GO-TUSCAN
Self Catering Accommodation
in Italy, Tuscany, Lucca, Celle dei Puccini
SAN GIMIGNANO
San Gimignano is a small walled village about halfway between Florence and Siena.
It is famous for its fascinating medieval architecture and towers that rise above of all the other buildings offering an impressive view of the city from the surrounding valley.
At the height of its glory, San Gimignano's patrician families had built around 72 tower-houses as symbols of their wealth and power.
Although only 14 have survived, San Gimignano still retains its feudal atmosphere and appearance.
San Gimignano offers visitors the chance to step back in time while enjoying its local products including saffron and its white wine, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
VOLTERRA
Volterra is a charming town situated in the province of Pisa, not far from Florence, Siena
Stroll down the historical centre and step back in time and enjoy the timeless atmosphere that surrounds the town.
Taste its typical products and visit the handicraft workshops, where you'll find many ideas for souvenirs from Tuscany, especially alabaster hand-made objectsand glasswhich Volterra is famous worldwide for.
Volterra was one of the twelve main towns that belonged to the Etruscan confederation.
At the end of the 4th century BC, the 7300 meters longfortification walls were built to protect not only the urban centre, but also the surrounding fountains, cultivated fields and pastures from foreign invasions.
You can still visit part of the majestic protectivewalls built during the 5th to 4th centuries BC.
After the Frankish and Lombard dominions, Volterra passed under Romancontrol- later, it fell under Florentine supremacy until the town passed under the Grand Duchy of Tuscany before finally becoming part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.
Today, it is particularly renowned for its peculiar urban layout that reminds us of its Etruscan origins.
Porta dell'Arco and Porta Diana, are the two gates for entering the city.
The Acropolis houses several buildings and the foundations of two ancient temples. There are many Roman remains to visit, the RomanTheatre being one, dating back to the end of the first century AC, built in a natural amphitheatre shape area..