Site of medieval stonework contains a photographic gallery of statues and other stone art found in Florence, Pisa and Siena.
	Piero della Francesca - www.pierodellafrancesca.it - Site dedicated to the restoration project of works by Piero della Francesca in the province of Arezzo, including the "Madonna del Parto". The site includes a history of the frescoes, details on the restoration and an archive which documents all knowledge of the works to aid in conservation and future restoration.
	Under the Tuscan Sun - www.imdb.com/title/tt0328589/ - Movie review from IMDb, with quotes and trivia, on the American movie filmed in southern Tuscany.
	Vinci, Leonardo's Home Town - www.leonet.it/comuni/vinci/ - Site dedicated to Leonardo Da Vinci and his hometown, with information on the history of Vinci and work of the artist displayed at the Vinci museum. There is also information on the Leonardo Library and the house where Leonardo was born, which is open to the public. Good informational site overall.