Agriturismo toscana half board and full board - Farm ears Tuscany - Farm Holidays in Tuscany

"Piazza del Campo" is still used today for the well known Palio horse race which is one of the most famous popular Italian manifestations. It takes place every year on July 2 and August 16. The Palio is run to celebrate the miraculous apparition of the Virgin Mary near the old houses that belonged to Provenzano Salvani. The holy apparition was therefore called "Madonna di Provenzano" in whose honour the very first Palio was run on August 16, 1656. The Palio was run for the first time in 1701 in honour of the "Madonna dell'Assunta" the patroness and Advocate of Siena through all the tragic events since she protected the Sienese militia at the famous battle of Monteaperti on September 4, 1260, against the Florentines.

The Palio is a historical secular tradition strictly connected with the origin of the Contradas of Siena (districts into which the town is divided). The Contradas are spectacular agonistic institutions each having their own government, oratory, coat of arms, appellations, sometimes titles of nobility, emblems and colours, official representatives, festivities, patron Saints, with protectors, delimited territories and population which consist of all those people who were born or live within the topographic limits of the district, according to the proclamation issued by Violante Beatrice of Bavaria on January 7, 1730, at that time, Governess of the town.

Originally, there were about fifty-nine "Contrade"; now only seventeen remain, ten of which take part in the historical pageant and in the race at each Palio (seven by right and three drawn by lots).
The preparations for this parade are slow and methodic like a liturgical procedure. Four days before the day of the Palio trials take place in the "Campo" square which is turned into a race track. A thick layer of earth is spread on the ground and a row of mattresses is placed against the walls at the dangerous corner of San Martino to protect the jokeys in case they fall.

The whole square is amazingly fit for such manifestations because its shape is that of a mediaeval Roman amphitheatre closed at the base by the straight line of the Palazzo Pubblico. Besides being semi-circular this peculiar square is also funnel-shaped like the theatres of the imperial age. Eleven streets run into it, though it is extremely difficult to percieve them from the middle of the square. All around the track, perched up against the walls of the houses, seats are arranged one behind and above the other like bleachers. Windows, balconies and loggias, too, are made ready for the visitors; 33,000 seats in all, but they are far from sufficient and are always sold out long before the day of the performance. In the centre of the square there is room for about 28,000 people to stand, but this is not enough either and the roofs, the turrets and the cornices of the old houses looking on to the square are also crowded. There are people everywhere, even in the most unlikely places.

On both the appointed days every year the "Contrade" - that is to say all the Sienese population - compete for a prize which is but a hand painted silk banner (pallium). Each "Contrada" is represented by a group of young men called "Comparsa" arranged as follows: one drummer, two flag-bearers, with their flags, one "Duce", two grooms, one page carrying a flag with two pages at his sides carrying the emblems of the "Contrada", the race-horse called barbero with a jockey called "barbaresco", last the jokey who is to run the race on a parade horse called "soprallasso" followed by a groom.

The historical parade is a lively display of rich medieval costumes which date back to the time period from 1430 to 1480; their colours are as bright as one may fancy.
When at last the horses appear and the race starts, the crowd becomes delirious. The jockeys goad their horses round the square three times and the people shout as if the town were about to fall.

The spirit of Siena is in the very colours of her "Contrade" and in all the manifestations connected with each of them. First of all, the benediction of the horses and jockeys, each in the church of their own "Contrada", early in the afternoon just before the Palio. It is this spirit that animates the whole manifestation and contributes such enthusiasm and pathos to the scene.

This traditional popular manifestation lasts four days (from June 29 to July 2 and from August 13 to 16) and finishes in the streets of the victorious "Contrada" where the people celebrate the happy event in a most joyous way. Winner pays all.

Combine urban discovery and a relaxing spa experience

The land of sun, good food, wellness and art — Tuscany has it all. Who says you have to settle when on holiday? Here you have the opportunity to live an unforgettable experience, combining more than one way of travelling and discovering all that the area has to offer.

