Agriturismo Podere Casanova

podere casanova

a stone’s throw away from the most important art cities and from the most beautiful medieval villages, we’ll give you the chance to spend unforgettable moments in total relax

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A peaceful paradise in the Tuscan countryside

Our swimming pool has a stunning view of the sorrounding valley, and it’s connected to your apartments by a stone staircase, sided by aromatic plants

To receive a guest and take good care of him, this is the philosophy of Podere Casanova, managed by our large family, composed by my husband Tommaso, my parents Biagio and Maria and my sisters Letizia and Lara, with their children Lorenzo and Carlotta.

In PODERE CASANOVA, everyone is part of our family, an important element to make you feel “at home in our home”, a welcoming and peaceful place, where you can enjoy truly relaxing moments, far away from stress and worries, where our smile and hospitality will always welcome you.. We look forward to meeting you!

“At Podere Casanova, one arrives as a guest and, leaves as a friend ”

appartamenti&servizi

Free WiFi

Swimming pool

Podere Casanova gives you the chance to choose among 5 different apartments,each one with an independent entrance, all of them fully equipped, absolutely comfortable and beautifully furnished in the typical “tuscan style”.

Tv Sat

Children Playground

Laundry

Oven and Barbecue

• the CYPRESS Apartment • the CHERRY TREE Apartment • the BROOM Apartment • the POMEGRANATE Apartment • the JASMINE apartment

Free internet (just ask for it at the reception) Every apartment has a cable tv

an area where you can use washing machines (coins are required)

With an amazing view of the surrounding countryside An area where your children can play and have fun An area where you can grill or bake your own food

EXTRA SERVICES

Tornitura lessons

Cooking lessons

We can arrange for you some activities that will make your holiday even more enjoyable!

How to create beautiful objects with a potter’s wheel

You will learn how to make the real Italian Pizza !!

• CALENDARIO - APPUNTAMENTI DA NON PERDERE

Luminara di San Ranieri

May

www.giugnopisano.com - June 16th, night

The Santo Ranieri festival which is celebrated by illuminating with candles all the buildings along the Arno river side. This certainly is a breath taking sight which transforms the buildings with always different lightings.

SIENA

Trenonatura

http://trenonatura.terresiena.it - 1,13,20th and May 27th

A way to discover the beauties of the lands of Siena like in old times, is with a vapour train; in certain parts there are no roads but only the railway, so you can immerge yourself in nature and discover the beautiful landscapes.

It is also possible to get off the train, and find abbeys or adventure yourself in villages and castles, where maybe you can also take part of some rural festival and small parties.

Palio di San Ranieri

www.giugnopisano.com - June 17th

Four boats representing each one a flag of different colours which represent the oldest districts of the city. They race along the river Arno, in honour of the prestigious Pisa Pisa Maritime Republic.

FLORENCE

Gioco del ponte

www.ffeac.org - from May 3rd to May 13th

Historical and commemoration event, which id divided into two parts; the historical procession along the river Arno and the Battle of Ponte di Mezzo.

www.giugnopisano.com - last saturday of month

Fabbrica Europa

It is an international Festival of contemporary scenes, which suggests the newest expression of dancing, theatre, visual arts and multimedia.

This takes place inside the Stazione Leopolda, with performances around the squares, streets, monuments and rinascimental spaces.

SAN GIMINIANO (SI)

AREZZO

Giostra del Saracino

www.giostradelsaracino.arezzo.it - penultimate Saturday,night

A old historical medieval competition of knights which belong to the four city districts. Each player must hit with his own lance the center of the puppet’s shield, trying to obtain the highest score. This event is repeated on the first Sunday of September.

FIRENZE

Calcio storico in costume

www.calciostoricofiorentino.it - June 24th, afternoon

In occasion of the patron saint of Florence (San Giovanni) a renaissance procession is held. After which follows becoming the most important historical manifestation in Florence. a soccer tournament between the two finalist historical districts of the city.

These teams fight together in a melee with no hold barred. Everything ends with fireworks from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Ferie delle messi

www.cavalieridisantafina.it - third week of month

Ancient historical medieval event celebrated in the past to propitiatory the harvest. For this occasion the streets and squares are alive with acrobats, archers, fire eaters, flaggers, actors and musicians. During this event the four city districts will compete in games to win the golden spade.

Maggio Musicale Fiorentino

www.maggiofiorentino.it - all month until June

In the music calendar, this is a very important event, with operas, ballets and classical musical concerts. Preformed in various theatres by international artists.

MONTESPERTOLI (FI) Wine Exhibition

www.prolocolari.it - last week of month

This is one of the oldest food and wine fairs in the region, which takes places in Piazza Macchiavelli. The square becomes, for the duration of the event, a stage. During this event the local companies offer tasting of Chianti Wine and food. This event is also marked by conferences, games, exhibitions and music.

