Borghi di Toscana Guida ai borghi e ai paesaggi della Toscana
What do you really expect from a vacation in Tuscany? Are you ready to discover a charming territory, the authentic aspect of this land?
So, let us guide you through the real Tuscany and explore the countryside between Montaione and Castelfalfi, the enticing area surrounding Villa Ciggiano and the Castelfalfi golf club, the best course in this region.
Let’s start from Iano di Montaione, it’s a very little charming medieval village that was important for the many caves of onyx. There are about forty houses, a typical restaurant and a little food shop. Obviously there is a church. It’s a nice place to start hiking in the countryside, here you have the possibility to walk along the via Francigena and many other medieval path. Take the possibility to discover the house of the fairy near Castelfalfi! It’s an ancient farmhouse partially recovered to be the setting of a part of Pinocchio, the movie by Roberto Benigni.
After a walk in the woods, or an horseback riding (it’s possible also to drive a quad in this area), you can have a peaceful lunch in Montaione. Visit the small village, you will love the ancient church, hosting a prestigious paint made by the Cimabue’s studio.
TUSCANY COUNTRYSIDE
If you want to live the most relaxing experience, move to Gambassi Terme, a small medieval village in which you could enjoy a beauty natural spa. This ancient town was once inhabited by Etruscans and Romans before becoming a resting place for pilgrims on the Via Francigena in the Middle Ages. This city was also very famous in the past for the glass production.
Just some kilometers far is the monastery of San Vivaldo, a Franciscan monastery build in honor of Vivaldo Stricchi. First they build a chapel in 1325 and since 1500, after the establishment of a Franciscan Minor Friars settlement. They “start to build a complex of chapels and churches reproducing the topography of the holy places of Jerusalem. Here the name The Jerusalem of Tuscany”.
Vivaldo Stricchi was born in 1260 in San Gimignano, which is about 18 kilometers far. You can decide to get the opportunity to drink a spritz or a glass of Vernaccia in one of the delightful bar located in the hearth of this little village.
We can suggest to sleep in Volterra and get up in the morning in one of the most important village of Tuscany, rich in art, cultural landmarks and Etruscan ruins. Enjoy the real authentic side of Tuscany!
