Da Vinci wasn’t the only great thing that came out of Tuscany.

The architecture was quite spectacular too.

But just what is Tuscan Architecture?

Architecture from Tuscany, you say? Well, you’re not wrong.

But, there’s a little more to it than that.

Typically constructed with limestone, travertine, or marble and beautiful red terracotta roof tiles, Tuscan-style architecture consist of classical architectural elements with all the old school charm of the Roman Empire.

Who doesn’t love that?

Kind of like being transported back in time.

Long before this style made its way to our South African shores in the late 90’s early 2000s that lasted years, it was commonly found across the area now known as Tuscany.

Tuscan is a region of Italy famous for its farming contributions and stunning, romantic landscapes.

Awww!

Although Tuscan-style architecture has experienced some slight changes and updates as time has gone on, today’s Tuscan style has kept many classic architectural techniques and decorating styles that inspired it.

You don’t have to look very far to find Tuscan Architecture in South Africa.

Most of the examples can be found in the Sandton, Johannesburg area.

More specifically, the shining light that pays homage to the style is none other than Monte Casino.

If you’ve ever been there, you’ll know it’s like stepping foot into little Tuscany.

Next time you’re in the car, why don’t you count how many buildings have been designed with this style in mind?

We might even throw in an Eekah or two if you send us some examples of what you find.

Deal?

In the early 1400s, wealthy families wanted large houses that would last a lifetime.

Traditional building materials were easy to source locally, such as limestone and shale.

These stones would often form the foundation as well as the walls.

Interior walls were made from plaster with textured designs on the surface to appeal to the senses.

Colours were usually neutral with warm, rich earth tones as well as yellows reds and greens.

Murals were often painted on the walls.

Windows were arched with huge wooden frames.

Fireplaces were commonplace usually made from marble or travertine.

In terms of the ceilings, these were usually high vaulted and made from wood.

Adorned with stencilled decorative borders and exposed wooden beams were a key element to this style.

Floors were always stone and consisted of either, travertine, terracotta tiles or marble.

It’s no wonder that Michelangelo used this marble to craft his statue of David.

It was everywhere at the time.

Tuscan design is characteristic of robust, romantic, rustic and straightforward all at once.

Thanks to the hot Mediterranean climate, outdoor living areas and patios with private gardens were commonplace.

The exterior walls often consisted of crumbling stone and had vines growing up them with beautiful and elaborate wrought-iron gates.

Fountains were also super popular and could be found all over the show creating a sense of serenity wherever you looked.

Let’s take a look at a few famous examples of Tuscan buildings.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa or simply the Tower of Pisa was designed as a freestanding bell tower for the Cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa.

It’s known worldwide for its nearly four-degree lean, which was the shocking result of an unstable foundation that occurred after the 3rd floor was added in 1178.

The Stibbert Museum is located on the hill of Montughi in Florence, Italy.

The museum contains over 36,000 artefacts, including a vast collection of armour from Eastern and Western civilizations.

The villa is a classic example of Tuscan architecture and a perfect time capsule for the past.

Santa Maria Della Scala’s unique history is showcased in the many architectural layers that can be seen both on the façade (meaning outside) overlooking Piazza Duomo and on the back of the building looming over the “Via del Fosso di Sant’Ansano”.

At least seven different building layers rise from the bottom of the hill up to the level of the Cathedral enclosed within the courtyards, healthcare areas, functional spaces and places of worship that were built in a relatively short space of time (from the late 12th to the mid-15th centuries).

Originally a hospital for the sick and care home for abandoned children, it now is a museum.

The early history of the hospital can be seen in the 15th-century frescoes decorating the walls of the Pilgrim’s Hall.

Santa Maria Della Scala’s unique history is showcased in the many architectural layers that can be seen both on the façade (meaning outside) overlooking Piazza Duomo and on the back of the building looming over the “Via del Fosso di Sant’Ansano”.

At least seven different building layers rise from the bottom of the hill up to the level of the Cathedral enclosed within the courtyards, healthcare areas, functional spaces and places of worship that were built in a relatively short space of time (from the late 12th to the mid-15th centuries).

Originally a hospital for the sick and care home for abandoned children, it now is a museum.

The early history of the hospital can be seen in the 15th-century frescoes decorating the walls of the Pilgrim’s Hall.

Tuscan architecture is indeed a unique style that blends perfectly in with its natural environment to create a beauty unlike any other like something out of a romance novel.