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San Gimignano is a small town in the province of Siena rich in charm and history.
The village of San Gimignano is located almost halfway between Florence and Siena, from which it is approximately 60 and 45 km respectively, and is easily accessible both by car and by bus.
The city was built on a hill about 300 meters high and enjoys a privileged view of the characteristic landscape of the surrounding Val d 'Elsa. The hill, as evidenced by several finds found in the municipal area, was inhabited since the Etruscan and Hellenistic periods, probably due to its dominant position that allowed the valley to be kept under easy control.
San Gimignano was so called around the 10th century AD in honor of San Geminiano, bishop of Modena who lived in the fourteenth century, who is said to have saved her from the assault of the barbarians by appearing on the city walls.
In the Middle Ages San Gimignano experienced its most flourishing period, thanks also to the fact that it was crossed by the Via Francigena, one of the main communication routes of that era. The city was an important point of reference for the numerous traders, travelers and above all for the many faithful who went on pilgrimage to Rome and who needed hospitality and often assistance.
At the end of 1100 San Gimignano became a free municipality. The city was involved in the struggles between Guelphs and Ghibellines, which is almost inevitable given its central position compared to the two great rivals, Florence and Siena (the first Guelph, the second Ghibelline). Despite the struggles, 1200 was the century of greatest economic development for San Gimignano, mainly thanks to the trade in local products (mostly agricultural, such as saffron and wines). The city was greatly enriched and numerous public works were also completed.
In this period the city was embellished with seventy towers, which were built by the many wealthy families to show off their wealth and power. The fourteen beautiful towers still characterize the city center and make the profile of San Gimignano unique and recognizable.
San Gimignano was ruled by the Ghibellines until 1255, the year in which it passed into the hands of the Guelphs, who destroyed the original walls. By winning the famous Battle of Montaperti in 1260 the Ghibellines returned to the possession of the city, rebuilding and expanding its walls.
In the year 1300 San Gimignano welcomed Dante Alighieri, who came as an ambassador of the Guelph League. In the middle of the century San Gimignano was unfortunately struck by the plague and famine and could not help but submit to the power of Florence. The city then began a slow political and economic decline, but continued to grow from the artistic and cultural point of view in the following centuries. Among the most important works we remember the Renaissance frescoes by Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Chapel of Santa Fina, located inside the Cathedral.
Despite the passing of the centuries, San Gimignano has managed to preserve its medieval appearance and its charm and still today it is indisputably one of the great little treasures of Tuscany. The "city of beautiful towers", as it is rightly called, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990.I also remind you that in Marcialla a small town near San Gimignano, there is an unforgettable experience that you can book through airbnb, the experience consists in creating your pizza together with a real pizza chef, typing on Airbnb "the secrets of luca's Tuscan pizza "there are excellent reviews, look and book
583 locals recommend
San Gimignano
Piazza Sant'AgostinoSan Gimignano is a small town in the province of Siena rich in charm and history.
The village of San Gimignano is located almost halfway between Florence and Siena, from which it is approximately 60 and 45 km respectively, and is easily accessible both by car and by bus.
The city was built on a hill about 300 meters high and enjoys a privileged view of the characteristic landscape of the surrounding Val d 'Elsa. The hill, as evidenced by several finds found in the municipal area, was inhabited since the Etruscan and Hellenistic periods, probably due to its dominant position that allowed the valley to be kept under easy control.
San Gimignano was so called around the 10th century AD in honor of San Geminiano, bishop of Modena who lived in the fourteenth century, who is said to have saved her from the assault of the barbarians by appearing on the city walls.
In the Middle Ages San Gimignano experienced its most flourishing period, thanks also to the fact that it was crossed by the Via Francigena, one of the main communication routes of that era. The city was an important point of reference for the numerous traders, travelers and above all for the many faithful who went on pilgrimage to Rome and who needed hospitality and often assistance.
At the end of 1100 San Gimignano became a free municipality. The city was involved in the struggles between Guelphs and Ghibellines, which is almost inevitable given its central position compared to the two great rivals, Florence and Siena (the first Guelph, the second Ghibelline). Despite the struggles, 1200 was the century of greatest economic development for San Gimignano, mainly thanks to the trade in local products (mostly agricultural, such as saffron and wines). The city was greatly enriched and numerous public works were also completed.
In this period the city was embellished with seventy towers, which were built by the many wealthy families to show off their wealth and power. The fourteen beautiful towers still characterize the city center and make the profile of San Gimignano unique and recognizable.
