Gambassi Terme

TUSCAN SPA ALONG THE FRANCIGENA

The commune of Gambassi Terme has been since ancient times in the middle of the main roads linking the major cities of Tuscany. The area was inhabited since the Neolithic period, but the largest population stood in Etruscan times to continue until the late Roman. During the first half of the 200, the country was included in the District of the municipality of San Gimignano until the late 13th century Florence included in its countryside the Castello di Gambassi.

In the middle ages, the city and the nearby Pieve di Santa Maria a Chianni, one of the greatest examples of late Romanesque architecture in Tuscany, is mentioned even by the Archbishop of Canterbury between the stages of her pilgrimage to Rome on the famous Via Francigena, among Europe's most beautiful "paths" to navigate on foot or by bike. Walking distance to the old town you will find the Terme della Via Francigena, famous for the properties of "acqua salsa" of Pillo, for centuries used in water drinking therapy and inhalations.

 

Traditions

Every August the town centre comes alive with the traditional Palio delle Contrade, an event involving the 4 districts of the country have committed to compete in skill tests: from football to boost barrels through the streets of the town. The palio ends with the proclamation of the winning contrada; during the week of the event Gambassi turns also with shows and stand of typical local products.

 

Typical products

In addition to the classic traditional Tuscan products like Chianti DOCG wine and extra virgin olive oil, Gambassi is famous for its cheese production and the cultivation of spelt and wheat with whom do i make the many typical local dishes, bread soup with peasant beans.

 

 

Photo Credits [toscanascosta.blogspot.it]