Tuscany Holidays

Colle Val d`Elsa @ The Town of Crystal and of Arnolfo di Cambio

In the Middle Ages, when it was under the jurisdiction of the Bishops of Volterra, Colle Val d`Elsa flourished thanks to its strategic position along the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage route connecting north-western countries with Rome. In the 12th century Colle Val d`Elsa became a free Commune. Siena and Florence harshly struggled for the possession of this small town, which eventually Florence managed to conquer. In 1592 Colle Val d`Elsa was elevated to the rank of town and became an Episcopal town.

Colle Val d`Elsa was the birthplace of the architect and sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio, of the painter Cennino Cennini and of the writer Romano Bilenchi.