Casole d’Elsa, “Orange Flag” Village of the Italian Touring Club: a hidden jewel in the heart of Tuscany

Casole d’Elsa is one of the most charming villages in the Alta Valdelsa and proudly holds the “Bandiera Arancione” (Orange Flag) awarded by the Italian Touring Club for excellence in hospitality, sustainable tourism and cultural heritage. From its strategic panoramic position, the village overlooks the Valdelsa, the Montagnola Senese and, on clear days, the soft hills stretching toward the Maremma.

The historic center is surrounded by its medieval defensive walls, still preserved in large sections, with two original gates that lead into a quiet, elegant and beautifully curated old town. Highlights include the 14th-century Rocca, now home to the town hall, and the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, consecrated in 1161 and enriched over the centuries with sculptures, paintings and fine decorative elements.

Next to the church stands the Canonica, which hosts the Civic Archaeological and Collegiate Museum. The collection includes Etruscan artifacts, paintings, sacred furnishings and several pieces of refined goldsmith art. Just a few kilometers south lies Mensano, an authentic medieval gem famous for the Romanesque church of San Giovanni Battista Decollato, featuring 14 extraordinary and completely unique carved capitals. In the village of Pievescola, surrounded by forests and rolling hills, visitors can admire the Romanesque parish church of San Giovanni Battista.

The countryside around Casole d’Elsa is a patchwork of vineyards, olive groves and panoramic viewpoints. It can be explored on foot, by car or by bike thanks to the routes and services offered by Terre di Casole Bike Hub, a reference point for cyclists of every level.

Where to stay: Relax Hotel Acquaviva & Spa, your oasis of peace in Casole d’Elsa

To fully enjoy the territory, Relax Hotel Acquaviva & Spa is the ideal place to stay. Located just minutes from the historic center, the hotel offers spacious rooms, a heated pool, a wellness center, a gym, a panoramic restaurant and over 29, 000 square meters of green outdoor spaces. It is the perfect retreat for guests seeking nature, comfort and relaxation in the heart of Tuscany.

Its privileged location makes it easy to reach Siena, San Gimignano, Volterra, Monteriggioni and all the highlights of the Valdelsa region, making the hotel an excellent base for cultural, food-and-wine and landscape itineraries.