SECRET TUSCANY

The oak tree from which Pinocchio was hanged, Mussolini on a stained glass window in a 15th-century church, a forgotten statue by Leonardo da Vinci, a luxurious hotel converted into public toilets, a 17th-century milk dispenser, an astronomical phenomenon unique in the world, an authentic vial of Christ’s blood, a faith that moves mountains, diamonds in marble, clues to an alchemical journey in Siena Cathedral, one of the vases from the Wedding at Cana, an extraordinary anatomical amphitheatre, the fountain of youth of the fairy Morgane, an unusual walk along the marble monorail, esoteric symbols hidden in the region’s most beautiful gardens…

Far from the crowds and the usual clichés, Tuscany still has well-hidden treasures that it reveals only to locals and travellers who know how to get off the beaten track.

An indispensable guide for those who thought they knew Tuscany well or for those who wish to discover another side of the region. The city of Florence is not covered in this book since another guide is specifically dedicated to it: see ‘Secret Florence’ from the same publisher.

Jacopo Mauro has led a nomadic existence throughout Europe for 18 years. Following a spell as an opera singer, he now specialises in seeking out authentic experiences where they are most difficult to find, at major public events such as the Palio of Siena, the Venice Carnival or the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. Through his international network of personal contacts, he involves people in these events according to the principle: “Be there, but without the crowds.”

Roberto Di Ferdinando, born in Viareggio in 1971, graduated in 1997 from the “Cesare Alfieri” Faculty of Political Science at the University of Florence with a dissertation on the history of journalism, under the direction of Prof. Cosimo Ceccuti, entitled: “The federal question through the pages of Piero Calamandrei’s Il Ponte.” In the same faculty he took an advanced course in international relations and then obtained a Master’s in Content Design from the Faculty of Engineering. He is now employed by the university. As a member of the Tuscan Order of Journalists, he writes for the press on the history of Florence, Tuscany and military affairs. He runs the Recinto Internazionale website and two blogs: Curiosità di Firenze and Fotografie del Mondo. Since 2013, he has been a member of the scientific committee of the Florentines in the World Association. He is also a holistic consultant specialising in psychosomatic analysis techniques and personal growth, registered with the professional association Olocounseling (Overcoming Life’s Obstacles) since 2016.

AUTHORS:  Jacopo Mauro & Roberto di Ferdinando
PAGES: 360
FORMAT: 10.5 x 19 cm
ISBN: 978-2-36195-870-1
PRICE: 19,95 € – US$ 21.95 – £15.99
CONTACT: [email protected]