June LARI (PI)

Sagra della Ciliegia

www.prolocolari.it - first week of June

Here the village festival creates in the old streets an atmosphere of joy, where the “stars” are cherries, products which derive from them.

MONTELUPO FIORENTINO Intorno al tornio

www.festadellaceramica.it - from June 23rd to 1st July

Where to discovery the ancient art of ceramics and decorations. Here one can also see shows and events.

July SIENA

Corsa del Palio

www.ilpalio.org - July 2nd / August 16th

The most famous festival celebrated in Siena (Tuscany), in the ancient Piazza del Campo. This is an old historical horse race between 17 districts.

Who challenge each other. The festival is preceded by a colourful parade of all the supports of the various districts, with their traditional costumes.

This race is also repeated in August.

• CALENDARIO - APPUNTAMENTI DA NON PERDERE

CERTALDO ALTO (FI)

MONTERIGGIONI (SI)

www.mercantiacertaldo.it - third week of the month

www.monteriggioniturismo.it - second sunday of the month

Mercantia

Here all kinds of performances invade the squares, gardens, cloisters of this mediaeval town, also the birth pace of Boccaccio.

MONTERIGGIONI (SI) Festa delle torri

www.monteriggionimedievale.com- second week of the month

In this occasion, the medieval town, is brought back to life with many performances which take place within it’s famous walled town also called Crown of Towers, with music, dancing, theatre, old tastes and costumes that recreate that old atmosphere.

ottobre

Calici sotto le stelle

For this event, organized by the Comune di Monteriggioni, will host the main Chianti Colli Senesi Wine producers. During this event, you may taste typical Tuscan dishes and purchase different wine from each stand. During the evening, one may also be guided to see the shooting stars from the telescope belonging to the Astronomical Observatory of the University of Siena.

CERTALDO ALTO (FI)

MONTEPULCIANO (SI)

MONTALCINO (SI)

www.braviodellebotti.com - last sunday of the month

www.comunedimontalcino.it -last week-end of the month

Boccacesca - first and second week-end of the month

Boccaccio besides that of being a great storyteller, also very much loved food. To him this celebration was inspired, where Certaldo celebrates good taste and good cooking. Along the streets and squares one can taste all the typical products.

Bravio delle botti

Sagra del tordo

This is an original challenge between the districts of Montepulcinao, in order to win the painted cloth. In this game, the teams have to roll barrels of 80kg of weight, along the old city streets, until they reach the churchyard of the cathedral in Piazza Grande, which is the arrival point.

september

The hunting season is celebrated by the four districts, which organize in the center of the Medicea fortress a mediaeval react, where it is possible to taste typical products of the Val d’Orcia, watch the mediaeval procession and participate to the most important event of the festival, the challenge between archers of the four districts, which try to win in an archery competition.

FIRENZE

STROVE (MONTERIGGIONI - SI)

7 september

www.monteriggioniturismo.it - secondo week- end del mese

Feste della rificolona

august VOLTERRA (PI)

A.D. 1398

www.volterra1398.it - third and fourth sunday of the month

The city will be animated by fiery warhorses, fearless knights, noblemen, ladies, artisans and merchants, common people and peasants, flagwavers and crossbowmen, musicians and jesters, which magically bring back the mysterious and magical Middle Ages to Volterra.

Florentine children sing a particular song as they wander through the streets of Florence, carrying papier-mâché lanterns tied to the ends of sticks, called rificolone. There are several theories as to where the tradition originates from, some think it commemorates the triumphant entry of Florentine troops into Siena on August 2, 1555, when the soldiers tied lanterns onto the ends of their pikes.

More probably the Festa della Rificolona grew out of the great autumn market held the day before the Nativity of the Virgin, in Piazza Santissima Annunziata. It remains still today one of the most important, with wonderful foods and performers of all kinds.

IMPRUNETA (FI) Festa dell’uva

www.lafestadelluva.it - ultima domenica del mese

One of the most oldest Italian festivals, which is still alive and loved. The fest is a collection of music, dancing and spectacular floats which belong to the four districts of the city, which parade for all the afternoon and, over a thousand characters participate in Piazza Buondelmonti. To follow a tasting of typical products.

Sagra del marrone

Organized by the Philharmonic of Strove, one finds the chestnut festival, which is held in the city square, where one finds, banquets, exhibitions, buys chestnut, music and games.

VOLTERRA (FI) Mostra mercato

www.volterragusto.com - terzo e quarto week- end del mese

The main attraction of the event is the famous and precious “white truffle”. The event is held in the Logge del Palazzo Pretorio, where one can also taste and buy wine, oil, cheese, bread, cold cuts and chocolate. To enrich the event there is also the “Caci” race (a fun competition of rolling round forms of cheese, to reach an arrival point).