Known for the most beautiful art cities in the world, a tour exploring Tuscany's jewels is not to be missed. Painting, sculpture and literature—Florence is the first city that comes to mind.  Known as the 'cradle of the Renaissance,' it offers a journey through the world of Italian art. In the shadow of Brunelleschi's dome and Giotto's bell tower, you will feel part of a great and unique piece of history. Lose yourself among the lights and colours of the greatest masterpieces known to Man at the Uffizi Gallery. Giotto, Botticelli, and da Vinci are just some of the artists you'll find in one of the most precious art galleries in the world, a keeper of priceless treasures.

Travel back in time with a visit to the region's medieval towns: the historic center of Siena, the city of the Palio; the unmistakable skyline of San Gimignano; and Lucca, with its imposing walls—these are some of the most charming and authentic medieval towns in Italy. The uniqueness of this region comes from having kept intact its unmistakeable characteristics, the results of a particular historical period. Walking in Piazza del Campo or in San Gimignano, the Manhattan-like town of Tuscany, you will take a leap into the past and feel like you are living a day in the Middle Ages.

Urban hiking, art galleries and national museums, for an incredible experience of personal and cultural enrichment that has no equal. And for those of you who want to unplug and dedicate some time to yourselves, Tuscan spas await you. The Terme di Montepulciano and Chianciano Terme (in the heart of Val d'Orcia countryside), the Rapolano Terme spas in the crete senesi region are just some examples of the spa resorts near the most beautiful cities, but far away enough to forget the hectic pace of every day life. Pamper yourself with treatments designed just for you: innovative techniques and traditional experiences in wellness and relaxation.

This is only a fraction of what awaits. Prepare your bags and fly to Tuscany: the encounter with this  enchanting land will make you fall in love.

Slow travel on two wheels along the 'road of champions'

It is said that in order to better appreciate the beauty of a territory, one has to enjoy and savour it slowly, guided by the protracted cycles of Nature. There are those who love long walks immersed in nature and others who prefer bustling city streets, country roads or curving, up and downhill mountain routes. These and more can be found in Tuscany, home to the much-loved sports and tourism itineraries that the world's great cycling champions will travel in the 2013 World Road Championships to be held in the region from September 21 to 29, 2013.

Eleven itineraries in breathtaking backdrops, like Tuscany's many art and monumental cities and its wild nature and enchanting countryside, are the same routes that Tuscany's greatest cycling champs raced and trained on:  Gino Bartali, Fiorenzo Magni, Gastone Nencini and Franco Ballerini. These are itineraries that are part of the history of Italian cycling, but they are also representative of the beauty, uniqueness, culture and history of the Tuscan region. Thus, those who decide to visit Tuscany have a wealth of options to choose from: an itinerary from the World Road Championships, a trekking tour through the country, a mountain-biking tour in the mountains, and even a motorcycle tour along the region's winding country roads. Cycling aficionados and lovers of slow travel alike will be able to visit and experience several stretches of the 2013 world championship routes.       
      
The 2013 World Road routes travel through Florence, Lucca, Pistoia and Montecatini Terme, some of the most beautiful cities in Italy, rich in naturalistic and architectural treasures that helped build the region's decades-long cycling tradition. A region rich in natural and varied treasures, difficult slopes, uphill stretches and long sprints and trajectories on flatlands: all of this is sure to please any cycling-lover, especially the world's best.

Several events have been organized to pay homage to Tuscany's great cyclists. The first event was held on September 22, during which the female team, Donna Elite, raced along the same route that was used in 1870 for the National Cycling Championships. Cyclists pedalled for 36.10km, from Piazza Duomo to Pistoia and raced to the finish line in Florence's Mandela Forum. On September 24, the Men's Under 23 individual race also took to the route.

