our brochure

podere
casanova
a stone’s throw away from the most important art cities and from the
most beautiful medieval villages, we’ll give you the chance to spend
unforgettable moments in total relax
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A peaceful paradise in the Tuscan countryside
Our swimming pool has a stunning view of the sorrounding
valley, and it’s connected to your apartments by a stone
staircase, sided by aromatic plants
To receive a guest and take good care of him, this is the
philosophy of Podere Casanova, managed by our large
family, composed by my husband Tommaso, my parents
Biagio and Maria and my sisters Letizia and Lara, with their
children Lorenzo and Carlotta.
In PODERE CASANOVA, everyone is part of our family, an
important element to make you feel “at home in our home”,
a welcoming and peaceful place, where you can enjoy truly
relaxing moments, far away from stress and worries, where
our smile and hospitality will always welcome you.. We look
forward to meeting you!
“At Podere Casanova, one arrives as a guest and,
leaves as a friend ”
appartamenti&servizi
Free WiFi
Swimming pool
Podere Casanova gives you the chance to choose among 5 different
apartments,each one with an independent entrance, all of them fully equipped,
absolutely comfortable and beautifully furnished in the typical “tuscan style”.
Tv Sat
Children Playground
Laundry
Oven and Barbecue
• the CYPRESS Apartment
• the CHERRY TREE Apartment
• the BROOM Apartment
• the POMEGRANATE Apartment
• the JASMINE apartment
Free internet
(just ask for it at the reception)
Every apartment has a cable tv
an area where you can use washing machines (coins are required)
With an amazing view of the
surrounding countryside
An area where your children can
play and have fun
An area where you can grill or
bake your own food
EXTRA SERVICES
Tornitura lessons
Cooking lessons
We can arrange for you some activities that will make your holiday even
more enjoyable!
How to create beautiful objects
with a potter’s wheel
You will learn how to make the
real Italian Pizza !!
• CALENDARIO - APPUNTAMENTI DA NON PERDERE
Luminara di San Ranieri
May
www.giugnopisano.com - June 16th, night
The Santo Ranieri festival which is celebrated by
illuminating with candles all the buildings along
the Arno river side. This certainly is a breath
taking sight which transforms the buildings with
always different lightings.
SIENA
Trenonatura
http://trenonatura.terresiena.it - 1,13,20th and May 27th
A way to discover the beauties of the lands of
Siena like in old times, is with a vapour train;
in certain parts there are no roads but only the
railway, so you can immerge yourself in nature
and discover the beautiful landscapes.
It is also possible to get off the train, and find
abbeys or adventure yourself in villages and
castles, where maybe you can also take part of
some rural festival and small parties.
Palio di San Ranieri
www.giugnopisano.com - June 17th
Four boats representing each one a flag of
different colours which represent the oldest
districts of the city. They race along the river
Arno, in honour of the prestigious Pisa Pisa
Maritime Republic.
FLORENCE
Gioco del ponte
www.ffeac.org - from May 3rd to May 13th
Historical and commemoration event, which
id divided into two parts; the historical
procession along the river Arno and the Battle
of Ponte di Mezzo.
www.giugnopisano.com - last saturday of month
Fabbrica Europa
It is an international Festival of contemporary
scenes, which suggests the newest expression
of dancing, theatre, visual arts and multimedia.
This takes place inside the Stazione Leopolda,
with performances around the squares, streets,
monuments and rinascimental spaces.
SAN GIMINIANO (SI)
AREZZO
Giostra del Saracino
www.giostradelsaracino.arezzo.it - penultimate Saturday,night
A old historical medieval competition of knights
which belong to the four city districts. Each player
must hit with his own lance the center of the puppet’s
shield, trying to obtain the highest score. This event
is repeated on the first Sunday of September.
FIRENZE
Calcio storico in costume
www.calciostoricofiorentino.it - June 24th, afternoon
In occasion of the patron saint of Florence
(San Giovanni) a renaissance procession
is held. After which follows becoming the
most important historical manifestation in
Florence.
a soccer tournament between the two
finalist historical districts of the city.
These teams fight together in a melee
with no hold barred. Everything ends with
fireworks from Piazzale Michelangelo.
Ferie delle messi
www.cavalieridisantafina.it - third week of month
Ancient historical medieval event celebrated
in the past to propitiatory the harvest. For this
occasion the streets and squares are alive with
acrobats, archers, fire eaters, flaggers, actors and
musicians. During this event the four city districts
will compete in games to win the golden spade.
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
www.maggiofiorentino.it - all month until June
In the music calendar, this is a very important
event, with operas, ballets and classical musical
concerts. Preformed in various theatres by
international artists.
