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Val d’Elsa

Val d’Elsa - Tuscany Val d’Elsa
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Being a very special Tuscan area, Val d’Elsa, the valley of the river Elsa, stretches to the west from Siena. Such old towns as San Gimignano, Poggibonsi, Monteriggioni, Radicondoli, Colle Val d’Elsa, Casole d’Elsa are concentrated in this area.

The towns of the valley started to develop rapidly at the time of the Middle Ages thanks to the trade route of the Via Francigena, the main road from Rome to France. While the last century the road map has changed with many towns of the valley left aside from the key highways. Poggibonsi, Monteriggioni, Colle Val d’Elsa have still remained to be in the busy transport area. Other locations have lost their former importance. However, they have preserved a more traditional life style and purity of nature.

The towns of San Gimignano and Monteriggioni can be truly considered the cultural gems of the Val d’Elsa valley. The oldest town of the area, Poggibonsi, has unquestionable cultural and historical value. Radicondoli, Colle, Casolle have their own charm.

The scenery of Radicondoli fascinates you just at first sight. Forests, vineyards, and old farms change each other on the hills. Strict and simple architecture of the medieval town meets the difficulties of the landscape. Thermal water springs are located on the outskirts of Radicondoli.

Colle Val d’Elsa is located on the border with the province of Pisa. The town has been famous for production of cut-glass since distant past. The technology of its production has been inherited from the Etruscans. The art has been improved through the centuries. Today cut-glass from Colle Val d’Elsa makes 98% of all cut-glass made in Italy.

The architectural sites of Casole d’Elsa date back to the times of the Via Francigena. However, the artistic glory of the town is connected with present time. The world famous Art Center of Verrocchio, Il Centro d'arte Verrocchio, is located in Casole d’ Elsa. Painting and sculpture classes as well as workshops and open airs are organized here. It is remarkable that classes are open for students of any age, experience and talent.

The Val d’Elsa is a charming old Tuscan area.
 

Photo: Julia Riabushkina

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