On the clearest days, from our panoramic terrace it is possible to see a walled city set on a hill: it is the castle of Monteriggioni, which stands at the point where the Chianti and Val d’Elsa meet, not far from the gates of the city of Siena. It is a small bulwark formerly disputed in the wars between Siena and Florence, even mentioned by Dante in the Divine Comedy.

The Val d’Elsa is crossed by the Via Francigena pilgrimage route and is an area rich in nature and hiking trails interspersed with very charming villages. The peculiarity of Monteriggioni, for example, lies precisely in having maintained the typical walled-castle shape within which a truly unique small village has developed.

Following in the footsteps of the pilgrim Sigeric, the famous archbishop of Canterbury who took the Via Francigena to Rme, we reach Colle Val d’Elsa also known as the city of crystal. The city is located on the banks of the Elsa River and hosts a wonderful protected natural area.

The tour of the Val d’Elsa, a journey through history and nature, must also include a visit to the famous city of San Gimignano: another splendid town that has been named an UNESCO world heritage site for its 14 remaining defensive towers that create an unforgettable skyline.

For an afternoon dedicated to nature and to cool off in the summer, don’t miss a dip in the Elsa River!