San Gimignano was ruled by the Ghibellines until 1255, the year in which it passed into the hands of the Guelphs, who destroyed the original walls. By winning the famous Battle of Montaperti in 1260 the Ghibellines returned to the possession of the city, rebuilding and expanding its walls.
In the year 1300 San Gimignano welcomed Dante Alighieri, who came as an ambassador of the Guelph League. In the middle of the century San Gimignano was unfortunately struck by the plague and famine and could not help but submit to the power of Florence. The city then began a slow political and economic decline, but continued to grow from the artistic and cultural point of view in the following centuries. Among the most important works we remember the Renaissance frescoes by Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Chapel of Santa Fina, located inside the Cathedral.
Despite the passing of the centuries, San Gimignano has managed to preserve its medieval appearance and its charm and still today it is indisputably one of the great little treasures of Tuscany. The "city of beautiful towers", as it is rightly called, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990.I also remind you that in Marcialla a small town near San Gimignano, there is an unforgettable experience that you can book through airbnb, the experience consists in creating your pizza together with a real pizza chef, typing on Airbnb "the secrets of luca's Tuscan pizza "there are excellent reviews, look and book
Siena, circondata da ulivi e da vigneti, tra verdi colline e splendide valli, percorsa da vicoli stretti e costellata da innumerevoli bellezze artistiche ed architettoniche, ha saputo mantenere intatto nel corso degli anni il suo aspetto di città medievale.
Le secolari tradizioni e gli aspetti culturali della città emergono soprattutto nel periodo del Palio, l’antichissima corsa a cavallo che si svolge in Piazza del Campo. Si tratta di un evento fortemente sentito dai cittadini, uniti nel nome della città, ma divisi dall’appartenenza alle diverse contrade, che di questa fanno parte, le quali ogni anno il 2 di luglio ed il 16 di agosto si sfidano per la conquista dell’ambito Palio.Palio di Siena - Provenzano - Partenza quarta Prova
Photo by Janus Kinase
Siena è anche la sede di produzione di alcuni tra i più importanti vini italiani come il “Chianti classico”, il “Brunello di Montalcino”, il “Vino nobile di Montepulciano”, la “Vernaccia di San Gimignano”, che accompagnano ottimamente i piatti tipici e ricchi di storia della cucina senese, dagli antipasti ai primi piatti, dalle zuppe agli arrosti, ai dolci tipici, tra i quali il celebre Panforte. Il tutto favorito da un’altissima qualità della vita, merito anche delle amministrazioni locali, che hanno, per esempio, portato Siena a chiudere il centro storico alle auto sin dal 1966, prima tra le città italiane.
Qui si trovano anche alcune tra le più antiche ed importanti università d’Europa, l’Università per Stranieri, prestigiose istituzioni di livello internazionale come l’Accademia degli Intronati fondata nel 1525, che pubblica volumi dedicati soprattutto all’arte, alla storia ed alle lettere, o l’Accademia dei Rozzi fondata nel 1531, che diede vita all’attuale teatro dei Rozzi dove ogni anno si svolge una ricca stagione di spettacoli teatrali e musicali. C’è poi l’antichissima Accademia Musicale Chigiana una scuola di specializzazione, per musicisti, di altissimo livello, nota anche per le riscoperte dell’antico patrimonio musicale italiano, o il Siena Jazz, un’organizzazione musicale tra le più autorevoli d’Europa. Molto importante è anche l’Accademia dei Fisiocritici, un museo di storia naturale fondato nel 1691, che offre una ricca biblioteca e attività culturali nell’arco di tutto l’anno.
Per quanto riguarda il cinema, bisogna anche ricordare il “Siena Film Festival”, dedicato al cinema indipendente di tutto il mondo, sotto la direzione attuale di Carlo Verdone. Il “Festival Internazionale del Cortometraggio”, dedicato a filmati con una elevata valenza culturale, e “Visionaria”, una rassegna sull’immagine nelle sue diverse forme.
Ci sono poi tantissimi musei, chiese e palazzi, tra i quali ricordiamo il Museo Civico e Torre del Mangia, il museo in Santa Maria della Scala, la Pinacoteca Nazionale, il Duomo e Libreria Piccolomini, dove si possono ammirare le opere pittoriche, scultoree ed architettoniche di alcuni tra i più importanti artisti senesi, ma non solo.
E sono tutti questi i motivi che hanno spinto l’organizzazione internazionale dell’Unesco nel 1995, a dare al centro storico di Siena la qualifica di Patrimonio Mondiale dell’Umanità.