The Men's Elite Team raced the most spectacular routes of all on September 29, which started along the imposing medieval walls of Lucca and finished in Florence. Cyclists raced for 267km, 59km of which uphill, through Montecatini Terme and Pistoia (it is the same route that the world champs will race along in 2013!). Perhaps the most difficult stretch is the uphill climb in Montecatini Alto (circa at the 30km), followed by San Baronto stretch (circa at the 50km), and continues the stretch made famous by Franco Ballerini. Finally, the route enters the Florence area, which is characterized by a uphill climbs at every curve, like those in Fiesole and on via Bolognese (at 590m and at a max. 19.4 percent inclination).

From medieval Lucca to the centre of Montecatini Terme and the climb up to Vico until the naturalistic jewels of Valdinievole and Valle di Bisenzio, there are several occasions to pedal stretches of the route that will bring the cycling world to Tuscany in 2013: 11 races on 11 itineraries that can be experienced by cycling tourists who seek the high emotions like the cycling greats of Tuscany's past. All of this and more can be yours… in Tuscany.

Arezzo is a beautiful city in Tuscany. It is one of the richest cities of the region and lies on top of a hill in the middle of four valleys. Situated along Via Cassia has always played an important role in Tuscany.

There many museums, churches and monuments worth to be visited in Arezzo. These are just some suggestions to help you planning your itinerary in Tuscany.

The main attraction is certainly the Church of San Francesco, located in the city center. Inside the Bacci Chapel there is the stunning fresco cycle of the Legend of the True Cross, Renaissance masterpiece by Piero della Francesca.

Going along Corso Italia you reach Santa Maria Church with a particular Romanesque facade with columns. Inside are displayed a beautiful polyptych by Pietro Lorenzetti (1320), a Madonna and Saints and a wooden Crucifix by Margarito dating back to 13th century. On the facade you can admire a great medieval group of statue depicting the twelve months.

Then stands Piazza Grande, bordered on one side by the impressive Loggia by Vasari and by Palazzo della Fraternita dei Laici with a delightful Madonna of Misericordia by Bernardo Rossellino. The square has become famous a set of the Oscar movie "La Vita è Bella" by Roberto Benigni.

On top of the city stands the Duomo of Arezzo, entitled to Saint Donatus. Founded on a Christian church, the cathedral is famous for its 16th century stained glass by the French artist Guillaume de Marcillat. Inside there are a small fresco by Piero della Francesca depicting Magdalene and some majolicas by Andrea della Robbia. The Opera del Duomo Museum close by displays three beautiful wooden crucifix dating back to 12th-13th centuries, a Annunciation by Rossellino and some works of Vasari.

Other works by Vasari are at the House of Vasari, that he built in 1540. Some other works are displayed at the Museum of Medieval and Modern Art that displays also an impressive collection of majolicas.

Arezzo has much more to offer and it cannot be visited just in one day. These want to be some suggestions to help you planning your itinerary in Arezzo.

Siena is certainly one of the top cities in Tuscany. Famous because of its exciting Palio that takes place twice a year, Siena has many special attractions to visit. These are our suggestions if you just have a day to spend in Siena visiting the most famous and beautiful sights.

The first stop is Piazza del Campo, where the Palio di Siena takes place, and which is characterized by its peculiar shell-shape and the important buildings facing the square. Among these the Palazzo Comunale, built with red bricks and decorated with white marble, and which hosts the beautiful Civic Museum. Inside the museum are many masterpieces by Sienese artists such as the stunning Maestà (The Virgin Mary Enthroned) by Simone Martini and the frescoes of Good and Bad Government by Ambrogio Lorenzetti. Next to the Palazzo Comunale the Torre del Mangia rises up. The bell tower is among the highest and oldest towers in Italy from which you can admire a wonderful 360° view of Siena and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Once back on the ground, take a closer look at the marble Fountain of Joy (Fonte Gaia) by Jacopo della Quercia that stands on one side of the Piazza del Campo.

