Emanuela's guide

Place to visit

Metropolitan City of Florence

The cradle of the Renaissance Tuscany is a wonderful region with breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary cities of art, pretty hilltop villages, castles, abbeys, mountains, seas, great wines and fantastic food that could not have had a better capital than Florence. Obligatory stop on any trip to Italy and Tuscany, Florence, with its unique artistic and architectural heritage in the world, is a real treasure trove, an open-air museum. The city already existed during antiquity, but it is with the Middle Ages and the Renaissance that it became the jewel that we can still admire today and that since 1982 has been a World Heritage Site. During the Middle Ages, Florence became a rich and powerful city that managed to expand and conquer territories until it brought together the whole region in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, which for 3 centuries was one of the richest and most modern states in the world. Here the Italian language was born, here the arts and sciences flourished. This was the stage for the greatest artists of every era: Cimabue, Giotto, Arnolfo, Brunelleschi, Donatello, Masaccio, Ghiberti, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and many other world-renowned painters, sculptors and architects who helped create a unique, magical and wonderful city. The result of the work of so many artistic geniuses is a unique show made of iconic monuments such as the Ponte Vecchio, wonderful churches such as the Duomo, Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella, extraordinary palaces such as Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti and Palazzo Strozzi, wonderful gardens such as the Boboli Gardens and the Bardini Gardens and an unknown number of works of art kept in some of the most important museums in the world such as the Uffizi Gallery, the Palatine Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, where you can admire Michelangelo’s famous David.

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Metropolitan City of Florence

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The cradle of the Renaissance Tuscany is a wonderful region with breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary cities of art, pretty hilltop villages, castles, abbeys, mountains, seas, great wines and fantastic food that could not have had a better capital than Florence. Obligatory stop on any trip to Italy and Tuscany, Florence, with its unique artistic and architectural heritage in the world, is a real treasure trove, an open-air museum. The city already existed during antiquity, but it is with the Middle Ages and the Renaissance that it became the jewel that we can still admire today and that since 1982 has been a World Heritage Site. During the Middle Ages, Florence became a rich and powerful city that managed to expand and conquer territories until it brought together the whole region in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, which for 3 centuries was one of the richest and most modern states in the world. Here the Italian language was born, here the arts and sciences flourished. This was the stage for the greatest artists of every era: Cimabue, Giotto, Arnolfo, Brunelleschi, Donatello, Masaccio, Ghiberti, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and many other world-renowned painters, sculptors and architects who helped create a unique, magical and wonderful city. The result of the work of so many artistic geniuses is a unique show made of iconic monuments such as the Ponte Vecchio, wonderful churches such as the Duomo, Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella, extraordinary palaces such as Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti and Palazzo Strozzi, wonderful gardens such as the Boboli Gardens and the Bardini Gardens and an unknown number of works of art kept in some of the most important museums in the world such as the Uffizi Gallery, the Palatine Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, where you can admire Michelangelo’s famous David.

Siena

The city of the Palio Siena, the city of the Palio, is an essential stop on any trip to Tuscany. This wonderful medieval city is located in the heart of Tuscany, immersed in a truly remarkable landscape, and is the capital of a province extending from Chianti to the Val d’Orcia where you can admire some of the most typical and beautiful panoramas of the region. Around Siena there are also some of the most beautiful villages in the region such as San Gimignano, Pienza and Buonconvento. A World Heritage Site since 1995, the city has preserved its features and its architectural heritage in an extraordinary way which dates back largely to the 13th and 14th centuries when the Republic of Siena was at war with Florence for supremacy over the region. According to legend, Siena was founded by Senio, son of Remus and grandson of Romulus founder of Rome, while documents speak of the foundation, in the Augustan era, of a Roman colony called Saenia Iulia. In any case, the foundation of the city is linked to the history of Rome, and this explains why Siena has in the Lupa, which recalls the Roman one, one of its symbols. When it comes to Siena it is really impossible not to mention the Palio. The Palio di Siena is a very heartfelt event in the city that transcends the simple race with horses. Siena lives the Palio all year round and the rivalry between the contrade that vie for the victory is very heated. The Palio takes place twice a year, on July 2nd and August 16th, in the magnificent setting of Piazza del Campo, the heart of the historic center of Siena. Here you can admire a series of historic buildings including the Palazzo Pubblico with the majestic Torre del Mangia and the Museo Civico, the Cappella di Piazza and the Fonte Gaia which is located on the opposite side of the square. Several streets branch off from Piazza del Campo leading to the other monuments of the city such as Palazzo Chigi, the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Loggia della Mercanzia, Fontebranda, Palazzo Piccolomini, the Logge del Papa and the Basilica di San Francesco.

