Tuscany

In the surrounding areas, there are rural churches, remains of fortresses and the majestic Castle Sillana, buildings of historical value surrounded by landscapes of rare beauty. We strongly recommend two tours: The Nature Reserves of Berignone and Monterufoli with many forests, streams and remains of old mines and the grand tour of geothermal energy, a 140 km route in the area known as “Devil’s Valley” due to numerous natural geysers and a high level of geothermal activity. The land has been traditionally used for farming but also for the breeding of some native species such as the lamb of Pomarance and the small horse of Monterufolino. Close

In the 11th and 12th centuries, it was a feud of the Bishops of Volterra and in 1260 came under the rule of the Sienese. Being a place of strategic interest, to defend it from outside attacks, it was subsequently necessary to erect new fortifications, including two round towers that still exist today, taking on the features of a village surrounded by its walls.

The medieval village has also been awarded the Touring Club’s Orange Flag.

The first thing to visit in Casole d’Elsa is the city walls, where a contemporary soul is hidden, consisting of the Arte Viva art gallery. Strongly desired by the artist Giuseppe Ciani, it represents a magnificent collection of drawings and paintings by children from all over the province.

The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the 12th century in the Romanesque-Gothic style, stands out among the fine buildings in the historic centre.

Next to the Collegiate Church is the Rectory, today home to the Archaeological Museum of the Collegiate Church, where one can discover the history of the town and the surrounding area with archaeological finds from the Etruscan period and paintings and sculptures from the Sienese school from the 14th to the 16th century.

In the best Sienese tradition, the Palio di Sant’Isidro is also run here, an unmissable event every summer, during which a horse race is held that awards victory to one of the six participating contrade, with side events throughout the village and a craft market.

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