• ITINERARI - CITTA DA VISITARE

leaving, we reco m

VINCI

21

80

61

SAN MINIATO

22

73

49

40

MONTESPERTOLI

7,6 58

48

26

MONTERIGGIONI

48

16

39

54 149

SAN GIMINIANO

35

47

29

52

Pasticceria Paolini

distance from Podere Casanova > 7 km

Square del Popolo,10 - Montespertoli - ph. 0571/608215 www.pasticceriapaolini.it

By Roma, 28 - Montespertoli - ph. 0571/609311

June ird week in h T t s a e Pottery F May st week in la a tt o c a Terr

uly t week in J s ir F t s a e ss F La Torre Gla

E -V E E- -V E E -E AR R CE A

Located in the most ancient part of central Montespertoli, it’s the real deal where you can enjoy the real pleasures of pastries and more.

Breakfast lovers willnot be disappointed, good for happy hours.

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distance from Podere Casanova > 7 km

N AA I D NT TITD I DA - EVE EN EN - EV - EV

Pasticceria la fiorentina

80

TI

Since 1982 - family owned – it’s s a pastry shop with an antique flavour, located in the center of Montespertoli .Try the pastries and the biscuits, the chocolates by the best brands of chocolate makers, handmade candies and preserves.

Breakfast lovers won’t be disappointed.

76

PISA

Immersed in the green, it can be reached by car or on foot, ideal for couples and families who want to have a great breakfast in total relaxation, the restaurant has a huge parking and a playground outside.There is a mini market inside and at weekends pizza is made at affordable prices.

6,6 91

E VN EN E -E V -E T EV R E AR E

By Botinaccio - location Botinaccio, Montespertoli

MONTELUPO

FIRENZE

distance from Podere Casanova > 500 mt

25

M

BAR SILVANO

CERTALDO

VOLTERRA

c

If you love pottery and terracotta, this city is worth a visit. In fact, in the past, the Montelupo, decorative style and production, bought an internationl reputation, for his very marked personality of its decorations. Today, in the historic center of the city, a few years upgraded, you will find several shops where you can buy home ornaments and outdoor furniture, tableware and unique gifts, all characterized by the originality of their creations, design and quality .

Obviously, prices for the purchase of these products are not cheap because of the craftsmanship behind it, for lower prices, we recommend the purchase directly inside the factories where you can also see the production processes. On customer’s request, with no additional cost or obligation to buy, we lead you in the territory of Montelupo and introduce you to the actual production of ceramics and pottery and you come to terms with the realization of a vase made with your own hands, a unique experience to try, and fun for families.

We highlight two brand guarantees of originality and quality near Montespertoli, CeramicsLeona - location Anselmo, Montespertoli, by Virginio 524 - www.ceramicheleona.it - Terracotta and Dima - location Anselmo, Montespertoli, by Virginio 196, 0571/671325.

kilometer after kilometer

SIENA

é aff

To orient

BOTTINACCIO

Where,how&when eating....

distance from Podere Casanova > 7 km

ENT AE ICR AE RE- -

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info

The city of ceramics

en d...

Our apartments are equipped with everything you need to prepare breakfast maker, kettle, toaster - but we recommend some cafes where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast!

MONTELUPO FIORENTINO

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e Befor

N EN IM ENT D IM NM ENT N DD N OO

NO

NTIC A A DIME ENTIIC TIC IM N D DIMEN N

MONTESPERTOLI

The town along the volterrana distance from Podere Casanova > 7 km

The town of Montespertoli is of medieval origin, had its first church - the church of St. Andrew - in the seventeenth century located in Piazza Machiavelli. Even the Church of San Piero in Mercato is of medieval origin in the territory are found other examples that belong to this period as the castle of Botinnaccio and to Poppiano, members from the beginning to the Guicciardini family. The position of the two castles in that time were strategic, because they were on the Volterra through which you could access the Via Francigena and was a midway point between the cities of Florence, Siena and Volterra.

Some noble, influential and powerful famillies, have determined the history of the area, the first was that of Acciaioli, that for example, donated to the church of San Lorenzo the crucifix by Taddeo Gaddi significant artist of 1300 training Giotto, who created paintings for the Santa Croce church in Florence. Over time the Montespertoli area came under the guidance of another powerful family the Machiavelli, to which Niccolò Machiavelli belonged, and to whom the territory owes much, not only for the prestige of the family, but also for the many works donated to the churches in this area.

Among the things to see are: the church of San Martino, San Giusto and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Pace, built in the seventeenth century.