Italy 2008, CXI - Siena
Photo by jessica @ flickr
Siena dunque, con la sua grandissima varietà di elementi storici, artistici e culturali veramente unici, con un calendario di eventi e di feste intensissimo nel corso di tutto l’anno, è una città tutta da scoprire, e da vivere, perché può offrire, come scrisse il poeta fiorentino Mario Luzi “Più realtà e più sogno insieme, indistintamente”.I also remind you that in Marcialla a small town near Siena, there is an unforgettable experience that you can book through airbnb, the experience consists in creating your pizza together with a real pizza chef, typing on Airbnb "the secrets of luca's Tuscan pizza "there are excellent reviews, look and book
1367 locals recommend
Siena
Siena, circondata da ulivi e da vigneti, tra verdi colline e splendide valli, percorsa da vicoli stretti e costellata da innumerevoli bellezze artistiche ed architettoniche, ha saputo mantenere intatto nel corso degli anni il suo aspetto di città medievale.
Le secolari tradizioni e gli aspetti culturali della città emergono soprattutto nel periodo del Palio, l’antichissima corsa a cavallo che si svolge in Piazza del Campo. Si tratta di un evento fortemente sentito dai cittadini, uniti nel nome della città, ma divisi dall’appartenenza alle diverse contrade, che di questa fanno parte, le quali ogni anno il 2 di luglio ed il 16 di agosto si sfidano per la conquista dell’ambito Palio.Palio di Siena - Provenzano - Partenza quarta Prova
Photo by Janus Kinase
Siena è anche la sede di produzione di alcuni tra i più importanti vini italiani come il “Chianti classico”, il “Brunello di Montalcino”, il “Vino nobile di Montepulciano”, la “Vernaccia di San Gimignano”, che accompagnano ottimamente i piatti tipici e ricchi di storia della cucina senese, dagli antipasti ai primi piatti, dalle zuppe agli arrosti, ai dolci tipici, tra i quali il celebre Panforte. Il tutto favorito da un’altissima qualità della vita, merito anche delle amministrazioni locali, che hanno, per esempio, portato Siena a chiudere il centro storico alle auto sin dal 1966, prima tra le città italiane.
Qui si trovano anche alcune tra le più antiche ed importanti università d’Europa, l’Università per Stranieri, prestigiose istituzioni di livello internazionale come l’Accademia degli Intronati fondata nel 1525, che pubblica volumi dedicati soprattutto all’arte, alla storia ed alle lettere, o l’Accademia dei Rozzi fondata nel 1531, che diede vita all’attuale teatro dei Rozzi dove ogni anno si svolge una ricca stagione di spettacoli teatrali e musicali. C’è poi l’antichissima Accademia Musicale Chigiana una scuola di specializzazione, per musicisti, di altissimo livello, nota anche per le riscoperte dell’antico patrimonio musicale italiano, o il Siena Jazz, un’organizzazione musicale tra le più autorevoli d’Europa. Molto importante è anche l’Accademia dei Fisiocritici, un museo di storia naturale fondato nel 1691, che offre una ricca biblioteca e attività culturali nell’arco di tutto l’anno.
Per quanto riguarda il cinema, bisogna anche ricordare il “Siena Film Festival”, dedicato al cinema indipendente di tutto il mondo, sotto la direzione attuale di Carlo Verdone. Il “Festival Internazionale del Cortometraggio”, dedicato a filmati con una elevata valenza culturale, e “Visionaria”, una rassegna sull’immagine nelle sue diverse forme.
Ci sono poi tantissimi musei, chiese e palazzi, tra i quali ricordiamo il Museo Civico e Torre del Mangia, il museo in Santa Maria della Scala, la Pinacoteca Nazionale, il Duomo e Libreria Piccolomini, dove si possono ammirare le opere pittoriche, scultoree ed architettoniche di alcuni tra i più importanti artisti senesi, ma non solo.
E sono tutti questi i motivi che hanno spinto l’organizzazione internazionale dell’Unesco nel 1995, a dare al centro storico di Siena la qualifica di Patrimonio Mondiale dell’Umanità.
