Hotels Colle Di Val d'Elsa, Guesthouses Colle Di Val d'Elsa and Residences Colle Di Val d'Elsa

Colle di Val d’Elsa is an ancient village situated in the province of Siena. During the Middle Ages, the town's historical core, which was situated on the top of a high hill overlooking the ancient via Francigena, was the seat of fierce fighting between Siena and Florence. Colle di Val d'Elsa was the native town of Arnolfo di Cambio, an acclaimed medieval architect and sculptor who was born here in 1240. The town is also famous for the production of precious crystals which are exported all over the world.

Its incredible historic-artistic heritage and enchanting natural beauties make Colle di Val d’Elsa one of the most appreciated holiday destinations for both Italian and international tourists flocking to Tuscany. Both the old town and the lower part of the city are scattered with comfortable hotels and guesthouses belonging to different categories. Budget hotels and intimate bed and breakfasts give tourists the possibility to spend pleasant holidays here at reasonable prices, while the lovers of natural beauties will have the possibility to stay at charming holiday farms.

Born from the merging of three pre-existing villages, Colle di Val d’Elsa still retains precious remains which bear witness to the ancient fortifications which once separated them. The small settlement which once constituted the upper part of the village together with the Village of Santa Caterina, the so-called Castle of Piticciano, still retains most of the ancient city walls, while several entrance gates still punctuate both the upper and the lower part of the village.
The old town still retains original medieval patterns. The city's major tourist avenue is via del Castello, which develops inside the fortifications of the ancient homonymous village and is easily accessible through the arch situated below Palazzo Campana. This avenue is flanked by the fourteenth-century Palazzo Pretorio, which is now the seat of Bandinelli Archaeological Museum, the seventeenth-century Duomo built in the Baroque style, which cherishes inestimable works of art, such as a crucifix by Giambologna, and the nearby Bishop's Palace and Palazzo dei Priori, which both feature sumptuously decorated facades dating back to the fifteenth century.
Once past piazza di Santa Maria in Canonica, tourists will have the possibility to admire the homonymous church of ancient origins. The avenue is also peppered with splendid medieval houses and towers, such as the one which once belonged to Lorenzo Lippi, an importan seventeenth-century Tuscan writer, and the XIII-century tower-house of Arnolfo di Cambio. Heading to the city's Bulwark, tourists will have the possibility to enjoy breathtaking views over the large plain of Colle di Val d’Elsa and the thick surrounding woods. The ancient Village of Santa Caterina, which is situated next to that of Castello, is easily accessible through the charming street which flanks the city walls. Worthy of note are the church of St. Caterina d’Alessandria and the church of St. Francesco, the latter dating back to 1229, as well as Palazzo Renieri-Portigiani, the current seat of the Town Hall.
Halfway between the upper and the lower part of the city is the ancient porta Guelfa, which is wholly encircled by splendid sixteenth-century palaces. Not to be missed is the nearby church of St. Agostino, which is embellished by fifteenth-century frescos and outstanding paintings dating back to different ages.
A short distance from it is the Museum of Crystal, which is indicated by the base of a chimney.
Last stage is Piazza Arnolfo, Colle di Val d’Elsa's major gathering place, which is wholly surrounded by glamorous clubs and restaurants and a maze of charming alleys where it is possible to buy tasty local staples and curious souvenirs.