In the Heart of Tuscany

Casali di Casole is one of the most prominent and ideally located estates in all of Tuscany. Those who know the region best treasure this particular locale, for the estate is convenient to the most desirable Tuscan destinations as well as being centrally located within Italy.

Idyllic Siena is just 45 minutes east, and Florence about 1 hour north. The coast is a scenic hour-and-a-half drive away. The popular towns of Volterra and Montalcino are respectively within 45 minutes and 1 hour, and 30 minutes drive. The walled fortress of Monteriggioni is a comfortable 30 minutes drive. Our nearby, neighbors are the hill towns of Mensano, Radicondoli and the namesake, Casole d’Elsa.

In the distance, the legendary towers of San Gimignano — located 45 minutes from the estate — rise on the horizon.

Mensano

Our nearest neighbor is the quaint village of Mensano, reached by bicycle or even an invigorating walk from the some of the homes located below its hill. It is in every way charming, with but one restaurant and its grocery shop. The town has a semi-cylindrical shape, adapted to the ruggedness of the surrounding terrain, with the main road linking the religious center to the civilian town center. In fact, at one end there is the Pieve, while at the other there are two stone buildings, presumably from the 13th century, each of which holds on the ground floor a pair of large portals with horseshoe arches.

Distance from Casali di Casole: 7 km.

Casole d’Elsa

The namesake of Casali di Casole is a beautiful, quiet town of ancient brick buildings. There are panoramic views around every corner. Originally an Etruscan settlement, Casole fell under the control of Siena in the 13th century. Its many historical buildings make for fascinating touring, combined with lovely restaurants, wine bars, authentic grocery shops as well as art galleries.

Radicondoli

One of the joys of Casali di Casole is that our three neighboring towns are uniquely charming. Radicondoli is a tiny warren ofmcross streets clinging to a hilltop, with cozy restaurants along the southern side of town — looking across the hills to Mensano and your villa. For bikers this is also a great destination, with curvy, newly paved road that is a gentle climb, until the last few kilometers. But the reward is as always, a charming town. And the return home is all downhill!

Distance from Casali di Casole 12 km

Colle Val d’Elsa

Originally made up of three independent areas, this medieval town, which dates from the 10th century, has been the scene of more than a few struggles over the centuries. Museums and architecture, including Baccio d’Agnolo’s mannerist Palazzo Campana gate (1539), make it a rich destination together with lovely restaurants, wine bars, shops and art galleries and artisans.

A thriving local market takes place every Friday.

Distance from Casali di Casole: 15 km.

Monteriggioni

This is a beautifully preserved medieval fortress village on a hilltop surrounded by 13th-century walls that have survived almost intact. Dante compared the town’s 14 towers to the Titans guarding the bottom rung of Hell. Monteriggioni has a pretty Romanesque church which faces the piazza and houses a public garden.

San Gimignano

Perhaps the most medieval of any destination in Tuscany, this easily walkable hilltop town is home to 14 beautiful towers — the remains of more than 70 that once punctuated its skyline. There’s a wide array of 14th- and 15th-century art to be found at spots such as the Museo Civico and the Museo d’Art Sacra.

The Museo della Tortura offers a hair-raising collection of historical torture instruments, including some still used around the world today. The 14th-century fortress of Rocca is a romantic ruin offering lovely views of the town. Climb the Torre Grossa — the tallest tower — for incredible views of rooftops and surrounding geography. Distance from Casali di Casole: 30 km.