Central Tuscany is the area between Siena and Florence, west of Chianti. It is where Susan and Alan Wrightson found their house when moving to Tuscany in 1974 and hence is still the area we know best and where we have most of our properties. It is also, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful areas of Tuscany, with a soft and cultivated landscape, interspersed with large areas of forest. Show me properties in Central Tuscany
Casole d’Elsa
Casole d’Elsa is at the centre of Central Tuscany, and is perhaps the loveliest of the Tuscan hill villages, with approximately 1,000 inhabitants. There is one main street, and two village squares; one with the seminary and village well, the other with the ancient castle, still used as the Town Hall. This road becomes a delightful meeting place for locals and tourists alike. Whatever the reasons, somehow there is a very special community here – perhaps it is the proportion of the width of the street with the height of the buildings; perhaps it is the fascination of the alterations to the stone and brick buildings during Casole’s existence over the past two thousand years. Maybe it is the fortunate geographical position of Casole in relation to larger towns such as Florence, Colle Val d’Elsa and Siena, allowing for a flourishing local population with roots going back countless centuries. Some say that Tuscan hill villages were constructed on hilltops for defence, others that it was to avoid malarial mosquitoes.
Almost certainly, however, origins were religious. All this has had the very happy result of the particularly picturesque tradition of hill towns and villages topping the craggy hills of green Tuscany, enjoying panoramic views and developing a particular form of building suited to climbing down hillsides like the icing on a cake. These towns have small communities with a life of their own. There is a tangible sense of history living in the stones and in the faces of the population.
Self-sufficient in the past, the villages continue with a tradition of local craftsmanship. This continuance of village life has the happy effect of conserving numerous local festivals, from opera to horse races, wines to olive oil. Local specialities such as wild boar, mushrooms or whatever is in season, give an excuse for magical open air feasts, with dancing under the stars.In the evenings people gather in bars and squares, or sit out in the street, keeping an eye on the children and gossiping about everything and everyone.The views from these villages are mind-boggling, spreading out across the Tuscan countryside, which stretches and displays itself from lofty heights. There is a whole history to be seen in the Romanesque churches in villages with Pisan ñ Lucchese architecture and typical Lombard decoration, bearing witness to the important trade and religious routes established in this area. You can walk along many of these old roads with the help of marked routes.
Mensano
Mensano is a tiny medieval hill village in the hills west of Siena. Its charming, picturesque streets climb around between well-preserved buildings, some of which show clear Etruscan influence. It stands like a fortress commanding splendid views across the countryside. One little road winds up to the village. Most of the buildings to day are medieval, including the round bastions and walls dating from around 1100. Mensano is a particularly friendly little village and during the summer various activities take place, from classical concerts to street parties, dancing and donkey racing, which the local people take pride in inviting visitors to join. In early October the village and its inhabitants don medieval garb for a weekend celebration of the new wine harvest. It is a refreshing place to stay even in the height of summer, both in the well insulated house or outdoors where, at 450m. above sea level, there is a pleasant breeze.
Right at the top of this enchanting village is an open grassy, rocky area with a children’s playground and adults gossiping spot, perched on the very top of the hill. From here you can easily identify Radicondoli, Casole díElsa, Colle Val díElsa, San Gimignano, and towns in the Chianti hills, which are in turn backed by the distant mountains of the Apennines. On a clear winter’s day you can see the Pisan Alps in the far distance. Mensano has one of the best Romanesque churches in the district, its Pisan ñ Lucchese architecture and decoration, with typical Lombard decorated capitals, bearing witness to the important trade and religious routes established in this area.
Volterra
Volterra is one of the oldest cities in Italy. There was an Etruscan settlement in the 8th C. BC built on Villanovian foundations. The Etruscans developed thriving trades in metals alabaster and salt. Captured by the Romans in the 3rd century BC, it was sacked in 80 BC by Sulla. The Lombards favoured Volterra and it survived the Middle ages intact, but it was subsequently under Florentine domination until the unification of Italy in 1860. almost all the buildings are made of panchina, a kind if limestone related to alabaster for which Volterra is famous. The stone flagged streets and squares have wonderful buildings, such as the Palazzo dei Priori, the Cathedral, baptistery and square, a wealth of excellent restaurants and plenty of more portable attractions including alabaster goods and leather wear. Other attractions here are the Roman Theatre, and Porta all’Arco, the intact Etruscan entrance to the city. Also worth a visit is the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci in the heart of the city which has one of the most fascinating Etruscan collections in Italy. Funerary urns and wonderfully sculpted terracotta sarcophagus gve a glimpse into the views of life and death of a people about whom so little is known.
The austere medieval town centre is a fascinating maze of winding streets, connected with narrow arched alleys. concerts and festivities are organised all summer, and there is so much to see you don’t need to move. When you do, the coast is 40 minutes away: Comune di Volterra
Radicondoli
Radicondoli is an ancient Tuscan hill village, population 1.000, with Etruscan origins, which to-day retains a medieval aspect, yet provides good shopping and restaurant facilities along with an open air dancing on Saturday nights (during the summer) and a sports centre with a tennis court. A deservedly well renowned classical music programme is also held in the summer months.
Combine wine-tasting and a country drive through magnificent Tuscan landscapes on an afternoon wine tasting excursion.