The city's outline is marked by the profile of the splendid Duomo of Siena, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. The cathedral is a perfect example of Romanesque-Gothic style. Inside, the spectacular floor in hard stone mosaics depicting 56 different scenes deserves to be admired. Then there are many beautiful artworks, such as the octagonal marble pulpit by Nicola Pisano. From the left nave you can enter into the Piccolomini Library, frescoed by Pinturicchio. Next to the Duomo stands the large Baptistery with a large hexagonal baptismal font made by famous artists such as Donatello.

Then there is the Church of San Domenico, characterized by the massive architecture and its Holy Head, a venerated relic of Saint Catherine from Siena, and the Museum Complex of Santa Maria della Scala that melts both past and present history of Siena in the display great art works of Sienese artists.

The two Siena museums that definitely deserve a visit are the Opera del Duomo Museum, displaying the unique Maestà by Duccio di Buoninsegna and the National Art Gallery, showing works by Simone Martini, Duccio di Buoninsegna and other important Sienese artists.

Walking around Siena is particularly pleasant. Each borough is a Contrada (district) of the Palio, and each symbol is proudly displayed on front doors and shop windows. The passion for the Palio can be breathed on the air all year round. If you have time, visit a Contrada and its district church to experience its essence.

"L'EROICA" is a period cyclotouristic rally held mainly on gravel roads, organized since 1997. It is a special "race" from every point of view. It proposes surroundings and scenes from the "heroic" times of cycling: dust or mud, no organized service, vintage refreshments, wonderful and demanding roads, great ability to adapt and to suffer. We search for the authentic roots of the awesome popularity of that cycling world made by the giants of the roads, which created so much literary legends.
The Percorso dell’Eroica offers an itinerary in Siena on dirt roads, safe for cycling with 90 billboards placed every 5 Km: a pleasant cycling tour in the countryside that can be completed in 2 days or up to 1 week, depending on your skills and training.

The bicycle ride along the Canale Maestro della Chiana is a journey through time and nature: you can pedal right through the heart of the Etruscan world, across a myriad of waterways, in a land that has been shaped by the strength of nature and by the hands of man.
The famous drainage works to reclaim the land, begun in the 16th century, completely turned the Val di Chiana into an important agricultural centre; and even today, its local economy is intimately tied to local produce, which you can observe by cycling through the roads of cheese and fruit, oil and wine. Between Arezzo and Chiusi, there are multiple ways of entering into the heart of an area that has to be thoroughly appreciated, to be lived in, recalling its history and its art, along the century-old waterways, letting yourself be tempted by the wonders of these lands which, apart from how they are usually considered, have a certain smell in the air, a perfume of their own true authenticity.
The Canale Maestro della Chiana’s cycle and pedestrian path which joins Arezzo to Chiusi is about 62 km long, and is equipped and protected for those who wish to travel slowly, either by bike or on foot. The ancient road used for both canal and lock maintenance is, in fact, a natural track without any height or level differences which makes y suitable for a family sporting tourism.