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Siena

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The city of the Palio Siena, the city of the Palio, is an essential stop on any trip to Tuscany. This wonderful medieval city is located in the heart of Tuscany, immersed in a truly remarkable landscape, and is the capital of a province extending from Chianti to the Val d’Orcia where you can admire some of the most typical and beautiful panoramas of the region. Around Siena there are also some of the most beautiful villages in the region such as San Gimignano, Pienza and Buonconvento. A World Heritage Site since 1995, the city has preserved its features and its architectural heritage in an extraordinary way which dates back largely to the 13th and 14th centuries when the Republic of Siena was at war with Florence for supremacy over the region. According to legend, Siena was founded by Senio, son of Remus and grandson of Romulus founder of Rome, while documents speak of the foundation, in the Augustan era, of a Roman colony called Saenia Iulia. In any case, the foundation of the city is linked to the history of Rome, and this explains why Siena has in the Lupa, which recalls the Roman one, one of its symbols. When it comes to Siena it is really impossible not to mention the Palio. The Palio di Siena is a very heartfelt event in the city that transcends the simple race with horses. Siena lives the Palio all year round and the rivalry between the contrade that vie for the victory is very heated. The Palio takes place twice a year, on July 2nd and August 16th, in the magnificent setting of Piazza del Campo, the heart of the historic center of Siena. Here you can admire a series of historic buildings including the Palazzo Pubblico with the majestic Torre del Mangia and the Museo Civico, the Cappella di Piazza and the Fonte Gaia which is located on the opposite side of the square. Several streets branch off from Piazza del Campo leading to the other monuments of the city such as Palazzo Chigi, the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Loggia della Mercanzia, Fontebranda, Palazzo Piccolomini, the Logge del Papa and the Basilica di San Francesco.

San Gimignano

The city of medieval towers San Gimignano is one of the best preserved medieval villages not only in Tuscany but also in Italy. Its urban structure, developed during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, has remained substantially unchanged to the present day. The main axis of the town is made up of a stretch of the Via Francigena which fits into the urban fabric through the San Matteo gate to the north and the San Giovanni gate to the south. In the center of the town there are some squares, such as Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza delle Erbe, overlooked by many of the towers that have made San Gimignano famous in the world. And in fact the towers and tower houses are the element that more than any other distinguishes this wonderful hamlet. In the heyday, there were 72 towers in San Gimignano, while today there are 14; this large number of towers that rise above the city earned San Gimignano the nickname “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”. The historic center of San Gimignano is so beautiful and so well preserved that in 1990 the city was declared a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. It is not at all difficult to define this as one of the most beautiful town in Tuscany and in my opinion it is one of those places that should be visited at least once in a lifetime.

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San Gimignano

Piazza Sant'Agostino

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The city of medieval towers San Gimignano is one of the best preserved medieval villages not only in Tuscany but also in Italy. Its urban structure, developed during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, has remained substantially unchanged to the present day. The main axis of the town is made up of a stretch of the Via Francigena which fits into the urban fabric through the San Matteo gate to the north and the San Giovanni gate to the south. In the center of the town there are some squares, such as Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza delle Erbe, overlooked by many of the towers that have made San Gimignano famous in the world. And in fact the towers and tower houses are the element that more than any other distinguishes this wonderful hamlet. In the heyday, there were 72 towers in San Gimignano, while today there are 14; this large number of towers that rise above the city earned San Gimignano the nickname “Manhattan of the Middle Ages”. The historic center of San Gimignano is so beautiful and so well preserved that in 1990 the city was declared a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. It is not at all difficult to define this as one of the most beautiful town in Tuscany and in my opinion it is one of those places that should be visited at least once in a lifetime.

