Itineraries
BASILICA DI SANTA MARIA DELL'IMPRUNETA
(Piazza Buondelmonti)
Founded during the 11th century, the basilica was completed restructured during the Renaissance. During this period, many important works of art were added: the two tabernacles by Michelozzo, the terracottas by Luca Della Robbia, and the Chapel of the Madonna where the Byzantine-style image of the Virgin (13th century) hangs.The crypt of the original church and the cloisters are also of interest.
TERRACOTTA KILNS
Leaving the main square of Impruneta, on Via della Fonte going toward Via Chiantigiana, the traveler may visit several companies producing the famous Impruneta terracotta artifacts, including the great jugs once used to store olive oil and now a familiar decorative presence in Florentine gardens and palaces.
S. ANDREA IN PERCUSSINA
This town is located on the road which goes from Scopeti to S. Casciano Val di Pesa, and is famous as the home of Niccolò Machiavelli, Renaissance philosopher of political science. The inn where he lived is still standing. The nearby church of S. Andrea houses frescos of the 15th century.
CASTELLO DEL GABBIANO
The original construction dates back to the 13th century. It belonged to the Soderini family, whose most distinguished member was Pietro, elected supreme magistrate of Florence in 1502. The castle is well-conserved and presents a square plan with 4 round towers at the corners and a square tower at the entrance. Villa Branca, another medieval construction, is nearby.
CASTELLO DI VICCHIOMAGGIO
This Lombard castle dominates the valley of the Greve and dates back to the year 1000. It was fortified during the Middle Ages when feudal authority of the area was challenged. On the west the medieval structure is still conserved, while on the east it has the typical structure of a 17th century Tuscan villa. The grand salon of the 15th century is particularly notable.
THE VILLAS
Many villas and palaces enhance the marvelous panorama of the hills around Impruneta: visit Villa Corsini at Mezzomonte with its marvelous Italian garden and ample salons, Torre Rossa dei Gherardini at San Gersolè, and the 18th century Villa Larderel at Pozzolatico.
THE PINE FORESTS
The territory of Impruneta is like a park for Florence. The great forests of oaks and pines, which cover hundreds of acres,border on the town of Tavarnuzze and cover the hills in the direction of Greve and Strada in Chianti.The undergrowth of junipers, heather, elders, and holly is the habitat of weasels and boars, owls and porcupines, as well as foxes and deer in the more isolated areas.
WINE TASTING
This is one of the most interesting itineraries in the area of Impruneta. Visit the farms to taste their wines, accompanied by Tuscan bread with the excellent virgin olive oil produced here. Chianti is a very hospitable region: farmers are always pleased welcome visitors and to show them the cellars where the famous "Chianti dei Colli Fiorentini" wine is produced and aged.