Casole d'Elsa
Casole d' Elsa is a village characterised mainly by its buildings of ancient brick, placed on the ridge of a hill from where one can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view.
Casole d' Elsa is a village characterised mainly by its buildings of ancient brick, placed on the ridge of a hill from where one can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view.
Originally an etruscan settlement and then a domain of the bishop of Volterra, casole passed in the first half of the 13th century under the control of Siena, in spite of the various rebellions provoked by the Porrina family for all of the first half of the next century. The sienese repeatedly reinforced and brought up to date the fortifications bacause of its defensive position. Casole's "terra" ( as a centre of habitation enclosed by walls used to be called in medievfal times) had an almost pear-like shape, extenging south to north for 420 metres and of a maximum width of about 130 meters. All around the confines ran the enclosing walls, a great part of which is still visible today particularly along the western side, through sometimes incorporated in the walls of the houses.
The main street runs south to north through the center, connecting the two gateways of the village: "Porta Rivellino" to the south , "Porta ai Frati " to the north. These two gateways no longer exist today; Rivellino was blown up by the nazis in the second word war.
La Rocca is the most important civil building in Casole, today the seat of the Town Hall. An imposing quadrangular edifice with a massive stone tower in the northern corner and another smaller one at slight angle at the opposite corner. To the sides of the main entrance are still visible some well preserved arrow slits. Over the course of time there have been numerous alterations, giving the building a much changed aspect, although conserving the sense of the volume.
The Castle (or Rocca)
Original Etruscan takeover, in the year 1200 Casole passed under the dominion of the Bishop of Volterra, that erected the primitive fortifications of the town. This place was always a stronghold in the Sienese orbit, crowning a hill in a border zone, the high Val of Elsa, sourly contended between Volterra and Florence for its strategic position, 15 Km. from Colle Val d' Elsa, 25 Km. from S.Gimignano and Volterra. The same inhabitants of Siena took care of the fortification of the city walls and the strengthening of the Castle.
The Town Walls of Casole have an elliptic shape, covering an extension of about 420 for 130 meters. The curtains were endowed by two Gates, now both destroyed. At South, just under the Castle, was the Rivellino Gate (Porta del Rivellino), demolished during the world war II by the German troops, at north the Frati Gate (Porta ai Frati).
The western front of the city walls (for great part still intact although incorporated in the houses) looking at the Val d'Elsa is characterized by two big semi-circular towers built in 1481. They were planned by the great Sienese architect Francisco di Giorgio Martini in order to fortify the original defensive structures, of which the Castle represents the maximum expression.
The Castle (or Rocca) stand on the south side of the town-walls and is currently seat of the Municipality of Casole. It was erected in 1352 and later on strengthened by two towers, of square shape and crowned by Guelph battlements. The beautiful gothic portal with lowered pointed arc crowned by the coat of arms of Siena keeps interesting arrow slits on each side.
On the still intact part of the walled curtain, built in red bricks but characterized by the insertions of horizontal decorations in stone, are still recognizable the rests of the machicolation supported by brackets with the shape of an overturned pyramid.
All the southern external side (joined at the city walls) of the Castle is disappeared. The alternation of stone and brick along all the perimeter of the building evidences the many alteration carried on in the centuries.
Still today Casole conserves the atmospheres of last outpost and everywhere are visible rests of fortifications and palaces slowly adapted in the time to the needs of men. With alleys, public squares and medieval palaces it is one of the more fascinating villages of the Val d' Elsa.
Casole D'Elsa: discover the surroundings
Accommodations in the area
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- Colle Val D'Elsa (Siena)
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8 km from Casole D'Elsa
La Pieve
La Pieve, charming farmhouse located on the hills of Val d'Elsa, between Volterra and San Gimignano, along the Via Francigena, in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, with its luxuriant nature and rich history.
Availability request
Framed by olive trees and a wood, it fosters a direct dialogue with nature in complete relaxation where they contemplate and enjoy the stillness in private and unique spaces. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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14 km from Casole D'Elsa
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto
Agriturismo Villa il Palagetto located in the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside.
Availability request
Provides comfortable accommodation in 6 double bedrooms and two Suites -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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17 km from Casole D'Elsa
Agriturismo la Lucciolaia
In the vicinity of the medieval centre of San Gimignano, nestled in the rolling hills of the gorgeous Tuscan countryside, Agriturismo La Lucciolaia is perfectly located for exploring Tuscany's most prized art towns.
Availability request
This ancient farmhouse has been recently renovated and divided into eleven double rooms and two Suites, where the magic atmosphere of past times is perfectly blended with modern comforts. -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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19 km from Casole D'Elsa
Agriturismo Cesani
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano.