Monteriggioni

a small medieval town famous for its walls what distinguishes this small settlement is precisely its walls and defensive towers. The history of Monteriggioni The site was founded in 1203 by the Sienese who intended to erect an outpost against Florence on Northwest border. Located on top of a hill, between the functions of the castle there were the control of the Val d’Elsa and of the via Francigena. In the years 1213-1219, Monteriggioni was equipped with walls. Between 1244 and 1254 Florence and Siena struggled for its control. Given that during the clashes with the Florentines the walls were heavily damaged, the Sienese were forced to rebuild it in the Decade Between 1260 and 1270. Monteriggioni was protagonist of new battles even in later centuries until, in 1554, was taken over by the Marquis of Marignano, which in the following year finally defeated the Republic of Siena. After these events the Castle and the surrounding territory came under the rule of Cosimo I de ‘ Medici. • Medieval Walls • Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta • “Monteriggioni in Arme” Museum The Walls The main reason for interest in Monteriggioni are its walls. It is a walled and oval-shaped, 570 metres long, that follows the shape of the Hill on which is perched the settlement. The walls are interspersed by 14 towers with a square base placed at regular intervals. The village is spread along a single axis that connects the two city gates: Porta Franca (or Romea), located on the South-East in the direction of Siena, and Porta San Giovanni in the direction of Florence. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta overlooks the main square of Monteriggioni, piazza Roma. Built in the first half of the thirteenth century, the church has Romanesque-Gothic forms. Inside are preserved a painting by Lippo Vanni, a wooden crucifix, two tabernacles from the 15th century, the bell given to the church by the Republic of Siena in 1298 and a wooden choir from the 16th century. “Monteriggioni in Arme” Museum The “Monteriggioni in Arme” museum collects a series of reproductions of medieval and Renaissance weapons and armors. The pieces that make up the museum collection are presented in thematic rooms focused on specific moments in the history of Monteriggioni. A particularity of this museum, much appreciated both by young and old people, is the possibility of trying some armor and holding some weapon. The Medieval Festival of Monteriggioni Visiting Monteriggioni seems to have really returned to the Middle Ages and every year there is a perfect opportunity to savor this special atmosphere: the Medieval Festival. The festival usually takes place between June and July (in 2020 it is between 9 and 19 July) and is made of events, concerts and banquets in full medieval style. On this occasion you can admire craftsmen grappling with the works of the past such as that of the gunsmith or that of the ceramist, jugglers, acrobats, knights and many other characters who seem to have come out of a chivalrous novel or a movie.

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Monteriggioni

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a small medieval town famous for its walls what distinguishes this small settlement is precisely its walls and defensive towers. The history of Monteriggioni The site was founded in 1203 by the Sienese who intended to erect an outpost against Florence on Northwest border. Located on top of a hill, between the functions of the castle there were the control of the Val d’Elsa and of the via Francigena. In the years 1213-1219, Monteriggioni was equipped with walls. Between 1244 and 1254 Florence and Siena struggled for its control. Given that during the clashes with the Florentines the walls were heavily damaged, the Sienese were forced to rebuild it in the Decade Between 1260 and 1270. Monteriggioni was protagonist of new battles even in later centuries until, in 1554, was taken over by the Marquis of Marignano, which in the following year finally defeated the Republic of Siena. After these events the Castle and the surrounding territory came under the rule of Cosimo I de ‘ Medici. • Medieval Walls • Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta • “Monteriggioni in Arme” Museum The Walls The main reason for interest in Monteriggioni are its walls. It is a walled and oval-shaped, 570 metres long, that follows the shape of the Hill on which is perched the settlement. The walls are interspersed by 14 towers with a square base placed at regular intervals. The village is spread along a single axis that connects the two city gates: Porta Franca (or Romea), located on the South-East in the direction of Siena, and Porta San Giovanni in the direction of Florence. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta overlooks the main square of Monteriggioni, piazza Roma. Built in the first half of the thirteenth century, the church has Romanesque-Gothic forms. Inside are preserved a painting by Lippo Vanni, a wooden crucifix, two tabernacles from the 15th century, the bell given to the church by the Republic of Siena in 1298 and a wooden choir from the 16th century. “Monteriggioni in Arme” Museum The “Monteriggioni in Arme” museum collects a series of reproductions of medieval and Renaissance weapons and armors. The pieces that make up the museum collection are presented in thematic rooms focused on specific moments in the history of Monteriggioni. A particularity of this museum, much appreciated both by young and old people, is the possibility of trying some armor and holding some weapon. The Medieval Festival of Monteriggioni Visiting Monteriggioni seems to have really returned to the Middle Ages and every year there is a perfect opportunity to savor this special atmosphere: the Medieval Festival. The festival usually takes place between June and July (in 2020 it is between 9 and 19 July) and is made of events, concerts and banquets in full medieval style. On this occasion you can admire craftsmen grappling with the works of the past such as that of the gunsmith or that of the ceramist, jugglers, acrobats, knights and many other characters who seem to have come out of a chivalrous novel or a movie.

