Verano's Recipe of the Day

 

Toscana, also known as Tuscany,  is a region in northern Italy which was formerly a sovereign territory.  Originally it was settled by the Etruscans, who were conquered by the Romans.  Over time it was seized by the Ostrogoths, the Byzantines, and the Lombards, who were conquered by Charlemagne and placed under the control of a Frankish duke.  The territory was then bequeathed to the Papal States before becoming part of Italy.  The regional capital of this region is Florence.  The region is generally mountainous (the Appennines, Apuane Alps, and the Colline Metallifere).  There are also many rivers flowing through the region: the Arno, Cecina, Ombrone, and upper Tiber.  All the rivers listed flow into the Tyrrhenian Sea.  Except in the Maremma, a marshy region in the south, the climate is mild.

Statistical Information :

Area: 22,992 sq km (8877 sq mi).

Approximate Population: 3,599,085 (1991).

Provinces:

Maritime provinces: Grosseto, Leghorn (Livorno), Lucca, and Pisa

Inland provinces: Arezzo, Florence, Pistoia, and Siena

The province of Massa-Carrara, extending north from the sea between Liguria Region and the Apennines.

Major Cities:   Pisa, Florence.

Agricultural Products:

Wheat, corn, wine grapes, olives, and tobacco.

Commercial and Industrial Products:

Quarrying of Marble - in the Apuane Alps.

The Colline Metallifere - mining of iron, magnesium, borax, and quicksilver are mined.

Manufactured products - wool and cotton textiles, chemicals, machinery, glass, and ceramics.

BACK

top

Tour of Northern Italian Dining