Italy 2008, CXI - Siena
Photo by jessica @ flickr
Siena dunque, con la sua grandissima varietà di elementi storici, artistici e culturali veramente unici, con un calendario di eventi e di feste intensissimo nel corso di tutto l’anno, è una città tutta da scoprire, e da vivere, perché può offrire, come scrisse il poeta fiorentino Mario Luzi “Più realtà e più sogno insieme, indistintamente”.I also remind you that in Marcialla a small town near Siena, there is an unforgettable experience that you can book through airbnb, the experience consists in creating your pizza together with a real pizza chef, typing on Airbnb "the secrets of luca's Tuscan pizza "there are excellent reviews, look and book
Originally, Florence was a fortified area, which was located at the intersection of the roads that led to the Tyrrhenian coast and those that led to the Apennines, joined together to travel along the upper Arno valley towards Rome.
In ancient times it was an Etruscan town, which depended on Fiesole. The Etruscans, coming from Asia Minor, settled in the area in the 9th century BC, date of allocation confirmed by the extraordinary collections of Etruscan art found, currently preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Florence.
Only in 395 BC the Etruscan civilization was subdued by the Roman Empire. During the colonization campaigns of Silla, the Romans founded Florentia, on the ashes of the ancient Etruscan settlement.
In 82 BC the territory was confiscated to be ceded to the veterans of Silla. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Florence was repeatedly besieged by Goths and Byzantines.
In the Middle Ages, due to its agricultural wealth and being an important communication center, it succeeded in eclipsing Fiesole. In the early Middle Ages the Lombards gained control of the city.
Florence in the Middle Ages
In 774, Florence was conquered by Charlemagne, becoming part of the Carolingian Empire. In 1115, the city was liberated, taking advantage of the struggles for investitures, led by the Countess Matilde. The Florentines defeated the imperial vicar and conquered the nearby castles and municipalities, to guarantee the safety of their commercial activities.
In 1125, Fiesole was conquered and its inhabitants were forced to move to Florence. He allied himself with Pisa, which provided the boats necessary for trade, against Siena, which fought for trade relations with the Holy See.
In 1218 he entered the war against Pisa, for the hegemony of Tuscany.
Between the 12th and 13th centuries, the Florentines actively participated in the wars between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, factions that disputed the succession to the crown. The Guelphs defended papal power and were opposed to noble privileges, while the Ghibellines, aided by the German emperor, opposed the power of the Pope. Florence was mostly Guelph. The nobility was weakened by these struggles and, in 1293, it was expelled by the organs of power, starting the period of the Second People.
At this time Florence was the most important city in Tuscany, given that Pisa had been defeated by Genoa in 1284 and Siena began its slow decline. Commercial activities in Florence were family-run and had branches throughout Western Europe. The oldest companies followed the dispute between whites and blacks (1300-1302), factions which divided the Guelphs, who suffered the hard consequences of such struggles. These political conflicts did not prevent Florence from becoming one of the most powerful and prosperous in Europe, towards which much of the commercial activity was directed, while Venice expanded along the Mediterranean.
As a demonstration of its power, in 1252 gold florins were coined, coins used for more than three centuries, which were one of the monetary cornerstones of the time, together with the Venetian duchy.
From 1326, the new companies dedicated themselves to commerce, industry and the most important financial activity: the bank. The Florentines devised and organized a large-scale loan system, releasing money to the sovereigns of Europe, in exchange for tax leases. Despite this, the economic crisis of the 14th century and the Hundred Years' War brought these financial activities to ruin, even if new entities were soon created (family-run, like the others), which managed to act in a more prudent manner.
In 1406, Florence conquered Pisa and became a maritime power. Many wealthy merchants, to ensure the safety of their soul, invested their property in the construction of chapels and religious buildings and, moreover, transformed the houses and farms into sumptuous palaces.
Florentine art opened up to the Renaissance at the beginning of the fifteenth century, coinciding with the state of social and political instability preceding the allocation of the Medici.
From the fourteenth century Florentine politics, managed by merchants, continued to be belligerent, supporting themselves with an army of mercenaries. The Albizzi, representatives of the "fat people", and the Ricci, of the "middle arts", joined together, at first, to overthrow the state of tyranny in force (1343) while, subsequently, they contended for power. The "ciompi", headed by a wool weaver, took power in 1378. With the help of the Albizzi, the "fat people" gained the supremacy of the city from 1382 to 1434.