MONTESPERTOLI (FI)
Wine Exhibition
www.prolocolari.it - last week of month
This is one of the oldest food and wine fairs in the region,
which takes places in Piazza Macchiavelli. The square
becomes, for the duration of the event, a stage. During
this event the local companies offer tasting of Chianti
Wine and food. This event is also marked by conferences,
games, exhibitions and music.
June
LARI (PI)
Sagra della Ciliegia
www.prolocolari.it - first week of June
Here the village festival creates in the old streets an
atmosphere of joy, where the “stars” are cherries, products
which derive from them.
MONTELUPO FIORENTINO
Intorno al tornio
www.festadellaceramica.it - from June 23rd to 1st July
Where to discovery the ancient art of ceramics
and decorations. Here one can also see shows
and events.
July
SIENA
Corsa del Palio
www.ilpalio.org - July 2nd / August 16th
The most famous festival celebrated in Siena
(Tuscany), in the ancient Piazza del Campo. This
is an old historical horse race between 17 districts.
Who challenge each other. The festival is preceded
by a colourful parade of all the supports of the
various districts, with their traditional costumes.
This race is also repeated in August.
• CALENDARIO - APPUNTAMENTI DA NON PERDERE
CERTALDO ALTO (FI)
MONTERIGGIONI (SI)
www.mercantiacertaldo.it - third week of the month
www.monteriggioniturismo.it - second sunday of the month
Mercantia
Here all kinds of performances invade the squares,
gardens, cloisters of this mediaeval town, also the
birth pace of Boccaccio.
MONTERIGGIONI (SI)
Festa delle torri
www.monteriggionimedievale.com- second week of the month
In this occasion, the medieval town, is brought back
to life with many performances which take place
within it’s famous walled town also called Crown of
Towers, with music, dancing, theatre, old tastes and
costumes that recreate that old atmosphere.
ottobre
Calici sotto le stelle
For this event, organized by the Comune di
Monteriggioni, will host the main Chianti Colli
Senesi Wine producers. During this event, you
may taste typical Tuscan dishes and purchase
different wine from each stand. During the evening,
one may also be guided to see the shooting stars
from the telescope belonging to the Astronomical
Observatory of the University of Siena.
CERTALDO ALTO (FI)
MONTEPULCIANO (SI)
MONTALCINO (SI)
www.braviodellebotti.com - last sunday of the month
www.comunedimontalcino.it -last week-end of the month
Boccacesca - first and second week-end of the month
Boccaccio besides that of being a great storyteller,
also very much loved food. To him this celebration
was inspired, where Certaldo celebrates good taste
and good cooking. Along the streets and squares
one can taste all the typical products.
Bravio delle botti
Sagra del tordo
This is an original challenge between the districts of
Montepulcinao, in order to win the painted cloth. In
this game, the teams have to roll barrels of 80kg of
weight, along the old city streets, until they reach the
churchyard of the cathedral in Piazza Grande, which
is the arrival point.
september
The hunting season is celebrated by the four districts,
which organize in the center of the Medicea fortress
a mediaeval react, where it is possible to taste typical
products of the Val d’Orcia, watch the mediaeval
procession and participate to the most important
event of the festival, the challenge between archers
of the four districts, which try to win in an archery
competition.
FIRENZE
STROVE (MONTERIGGIONI - SI)
7 september
www.monteriggioniturismo.it - secondo week- end del mese
Feste della rificolona
august
VOLTERRA (PI)
A.D. 1398
www.volterra1398.it - third and fourth sunday of the month
The city will be animated by fiery warhorses,
fearless knights, noblemen, ladies, artisans
and merchants, common people and peasants,
flagwavers and crossbowmen, musicians
and jesters, which magically bring back the
mysterious and magical Middle Ages to Volterra.
Florentine children sing a particular song as
they wander through the streets of Florence,
carrying papier-mâché lanterns tied to the
ends of sticks, called rificolone. There are
several theories as to where the tradition
originates from, some think it commemorates
the triumphant entry of Florentine troops into
Siena on August 2, 1555, when the soldiers
tied lanterns onto the ends of their pikes.
More probably the Festa della Rificolona grew
out of the great autumn market held the day
before the Nativity of the Virgin, in Piazza
Santissima Annunziata. It remains still today
one of the most important, with wonderful
foods and performers of all kinds.
IMPRUNETA (FI)
Festa dell’uva
www.lafestadelluva.it - ultima domenica del mese
One of the most oldest Italian festivals,
which is still alive and loved. The fest is a
collection of music, dancing and spectacular
floats which belong to the four districts of
the city, which parade for all the afternoon
and, over a thousand characters participate
in Piazza Buondelmonti. To follow a tasting
of typical products.
