The small Tuscany villages, are the cradle of folk traditions of the Belpaese. They are like tiny treasure chests that hide innumerable precious stones inside them. The clock hands here seem to run slower, the atmosphere around is filled with sounds that relax the mind, nature lights up the colors of every season. In short, if relaxation, good food and good wine are the priorities of your trip, there is no better choice than a trip to Tuscany to visit some of its most characteristic villages. Here are, in our opinion, some of the best villages of Tuscany, to put on the list of things to do for your next Tuscan tour with Dragonfly Tours.
Between Val di Chiana and Val d’Orcia to Montepulciano
Almost 14 thousand inhabitants fill the streets of Montepulciano, a medieval town in the province of Siena, nestled between the Val d’Orcia and the Valdichiana.
Founded by the Etruscans, today it is a popular tourist destination: some choose it because the famous wine, Montepulciano DOCG, comes from its vineyards, and others because the monuments that it hides making strolling through its streets a true pleasure. Montepulciano’s Duomo is also renowned, as the principal place of worship preserves artworks that are appreciated all over the world.
Often tourists love to attend an event that is a tradition in Montepulciano. It takes place on the last Sunday of August, in honor of the patron saint San Giovanni Decollato: the Bravìo delle Botti. It is a very special race in which 8 neighborhoods of the city compete with “barrels”. Let us explain better: teams of strong men and women roll large 80 kg barrels up and down the streets of the village, until the finish line in the charming Piazza Grande, and then celebrate all together with good wine and good food. If you are near Siena you shouldn’t miss this unusual day.
Volterra
Following the suggestions of Dragonfly about which medieval Tuscan villages to see, we move to Volterra.
You have already heard of it if you are a fan of the Twilight saga: in the stories, Volterra was the home of the Volturi, the original lineage of vampires. Fantasy aside, Volterra, with just over 10 thousand inhabitants, surrounded by medieval walls, which include the admired Porta dell’Arco, is famous for its alabaster.
Here too the “oddities” in contrast to its magical and suspended atmosphere are not lacking. In autumn, the last Sunday of October, in the streets of the town you will see traditional large round forms of cheese rolling around. It is a custom handed down by the ancient Etruscans whose symbolism is related to the traditions of this land, and today it is certainly one of the most anticipated events: obviously, the winner is whoever manages to complete the obstacle race in the shortest time!
San Gimignano and its Unesco Heritage Towers
Another village, another discovery! San Gimignano is the city of 100 towers. Some say that there are 100, others 72, but there is no doubt that the urban landscape of the village is characterized by its height, where the towers are drawn against the sky.
Why so many? Because the towers were seen not only as an affirmation of the power of each family but also as shelter, a control tower, a place to keep resources for the winter. In short, their functions were most varied, but the taller the tower, the more prestigious the family that lived there.
Today, out of the dozens and dozens of buildings, there are only a few that are worth visiting: the Torre Grossa, 54m high, is the most impressive, while the oldest is the Torre Rognosa. And with such an unusual heritage, there is no doubt that San Gimignano and each of its bricks are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
If you want to lose yourself in an out-of-the-ordinary landscape, this is the place worth visiting.
Montalcino home of Brunello
We close this short review with a small village of just under 6,000 inhabitants that is famous everywhere: this is where one of the most prestigious wines in the world is born, the Brunello di Montalcino. A medieval village par excellence, surrounded by a wall that extends from a fairytale castle, Montalcino is an enchanted place nestled in the Val d’Orcia Natural Park. But here past and present live together in the many events that the small village hosts, like the Jazz & Wine Festival, which populates the streets in July. What’s better than good music and excellent wine to spend your holiday in Italy? Between food and Brunello Montalcino, this is what’s right for you.
Book now, your five senses will thank you!