24 hours in Florence: the city is worth rather more, but you can at least get some idea of it.
With a single day at your disposal you will want to see the chief monuments and walk around the “heart” of the city centre. You start with Piazza del Duomo, facing the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, begun by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1296 but only in 1436 crowned with the masterpiece of Filippo Brunelleschi. His Cupola (dome) is the symbol of Florence, a daring and majestic structure from the top of which you will get a wonderful panoramic view of the city, and also of the interior of the cathedral.
Beside the façade stands another giant, Giotto’s campanile (bell tower), slender and many-coloured, also affording a fine view if the city. Opposite the façade of the Duomo is the more ancient Baptistery of St John, with its famous bronze doors by Ghiberti and Andrea Pisano.
If you follow the animated Via dei Calzaiuoli you soon reach Piazza della Signoria, the political heart of Florence. Here rises the late 13th-century Palazzo della Signoria or Palazzo Vecchio, which is the seat of the Commune of Florence as well as being a museum. Entering the inner courtyard you will notice the fountain of the putto by Verrochio and frescoes by Vasari. Flanking the piazza is the 14th-century Loggia dei Lanzi, in which there are such world-renowned statues as Benvenuto Cellini’s Perseus and the Rape of the Sabines by Giambologna.
Adjoining Palazzo Vecchio is the imposing pile of the Uffizi, designed by Vasari in the 16th century as the seat of the Chancellery of the ruling Medici family, and now one of the most important museums in the world. The Gallery houses paintings ranging from the primitives (Cimabue, Giotto) to the Mannerist period, and is a complete compendium of Renaissance painting including works by Botticelli, Filippo Lippi, Paolo Uccello, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. A visit to the Gallery requires several hours, so if you do not have the time continue on foot towards the nearby Ponte Vecchio. One of the symbols of the city, the bridge has survived the ravages of war and the flooding of the Arno, and ever since 1500 has been home to famous goldsmiths’ shops. 24_ore-02
After crossing the bridge you are in “Oltrarno”, beyond the Arno, a very important matter in Florence. Of the four historical quarters of Florence, three (San Giovanni, Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce, are on “this” side of the Arno, and only one, Santo Spirito, on the other. The road straight ahead from the Ponte Vecchio brings you to Piazza Pitti, dominated by the majestic façade of Palazzo Pitti. Of 15th-century origin, it was bought by Eleonora, wife of Cosimo I, and became the new archducal palace of the Medici, who had previously resided in Palazzo della Signoria. It was enlarged and enhanced with a marvellous park, the Boboli Gardens. Palazzo Pitti is the seat of numerous museums, and the garden itself is one of them. If you still have time you should make for Piazza Santa Spirito: you will enjoy the lively atmosphere of this part of the city. It is home to numerous crafts, and has a genuine spirit of its own. Piazza Santo Spirito itself, one of the few city squares with trees in it, is surrounded by fine palaces in addition to the church, designed by Filippo Brunelleschi in 1444. Besides the linear purity of its architecture, the building contains important works of art.

Here is the real voyage to discover a land less known in the province of Siena. This route is mainly of a north/south orientation which takes you into a world of greenery, where a thick woods alternate with the fascination of the Metallifere hills and the vistas of the western part of the province of Siena and the wild Maremma.

Pristine nature and medieval “Borgos” follow one another in this part of Tuscany which is untamed and conserves its secrets of an authentic land. The trip begins in Poggibonsi, an antique borgo, which despite its modern aspects, offers the visitor an historic center of great valore.

It lies where the rivers Staggia and Elsa join together. There are several reasons to visit this borgo, the “Collegiata, the 13th century church of San Lorenzo, the Palazzo Pretorio, the church of San Lucchese. From Poggibonsi it is easy to reach San Gimignano, the city of the towers. Here you’ll find yourself in one of the most visited towns in Italy which naturally needs no particular introduction. Our suggestion is to enjoy this town when its streets and alleys aren’t being invaded by tourists, in other words, the early morning or just before sundown.

From an urbanistic and architectural point of view this town is a doorway into the atmosphere of the Florentine Republic of the 13th century. Of the 72 original towers only 15 are still standing, they look out over the maze of tiny streets that criss-cross San Gimignano from the Piazza of the Duomo and the Piazza of the Cisterna. Our trip continues along the route of the Vernaccia, a special wine typical of the zone, proud of its heritage (first D.O.C. wine in Italy and now a D.O.C.G.) which proposes itself in contrast with the other, great, famous and rich reds of Tuscany.

