Poggibonsi
Poggibonsi rises nearby the confluence of the Staggia torrent in the Elsa river, along the valley dividing the region of the Chianti by the Colline Metallifere.
Poggibonsi rises nearby the confluence of the Staggia torrent in the Elsa river, along the valley dividing the region of the Chianti by the Colline Metallifere (Metalliferous Hills) area.
The place name comes from a compound name of "poggio" (hillock) and a German proper name of person, "Bonizo".
The first settlements in Poggibonsi formed around the Sain Michael Archangel Abbey, as testified in Filippo II Augusto's travel journal, that quoted a castle called "Podium Marturi" placed on the back way to France from the third Crusade in 1191.
The Marturi Castle rose nearby that abbey under the control of the Guidi counts and it had a great importance as road junction (check point).
In 1115 Florence invaded the territory of Poggibonsi and destroyed the Marturi Castle. Later the Guidi counts got to buid a new castle, helped by the city of Siena, that raised the interest of Florence for its strategic position.
In XII-th century Siena and Florence quarreled for a long for the control on the castle whose community had to swear faithfulness to both of the cities. During that century Poggibonsi got to take advantage of the rivalry between the two cities and by entering an alliance with the villages of the Valley of Elsa, it got such an autonomy.
After numerous events regarding Siena and Florence that were in a continual conflict to win the castle and the Montaperti battle, during which the castle was partially destroyed and later rebuilt, in 1267 Poggibonsi was invaded by the army leaded by Carlo d'Angiò who started to build a fortress.
Few years later rose a struggle between the two opposite factions of the Guelphs (Papacy's supporters) and Ghibellines (Empire's supporters) that ended in 1269 by the collapse of the Ghibellines in Colle. During that conflict Poggibonsi belonged to the Guelphs whereas Florence to the Ghibellines. Florence, conscious that Poggibonsi was an anti-guelphs stronghold, payed the captain of mercenaries Guido di Monforte so that he destroyed the castle.
In 1270 the inhabitants of Poggibonsi had to move to the lower area of the territory.
During the fifteenth century Poggibonsi was under the Florentine domain, Lorenzo of Medici, called the Magnificent, ordered in 1488 the building of a fortress, today known as "Poggio Imperiale" (Imperial Hillock), that would have represented a defensive stronghold and the birth of a new town, if the works were not stopped in 1492 by dieing the Magnificent.
During those years rose again the rivalry between Siena and Florence but after a bloody struggle, finally Florence won and got the control of Poggibonsi up to come the Lorena family to power. The Lorena's domination lasted until the Unity of Italy occurred on 1861 by the action of the King Vittorio Emanuele II of Savoia.
Among the most interesting monuments to see in Poggibonsi we point out here the Collegiata (Collegiate Church), the Chiesa di San Lorenzo (Saint Lorenz Church), la Chiesa di San Lucchese (Saint Lucchese Church), the Poggio Imperiale (Imperial Hillock) and the Palazzo Pretorio (Praetorian Palace).
Poggibonsi: discover the surroundings
Accommodations in the area
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- San Gimignano (Siena)
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6 km from Poggibonsi
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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9 km from Poggibonsi
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 -
- Colle Val D'Elsa (Siena)
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10 km from Poggibonsi
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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12 km from Poggibonsi
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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21 km from Poggibonsi
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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22 km from Poggibonsi
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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31 km from Poggibonsi
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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39 km from Poggibonsi
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. -
- Montepulciano (Siena)
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66 km from Poggibonsi
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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68 km from Poggibonsi
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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78 km from Poggibonsi
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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80 km from Poggibonsi
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. -
- Castiglione della Pescaia (Grosseto)
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81 km from Poggibonsi
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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81 km from Poggibonsi
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. -
- Cortona (Arezzo)
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81 km from Poggibonsi
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.
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