The surroundings of Tignano…Casole d’Elsa

This time I have thought to write something about the surroundings of the vacation rental Lia & Angelo’s, because it is located in a strategic point between the province of Siena and Pisa.

But since we are only 7 Km away from a location called Casole d’Elsa, I will tell you something about this nice medieval place…

How to reach it :

By car:  From Florence – Florence-Rome motorway A1 exit Firenze Certosa, then the Firenze-Siena towards Siena and exit at Colle di Val d’Elsa Nord, follow the signs to Casole D’Elsa.
From Rome – Highway A1 exit Val di Chiana, direction Siena, take the Siena–Florence in Florence and exit at Colle di Val d’Elsa Sud, then follow the signs to Casole d’Elsa.

By train: The nearest railway station is Siena where you can catch the bus service, but the public transportation is perfect if you stay in Siena not to go somewhere else. I think that the ideal solution is by car to have the freedom to go everywhere!

Historical notes about Casole d’Elsa :

This small village is situated on a rocky outcrop in the Val d’Elsa, one of the most beautiful and evocative of Tuscany.
Its origins date back to Roman times and the times of the Republic of Siena, Casole d’Elsa was an outpost of great strategic importance that confirms the rule with the victory of Montaperti in 1260, but returned to the Florentines six years later.
During the ‘300 Casole d’Elsa refines his commercial vein, develops construction, expanding the Gothic Romanesque church of S. Maria Assunta and building the new Sienese Keep.  A new settlement mendicant Order of Friars Servants of Santa Maria, located at 1327 outside the walls of the castle of Casole.

What doing in Casole d’Elsa :

Casole d’Elsa is not advertised properly in the city guides and tourist magazines, and it is a real shame!

Each his own way, shady and spotless, speaks of the love of its inhabitants for these old walls and its young artists.
The red brick walls are enlivened by dozens and dozens of small and large ceramic tiles that show children’s drawings, evidently well guided on the path of art.
No graffiti, no advertising, but flowers on the sides and on the steps of the little doors, small shops of delicious local produce.
Scent of good things for lunchtime invade the streets and invite visitors in the traditional trattorias where it is possible to have a delicious meal without spending too much!
Looking out from the walls of Casole d’Elsa you can enjoy a landscape that looks like a palette of greens and ocher: the time magically stops while listening to the larks singing lead up to the clouds.

How far are the other Tuscan cities :
Siena …………… 36 Km
Florence ………… 65.8 Km
Grosseto ………. 90 Km
Arezzo …………. 129 Km
Pisa ……………… 160 Km