Certaldo

A castle in the Val d’Elsa Certaldo is one of the most evocative medieval villages in all of Tuscany. Famous for being the birthplace of Giovanni Boccaccio, this enchanting art city of the Val d’Elsa stands out for its atmosphere and the quality of its tourist offer to the point of having earned the “Bandiera Arancione“, the prestigious recognition of the Italian Touring Club . Tourist destination of great interest, Certaldo has a more modern part, Certaldo Alto which is located on the plain and a part on the hill, Certaldo Alto, which represents the historic core of the medieval village; the two areas of the city are connected by a funicular which is accessed from Piazza Boccaccio, the main square of the lower part. Inhabited since the Etruscan period, Certaldo developed as a castle from the early Middle Ages, and then acquired its final shape around the eleventh century. The first document that officially cites the Castle of Certaldo dates back to 1164 when it was granted in fief by the emperor Frederick I Barbarossa to the Alberti counts. The castle, which was part of a series of fortifications with which the Alberts controlled the Val d’Elsa, stood in an ideal position, on the top of a hill, to control the Via Francigena. From the second half of the 12th century Certaldo was involved in the war between the Alberti and the Republic of Florence, which in 1200 managed to annex the village to its territories.

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Certaldo

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A castle in the Val d’Elsa Certaldo is one of the most evocative medieval villages in all of Tuscany. Famous for being the birthplace of Giovanni Boccaccio, this enchanting art city of the Val d’Elsa stands out for its atmosphere and the quality of its tourist offer to the point of having earned the “Bandiera Arancione“, the prestigious recognition of the Italian Touring Club . Tourist destination of great interest, Certaldo has a more modern part, Certaldo Alto which is located on the plain and a part on the hill, Certaldo Alto, which represents the historic core of the medieval village; the two areas of the city are connected by a funicular which is accessed from Piazza Boccaccio, the main square of the lower part. Inhabited since the Etruscan period, Certaldo developed as a castle from the early Middle Ages, and then acquired its final shape around the eleventh century. The first document that officially cites the Castle of Certaldo dates back to 1164 when it was granted in fief by the emperor Frederick I Barbarossa to the Alberti counts. The castle, which was part of a series of fortifications with which the Alberts controlled the Val d’Elsa, stood in an ideal position, on the top of a hill, to control the Via Francigena. From the second half of the 12th century Certaldo was involved in the war between the Alberti and the Republic of Florence, which in 1200 managed to annex the village to its territories.

Badia a Passignano

The Badia di Passignano, located in the heart of the Chianti Classico area, is an ancient monastery dating back to 395 AD, founded by the Archbishop of Florence. Even today it is inhabited by the monks of the Vallombrosian order, guardians of its cultural and historical treasures. The Vallombrosian order, a reformed branch of the Benedictines specialized in viticulture and forestry, was established by San Giovanni Gualberto whose relics have been found in the abbey church since his death in 1073. The Vallombrosani monks and the Badia di Passignano have been known since the Middle Ages for their attention to classical and musical texts, for having promoted scientific research (Galileo Galilei taught there in 1587) and for the care of the territory through crops, especially vines and reforestation. In confirmation of this, in 1983, a millenary vitis vinifera plant was found in the land surrounding Badia a Passignano.

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Badia a Passignano

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The Badia di Passignano, located in the heart of the Chianti Classico area, is an ancient monastery dating back to 395 AD, founded by the Archbishop of Florence. Even today it is inhabited by the monks of the Vallombrosian order, guardians of its cultural and historical treasures. The Vallombrosian order, a reformed branch of the Benedictines specialized in viticulture and forestry, was established by San Giovanni Gualberto whose relics have been found in the abbey church since his death in 1073. The Vallombrosani monks and the Badia di Passignano have been known since the Middle Ages for their attention to classical and musical texts, for having promoted scientific research (Galileo Galilei taught there in 1587) and for the care of the territory through crops, especially vines and reforestation. In confirmation of this, in 1983, a millenary vitis vinifera plant was found in the land surrounding Badia a Passignano.

Barberino Val d'Elsa

The town is has a long spindle like shape, where the principle road runs down the center connecting the two main doors into the city. As you enter from the well conserved Sienese Gate to the south you embark upon via Francesco da Barberino, where there are several beautiful buildings with beautiful wooden doors and clean stone walls, said to be built from the rubble of Semifonte. To the left of the entrance is Palazzo del Cardinale, sporting the emblem of the Barberini family and that of Pope Urbano VIII. Halfway down the street, the Palazzo Pretorio faces the small square with its facade decorated with 35 coats of arms of important noble families since 15th century, including several Florentine families. A unique urban plan has you admiring the back end of the San Bartholomew church (instead of it facing inwards opposite the government building.) Proceeding along via F. Barberino, you come to the Florentine Gate, although no longer the original one, it still makes quite a presence. The position of Barberino on the cross roads leading towards the Francigena, meant that the locals were geared to receive and care for travelers and next to it is the old pilgrim hospital (l'Ospedale dei Pelligrini), built in 1365 by Taddeo di Cecco and now housing the modern town library. Then you reach the magnificent Church of St. Bartholomew, rebuilt in the neo-gothic style in 1910. Inside is a fragment of a 14th century fresco and a panel painting by the Master from Barberino from the 16th century depicting the Virgin Mary with child giving a rosary to St. Catherine from Siena and St. Dominic. The terrace in front of the church is a beautiful spot to admire the soft hills and the patchwork of olive groves, vineyards and small forest alcoves.

