San Casciano in Val di Pesa

FROM A MARKET TO A MILITARY OUTPOST OF CHIANTI

The municipality of San Casciano is situated on the hills between the valleys of the Pesa River and the river Greve, and is comprised almost entirely in the Chianti Classico area. Is an important Center for the production of wine and olive oil.

Inhabited since Etruscan times as evidenced by the discovery of the Tomba dell'arciere, ancient Etruscan burial site in la Collina locality; in Roman times San Casciano was in a strategic position for who were headed toward Rome. Originally "market town" of the Valley in which it lies, in the 13th century it was annexed to the Florentine Republic. In the 15th century, after being repeatedly target of enemy forces, was fortified and became a strategic military outpost for protecting Florence from invasion. Still today the walls surrounding the medieval town, can be seen in their 7 meters high and over 1200 in length.

 

Traditions and Typical products

San Casciano in Val di Pesa is a renowned Center for the production of Chianti wine and extra virgin olive oil and stop "GirOlio", traveling show that includes stops in major centres of olive production in Italy, to promote the Italian culinary excellence.

 

 

Photo Credits [wikimedia.org]