At Castel San Gimignano you will turn right for just a bit on S.S. 68 (direction Volterra) and then, left towards Casole d’Elsa. From here the voyage into the most intimate and secret part of Tuscany begins, entering fully into the Val d’Elsa. Soon you’ll come to Casole d’Elsa, a fortified outpost of the Republic of Siena. The outer walls of the city conserve on the eastern side two circular towers, the Collegiata of Santa Maria Assunta (1161 AD) and the Palazzo Pretorio. Together with the castle (Rocca) from the 13th century, these structures constitute the stone axis upon which the historical memory of this ancient borgo stands, giving peace and tranquillity today, especially to the surrounding countryside.

Decidedly up and down, one of the most beautiful roads in the area will bring you an antique borgo-castle called Mensano, from where the rest of Tuscany seems far away. Here it’s easy to perceive the human dimensions of the zone. From Mensano you’ll continue on, following directions for Radicondoli. After 7 KM. you will come to Località Casone where you’ll bare right, arriving at Radicondoli.

Welcome to an unforgettable look out. Proceeding through the village on the main street you will come to a small piazza with a bench on your right, towards the end of the village. This is the ideal spot from where you can let your gaze wonder over the undulating hills of the land of Siena. A spectacle you won’t want to miss. Retracing out steps to Loc. Casone, you’ll go right and at the next intersection, right again, passing for Belforte and Montingegnoli.
These are two castles far from the main roads and despite their small size they are of rich architectural and urbanistic heritage. From Montingegnoli you will take the road for Montalcinello and then, after, for Chiusdino, entering into the land of the Val di Merse. Now we are in a boundary area, it’s here that the land of Siena looks out at the Maremma. In the borgo of Chiusdino you will find the church of San Martino, referred to as (outside the walls), the Parrocchia (parish) next to the birthplace of San Galgano and the church of the Compagnia Cistercnese di San Galgano with an interesting bas-relief (1466 AD) which shows San Galgano thrusting his sword into the stone. It’s here in the commune of Chisudino that the Abbacy Cistercian of San Galgano is to be found as well as the chapel of Monte Siepi, the final objective of our voyage. The breath taking view of the roof-less cathedral and its sky ceiling is your reward.

This itinerary flies, literally, over the undulating formations of the famous Crete, one of the zones that best highlights the sensuous nature of the Sienese territory. Big sky country, land, flocks of sheep and farms, chapels and “borgos” of stone that emerge as though islands in the great sea of land.

You’ll navigate on roads that follow unpredictable trajectories, designing a path in a landscape in continuous change: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
The same road traveled in different seasons will have very different aspects, changing colors, light and atmosphere. From Siena you will leave straight away in the direction of Sinalunga-Bettolle. Shortly there after, at the intersection for Taverne d’Arbia, you’ll bare right, once over the bridge of the Arbia you will be in the town of Taverne. Welcome to the Laurentana, one of the most spectacular roads in the province of Siena. This ribbon of road travels almost constantly on the crest of the hills, caressing the landscape of the Crete where it’s possible to smell the perfume of the land the wheat. You will be up high, flying, before coming down to earth in Asciano, a small “capital”.

Within the heart of this borgo the grand space of the Land of Siena becomes all of a sudden smaller and delimited by the opera of mankind. The small village of Asciano begins with the basilica of Sant’Agata (XI AD with modifications in the 15th, 16th and 18th centuries) and proceeds with the museum of scared art which conserves a collection of art work from the 13th and 14th century, Taking the main street of Corso Matteotti, the heart of this small town you will come to the gothic church of San Bernadino (the site of the Etruscan museum) and the church of Sant’Agostino of the late gothic period. Beautiful for the essential style of its architecture is the church of San Francesco (XIII AD)

From Asciano you will climb back towards the profile of the hills that herald the upper village of Chiusure from where, with a slight detour, you may reach the Abbacy of Monteoliveto Maggiore, one of the more important stops along this trip. The Abbacy is the spiritual center of this territory whose expression is found in the supreme and refined art in the frescoed cloister with works by Sodoma and Signorelli. Don’t miss the magnificent inlaid wooden choir by Giovanni da Verona.