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Barberino Val d'Elsa

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The town is has a long spindle like shape, where the principle road runs down the center connecting the two main doors into the city. As you enter from the well conserved Sienese Gate to the south you embark upon via Francesco da Barberino, where there are several beautiful buildings with beautiful wooden doors and clean stone walls, said to be built from the rubble of Semifonte. To the left of the entrance is Palazzo del Cardinale, sporting the emblem of the Barberini family and that of Pope Urbano VIII. Halfway down the street, the Palazzo Pretorio faces the small square with its facade decorated with 35 coats of arms of important noble families since 15th century, including several Florentine families. A unique urban plan has you admiring the back end of the San Bartholomew church (instead of it facing inwards opposite the government building.) Proceeding along via F. Barberino, you come to the Florentine Gate, although no longer the original one, it still makes quite a presence. The position of Barberino on the cross roads leading towards the Francigena, meant that the locals were geared to receive and care for travelers and next to it is the old pilgrim hospital (l'Ospedale dei Pelligrini), built in 1365 by Taddeo di Cecco and now housing the modern town library. Then you reach the magnificent Church of St. Bartholomew, rebuilt in the neo-gothic style in 1910. Inside is a fragment of a 14th century fresco and a panel painting by the Master from Barberino from the 16th century depicting the Virgin Mary with child giving a rosary to St. Catherine from Siena and St. Dominic. The terrace in front of the church is a beautiful spot to admire the soft hills and the patchwork of olive groves, vineyards and small forest alcoves.

Volterra

Volterra is an outstanding town in the province of Pisa located about thirty kilometres from San Gimignano and Colle di Val d’Elsa. Volterra experienced a period of extraordinary brilliance in Etruscan times when it was one of the twelve City States which constituted the Etruria. We think that between the 5th and the 4th centuries before Christ, Velhatri (the etruscan name of Volterra) had already 25.000 citizens! A huge number if you consider the historic period and the current population of Volterra (little more than 10.000 residents). In this period Volterra had its first defensive wall, broader (about 7 km) than that of medieval times. In the third century b.C. Roma took control over Volterra. As we will see, also this period was very fruitful from an architectonic point of view. During the Middle Ages and also in the modern age, the city continued to be enriched with new constructions. In particular, with the birth of the medieval town, Volterra received the new city walls and saw the building of some of the main monuments such as the Duomo and the Palazzo dei Priori. When, in 1472, the town was conquered by Lorenzo il Magnifico, a new fortress (the Rocca Nuova) was created near the previous one (Rocca Vecchia).

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Volterra

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Volterra is an outstanding town in the province of Pisa located about thirty kilometres from San Gimignano and Colle di Val d’Elsa. Volterra experienced a period of extraordinary brilliance in Etruscan times when it was one of the twelve City States which constituted the Etruria. We think that between the 5th and the 4th centuries before Christ, Velhatri (the etruscan name of Volterra) had already 25.000 citizens! A huge number if you consider the historic period and the current population of Volterra (little more than 10.000 residents). In this period Volterra had its first defensive wall, broader (about 7 km) than that of medieval times. In the third century b.C. Roma took control over Volterra. As we will see, also this period was very fruitful from an architectonic point of view. During the Middle Ages and also in the modern age, the city continued to be enriched with new constructions. In particular, with the birth of the medieval town, Volterra received the new city walls and saw the building of some of the main monuments such as the Duomo and the Palazzo dei Priori. When, in 1472, the town was conquered by Lorenzo il Magnifico, a new fortress (the Rocca Nuova) was created near the previous one (Rocca Vecchia).