The Medici family
The Medici, or the richest family in Florence, had already shown their political ambitions and intentions since the early 15th century, which only succeeded in materializing with Cosimo the Elder. The latter, without any noble title, succeeded in taking possession of Florence in 1434, completely demolishing its av I also remind you that in Marcialla a small town near Florence, there is an unforgettable experience that you can book through airbnb, the experience consists in creating your pizza together with a real pizza chef, typing on Airbnb "the secrets of luca's Tuscan pizza "there are excellent reviews, look and book
1943 locals recommend
Florence
Originally, Florence was a fortified area, which was located at the intersection of the roads that led to the Tyrrhenian coast and those that led to the Apennines, joined together to travel along the upper Arno valley towards Rome.
In ancient times it was an Etruscan town, which depended on Fiesole. The Etruscans, coming from Asia Minor, settled in the area in the 9th century BC, date of allocation confirmed by the extraordinary collections of Etruscan art found, currently preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Florence.
Only in 395 BC the Etruscan civilization was subdued by the Roman Empire. During the colonization campaigns of Silla, the Romans founded Florentia, on the ashes of the ancient Etruscan settlement.
In 82 BC the territory was confiscated to be ceded to the veterans of Silla. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Florence was repeatedly besieged by Goths and Byzantines.
In the Middle Ages, due to its agricultural wealth and being an important communication center, it succeeded in eclipsing Fiesole. In the early Middle Ages the Lombards gained control of the city.
Florence in the Middle Ages
In 774, Florence was conquered by Charlemagne, becoming part of the Carolingian Empire. In 1115, the city was liberated, taking advantage of the struggles for investitures, led by the Countess Matilde. The Florentines defeated the imperial vicar and conquered the nearby castles and municipalities, to guarantee the safety of their commercial activities.
In 1125, Fiesole was conquered and its inhabitants were forced to move to Florence. He allied himself with Pisa, which provided the boats necessary for trade, against Siena, which fought for trade relations with the Holy See.
In 1218 he entered the war against Pisa, for the hegemony of Tuscany.
Between the 12th and 13th centuries, the Florentines actively participated in the wars between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, factions that disputed the succession to the crown. The Guelphs defended papal power and were opposed to noble privileges, while the Ghibellines, aided by the German emperor, opposed the power of the Pope. Florence was mostly Guelph. The nobility was weakened by these struggles and, in 1293, it was expelled by the organs of power, starting the period of the Second People.
At this time Florence was the most important city in Tuscany, given that Pisa had been defeated by Genoa in 1284 and Siena began its slow decline. Commercial activities in Florence were family-run and had branches throughout Western Europe. The oldest companies followed the dispute between whites and blacks (1300-1302), factions which divided the Guelphs, who suffered the hard consequences of such struggles. These political conflicts did not prevent Florence from becoming one of the most powerful and prosperous in Europe, towards which much of the commercial activity was directed, while Venice expanded along the Mediterranean.
As a demonstration of its power, in 1252 gold florins were coined, coins used for more than three centuries, which were one of the monetary cornerstones of the time, together with the Venetian duchy.
From 1326, the new companies dedicated themselves to commerce, industry and the most important financial activity: the bank. The Florentines devised and organized a large-scale loan system, releasing money to the sovereigns of Europe, in exchange for tax leases. Despite this, the economic crisis of the 14th century and the Hundred Years' War brought these financial activities to ruin, even if new entities were soon created (family-run, like the others), which managed to act in a more prudent manner.
In 1406, Florence conquered Pisa and became a maritime power. Many wealthy merchants, to ensure the safety of their soul, invested their property in the construction of chapels and religious buildings and, moreover, transformed the houses and farms into sumptuous palaces.
Florentine art opened up to the Renaissance at the beginning of the fifteenth century, coinciding with the state of social and political instability preceding the allocation of the Medici.
From the fourteenth century Florentine politics, managed by merchants, continued to be belligerent, supporting themselves with an army of mercenaries. The Albizzi, representatives of the "fat people", and the Ricci, of the "middle arts", joined together, at first, to overthrow the state of tyranny in force (1343) while, subsequently, they contended for power. The "ciompi", headed by a wool weaver, took power in 1378. With the help of the Albizzi, the "fat people" gained the supremacy of the city from 1382 to 1434.