• ITINERARI - CITTA DA VISITARE

VINCI

SAN MINIATO

In the footsteps of Leonardo

Capital of white truffle

distance from Podere Casanova > 21 km

The village of Vinci is situated on the slopes of Monte Albano, in the below Val d’Arno, to visit is the imposing Castle of the Counts Guidi with its tower and its high and rugged battlements, followed once the trend of the hill, according to its elliptical shape still evident today. In the panoramic square behind the castle there is the large sculpture of Mario Ceroli, l’uomo di Vinci (1987), which interprets and displays the image of the Vitruvian Man by Leonardo. A few meters from Piazza dei Guidi with its striking geometric shapes indicate the entrance to the Museum Leonardian, dedicated to scientific and technical studies of Leonardo and to the history of the art of the Renaissance. The path continues into the Castle of the Counts Guidi which displays over sixty models of machines, each of which have specific references to the drawings and handwritten notes of the artist. The end of the trail leads to the panoramic Piazza of the tower from which you can admire a picturesque landscape, depicted by the artist in his papers and landscapes. Within the walls perimeter is the Leonardo Library, it is a specialized documentation center of Vincinianos works. Along the way below Montalbano the old cellars of the castle of Vinci, today house the Museum Ideale Leonardo Da Vinci, with it’s private collection.

In the center of the Freedom Square is located the Leonardo’s Horse of the sculptor Nina Akamu inspired by an unfinished project of Leonardo for an equestrian statue of Francesco Sforza. The crossroads between Empoli and Cerreto Guidi we find the Sanctuary of the Annunciation which preserves the valuable painting of the Annunciation of Pistoia Fra ‘Paolino in 1295. In the north, through the olive groves along the ancient path called “green road” or the scenic route, one reaches Anchiano the Birthplace of Leonardo, where the he was born. In this area you can enjoy visiting : Capraia and Limite, Cerreto Guidi, Empoli, Montelupo Fiorentino and Fucecchio, appreciated for its museums, historic villages and the production of good quality food and wine.

distance from Podere Casanova > 22 km

Where,how&when eating

info

ristorante la torretta Via Torre, 19 - Vinci - tel. 0571 56100

www.ristorantelatorrettavinci.com You can enjoy the real traditional Tuscan cuisine, such as pappardelle with wild boar or the delicious steaks and grilled meats.

Enoteche antica cantina di bacco Piazza Leonardo, 3 - Vinci - tel. 0571 568041

Wine bar serving food, the environment is small, but cozy, great selection of wines accompanied by Tuscan dishes, ideal for those looking for a quick bite to eat from one visit to another.

antica borgo allegro Via R. Fucini, 20 - Vinci - tel. 0571 567866

Cozy wine bar in addition to offering cutting boards with cheese, bruschetta, Tuscan salami dishes with seasonal produce. All adds up to a wide selection of wines ranging from Tuscan wines to those from Trieste and South Tyrol.

info

Capital of the “white trufflle “San Miniato” is located in the lower Arno valley, on the southeastern hills dominating the river plains, halfway between Pisa and Florence. The medieval village of San Miniato is in the centre of Tuscany and it preserves an historic centre set on the hill top with the Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Tower Fortress dominating all the surrounding Arno.

San Miniato is an extremely ancient settlement, as is demonstrated by the discovery of Where,how&when eating

sergio falaschi

Via Conti, 18/20 - San Miniato - tel. 0571 43190

www.sergiofalaschi.com

Local butcher shop specializing in Cinta Senese pork - typical of the breed Sienese area - including the mallegato (blood sausage), a sausage Slow Food presidium. Other local products that are worth looking in the menu are the artichoke sansminiatese, which is in April and May; chestnuts and mushrooms are harvested in autumn; goat cheese hills of San Miniato and Chianina beef.

prehistoric artifacts in the area. San Miniato’s importance in the Mediaeval period was above all due its position at the meeting point of the rivers Arno and Elsa, and of the road from Pisa to Firenze and the Via Francigena.

Its origins seem tied to a village developed around a chapel founded in the 8 C and given in yearly lease in 938 to a noble from Lucca. It was already highly populated and surrounded by a moat in 999, and it was fortified in the XII C. In 1178 and 1185, Federick Barbarossa stayed here. As a Ghibelline municipality with a certain autonomy, San Miniato received numerous privileges from Emperor Federick II, who stayed there in 1226 and initiated an urban restructuring that was largely for military purposes. At the same time, he made it the Seat of an Imperial Vicar who was be forced to abandon Tuscany in 1284 after the defeat of Pisa, his most important protector, at Meloria.

San Miniato is one of the most productive truffle-rich areas of Europe. The white truffle (which is usually a pale ochre in colour) that grows in the San Miniato hills is the most valuable type known. However, if the San Miniato truffle is unique, there are numerous other agricultural products that contribute to the taste and flavours of San Miniato cookery.

The wines and olive oils are the produce of a territory that is particularly suited to them.