San Donato

San Donato is a small medieval village at the top of a hill who still conserves its medieval heritage. The heart of the town is still surrounded by the defensive walls built in the 12th century and along the western edge a watch tower still stands. For its small size, San Donato has played an important role in the centuries-long struggle between Florence and Siena. In 1218, the town came under the power of the city of Florence. Its importance then grew as it became a stop along the road from Florence down to Rome, and travelers coming into Florentine territory stopped here even to change their coins. In 1176 and in 1265, two peace treaties between the republics of Florence and Siena were signed at San Donato in Poggio. Just 5 years before the second treaty, Florentine troops had organized just below the town as they were preparing to march into the Battle of Montaperti. The battle was a loss for the Florentine Guelphs and for this, the town and surrounding territory was ransacked after the battle. The peace treaty of 1265 did not last long. Toward the end of the 14th century, the main pilgrimage and economic road started to pass through the nearby Tavarnelle and Barberino and thus the town's importance began to decline. One of the principal entrances is through the northwestern "Porta Fiorentina" (since it leads toward Florence),which follows the main street, Via del Giglio, that has intersected the town since the 12th century. Besides the beautifully restored stone and brick buildings, you will pass a remaining tower-house from before arriving into the main square, called Torre Campanaria. Here, the imposing Palazzo Malaspina dominates one corner and right next to it is the Gothic church Santa Maria della Neve with its side facing the square. In the center, the octagonal well reflects how important a well was as the town's only water supply when the town was under siege. On the other side, is the Palazzo Pretorio which has not conserved its medieval look and is certainly less imposing than the facing Palazzo Malaspina. Making your way out of the eastern wall called Porta Senese you will come upon the main church of San Donato, the Pieve di San Donato. Built in Tuscan Romanesque style, documents date it back to the year 989. The baptismal font in terracotta and glazed by Giovanni della Robbia dates back to 1513.

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San Donato

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San Donato is a small medieval village at the top of a hill who still conserves its medieval heritage. The heart of the town is still surrounded by the defensive walls built in the 12th century and along the western edge a watch tower still stands. For its small size, San Donato has played an important role in the centuries-long struggle between Florence and Siena. In 1218, the town came under the power of the city of Florence. Its importance then grew as it became a stop along the road from Florence down to Rome, and travelers coming into Florentine territory stopped here even to change their coins. In 1176 and in 1265, two peace treaties between the republics of Florence and Siena were signed at San Donato in Poggio. Just 5 years before the second treaty, Florentine troops had organized just below the town as they were preparing to march into the Battle of Montaperti. The battle was a loss for the Florentine Guelphs and for this, the town and surrounding territory was ransacked after the battle. The peace treaty of 1265 did not last long. Toward the end of the 14th century, the main pilgrimage and economic road started to pass through the nearby Tavarnelle and Barberino and thus the town's importance began to decline. One of the principal entrances is through the northwestern "Porta Fiorentina" (since it leads toward Florence),which follows the main street, Via del Giglio, that has intersected the town since the 12th century. Besides the beautifully restored stone and brick buildings, you will pass a remaining tower-house from before arriving into the main square, called Torre Campanaria. Here, the imposing Palazzo Malaspina dominates one corner and right next to it is the Gothic church Santa Maria della Neve with its side facing the square. In the center, the octagonal well reflects how important a well was as the town's only water supply when the town was under siege. On the other side, is the Palazzo Pretorio which has not conserved its medieval look and is certainly less imposing than the facing Palazzo Malaspina. Making your way out of the eastern wall called Porta Senese you will come upon the main church of San Donato, the Pieve di San Donato. Built in Tuscan Romanesque style, documents date it back to the year 989. The baptismal font in terracotta and glazed by Giovanni della Robbia dates back to 1513.

Cappella di San Michele Arcangelo a Semifonte

The history of Barberino is closely tied to the once powerful city of Semifonte, a nearby town that was completely destroyed by the Florentines in 1202 and the castle of Counts Alberti. The history of Semifonte is interesting, in the Middle Ages it was a large, important city and thus considered a great enemy by Florence. A power struggle persuded and the Florentines finally took action to definitely eliminate the threat. In a four year siege, Semifonte was conquered and completely destroyed. To prevent its reconstruction, Florence prohibited anyone from building on the site . . .for all time!Those who escaped death at Semifonte where sent to Barberino to reinforce both its defensive walls with the stones of the demolished castle and city, but also its population. Though it was forbidden to rebuild on the site of Semifonte, the Emperor was petitioned to make this concession to honor the long defunct town. The Chapel of San Michele Arcangelo (sometimes referred to as San Donnino) was built in 1597 by Santi di Tito, one of the most influential and leading Italian painters. However Tito also dabbled in architecture, and his choice for this chapel is a perfect 1:8 scale reproduction of the Cupola of the Cathedral of Florence. The Chapel serves as a reminder of the “inexistent city” .

