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farmhouse siena tuscany
Tuscany: the Siena area
Siena is a cultivated, proud Gothic town which welcomes tourists from
all over the world with the charm of its past and the wonders of its
nature. Vineyards and olive trees characterize the landscape, exalting
the local gastronomy, and creating the so called "slow food" culture.
The
territory around Siena is actually the best example of Tuscan regional
identity, rich in natural resources and productivity, beginning with
the famous "Chianti-shire" which extends north from Siena with its
precious vineyards. Terraced hills and valleys rich in rivers, castles,
churches and wonderful buildings dot the countryside.
Castles and
villages like Castelnuovo Berardenga, Castellina, Gaiole and Radda in
Chianti overlook the wonderful countryside, where we can still admire
extraordinary 18th century gardens in Arceno, Pontignano, Villa la
Pagliaia, Catignano, Geggiano and Sestano in the town Castelnuovo
Berardenga.
The Val d'Elsa valley is crossed by the historic Via
Francigena pilgrims' route, with many smaller roads which lead to the
sea. This area has been a strategic meeting point for merchants and
pilgrims going to Rome since the middle ages.
In the Val d'Elsa area
is San Gimignano, with its many towers, and Monteriggioni, which is
famous for its medieval city walls. The famous architect Arnolfo di
Cambio was born in Colle val d'Elsa, also known as the "crystal town".
The
Merse valley is rich in woods, waterways, nature routes and small
medieval churches and castles in Chiusino, Monticiano, Murlo and
Sovicille.
The northern side of river Merse belongs to the nature
reserve of Alta Merse, while the river Farma flows along the valley to
meet the Merse and Ombrone, reaching the famous thermal baths by
Petriolo, already famous in the days of the Pope Pius XII.
During
the middle ages, this area was often chosen by religious men and
hermits because of its peaceful quietness and a lot of beautiful abbeys
still bear witness to this tradition, like the Cistercian abbey of San
Galgano by the town of Chiusdino (near farmhouse Colli di Travale).
South of Siena we find the world
famous district called "Crete senesi", an unusual natural landscape
created by prehistoric erosions on sand and clay. This special "lunar
landscape" is the perfect backdrop for small medieval villages like
Asciano, Buonconvento, Monteroni d'Arbia, Rapolano Terme and San
Giovanni d'Asso.
The neighbouring valley, Val d'Orcia, offers a
gentle landscape rich in hills and cypresses. The river Orcia flows
through the valley and woods, while many interesting old towns are
situated along the medieval route of the road Via Cassia. For example
Radicofani, Castiglione and San Quirico d'Orcia, and then – towards Val
di Chiana – Pienza and Montepulciano.
This is the home of the famous
red wine, Brunello di Montalcino. It is also famous for its spas,
thanks to the ancient thermal baths at Bagno Vignoni and Bagni San
Filippo.
Great wines in Montepulciano, salami in Sinalunga and the
healing waters by Chianciano Terme, Montepulciano and San Casciano dei
Bagni: the whole valley Val di Chiana is a cradle for wellbeing and
taste. History has always played an important role here: interesting
prehistoric finds near Mount Cetona bear witness to a millenarian life
in the valley.
The cave called "Lattaia" was the site of an ancient
water worship. Local water was actually believed to help mothers during
the lactation. Inside the so called St. Francis' cave there were old
fireplaces and burned remains of legumes and cereals.
Mount Amiata
(1738 Mt.) overlooks the valley Val d'Orcia (Montepulciano, Pienza e
Montalcino) in the southern part of the province, with the hills by
Chianciano and Chiusi and the great plain of Maremma. The woods in this
area was inhabited as far back as Etruscan times and the region was
crossed by the medieval pilgrims' road Via Francigena.
The region
today is a well known tourist destination and a famous ski resort,
thanks to its numerous slopes and tracks for cross country skiing. The
ski lift links the mountain to the valley going through wonderful
chestnut trees and beeches.
The small neighbouring town Piancastagnaio gets its name from the several chestnut groves in this area.
Tuscany: Cornate and Fosini Natural Reserve
(near farmhouse Colli di Travale)
The unique environmental climate of this reserve
between Siena and Grosseto sets it apart from other reserves
879 hectares, near Radicondoli , Montieri (Grosseto district) and farmhouse Colli di Travale
The
Cornate a Fosini Nature Reserve is just west of the town of Chiusino
and to the east of the Metallifere hills. It includes one of the only
mountainous territories in southern Tuscany and is where the river
Cecina originates from. The protected area sits between the districts
of Siena and Grosseto and its borders run along the Cornate ridge
(1066m altitude) and Poggio Mutti (808m altitude). To the north the
reserve edges along the foot of the hills on which the suggestive
Fosini Castle is perched. There are many grass species on the rocky
peaks of the Cornate mountains and rich woodland on their slopes. Many
species of grasses and plants grow in areas of the reserve which used
to be used as grazing pastures and several rare plants and flowers such
as the rock splitting carnations, beautiful yellow violets and Etruscan
violets can be found.
The reserve also provides the perfect
environment for the exceptionally rare peregrine falcon and lanner
falcon. These birds of prey find rich pickings among the reserve’s
rocky outcrops and vast open areas.
Tuscany: a farmhouse holyday with the family
A holiday that gives you the chance to rediscover
the pace and the products of the countryside
Farmhouse
stay holidays are particularly good for families, thanks to the
relaxing and restful settings, the open spaces for children to run
around in and for the opportunity they give to witness farming and
agriculture first hand.
Farmhouse stay holidays can provide the most
thrilling and unexpected experiences like watching a chick being born,
the first attempts of a foal or lamb to stand up on its feet, taking
part in grape harvesting or in olive crushing, safely observing how
honey is collected from a beehive, making cheese or salting ham.
These
are all activities that help develop and reinforce, both in children as
well as in many adults, an awareness of the origins of food and an
understanding of the laws of nature.
For this reason a farmhouse holiday has
an important educational value and is a precious means for establishing
a sense of collaboration and satisfaction in “accomplishing tasks
together”. This is a concept which is too often lost in today’s
frenzied pace of life. The farms particularly interested in welcoming
families with pets and providing demonstrations and educational
experiences based on agricultural activities must satisfy certain
regulated requirements: the guests must be put up by the owner or by a
member of the family; first-hand accounts attesting to the family and
farm history; an educational programme both for adults and children on
the activities on the farm and for the discovery of the surrounding
area must be provided (with educational and support material); there
must be sufficient space both inside and outside; the farm must be
quipped with everything necessary for practical training and lessons;
pets must be allowed in the guests’ area and in communal spaces; a
fenced area for guests’ dogs and information on the veterinary services
available in the area must be made available to guarantee the
well-being and the health of pets.
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