Casole d'Elsa
Latest page update: 18 September 2024
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By Dion Protani
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The medieval hilltop town of Casole d'Elsa is located within the province of Siena. With a population of approximately 3,000 inhabitants, it boasts a rich history dating back to Etruscan times.
The town is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the impressive Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the ancient fortress. |
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Casole d'Elsa: Etruscan roots and medieval charm
Situated atop a hill in the heart of Tuscany, Casole d'Elsa captivates visitors with its medieval charm and panoramic vistas. Explore the enchanting streets of the historic centre, where ancient stone buildings and cobblestone lanes whisper tales of centuries past. Admire the imposing Rocca, a centuries-old fortress offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
Nearby, the Tuscan landscape unfolds with opportunities for scenic hikes and leisurely bike rides amidst vineyards and olive groves. Indulge in authentic Tuscan cuisine at local trattorias, savoring the flavors of the region amidst the tranquil ambiance of Casole d'Elsa's timeless beauty.
Nearby, the Tuscan landscape unfolds with opportunities for scenic hikes and leisurely bike rides amidst vineyards and olive groves. Indulge in authentic Tuscan cuisine at local trattorias, savoring the flavors of the region amidst the tranquil ambiance of Casole d'Elsa's timeless beauty.
Comune di Casole d'Elsa
Province: Siena
Region: Tuscany Population: 3,717 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2024) Size: 149 km² Elevation: 417 metres Highlights: Chiesa di San Niccolò, views of local countryside Close by: Colle di Val d'Elsa, Monteriggioni, San Gimignano, Siena Recommended accommodation: Belmond Castello di Casole |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
Listed since: 2003
1 of 24 in Tuscany listed by Touring Club Italiano
Listed since: 2003
1 of 24 in Tuscany listed by Touring Club Italiano
What are the best things to do in Casole d'Elsa and the local area?
- Casole d'Elsa Old Town: Explore the charming medieval old town of Casole d'Elsa, characterized by its well-preserved historic buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and panoramic views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Visitors can wander through the picturesque alleys, visit landmarks such as the Collegiate Church of San Niccolò and the Castle of Casole, and admire the town's traditional architecture.
- Vineyard Tours: Experience Tuscan wine culture with tours and tastings at local wineries and vineyards near Casole d'Elsa. Visitors can sample a variety of wines, including Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Chianti Classico, and Super Tuscans, while learning about the winemaking process and terroir of the region from knowledgeable guides.
- Countryside Cycling: Explore the scenic countryside surrounding Casole d'Elsa with cycling tours and bike rentals available in the area. Visitors can ride along picturesque country roads, through vineyards and olive groves, and past medieval villages, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of rural Tuscany.
- Montagnola Senese: Hike or drive to the summit of Montagnola Senese, a mountain ridge located near Casole d'Elsa. Visitors can enjoy scenic trails through oak forests and wildflower meadows, spotting wildlife such as deer and wild boar, and admiring panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Local Cuisine: Sample traditional Tuscan cuisine at local restaurants and trattorias in Casole d'Elsa. Visitors can savor dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including handmade pasta, wild game, truffles, and olive oil, paired with wines from the region.
- Artisan Workshops: Visit artisan workshops in Casole d'Elsa to discover traditional crafts such as ceramics, pottery, and woodworking. Visitors can watch skilled artisans at work, learn about their techniques and traditions, and purchase unique handmade souvenirs to take home.
Where should I eat in Casole d'Elsa?
- La Torre di Casole: Located in the heart of Casole d'Elsa's historic center, La Torre di Casole is a renowned restaurant housed in a beautifully restored medieval tower. The restaurant offers a menu of creative Tuscan dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can enjoy specialties such as wild boar ragù, homemade pasta, and grilled meats, all served in an elegant dining room with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Il Mulinaccio: Situated just outside of Casole d'Elsa, Il Mulinaccio is a charming trattoria known for its warm hospitality and delicious Tuscan cuisine. The restaurant's menu features a variety of traditional dishes, including ribollita (Tuscan bread soup), pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta), and bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), all prepared with care and attention to detail. Guests can dine indoors in the cozy dining room or on the outdoor terrace overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany.
