Foiano della Chiana
Evidence of Etruscan settlements of the VI-IV centuries BC testify to the ancient origins of Foiano and the nearby town of Pozzo della Chiana.
History
Evidence of Etruscan settlements of the VI-IV centuries BC testify to the ancient origins of Foiano and the nearby town of Pozzo della Chiana. After a century of Aretine control, the castle of Foiano in 1337 came under the dominion of the Florentine Republic, which restored the pre-existing octagonal city walls, built in red brick with high towers. Fought over for almost a century by Florence and Arezzo, in 1387, Foiano drew up its first town statute. In 1436 the nearby town of Pozzo was made part of Foiano by the Florentine Republic, despite the constant rebellions of its inhabitants. In 1525 the work of reclaiming and draining the Valdichiana for agriculture began under the Medici Grandukes and continued under the Lorraine dynasty until its completion in 1886. In 1789 the French troops invaded the Valdichiana. Following the Unification of Italy, Foiano was among the first towns to elect a city council through a popular vote. During the Fascist period, a number of clandestine associations were formed in Foiano which set out to oppose the regime and found their raison d’etre in the fight for freedom of the Resistance.
The municipality of Foiano has as its heraldic symbol, "a golden Florentine lily on a red field". The oldest reference to the heraldic symbol of the municipality of Foiano as "a Florentine lily without frills" is from the 15th Century and consists of a beautiful bronze seal conserved at the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art in Arezzo. In 1453 in fact, the Republic of Florence allowed Foiano to proudly display the symbol of Florence and the title "nobiles viri" as thanks for the Foianese strenuous resistance during the long siege of the castle by Napolitan troops the preceeding year. According to some historians the symbol also alludes to the ancient name of the place known as "Floriano".
Art and History
Foiano and the nearby town of Pozzo boast ancient origins that date back to Etruscan times between the VI and IV centuries BC. Roman remains, have been discovered at "La Cisternella" not far from the town centre. This is an area both rich in history and long-established traditions, as well as an artistic heritage that includes such diverse artistic personalities as Andrea and Giovanni della Robbia, Luca Signorelli and Pomarancio. The presence of a number of important della Robbian works in Foiano (both altarpieces and statues) give the town the character of a small and charming della Robbian museum. One of the works that stands out is the "Madonna of the Girdle" in the Collegiate Church of San Martino, one of the most fully realized of Andrea della Robbia’s works. Also worth mentioning are the "Madonna and Child" in the church of S. Eufemia, "The Ascension" in the Church of S. Domenico, the "Holy Women" group and the "Christ surrounded by Angels" in the Church of S. Francesco. The 16th century is represented by the large altarpiece by Luca Signorelli of the "Coronation of the Virgin" in the Collegiate Church of S. Martino, which demonstrates the artist’s peculiarly expressive qualities. While at the end of the 16th/early 17th century, the artist Antonio Cercignani, "Il Pomarancio" (1562-1629) painted two large altarpieces, one in oil on canvas of the "Holy Trinity with Angels and Saints" in the church of S. Trinita, and the other a "Madonna and Child" in the Collegiate Church of S. Martino. However, it is above all the churches, civic buildings and walls of Foiano that give the town an unusual beauty , created in particular by the use of red brick as the predominant bulding material.
Visit Foiano della Chiana:
Chiesa di San Francesco
The church which was built at the end of the XV century conserves an altarpiece in terracotta by Andrea della Robbia.
Collegiata di San Martino
Built between the XVI and the XVIII cent. it contains a glazed terracotta by Andrea della Robbia Madonna della Cintola and an Incoronazione della Vergine e Santi by Luca Signorelli.
Tempio di Santa Maria alla Vittoria
Some kilometres from the historic centre towards Pozzo della Chiana stands, isolated, the XVI century Tempietto commissioned by Cosimo I as a symbol of the victory over the Sienese in the Battle of Scannagallo.
Chiesa dei SS. Domenico e Michele Arcangelo
Built in the XV century and restructured in the XVII century it conserves a Madonna del Rosario by Lorenzo Lippi (XVII cent.) and a terracotta showing L'Ascensione by Andrea and Giovanni della Robbia.
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Fraternita
Dating back to the XVI cent. with valuable wooden lacunar ceiling, it contains a glazed terracotta by Andrea della Robbia Madonna con Bambino .
Chiesa di Santa Cecilia
Originally a small oratory, the church was rebuilt in the sixteenth century and enlarged in the seventeenth century.
Foiano della Chiana: discover the surroundings
Accommodations in the area
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- Montepulciano (Siena)
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15 km from Foiano della Chiana
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. -
- Cortona (Arezzo)
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24 km from Foiano della Chiana
Rocca di Pierle
Set within the green hills of Tuscany, a few kilometers away from the old Etruscan town of Cortona farmhouse Rocca di Pierle is the perfect place to find peace and tranquility in contact with the pace of nature.
Booking ONLINE
Completely renovated Tuscan farmhouse with 3 rustic-style apartments. For groups possibilities to rent the whole villa. -
- Siena (Siena)
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42 km from Foiano della Chiana
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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50 km from Foiano della Chiana
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. -
- Bagno a Ripoli (Florence)
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52 km from Foiano della Chiana
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. -
- Colle Val D'Elsa (Siena)
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63 km from Foiano della Chiana
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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66 km from Foiano della Chiana
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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67 km from Foiano della Chiana
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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72 km from Foiano della Chiana
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. -
- Firenze (Florence)
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73 km from Foiano della Chiana
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. -
- Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto)
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97 km from Foiano della Chiana
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. -
- Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto)
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100 km from Foiano della Chiana
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. -
- Lucca (Lucca)
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125 km from Foiano della Chiana
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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137 km from Foiano della Chiana
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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139 km from Foiano della Chiana
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.
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