The Medici family
The Medici, or the richest family in Florence, had already shown their political ambitions and intentions since the early 15th century, which only succeeded in materializing with Cosimo the Elder. The latter, without any noble title, succeeded in taking possession of Florence in 1434, completely demolishing its av I also remind you that in Marcialla a small town near Florence, there is an unforgettable experience that you can book through airbnb, the experience consists in creating your pizza together with a real pizza chef, typing on Airbnb "the secrets of luca's Tuscan pizza "there are excellent reviews, look and book
Marcialla excellent landscape position on an elongated hill Excellent landscape position on an elongated hill that acts as a watershed between Val d'Elsa and Val di Pesa. Round arches and stone buildings with noble openings are unexpected presences. The pentagonal square is very interesting. Particularly renowned for the climate, given the crest position and the altitude of about 400 m. above sea level, Marcialla allows you to admire beautiful panoramas in all directions. Church of San Lorenzo a Vigliano It presents elements of the X-XII century, with a single nave layout with an apse and a filaretto structure. It was enlarged and restored in 1928. Church of Santa Maria The original structure of the building dates back to the century. XII, although some renovations were carried out during the 16th century. Inside you can admire interesting sixteenth-century paintings. Palazzo Giannozzi, with features of an urban villa, has an eighteenth-century facade with Spanish references, a beautiful Gothic vaulted room with knife bricks is preserved. Villa San Lorenzo a Vigliano was originally a convent called San Lorenzo alle Grotte. Of the villa we have news in some documents of the sec. XIII and XIV. In the gardens there is a small chapel. I also remind you that in marcialla there is an unforgettable experience that you can book through airbnb, the experience consists in creating your pizza together with a real pizza chef, typing on Airbnb "the secrets of luca's Tuscan pizza" there are excellent reviews, watch
Marcialla
Marcialla excellent landscape position on an elongated hill Excellent landscape position on an elongated hill that acts as a watershed between Val d'Elsa and Val di Pesa. Round arches and stone buildings with noble openings are unexpected presences. The pentagonal square is very interesting. Particularly renowned for the climate, given the crest position and the altitude of about 400 m. above sea level, Marcialla allows you to admire beautiful panoramas in all directions. Church of San Lorenzo a Vigliano It presents elements of the X-XII century, with a single nave layout with an apse and a filaretto structure. It was enlarged and restored in 1928. Church of Santa Maria The original structure of the building dates back to the century. XII, although some renovations were carried out during the 16th century. Inside you can admire interesting sixteenth-century paintings. Palazzo Giannozzi, with features of an urban villa, has an eighteenth-century facade with Spanish references, a beautiful Gothic vaulted room with knife bricks is preserved. Villa San Lorenzo a Vigliano was originally a convent called San Lorenzo alle Grotte. Of the villa we have news in some documents of the sec. XIII and XIV. In the gardens there is a small chapel. I also remind you that in marcialla there is an unforgettable experience that you can book through airbnb, the experience consists in creating your pizza together with a real pizza chef, typing on Airbnb "the secrets of luca's Tuscan pizza" there are excellent reviews, watch
Certaldo Alto is an adorable village in the magnificent land of Tuscany. This region offers enchanting landscapes in every season: the rolling hills are home to fine vineyards and colorful plantations of sunflowers and cereals. The colors in contrast with the blue and white of the sky have inspired the greatest poets and painters of every era. Certaldo Alto is in Val D’elsa located on a hill just over an hour's drive from both Florence and Siena or Viareggio.
To get to the upper village you need to park your car in Piazza Boccaccio in Certaldo Basso, or close to it, and take the funicular funicular that goes up to the historic center in about 80 seconds. As it is a restricted traffic area, you can alternatively walk up the steep access roads. The village is characterized by buildings of medieval architecture and in addition to the important central road Via Boccaccio, the adjacent alleys are pretty. Every year in Certaldo Alto important events are organized, including the medieval dinner I also remind you that in Marcialla a small town near Certaldo, there is an unforgettable experience that you can book through airbnb, the experience consists in creating your pizza together to a real pizza chef, typing on Airbnb "the secrets of luca's Tuscan pizza" there are excellent reviews, look and book
61 locals recommend
Certaldo Alto
1 Via delle MuraCertaldo Alto is an adorable village in the magnificent land of Tuscany. This region offers enchanting landscapes in every season: the rolling hills are home to fine vineyards and colorful plantations of sunflowers and cereals. The colors in contrast with the blue and white of the sky have inspired the greatest poets and painters of every era. Certaldo Alto is in Val D’elsa located on a hill just over an hour's drive from both Florence and Siena or Viareggio.
