The hills of Tuscany

Colle Val d'Elsa, also called "city of the crystal", because of its evolution of the glass production in the year 1331, that developed itself during the 19th century in crystal production, which is today the most important industrial activity. Here is also located the crystal museum with unique, antique and present works of art from the artists of Colle di Val d'Elsa.

On discovery by the village, which demands a pleasant however hard walk, you cross the three different and independent local parts: the "Borgo of Santa Caterina", the "Castello di Piticciano" and the "Piano". Each one is rich of historical buildings like the Palazzo Pretorio where today has the place the archaeological museum which keeps important pieces of Etruscan findings.

Monteriggioni receives us with its stately, majestic and almost perfectly conserved city wall. Once there was 15 towers projected over the wall. Today only 11 are still visible. The castle of Monteriggioni, builds around the 13th century, is surrounded by many legends those tells about subterranean dikes and secret gangways... Someone talks even about an underground way, which leads until Siena.

The impression here is that the time stands still and the population until today follow the slow rhythm with value on the farmer culture in harmony with the nature. The small centre of the village collects itself around the beautiful parish church dates back to the end of the 19th century. In the village there are many shopkeepers of Chianti-wine and characteristic shops of handicrafts and antique dealing.