The Valdarno
The territory of the Valdarno is singular and picturesque and begins from the point at which, near Arezzo, the river changes direction and heads north.
The territory of the Valdarno is singular and picturesque and begins from the point at which, near Arezzo, the river changes direction and heads north. Immersed in pre-historic times by the natural flow of the waters of a lake which flooded the basin up until the Tertiary Age, it is a series of gentle slopes interrupted by numerous ridges eroded by rain water. Here everything is colour, the browny- bronze bush of the pines at the top of the gullies, the gloomy oaks at the foot of the gorges with walls of yellowy clay open like open wounds, the eternal silver of the olive groves and the green of the vines which become deep purple every year at the end of the season. Throughout the valley, at an hour’s walking distance from each other, the bell towers and the towers of the old villages, the pievi and the castles rise up, some of which still have Etruscan sounding names such as Loro Ciuffenna, Gropina and Cennina. Because of its opulence, the Valdarno Valley was the object of brutal battles fought between the two cities which, at the end of the medieval period, aspired to dominate Tuscany: The Guelphs of Florence and the Ghibellines of Arezzo.
At the end of the XIII cent., in order to combat the military pressure of the war-mongering Aretine bishops who possessed large properties and well-supplied castles such as Cennina, Casiglione degli Ubertini e Laterina, the Florentines built the three “terre murate”, three fortified towns: San Giovanni, Terranuove and Castelfranco.
After the death of Bishop Guido Tarlati in 1327, the Aretine Republic underwent a slow but inexorable decline until, in 1384, it ceased to exist and its territories were made a part of the Florentine Republic. With this end to the conflict, the limits of jurisdiction of the Arezzo department were set in Valdarno according to a line which also included the three walled cities built by the Florentines a century earlier. Three roads from Arezzo lead to the Valdarno following the entire length of the valley as far as Florence: the Autostrada del Sole, the SS 69 which follows the line of the river and the road of the Setteponti, already in existence in the Etruscan period which emerges out on the hills of the Pratomagno dominating the valley of the imaginary water-line of the lost lake.
Even though the Valdarno maintains an agricultural tradition of wine and olive production of high quality, it is considered to be one of the oldest and most important areas of industrialization of the Arezzo area. The process of industrial development, concentrated in well de- limited zones, has left intact the charm of the landscape and the artistic heritage of the Valdarno area.
Valdarno : discover the area
Accommodations in the area
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- Bagno a Ripoli (Florence)
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8 km from Valdarno
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. -
- Greve in Chianti (Florence)
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9 km from Valdarno
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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25 km from Valdarno
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. -
- Siena (Siena)
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35 km from Valdarno
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 -
- San Gimignano (Siena)
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36 km from Valdarno
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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39 km from Valdarno
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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40 km from Valdarno
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. -
- Colle Val D'Elsa (Siena)
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41 km from Valdarno
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. -
- Montepulciano (Siena)
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62 km from Valdarno
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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65 km from Valdarno
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. -
- Lucca (Lucca)
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80 km from Valdarno
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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95 km from Valdarno
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. -
- Camaiore (Lucca)
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98 km from Valdarno
Charming villa Tuscany coast 14 beds pool
Eighteenth-century villa located in a picturesque area of the Tuscan hills at the foot of the Apuan Alps, the villa has a park with swimming pool and tennis court.
Availability request
The spacious suites of the villa embellished with charming details and enhanced by modern comforts will make your stay an unforgettable experience. -
- Viareggio (Lucca)
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98 km from Valdarno
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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98 km from Valdarno
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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