To get to the upper village you need to park your car in Piazza Boccaccio in Certaldo Basso, or close to it, and take the funicular funicular that goes up to the historic center in about 80 seconds. As it is a restricted traffic area, you can alternatively walk up the steep access roads. The village is characterized by buildings of medieval architecture and in addition to the important central road Via Boccaccio, the adjacent alleys are pretty. Every year in Certaldo Alto important events are organized, including the medieval dinner I also remind you that in Marcialla a small town near Certaldo, there is an unforgettable experience that you can book through airbnb, the experience consists in creating your pizza together to a real pizza chef, typing on Airbnb "the secrets of luca's Tuscan pizza" there are excellent reviews, look and book
The Monteriggioni Castle was built by the Sienese, by order of the podestà Guelfo da Porcari, in a period between 1214 and 1219. The land, purchased by the noble family Da Staggia, was the seat of an ancient Lombard farm (the denomination di Montis Regis probably indicated a fund that was royal property or that enjoyed tax exemptions from the crown).
The construction of the castle by the Republic of Siena was mainly for defensive purposes, as the village was built on Mount Ala in a dominant and supervised position of the Francigena, to control the Elsa and Staggia valleys in the direction of Florence, historic rival of Siena.
The construction of a castle practically from scratch represented a novelty in the Sienese expansionist policy: previously, in fact, the city had purchased existing castles, such as that of Quercegrossa.
The circular layout of the walls was obtained simply by following the natural course of the hill.
There is no agreement of historians on the possible presence of the drawbridge. On the other hand, the presence of the shutters is certain, that is, thick wooden doors covered with iron that were activated by pulleys. Even today the two doors show the signs of the hinges and holes caused by the closing poles. On the San Giovanni door you can also see the signs of the ravelin, another rectangular defensive structure located in front of the door and also equipped with a drawbridge or a second door.
The Castle of Monteriggioni was also surrounded by the so-called charcoal kilns, or ditches full of coal which was set on fire to repel the assaults.I also remind you that in Marcialla a small town near Monteriggioni, there is an unforgettable experience that you can book through airbnb, the experience consists in creating your pizza together with a real pizza chef, typing on Airbnb "the secrets of luca's Tuscan pizza "there are excellent reviews, look and book
460 locals recommend
Monteriggioni
The Monteriggioni Castle was built by the Sienese, by order of the podestà Guelfo da Porcari, in a period between 1214 and 1219. The land, purchased by the noble family Da Staggia, was the seat of an ancient Lombard farm (the denomination di Montis Regis probably indicated a fund that was royal property or that enjoyed tax exemptions from the crown).
The construction of the castle by the Republic of Siena was mainly for defensive purposes, as the village was built on Mount Ala in a dominant and supervised position of the Francigena, to control the Elsa and Staggia valleys in the direction of Florence, historic rival of Siena.
The construction of a castle practically from scratch represented a novelty in the Sienese expansionist policy: previously, in fact, the city had purchased existing castles, such as that of Quercegrossa.
The circular layout of the walls was obtained simply by following the natural course of the hill.
There is no agreement of historians on the possible presence of the drawbridge. On the other hand, the presence of the shutters is certain, that is, thick wooden doors covered with iron that were activated by pulleys. Even today the two doors show the signs of the hinges and holes caused by the closing poles. On the San Giovanni door you can also see the signs of the ravelin, another rectangular defensive structure located in front of the door and also equipped with a drawbridge or a second door.
The Castle of Monteriggioni was also surrounded by the so-called charcoal kilns, or ditches full of coal which was set on fire to repel the assaults.I also remind you that in Marcialla a small town near Monteriggioni, there is an unforgettable experience that you can book through airbnb, the experience consists in creating your pizza together with a real pizza chef, typing on Airbnb "the secrets of luca's Tuscan pizza "there are excellent reviews, look and book
Greve in Chianti
8 Piazza Giacomo MatteottiThe town of Barberino Tavarnelle is located in a happy position between the Val d’Elsa and the Val di Pesa. We are in the heart of Chianti, not far from Florence, but in a Tuscany not too crowded and full of hidden corners full of charm.
The historic Barberino preserves its medieval structure intact, with the two access gates (the Fiorentina and the Senese) and the defensive towers towards the Drove valley. The birth of the village dates back to the first decades of the thirteenth century, following the destruction of Semifonte by the Florentines. It was precisely the position of the ridge, on the watershed between Valdelsa and Val di Pesa, that pushed the Florentines to use the village against the feudal allies of the Empire. Not far away, even today, you can admire the fascinating ruins of the ancient center.
