CITIES OF ART

What to see in Tuscany: Around Col di Pietra in Montaione Staying at the Col di Pietra holiday home, located at Via San Cerbone 15 in Montaione (FI), means placing yourself in a strategic location in the very heart of Tuscany. Our ancient farmhouse is the perfect starting point for exploring the region: in less than an hour's drive, you can reach some of the world's most famous cities of art and the most charming medieval villages of the Valdelsa area and the Province of Florence. Below are our travel recommendations, complete with estimated driving times.

Gems just minutes away (Within the Municipality of Montaione)

Sacred Mount of San Vivaldo (approx. 10 minutes): Known worldwide as the "Jerusalem of Tuscany," this is a magical and spiritual place nestled in the woods of Montaione. It is a complex of 16th-century chapels that replicate the topography of historical Jerusalem on a smaller scale, decorated with stunning Robbian terracotta works. A must-see historical and artistic treasure just a stone's throw from our farmhouse.

Medieval Villages and Pearls of the Valdelsa

If you love the charm of small historic centers, Tuscan hills, and local traditions, the area surrounding Col di Pietra offers unique wonders just a few kilometers away:

Certaldo (approx. 25 minutes): A splendid red-brick medieval village, famous as the birthplace of the renowned writer Giovanni Boccaccio.

San Miniato (approx. 25 minutes): A historic town perched on a hill along the Via Francigena, highly renowned for its prized white truffle.

• San Gimignano (approx. 30 minutes): Celebrated as the "Manhattan of the Middle Ages" due to its imposing, iconic historic towers.

Volterra (approx. 35 minutes): An ancient and atmospheric town of Etruscan origin, world-famous for its centuries-old tradition of alabaster craftsmanship.

Vinci (approx. 40 minutes): The medieval village that gave birth to the Genius of the Renaissance. Here, you can visit Leonardo da Vinci’s birthplace and the innovative Leonardo Museum.

The Great Art Cities of Tuscany

Thanks to Montaione's central location, you can easily plan day trips to the most iconic symbols of Tuscany's UNESCO World Heritage:

Florence (approx. 55 minutes): The cradle of the Renaissance, an absolute must-visit for the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio.

Pisa (approx. 60 minutes): World-famous for the stunning Piazza dei Miracoli and its iconic Leaning Tower.

Siena (approx. 60 minutes): A magnificent Gothic city famous for the breathtaking Piazza del Campo and the traditional Palio horse race.

Lucca (approx. 65 minutes): The "city of a hundred churches," enclosed within intact 16th-century Renaissance walls that you can fully explore on foot or by bicycle.

EXCURSIONS

Col di Pietra is the holiday home in Montaione ideal for those seeking a stay in Tuscany filled with relaxation or sport. Located at Via San Cerbone 15 in Montaione (FI), our ancient farmhouse is situated in a strategic position to regenerate in nature and enjoy numerous outdoor activities. By choosing our holiday home in Tuscany you can enjoy unique experiences in the area:

Trekking and walking: to explore the unspoiled paths of the Tuscan countryside.

Mountain Bike (MTB) excursions: ideal for lovers of two wheels and adventure.

Horseback riding: with a riding stable located in Località Le Mura in Montaione, just 3 km away.

In Montaione, a few kilometers from Col di Pietra, you can organize a guided Quad bike tour. Explore the most hidden paths through the woods and the beautiful Tuscan hills: an adrenaline-fueled experience to experience nature as a protagonist. The tours last about 2 hours.

Golf in Tuscany: green enthusiasts can play at the prestigious Castelfalfi Golf Club, located just 10 km from us.

FOOD AND WINE

The entire region boasts the production of high-quality traditional products, ranging from extra virgin olive oil and artisanal cured meats to local cheeses. However, the undisputed king of the table is the white truffle of the San Miniato Hills—an excellence you can discover and taste by attending the famous San Miniato White Truffle Fair, held every year during the weekends of November. This is one of the most important food and wine events in Tuscany, a true paradise for food lovers.

To complete this sensory experience, just 4 or 5 km from the Col di Pietra location, you can book exclusive guided tours with tastings at the area's renowned wineries. Exceptional, organic, and family-run farms open their doors to reveal the secrets of Tuscan winemaking. You will have the opportunity to stroll through the vineyards, visit historic barrel cellars, and indulge in a guided tasting of great reds like Chianti DOCG and wines from native grape varieties, perfectly paired with local specialties.