Equestrian Center

To know the territory in close contact with nature, what better way if not on horseback?

A walk through streams, meadows and fields; or on the paths in the woods; and then complete the day with a tasting of typical products in the surrounding farms or on the ranch.

A unique way to discover these wonderful places!

For those approaching these wonderful animals for the first time, 40 minute lessons are organized to learn how to relate with horses and how to ride them.

Golf Course in Castelfalfi

The Castelfalfi Golf Course is located in the countryside; surrounded by the Tuscan hills, and dominated by the ancient castle of Castelfalfi, a breathtaking view!

Surrounded by olive groves it is possible to see animals of all species.

The routes were created by the architects Moroder and Preissmann and were designed to blend with the surrounding area.

The Golf Course consists of 27 holes and 9,400 meters between slopes and meadows.

There are two paths; one of 18 holes and one of 9 plus a practice field that through Open Day anyone can approach this sport.

www.castelfalfi.com/en/golf/golf-club-toscana-resort-castelfalfi/

The Jerusalem of San Vivaldo

In the municipality of Montaione there is San Vivaldo, one of the most famous places of worship in Italy, recognized as a national monument.

The origins date back to 1300, when Beato Vivaldo, a saint hermit, chose this place to spend a life of penance for “the love of Christ”.

A chapel, a hermitage and a church dating back to 1355 were built which can still be visited today.
In 1500 On the Sacred Mount of San Vivaldo, thanks to some Franciscan friars, including Tommaso da Firenze and Cherubino Conzi, churches and chapels were started which reproduced the typography and the sacred places of Jerusalem.
The aim was to give everyone the opportunity to make a pilgrimage without having to go to Jerusalem.

Fra Tommaso da Firenze was based on his experience in the Holy Land and designed the site with great care, taking into account the astronomical orientation of Jerusalem and identifying places that would represent reality, such as the valley of Giosafat, the Mount of Olives and the Mount of Calvary.

www.sanvivaldointoscana.com/

Gambassi Terme

Near Montaione there is a place known since antiquity for the salt water and for being a fundamental stop on the Via Francigena: Gambassi Terme.

Together with Montaione and other nearby villages, it is part of the territory from which the main Etruscan and Roman roads that connected the major centers of Tuscany passed.

During the Middle Ages began to develop craft activities for which it is famous, such as the processing of the glass and that of terra cotta.

The historic center is typically medieval and still preserves intact palaces and alleys with breathtaking views of the hills and surrounding countryside immersing you in a magical atmosphere.

Moving away not far from the historic center we find ourselves in the Benestare Park, a forest of centuries-old plants where the Terme della Via Francigena are hidden, which exploit the properties of Acqua Salsa, famous since ancient times.

www.termeviafrancigena.club

Roman Cistern

Following the road that leads from Montaione to Gambassi for about one kilometer, there is an historical find that attracts the curiosity of many visitors: Roman Cistern.

Discovered in the ’60s and restored in ’69 -’70 seems to date back to the second century AD.

It is thought that, in connection with the cistern, there must be a villa or a series of buildings located further downstream, including a spa. This is because it has a capacity of over 200,000 liters of water and certainly had to supply a large settlement.

The water carried by the cistern probably came from more sources in the area; the structure is 27 meters long and 3 meters wide, divided into three basins and the most underground.

It was built with the technique of the opus caementicium, that is of the drywall.

A definitely fascinating place to visit!

https://www.visitmontaione.com/en/sightseeing/roman-cistern.html