Everywhere, the lands had the same shapes, materials and colours. Then time rendered them different.
Some of them, certainly, more lovely.
Mario Luzi
The Eastern Province of Florence is part of a territory that extends to northeast of Florence and includes towns in the Florentine mountains (Dicomano, Londa, Reggello, Pelago, Pontassieve, Rufina, San Godenzo) and other areas in the Arno valley (Bagno a Ripoli, Figline Valdarno, Incisa Valdarno). The territory weaves around Florence, Arezzo and Siena in the southern part of the Sieve river valley and is closed in by natural borders, such as Monte Giovi and Pratomagno to the north, and the Chianti mountain range to the south.
The Etruscans were the first to cultivate vineyards and olive groves here and, after having paved the first lines of communication, also left villages and colonies to the Romans. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Church governed the area, which was divided according to the tracks of the principal communication lines. Along the Cassia Vetus, which connected Arezzo and Fiesole, the towns throughout the east province bear witness to the various settlements that passed under the control of the Guidi Counts in the late Middle Ages.
Following the demise of the feudal system, the city of Florence reorganized the surrounding rural districts. Wealthy families like the Albizzi, Portinari, Gondi, Pazzi, Guadagni and Castellani built farms, farm houses and villas throughout the area. The architecture of the newer structures reflects the style of the Florentine Republic and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany of the Medicis and the Lorenas.
Artists and architects—from Buontalenti to Masaccio—left their most significant marks alongside simple farm houses and stunning Medici villas as testimony to the practice of construction that takes into account the surrounding environment. This practice remains the golden rule of administration and production in the area still today.
The wine cellars along the Strada dei Vini del Chianti Rufina e Pomino, the olive groves along the Cammino dell’Olio and the fruit and vegetables cultivated with traditional wisdom, delicious cured meats, chestnuts, honey and saffron are all places and products that have characterized this land for centuries. The fusion of innovation and tradition have created a climate of sustainable development that is the result of the science of local governance.
Getting there:
Terre del Levante Fiorentino
Piazza S. Francesco D’Assisi, 16
50063 Figline Valdarno, Firenze
Tel. +39.055.9153879
Fax. +39.055.9155054
