Elsa Valley

There Elsa Valley it is the valley of the Elsa River which originates from the western side of the Montagnola Senese, between Siena and Radicondoli. Its borders are, to the west, the Cecina Valley, in the Volterra area; to the east, the Chianti; to the south, the Merse Valley; to the north, the ValdarnoIt is also divided into two areas: the Upper and Lower Valdelsa.

One of the lesser-known but most beautiful areas of Tuscany

There Elsa Valley It may not be an area as well-known or celebrated as others but, let's face it, it is one of the most beautiful in TuscanyAlong the course of the river there are numerous castles And historic villages, some of which are among the most famous in the entire region.

It is difficult to talk about the Val d'Elsa without talking about the suggestive Via Volterrana which, starting from Florence in the direction of Volterra, constitutes its main artery. Once upon a time salt road (used for the transport of salt) which it connected Piombino to Fiesole, until the advent of the FI-PI-LI, in the 90s, it was mainly used by Florentines to go to the seaside. Now that the highway has taken away a lot of traffic it is a an even more fascinating path to do in beating heart of Tuscany.

The villages of the Val d'Elsa

Arrived at Montespertoli, the road, runs along green ridges of hills to descend to Castelfiorentino, at the intersection with the Via Francigena. After leaving, on the right, Montaione, goes up towards Gambassi Terme, ancient panoramic village.

On the Florentine side, the Val d'Elsa continues towards Certaldo, the birthplace of Boccaccio and the "sweet" onion. A medieval village of great charm, it boasts a majestic Praetorian Palace, and is rich in cultural events.

From here, along the Via Francigena, you cannot help but take a trip to Monteriggioni, a rare example of medieval architecture fully preserved, with its ssplendid city walls and the 14 quadrilateral towers. And immediately after, a proper visit is required San Gimignano, another Tuscan pearl very famous in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an exceptional testimony of medieval civilization, known for its towers, over 70 in the Middle Ages (now “only” 14”), and for the famous Vernaccia.

Continuing on the Volterrana you arrive at Colle Val d'Elsa - today home of crystal production, therefore Casole d'Elsa, an ancient Etruscan settlement nestled on the ridge of a hill with a picturesque panoramic view of the Sienese countryside. The city walls, the two round towers, the fortress, and the 14th-century fort all make it a delightful destination with an ancient medieval feel.

But to be able to say that you have really seen the Val d'Elsto you have to get to Volterra, a wonderful village that preserves wonderful vestiges from the Etruscan, Roman, medieval and Renaissance periods. The route combines panoramas of rare beauty in every season, and you are amazed by the gigantic installations of the artist from Volterra, Mauro Staccioli, considered one of the fathers of thecontemporary art.