- La Pergola: This family-run restaurant is located in the center of Casole d'Elsa and offers a welcoming atmosphere and authentic Tuscan fare. La Pergola's menu features a selection of homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and grilled meats, as well as a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Guests can dine indoors in the rustic dining room or on the outdoor terrace with views of the village square.
- Osteria del Borgo: Nestled in the heart of Casole d'Elsa's medieval quarter, Osteria del Borgo is a cozy trattoria known for its traditional Tuscan dishes and friendly service. The restaurant's menu showcases regional specialties such as ribollita, pici pasta with truffle sauce, and roasted game meats, all accompanied by a selection of fine wines from the surrounding area. Guests can dine indoors in the intimate dining room or on the outdoor terrace overlooking the historic streets of the village.
- Il Bar dell'Orso: Situated in a historic building in the center of Casole d'Elsa, Il Bar dell'Orso is a popular spot for casual dining and drinks. The restaurant offers a menu of Tuscan-inspired dishes, including bruschetta, salads, and panini, as well as a variety of cocktails, wines, and local craft beers. Guests can relax indoors in the cozy bar area or on the outdoor terrace with views of the surrounding countryside.
Casole d'Elsa Gallery
What are the best places to stay in Casole d'Elsa?
- Agriturismo Pieve a Salti: Located in the countryside near Casole d'Elsa, Agriturismo Pieve a Salti offers peaceful accommodations in a renovated farmhouse surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Guests can stay in cozy rooms or apartments, enjoy homemade meals made with ingredients from the farm, and relax in the garden or by the swimming pool.
- Castello delle Serre: Situated just outside Casole d'Elsa, Castello delle Serre offers luxurious accommodations in a restored castle surrounded by gardens. Guests can stay in elegant rooms and suites, enjoy gourmet dining at the castle's restaurant, and relax by the outdoor swimming pool with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Borgo al Cerro: Located in the countryside near Casole d'Elsa, Borgo al Cerro offers tranquil accommodations in a restored farmhouse surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Guests can stay in comfortable rooms or apartments, enjoy homemade breakfasts made with local ingredients, and explore the nearby hiking trails and natural parks.
- Agriturismo Le Fontanelle: Situated in the rolling hills near Casole d'Elsa, Agriturismo Le Fontanelle offers cozy accommodations in a renovated farmhouse. Guests can stay in charming rooms or apartments, enjoy homemade meals made with ingredients from the farm, and relax in the garden or by the swimming pool.
- Hotel Terre di Casole: Located just a short drive from Casole d'Elsa, Hotel Terre di Casole offers modern accommodations with easy access to the village and its attractions. Guests can stay in spacious rooms with amenities such as air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet, and explore the nearby towns and countryside.
What's the closest airport to Casole d'Elsa?
Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci Airport):
Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport):
- Located approximately 60 kilometers north of Casole d'Elsa.
- From Florence Airport, you can rent a car and drive to Casole d'Elsa. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and route.
Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport):
- Located approximately 100 kilometers west of Casole d'Elsa.
- From Pisa Airport, you can rent a car and drive to Casole d'Elsa. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and route.
What's the closest train station to Casole d'Elsa?
Poggibonsi-San Gimignano Train Station:
- Located approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Casole d'Elsa.
- Poggibonsi-San Gimignano Train Station is the nearest major train station to Casole d'Elsa.
- From the train station, you can take a taxi or local transportation to reach Casole d'Elsa.
What private transfer options are there for Casole d'Elsa?
A private transfer from Florence Airport to Casole d'Elsa takes around 1 hour.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
- Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Number of passengers
- Destination (either town or specific hotel)
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car to visit Casole d'Elsa?
- Siena: Siena is a larger city located approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Casole d'Elsa. You can find several car rental agencies in Siena, both in the city center and possibly at Siena's train station.
- Colle di Val d'Elsa: Colle di Val d'Elsa is a nearby town located approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Casole d'Elsa. While smaller, it may have car rental options available.
- Regional Airports: While there are no major airports very close to Casole d'Elsa, you could also consider looking for rental options at airports such as Florence Airport (Peretola) or Pisa Airport (Galileo Galilei), though they are further away.