What to do
Chianni and Pieve di Rivalto
The origin of the village of Chianni is Etruscan, given the finds of tombs that testify to the period. Due to its geographical position, Chianni was a medieval castle often disputed between Pisa, Volterra and Florence. The territory of Chianni is delimited by the Sterza stream and surrounded by Turkey oak, oak and chestnut woods which give an undergrowth rich in wild plants, with damp and cool soil.
Nearby is the medieval village of Rivalto, home of the Relais Maria Cristina. Rivalto – whose name probably derives from the Rio Maggiore torrent, “rio alto”, which has its origin from a hillock half a mile from the town – was an ancient fortress whose houses were built on the ruins of the ancient parish church dedicated to Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo, demolished in 1787. In that area today a wrought iron cross stands, testifying to the presence of a place of worship.
Volterra
disance 34 km
The city of Volterra is perched on a high hill between the Val d’Era and the Val di Cecina. Located in the heart of Tuscany, Volterra is a must for any tourist.
Jewel of Etruscan, Roman and medieval art, it is one of the most important tourist centres in Tuscany both for the richness of its monuments which include thirty centuries of history, and for the working of alabaster, a typical and traditional product of the craftsmanship of the area.
San Gimignano
distance 65 km
The village of San Gimignano is a town full of charm and history that is located almost halfway between Florence and Siena. The city was built on a hill and enjoys a privileged view of the Tuscan countryside. As evidenced by various historical finds, it was inhabited since the Etruscan and Hellenistic periods.
In the Middle Ages it experienced its most flourishing period, also thanks to the fact that it was crossed by the Via Francigena, one of the main communication routes of the time. The city was embellished with seventy towers, built by many wealthy families to show off their wealth and power. Even today, the fourteen remaining towers characterize the city centre and make the profile of San Gimignano unique and recognizable, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990.
Pisa
distance 45 km
Pisa is an extraordinary city that needs to be given the right amount of attention. When thinking of Pisa, the first thing that comes to mind is the famous Leaning Tower: all tourists are fascinated by the sight of this phenomenon, but the Tuscan city is not only that and contains architectural and artistic masterpieces of inestimable value.
While walking through the streets of the historic centre of Pisa, you can admire immense squares, alleys steeped in history, Renaissance palaces and also medieval towers. Not to mention the beautiful churches, in Romanesque but also Gothic style and the fascinating walk along the Arno.
Siena
distance 85 km
Siena is one of the most loved and visited cities in Tuscany, a place rich in history and art, but also in strong traditions, mainly linked to the city quarters and the famous Palio. In the heart of the city, you will find the marvellous Piazza del Campo, one of the symbols of the city.
You can continue towards the Duomo. In the area between Piazza del Campo and the Cathedral you will find the main attractions of the city and there you will most likely spend most of your time.
Firenze
distance 85 km
Florence is indisputably the most famous Tuscan city in the world. Every year millions of people arrive in the “cradle of the Renaissance”, visit the main museums of the city, walk through its streets admiring its monuments, churches, palaces and places of interest.
There are so many things to see in Florence, counting both the truly unmissable attractions and those known only by a few. Florence is the destination that cannot be missed on any trip to Tuscany.
Tuscany coast
distance 37 km
Between the sea and the mountains there is a Tuscany where the sea air mixes with the scents of the hinterland, where the coastal towns overlook the villages perched on the hillocks. Here is a selection of the most beautiful seaside towns to visit on your next vacation.
And the monuments, squares and churches that absolutely deserve a stop. From Versilia to Maremma it is a continuous, wonderful, surprise. The coast of Tuscany is 500 km long, winding through sand, rocks, promontories and crystalline waters, winners of many Blue Flags.