Availability request
Azienda Agricola Biologica Cesani is an organic farm nestled in the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, in the tiny country hamlet of Pancole, 6 km to the medieval town of San Gimignano. -
- Siena (Siena)
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22 km from Casole D'Elsa
Agriturismo Marciano
Agriturimo Marciano : an exlusive opportunity, two holidays at the place of only one. stay in the country and life downtown. Marciano is located near the walls of the Middle Age town of Siena.
Availability request
Five confortable double rooms and a suite with a beautiful sight on the Siena Duomo -
- Greve in Chianti (Florence)
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39 km from Casole D'Elsa
Villa Chianti 7 beds
Villa Chianti is a private villa for rent in Chianti area with pool and garden that can accommodate up to 7 people.
Availability request
An oasis of peace and tranquility with views of the Chianti valleys not far from the main tourist attractions of Tuscany. -
- Firenze (Florence)
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48 km from Casole D'Elsa
Marignolle relais & charme
The charming Marignolle Relais & Charme, nestled the hills of Florence, is the ideal solution for those who want a place of excellence and relaxation and love peace and privacy without the amenities of a luxury hotel.
Booking ONLINE
Marignolle Relais & Charme is especially appreciated by travelers looking for style and tradition by offering deluxe rooms or junior suites in a refined, with superior comforts and impeccable services that make this relais an excellence of Florence. -
- Bagno a Ripoli (Florence)
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55 km from Casole D'Elsa
Villa Valdarno 12 beds
Villa Valdarno is a typical Tuscan farmhouse located in a secluded and peaceful area in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, among vineyards and olive groves, and enjoys a privileged panoramic view of the Florentine Valdarno.
Availability request
The ideal solution for groups of friends or acquaintances who wish to spend their holidays in Tuscany with the comforts of a detached villa with swimming pool and large garden. -
- Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto)
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63 km from Casole D'Elsa
Villa Punta Ala 9 beds pool
Beautiful villa with swimming pool surrounded by greenery and tranquility of the exclusive tourist destination Punta Ala and small attic used as service personnel only 300 meters from the sea of Tuscany.
Availability request
This ideal solution for those who want to spend their holidays near the beautiful sea of Punta Ala with the comforts of an exclusive villa. -
- Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto)
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64 km from Casole D'Elsa
Villa Roccamare Castiglione della Pescaia 12 beds
Beautiful and characteristic villa with stone finishes located in the exclusive Roccamare area in Castiglione della Pescaia.
Availability request
Surrounded by the green of the pine forest and the total privacy with 2000 sqm park equipped with relaxation area and barbecue is located about 400 meters from the sea and has a private beach. -
- Montepulciano (Siena)
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67 km from Casole D'Elsa
Agriturismo le Caggiole
Immersed in the verdant countryside around the noble town of Montepulciano, that boasts ancient Etruscan origins, Le Caggiole Estate is perfectly located for exploring Tuscany's most prized treasures.
Booking ONLINE
In a relaxing and cosy atmosphere uests are offered three comfortable, quiet double rooms with private bathrooms and two comfortable apartments for two persons and for small family groups. -
- Lucca (Lucca)
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75 km from Casole D'Elsa
Historic Villa Lucca 12 beds pool
Historic villa 14 km from the center of Lucca immersed in the green of the Tuscan vineyards and olive groves, it has a private swimming pool and a large park.
Availability request
Set on 350 square meters in a dominant position offers a unique view of the hills of Tuscany. -
- Massarosa (Lucca)
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81 km from Casole D'Elsa
Stone Farmhouse Massarosa 8 beds pool
Stone farmhouse in typical Tuscan style skilfully and elegantly renovated in a dominant position on the hills of Massarosa with spectacular views that reach the sea of Tuscany. The farmhouse has a swimming pool with whirlpool.
Availability request
Perfect solution for those that search the real authentic Tuscany staying in the hills but not far from the Versilia sea. -
- Viareggio (Lucca)
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82 km from Casole D'Elsa
Villa Torre del Lago 5 beds
Typical Tuscan farmhouse for rent in Torre del Lago, Massaciuccoli area with 3 bedrooms and 5 beds, just 1 km from the Tuscany coast.
Availability request
Ideal solution for small groups or families looking for a villa for rent not far from the sea in a context of absolute privacy. -
- Massarosa (Lucca)
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85 km from Casole D'Elsa
Farmhouse Massarosa 14 beds pool
Beautiful ancient Tuscan farmhouse completely renovated located on Tuscan hills 10 km from the golf course of Versilia. The villa can accommodate up to 14 people.
Availability request
An oasis of peace for those looking for a stay in the Tuscan hills while staying close to the sea. Perfect for a relaxing holiday in close contact with nature.
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