Once here, it is certainly worth a visit, isolated in the countryside but not far from the center of Barberino, the beautiful basilica of Sant 'Appiano. The church of Santa Maria in Marcialla instead hides an interesting mystery: one of the side altars is dominated by what is traditionally considered a youthful fresco by Michelangelo. In fact, some form can make one think of the great artist and, to thicken the mystery, under a marble slab of the altar, there is an abbreviation that intertwines the letters MBF intertwined, for some a real youthful "tag" by Buonarroti.
Tavarnelle, however, once a resting place along the Via Regia, stands out for a number of churches and parish churches rich in works of art. For example, we meet the church of Santa Lucia al Borghetto - a thirteenth-century Franciscan convent which houses an Annunciation by Neri di Bicci - or, in the hamlet of Morrocco, the fifteenth-century church of Santa Maria del Carmine and the Romanesque parish church of San Pietro in Cartridge. In the parsonage of the parish church there is also a museum of sacred art, which conserves works from the churches of the small abandoned nuclei, such as a series of panels made in 1473 by Neri di Bicci.
But what is probably the highlight of the area is the imposing Badia a Passignano, founded in 1049 by the monks of the Vallombrosan order. Immersed in the countryside, from the outside it is very similar to a fortress; inside, the frescoes by Passignano (1601) in the main chapel of the church and especially the Last Supper frescoed by Domenico and Davide Ghirlandaio (1476-77), in the refectory of the monastery.
Certainly deserve a visit San Donato in Poggio, a medieval village, the Renaissance Palazzo Malaspina, the Romanesque parish church of San Donato and the Emilio Ferrari Museum of peasant culture, where it is possible to retrace the history of the rural Chianti world.I also remind you that in Marcialla a small town near Barberino Tavarnelle, there is an unforgettable experience that you can book through airbnb, the experience consists in creating your pizza together with a real pizza chef, typing on Airbnb "the secrets of luca's Tuscan pizza "there are excellent reviews, look and book
48 locals recommend
Barberino Val d'Elsa
The town of Barberino Tavarnelle is located in a happy position between the Val d’Elsa and the Val di Pesa. We are in the heart of Chianti, not far from Florence, but in a Tuscany not too crowded and full of hidden corners full of charm.
The historic Barberino preserves its medieval structure intact, with the two access gates (the Fiorentina and the Senese) and the defensive towers towards the Drove valley. The birth of the village dates back to the first decades of the thirteenth century, following the destruction of Semifonte by the Florentines. It was precisely the position of the ridge, on the watershed between Valdelsa and Val di Pesa, that pushed the Florentines to use the village against the feudal allies of the Empire. Not far away, even today, you can admire the fascinating ruins of the ancient center.
Once here, it is certainly worth a visit, isolated in the countryside but not far from the center of Barberino, the beautiful basilica of Sant 'Appiano. The church of Santa Maria in Marcialla instead hides an interesting mystery: one of the side altars is dominated by what is traditionally considered a youthful fresco by Michelangelo. In fact, some form can make one think of the great artist and, to thicken the mystery, under a marble slab of the altar, there is an abbreviation that intertwines the letters MBF intertwined, for some a real youthful "tag" by Buonarroti.
Tavarnelle, however, once a resting place along the Via Regia, stands out for a number of churches and parish churches rich in works of art. For example, we meet the church of Santa Lucia al Borghetto - a thirteenth-century Franciscan convent which houses an Annunciation by Neri di Bicci - or, in the hamlet of Morrocco, the fifteenth-century church of Santa Maria del Carmine and the Romanesque parish church of San Pietro in Cartridge. In the parsonage of the parish church there is also a museum of sacred art, which conserves works from the churches of the small abandoned nuclei, such as a series of panels made in 1473 by Neri di Bicci.
But what is probably the highlight of the area is the imposing Badia a Passignano, founded in 1049 by the monks of the Vallombrosan order. Immersed in the countryside, from the outside it is very similar to a fortress; inside, the frescoes by Passignano (1601) in the main chapel of the church and especially the Last Supper frescoed by Domenico and Davide Ghirlandaio (1476-77), in the refectory of the monastery.
Certainly deserve a visit San Donato in Poggio, a medieval village, the Renaissance Palazzo Malaspina, the Romanesque parish church of San Donato and the Emilio Ferrari Museum of peasant culture, where it is possible to retrace the history of the rural Chianti world.I also remind you that in Marcialla a small town near Barberino Tavarnelle, there is an unforgettable experience that you can book through airbnb, the experience consists in creating your pizza together with a real pizza chef, typing on Airbnb "the secrets of luca's Tuscan pizza "there are excellent reviews, look and book