Casole d' Elsa - is a village
characterised mainly by its buildings of ancient brick, placed
on the ridge of a hill from where one can enjoy a beautiful
panoramic view.
Originally an etruscan settlement and
then a domain of the bishop of Volterra, casole passed in
the first half of the 13th century under the control of Siena,
in spite of the various rebellions provoked by the Porrina
family for all of the first half of the next century. The
sienese repeatedly reinforced and brought up to date the fortifications
bacause of its defensive position. Casole's "terra"
( as a centre of habitation enclosed by walls used to be called
in medievfal times) had an almost pear-like shape, extenging
south to north for 420 metres and of a maximum width of about
130 meters. All around the confines ran the enclosing walls,
a great part of which is still visible today particularly
along the western side, through sometimes incorporated in
the walls of the houses.
The main street runs south to north
through the center, connecting the two gateways of the village:
"Porta Rivellino" to the south , "Porta ai
Frati " to the north. These two gateways no longer exist
today; Rivellino was blown up by the nazis in the second word
war.
La Rocca is the most important civil
building in Casole, today the seat of the Town Hall. An imposing
quadrangular edifice with a massive stone tower in the northern
corner and another smaller one at slight angle at the opposite
corner. To the sides of the main entrance are still visible
some well preserved arrow slits. Over the course of time there
have been numerous alterations, giving the building a much
changed aspect, although conserving the sense of the volume.
How to reach Casole d' Elsa: From Siena take directions
Florence, exit Colle Val d' Elsa and follow direction Casole.
From Florence, direction Siena exit Colle val d' Elsa
Where is Casole d' Elsa: is located in the west of
Siena province, in the border with the province of Grosseto.
See the map
Nearby: Colle val d' Elsa, San Galgano, San Gimignano,
Monteriggioni
Distances: Siena 35 Km - Florence 65 Km - Pisa 80
Km (passing from Volterra) - Arezzo 100 Km
Correct name is Casole d' Elsa
Common mistakes are Casale d' Elsa , Delsa, Casolle,
Di Elisa, Casle
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Casole d' Elsa
- Siena - Tuscany Italy
Casole d' Elsa 
