Casole d’Elsa is a small village located on a hill in the val d’Elsa near Siena. The town is documented in the 11th century as a castle belonging to the bishop of Volterra, two centuries later Casole came under the control of Siena. During the World War II, Casole d’Elsa was the scene of violent clashes that led to a major destruction caused by bombing.
Things to do in Casole d’Elsa near Siena
Coming from south (where is the main parking lot), in the beginning of the main street of Casole d’Elsa, you will see the rocca senese (a fort made by Siena) that is now the town hall. Keep walking to get to the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta (collegiate church) and the museums of Casole d’Elsa.
Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta
Built in 12th century, it was remodeled several times.The exterior of the Church allows us to easily identify the various phases of construction. In this regard, the facade is particularly illustrative.
Inside we can admire some works of quality. Just at the entrance, there is the baptismal font. On the left wall the Cenotafio di Beltramo Aringhieri, attributed to Marco Romano; while on the right wall we find two paintings depicting the Annunciazione (Annunciation) and the Presepio (the Nativity scene) and a Giovanni della Robbia’s terracotta. Finally, on the back wall, ther are some traces of a fresco: Giudizio Universale (doomsday).
Museo Archeologico e della Collegiata
Housed inside the rectory of the collegiate, the Museo archeologico e della Collegiata collects archaeological finds and works of sacred art. The archaeological section documents, through findings from necropolises in the area, the occupation of the territory by the Etruscans. The part dedicated to sacred art preserves different medieval and Renaissance paintings and objects from collegiate.
Address: Piazza della Libertà 5
Opening hours:
2-6 January: every day 10.00-13.30 and 15.00-17.30
7 January-Palm Sunday: saturday, sunday and holidays 10.00-13.30 and 15.00-17.30
Palm Sunday-1 November: every day 10.00-13.30 and 15.30-18.00
2 November-26 December: saturday, sunday and holidays 10.00-13.30 and 15.00-17.30
26 – 31 December: every day 10.00-13.30 and 15.00-17.30
Closed on wednesday (if not holiday)
Closed on 1 January and 25 December
Places of interest near Casole d’Elsa
In val d’Elsa there are many places to see, among these we mention some of the most important of which we have already written: San Gimignano, Colle di val d’Elsa, Radicondoli and Monteriggioni.
How to get to Casole d’Elsa
By car:
From Florence (62 Km) and Siena (38 Km): Raccordo Autostradale Firenze-Siena till the exit for Colle Val d‘Elsa Sud, then SP541 and SP27.
By bus:
From Siena line 130 till Colle di Val d’Elsa, then line 130 untill Casole.
From Poggibonsi line 131 till Colle di Val d’Elsa, then line 130 untill Casole.
This service is operated by Siena Mobilità.