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Cappella di San Michele Arcangelo a Semifonte

Strada Provinciale 50 Di San Donnino

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The history of Barberino is closely tied to the once powerful city of Semifonte, a nearby town that was completely destroyed by the Florentines in 1202 and the castle of Counts Alberti. The history of Semifonte is interesting, in the Middle Ages it was a large, important city and thus considered a great enemy by Florence. A power struggle persuded and the Florentines finally took action to definitely eliminate the threat. In a four year siege, Semifonte was conquered and completely destroyed. To prevent its reconstruction, Florence prohibited anyone from building on the site . . .for all time!Those who escaped death at Semifonte where sent to Barberino to reinforce both its defensive walls with the stones of the demolished castle and city, but also its population. Though it was forbidden to rebuild on the site of Semifonte, the Emperor was petitioned to make this concession to honor the long defunct town. The Chapel of San Michele Arcangelo (sometimes referred to as San Donnino) was built in 1597 by Santi di Tito, one of the most influential and leading Italian painters. However Tito also dabbled in architecture, and his choice for this chapel is a perfect 1:8 scale reproduction of the Cupola of the Cathedral of Florence. The Chapel serves as a reminder of the “inexistent city” .

Pieve di Sant'Appiano

Often cited as one of the oldest churches in Chianti, Sant'Appiano certainly is one of the more picturesque with the stone columns still standing before the facade. Set not far from Barberino, a visit here will inlcude not only a walk outdoors, but a visit to the interior of the church boasting Etruscan origins and the museum next door which provides several artifacts from the area and a brief history of the church.

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Pieve di Sant'Appiano

11 Einheimische empfehlen

Often cited as one of the oldest churches in Chianti, Sant'Appiano certainly is one of the more picturesque with the stone columns still standing before the facade. Set not far from Barberino, a visit here will inlcude not only a walk outdoors, but a visit to the interior of the church boasting Etruscan origins and the museum next door which provides several artifacts from the area and a brief history of the church.

Pisa

Pisa is a city that needs no particular introduction. With its iconic Leaning Tower, Pisa is one of the most known and appreciated cities of art in Italy. The city is located in the westernmost part of Tuscany, about 12 kilometers from the sea and the mouth of the Arno river that crosses it. Probably founded by the Etruscans in remote times, the city has always had a strong link with the sea and already in Roman times it was a port of primary importance. This role guaranteed it a growing strength during the Middle Ages until it established itself, starting from the 11th century, as a Maritime Republic. At that time Pisa managed to expand considerably, reaching with its ships and its merchants every corner of the Mediterranean Sea. This great expansion led to a series of clashes with the other great maritime republic of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Genoa, which culminated with the Battle of Meloria of 1284. The great battle ended with a clear victory for the Genoese and marked the beginning of a slow decline of the Pisans who had to watch their backs also from the other cities of Tuscany. Thanks to the sensational victory against the coalition led by Florence and Siena in the Battle of Montecatini in 1314, Pisa managed to maintain its autonomy until the end of the fourteenth century but, in 1406, it was definitively conquered by Florence. The golden age of the Maritime Republic has left the city of Pisa with a heritage of art and culture of the highest level. Those who want to visit the city can only start from the magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli, a real treasure chest, where the famous Tower of Pisa, the Duomo, the Battistero and the Camposanto Monumentale are located. Also inevitable is the walk along the Arno river where the delightful Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina, the Palazzo Reale and the Palazzo Blu are located, and a visit to Piazza dei Cavalieri where the Scuola Normale Superiore of Pisa is located. In the historic center of Pisa there are many other things to see such as the walls, the republican arsenals, the Giardino Scotto or Piazza delle Vettovaglie (home of the city market) and museums to visit such as that of San Matteo.

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Pisa

1133 Einheimische empfehlen

Pisa is a city that needs no particular introduction. With its iconic Leaning Tower, Pisa is one of the most known and appreciated cities of art in Italy. The city is located in the westernmost part of Tuscany, about 12 kilometers from the sea and the mouth of the Arno river that crosses it. Probably founded by the Etruscans in remote times, the city has always had a strong link with the sea and already in Roman times it was a port of primary importance. This role guaranteed it a growing strength during the Middle Ages until it established itself, starting from the 11th century, as a Maritime Republic. At that time Pisa managed to expand considerably, reaching with its ships and its merchants every corner of the Mediterranean Sea. This great expansion led to a series of clashes with the other great maritime republic of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Genoa, which culminated with the Battle of Meloria of 1284. The great battle ended with a clear victory for the Genoese and marked the beginning of a slow decline of the Pisans who had to watch their backs also from the other cities of Tuscany. Thanks to the sensational victory against the coalition led by Florence and Siena in the Battle of Montecatini in 1314, Pisa managed to maintain its autonomy until the end of the fourteenth century but, in 1406, it was definitively conquered by Florence. The golden age of the Maritime Republic has left the city of Pisa with a heritage of art and culture of the highest level. Those who want to visit the city can only start from the magnificent Piazza dei Miracoli, a real treasure chest, where the famous Tower of Pisa, the Duomo, the Battistero and the Camposanto Monumentale are located. Also inevitable is the walk along the Arno river where the delightful Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina, the Palazzo Reale and the Palazzo Blu are located, and a visit to Piazza dei Cavalieri where the Scuola Normale Superiore of Pisa is located. In the historic center of Pisa there are many other things to see such as the walls, the republican arsenals, the Giardino Scotto or Piazza delle Vettovaglie (home of the city market) and museums to visit such as that of San Matteo.

