La Specola

Surroundings

Figline Valdarno 

In the heart of the Tuscan valleys, between the slopes of the Chianti hills and on the bank of the Arno river is Figline Valdarno, the most  important town in the Upper Valdarno, a valley waiting to be discovered located between Florence, Arezzo, and Siena.

The history of Figline Valdarno dates back to the 11th century where some documents speak of the “Castello di Fegghine”, that is, an imposing building built on a hill that controlled the entire territory below. Below this building stood a small peasant village which, over the centuries, increased in population to become a small inhabited center. The strategic position of Figline makes it an excellent starting point to discover the heart of Tuscany with its valleys and its enchanting castles and medieval villages.

A few kilometers from Figline, the Chianti area begins, reachable thanks to a 60 km long winding road through rolling hills, vineyards, and ancient villages. In fact, this road, known as "La Chiantigiana", is one of the most enchanting roads in Europe.

Greve in Chianti (the birthplace of the great navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano, the discoverer of New York Bay), the castle of Montefioralle (where there is also the house of Vespucci, another great navigator with origins in Chianti), Panzano in Chianti with its fantastic view of vineyards, the Pieve di San Leolino, the fantastic Borgo di Volpaia, Radda in Chianti, Gaiole in Chianti (where the departure of famous Eroica bike race is organized), Castellina in Chianti and finally Siena, the city of “PALIO”.

These are some of the breathtaking locations that are admired from all over the world. Rich in history and each with their own unique beauty, these locations can be reached with a few minutes by car or with a pleasant bike ride.