A vast grassy expanse at the Orto de’ Pecci in Siena. In the foreground is the extensive lawn, while in the background, the city’s dense medieval urban fabric in brick stands out.

Photo © Kinzica Sorrenti

The Tuscan cities to visit with your pet

Itineraries touching on art, historic city centers and green spaces to explore with your dog

by Visit Tuscany

Tuscany’s cities of art are home to an extraordinary heritage of monuments, squares and museums, while also offering numerous opportunities to explore the great outdoors with your pet. Renaissance city walls, urban parks, historic gardens and walking trails allow visitors to experience these destinations by alternating between exploring the cultural heritage and relaxing in green spaces.

Strolling along ancient fortifications, passing through historic squares or exploring urban parks thus becomes a different way to discover some of the cities’ most iconic sites. As to our recommendations for places to visit: Lucca, Pisa, Siena and Arezzo.

Contents

1.

Lucca and its Renaissance walls
2.

Siena from the Medici Fortress and Orto de’ Pecci
3.

Pisa from the Arno River to historic gardens and green spaces
4.

Arezzo: urban parks and medieval views

Lucca and its Renaissance walls

The historic walls of Lucca, seen early in the morning with low-lying fog over the lawn in the foreground. In the background, bare trees, some houses and the bell tower of the Basilica of San Frediano stand out.

A misty dawn on the walls of Lucca - Credit: Carlo Cafferini

Lucca is one of the most pet-friendly cities for travelers with pets. The symbol of the city is its famous Renaissance walls, now a tree-lined path stretching over 4 kilometers or around 2.5 miles that is entirely pedestrian-only, encircling the historic center and offering a pleasant stroll touching on gardens, ramparts and scenic viewpoints. From the promenade, you can easily reach iconic landmarks such as Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, Via Fillungo and the Guinigi Tower, allowing you to alternate between exploring the historic center and relaxing outdoors.

Just a few minutes from downtown, the Serchio River Park is the perfect place for long walks in nature with Fido. Near the city, you’ll also find the Villa Reale di Marlia and the Giacomo Puccini Museum Villa, 2 places that are particularly popular with people traveling with their dogs.

Siena from the Medici Fortress and Orto de’ Pecci

A close-up from below of the imposing spur-shaped corner of the western bastion of the Medici Fortress in Siena, built in red brick.

The Medici Fortress in Siena - Credit: Sailko

Siena offers numerous itineraries to enjoy with your pet. Strolling along the downtown streets of the historic center, you’ll reach the famous Piazza del Campo, one of Italy’s most iconic urban spaces, while just outside the city center, the Medici Fortress offers expansive green spaces and splendid views of the surrounding area.

Just a short stroll from downtown is the Orto de’ Pecci, a green expanse at the foot of the medieval walls where you can meander surrounded by nature while enjoying a unique view of the city. A journey of art, history and spirituality.

Pisa from the Arno River to historic gardens and green spaces

The Arno Riverbanks in Pisa: in the foreground, the brick embankment and the paved promenade; in the center, the Arno River framed by historic, colorful buildings, with a bridge in the background.

Pisa on the Lungarno - Credit: Albarubescens

Pisa isn’t just Piazza dei Miracoli. In fact, the city offers numerous walking tours suitable for those traveling with their dogs. Walks along the banks of the Arno allow you to explore the historic center while admiring bridges, palazzi and picturesque views of the river.

Among the most interesting green spaces is the Botanical Garden, one of the oldest in the world, where dogs are allowed on a leash, while in the area surrounding the historic center, several public gardens and walking paths allow visitors to combine culture with relaxation in the open air.

Arezzo: urban parks and medieval views

Aerial view of Arezzo: in the foreground is the lush Parco del Prato, with crisscrossing paths and a large hot-air balloon in flight, flanked on the right by the imposing Duomo and its tall bell tower.

Parco del Prato, with the city of Arezzo in the background - Credit: Ambito Arezzo

Arezzo has a charming historic center that you can enjoy exploring with your dog. As you stroll along Corso Italia, Piazza Grande and the city’s medieval streets, you’ll encounter artistic and architectural treasures that tell the story of centuries of Tuscan history. Particularly lovely is the Parco del Prato, one of the city’s main green spaces embellished by tree-lined areas and splendid views of the surrounding countryside.

From here, you can easily reach the historic center and continue your tour of churches, palazzi and scenic views. Not far away is the Medici Fortress, surrounded by expansive green spaces and walking paths that render this an ideal destination for a relaxing stroll with your pet.

If your itinerary takes you to Florence, be sure to check out places to visit with your dog, touching on city walks and green spaces.

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The insertion of this event was not edited by the Visittuscany editorial staff. For any information or details, contact Visit Tuscany