Colle di Val d'Elsa

Colle Val d’Elsa, the Italian capital of crystal Colle di val d’Elsa is a valuable medieval town located along the road between Florence and Siena, from which it is respectively about 50 and 25 km away. The documents begin to talk about Colle val d’Elsa since the tenth century. The city grew in importance in the following centuries and, above all because of its strategic position near the Via Francigena and the border between the territories of Florence and Siena, it often found itself involved in disputes and wars also with the other towns in the area. Having become a free municipality at the beginning of the thirteenth century, Colle was Ghibelline for a short period but then swore allegiance to the Guelph side. This stance attracted the ire of Siena, thus creating a situation of growing tension which culminated in the famous Battle of Colle Val d’Elsa in 1269. The battle saw the Guelph army of Colle and Florence, and the Ghibelline army of Siena, oppose each other. The Guelphs achieved a very important victory which had a major impact on the political balance of the region, especially considering that a few years earlier, in 1260, the important Battle of Montaperti was won by Siena. In the following centuries Colle was still involved in all those disputes that animated medieval Tuscany until, with the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, a long period of peace also began for Colle. With the unification of Italy the city found itself merged with the province of Siena and in 1862 its name was changed to Colle di Val d’Elsa. During the same period, the first crystal factory was opened, followed by others which helped make Colle Val d’Elsa the most important Italian center of crystal production.

148 Einheimische empfehlen

Colle di Val d'Elsa

148 Einheimische empfehlen

Colle Val d’Elsa, the Italian capital of crystal Colle di val d’Elsa is a valuable medieval town located along the road between Florence and Siena, from which it is respectively about 50 and 25 km away. The documents begin to talk about Colle val d’Elsa since the tenth century. The city grew in importance in the following centuries and, above all because of its strategic position near the Via Francigena and the border between the territories of Florence and Siena, it often found itself involved in disputes and wars also with the other towns in the area. Having become a free municipality at the beginning of the thirteenth century, Colle was Ghibelline for a short period but then swore allegiance to the Guelph side. This stance attracted the ire of Siena, thus creating a situation of growing tension which culminated in the famous Battle of Colle Val d’Elsa in 1269. The battle saw the Guelph army of Colle and Florence, and the Ghibelline army of Siena, oppose each other. The Guelphs achieved a very important victory which had a major impact on the political balance of the region, especially considering that a few years earlier, in 1260, the important Battle of Montaperti was won by Siena. In the following centuries Colle was still involved in all those disputes that animated medieval Tuscany until, with the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, a long period of peace also began for Colle. With the unification of Italy the city found itself merged with the province of Siena and in 1862 its name was changed to Colle di Val d’Elsa. During the same period, the first crystal factory was opened, followed by others which helped make Colle Val d’Elsa the most important Italian center of crystal production.

Emanuela's guide

Wineries in the area

Castello di Monsanto

Castello della Paneretta

Azienda Agricola Casa Emma

Fattoria Casa Sola

Tenuta Casanova

Azienda Agricola Poggio al Bosco

Top Rated Wineries

Cantine Antinori station

Tenuta Torciano

Podere La Marronaia

Castello di Verrazzano

Cooking class

poderi in chianti

Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda

Organic Tuscany Cooking Classes

SiChef Cooking Experience - Chianti Bistrot

Al Gelso Bianco

Osteria La Gramola

My favourite restaurants

Ristorante Triocco

La Sosta Di Pio VII

Ristorante La Fattoria

Osteria di Casa Chianti

L'Antica Quercia

La Vecchia Piazza

La Trattoria del Pesce

Ristoro L'Antica Scuderia

Ristorante Palazzo Pretorio

Osteria La Gramola

Rent a bike

Il Ciuchino Bike Shop di Mulas Alessio

Air Balloon

Balloonintuscany

Place to visit

Metropolitan City of Florence

Siena

San Gimignano

Monteriggioni

Certaldo

Badia a Passignano

Barberino Val d'Elsa

Volterra

San Donato

Cappella di San Michele Arcangelo a Semifonte

Pieve di Sant'Appiano

Pisa

Colle di Val d'Elsa