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Barberino Val D'elsa

After the re-routing of the pilgrims' way, the Via Francigena, through Florence in the fourteenth century, pilgrims looked forward to the sight of the gates of Barberino and their well-earned rest. The town, stretched out along the Via Cassia, had a hospital, now housing the Library, many inns and churches for physical and spiritual replenishment. Everything shone again because Barberino was a new town, born from the destruction by the Florentines of the nearby powerful town of Semifonte in 1202. Materials from the ruins were used to build a second Barberino following the plan of an elliptical wall, two gates and a long main street. The fourteenth century building fabric can still be seen to this day, with tower-houses, the tall, robust building, also known as 'Palagetto', and the Praetorian Palace The only exception is the church of S.

A neo-Gothic whim

Pilgrims taking the road to the Val d'Elsa and Siena, shortly arrived at the parish church of St. Appian, one of the oldest churches in the Florentine countryside, and which today shows an original part (11th century) flanked by the late Romanesque (12th century) part. The distinction is not difficult: the former is made of stone, the later in brick. Annexed to the church is an Antiquarium housing Etruscan remains found in the area and paintings of sacred subjects.

The former town of Semifonte is commemorated in a unique way; in 1597, a dome similar to that of the Brunelleschi Duomo of Florence, but eight times smaller, was built as a sort of warning to those who dared challenge the supremacy of the City of the Lily. Having been completely destroyed, the Florentines decreed that Semifonte should be abandoned and never rebuilt. A modern day third millennium project plans to turn this, together with other surrounding areas, small drops in an ocean of wonders, into a landscaped park.

Reason for awarding the Orange Flag The area stands out for its natural environment, the old town is well maintained and characteristic and offers many opportunities for people to appreciate the local food tradition.