Back in Chiusure, you’ll continue on until reaching San Giovanni d’Asso, the reign of the white truffle which is celebrated in the traditional Market Fair, held every month of November in the Castle that rises from the “Borghetto”, the highest part of the town. The church of San Giovanni Battista is worth a visit and in the lower part of town, the church of San Pietro Villore (XI-XII AD). The road will now relax and without curves and twists will continue on in the valley of the Val d’Asso until reaching the foot of the perfumed hills of the Brunello, where the town of Montalcino rises from the plains. After a short stretch on the Cassia you’ll turn right and start climbing in amongst the vineyards until reaching the top, Montalcino.

So, just as one savors a fine wine, so does this borgo offer itself to meditative visits. There are many enoteche (wine emporiums) cafés and artisan’s shops to explore, the time will slip quietly away. The nobility of Montalcino is there to see, the Palazzo Vescovile, the churches of Sant’Agostino, Sant’Egidio and San Francesco (all from XIII and XIV AD) as well as the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso. From Montalcino you will proceed towards the Passo del Lume Spento where you’ll cross over the shoulder of the hill and begin to descend through vineyards until reaching Sant’Angelo in Colle. From here you will be looking out over both the Val d’Orcia as well as the dormant volcano of Monte Amiata. Our itinerary finishes here but we highly recommend that you continue on to visit the extraordinary Abbacy of Sant’Antimo and the nearby borgo of Castelnuovo dell’Abate.

This walking route, called SentierElsa, begins at Gracciano, south of Colle di Val d'Elsa itself, from the bridge at San Marziale, and runs alongside the river for a distance of 2 km, until reaching a place called San Giorgio.
The way down is located to the left of the bridge of San Marziale, as one stands with one's back to Colle di Val d'Elsa.
Here one immediately comes across the Steccaia and the Callone Reale, two important pieces of hydraulic engineering, which are also visible from the pedestrian bridge above.
These works are of great importance to the town, inasmuch as they were used ever since medieval times to divert part of the waters of the Elsa.
 
In this way the water could be used for irrigation, and as the driving force for water-mills, in the first instance, and subsequently for paper-mills, steel-works, and for various industrial uses.
In particular, "La Steccaia" ("Pilework") serves to hold back and divert some of the waters of the river Elsa, thanks to a system of movable boards which can be placed between blocks of stone so as to form a pilework, in other words a dam which prevents the water from flowing freely, while the "Callone Reale" is a sluice which regulates the amount of water which enters the artificial channel which flows towards the city and which is known as the gora.
  
The date when this hydraulic system was built is unclear; some sources date it to the 10th century.
However, we know the exact date when it was restored -- 1606, "under the auspices" of Ferdinando I dei Medici, the Grand-Duke of Tuscany, as is recorded on a commemorative plaque placed by the Medici family itself just below the Callone.
200 metres further down, we find the Diborrato waterfall: a cascade 15 metres high and over 10 metres deep, which in the last century was used by local people for bathing.
Proceeding along the route, below the waterfall, we find the Grotta dell'Orso (Bear Cave), so-called because they vaguely resemble the shape of a bear.
 
  The path turns away from the river for 100 metres, before returning to it in the area where there is a huge flat boulder.
Next we come to the Gore Rotte, where there is another access point to park, with some Tibetan-style miniature bridges and walkways.
The walk continues for around one 1 km before reaching the zone of San Giorgio, where there is a kind of rope-bidge across the river.
Further down from this point are La Conchina, the Masso Bianco, La Nicchia and the Spianata dei Falchi, known in the 1930s and the 1940s as "the sea of Colle".
At frequent intervals along the walk one comes across steps, wooden fences, small crossing points, and safety fences, with numerous signs giving information about typical features of the area.
 
There are many different kinds of animals, vertebrates and invertebrates, to be seen along the walk.