The Perfect Tuscan Day Trip

Ciao amici!

Sometimes I get asked for suggestions for where to go on a day trip in Tuscany. While the options are many, I highly suggest Impruneta, a small hill town just south of Florence. Impruneta is like the welcome mat to the Chianti region and is known for excellent olive oil. Beyond wine and olives, let’s look at what Impruneta has to offer:

1. La Basilica di Santa Maria a Impruneta

This church was built on what was believed to be a holy site in the Etruscan era and was an important stop for religious pilgrims during the Medieval and Renaissance times. Even the Medici family was involved in supporting this church. The interior is noted for its simple, but elegant design.

2. La Galleria “Filtranti”

Underneath the city center of Impruneta, there are over 150 meters of tunnels carved out during the late 1800s when the city was desperately looking for an alternative water source. Water seeps in through the walls and runs to a well where the locals can collect it.

3. Terracotta

“Il cotto dell’Impruneta” is the nickname for terracotta made in Impruneta. The clay soils surrounding the town are particularly good for making terracotta and they have been making it there since at least 1098. Some clay ovens are centuries old and still in use, so you can visit these laboratories while picking up a terracotta souvenir.

Feeling hungry after all this sightseeing? Stop by my Italian food page for recipes and recommendations

A presto,

Lisa