Sagra del marrone
Organized by the Philharmonic of Strove, one
finds the chestnut festival, which is held in the city
square, where one finds, banquets, exhibitions,
buys chestnut, music and games.
VOLTERRA (FI)
Mostra mercato
www.volterragusto.com - terzo e quarto week- end del mese
The main attraction of the event is the famous
and precious “white truffle”. The event is
held in the Logge del Palazzo Pretorio,
where one can also taste and buy wine, oil,
cheese, bread, cold cuts and chocolate. To
enrich the event there is also the “Caci” race
(a fun competition of rolling round forms of
cheese, to reach an arrival point).
• ITINERARI - CITTA DA VISITARE
leaving, we reco
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VINCI
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SAN MINIATO
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MONTESPERTOLI
7,6 58
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MONTERIGGIONI
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54 149
SAN GIMINIANO
35
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29
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Pasticceria Paolini
distance from Podere Casanova > 7 km
Square del Popolo,10 - Montespertoli - ph. 0571/608215
www.pasticceriapaolini.it
By Roma, 28 - Montespertoli - ph. 0571/609311
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Located in the most ancient part of central
Montespertoli, it’s the real deal where you can
enjoy the real pleasures of pastries and more.
Breakfast lovers willnot be disappointed, good
for happy hours.
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distance from Podere Casanova > 7 km
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Pasticceria la fiorentina
80
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Since 1982 - family owned – it’s s a pastry shop
with an antique flavour, located in the center of
Montespertoli .Try the pastries and the biscuits,
the chocolates by the best brands of chocolate
makers, handmade candies and preserves.
Breakfast lovers won’t be disappointed.
76
PISA
Immersed in the green, it can be reached by
car or on foot, ideal for couples and families
who want to have a great breakfast in total
relaxation, the restaurant has a huge parking
and a playground outside.There is a mini
market inside and at weekends pizza is made
at affordable prices.
6,6 91
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By Botinaccio - location Botinaccio, Montespertoli
MONTELUPO
FIRENZE
distance from Podere Casanova > 500 mt
25
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BAR SILVANO
CERTALDO
VOLTERRA
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If you love pottery and terracotta, this city is worth a
visit. In fact, in the past, the Montelupo, decorative
style and production, bought an internationl
reputation, for his very marked personality of its
decorations. Today, in the historic center of the
city, a few years upgraded, you will find several
shops where you can buy home ornaments and
outdoor furniture, tableware and unique gifts, all
characterized by the originality of their creations,
design and quality .
Obviously, prices for the purchase of these products
are not cheap because of the craftsmanship behind
it, for lower prices, we recommend the purchase
directly inside the factories where you can also see
the production processes. On customer’s request,
with no additional cost or obligation to buy, we lead
you in the territory of Montelupo and introduce
you to the actual production of ceramics and
pottery and you come to terms with the realization
of a vase made with your own hands, a unique
experience to try, and fun for families.
We highlight two brand guarantees of originality
and quality near Montespertoli, CeramicsLeona
- location Anselmo, Montespertoli, by Virginio 524
- www.ceramicheleona.it - Terracotta and Dima - location Anselmo, Montespertoli, by
Virginio 196, 0571/671325.
kilometer after kilometer
SIENA
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To orient
BOTTINACCIO
Where,how&when eating....
distance from Podere Casanova > 7 km
ENT AE
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info
The city of ceramics
en d...
Our apartments are equipped with
everything you need to prepare breakfast maker, kettle, toaster - but we recommend
some cafes where you can enjoy a delicious
breakfast!
MONTELUPO FIORENTINO
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MONTESPERTOLI
The town along the volterrana
distance from Podere Casanova > 7 km
The town of Montespertoli is of medieval
origin, had its first church - the church of
St. Andrew - in the seventeenth century
located in Piazza Machiavelli. Even the
Church of San Piero in Mercato
is of medieval origin in the territory are found
other examples that belong to this period
as the castle of Botinnaccio and to
Poppiano, members from the beginning to
the Guicciardini family. The position of the two
castles in that time were strategic, because
they were on the Volterra through which you
could access the Via Francigena and was a
midway point between the cities of Florence,
Siena and Volterra.
Some noble, influential and powerful famillies,
have determined the history of the area, the
first was that of Acciaioli, that for example,
donated to the church of San Lorenzo
the crucifix by Taddeo Gaddi significant artist of 1300 training Giotto, who
created paintings for the Santa Croce church
in Florence. Over time the Montespertoli
area came under the guidance of another
powerful family the Machiavelli, to which
Niccolò Machiavelli belonged, and to whom
the territory owes much, not only for the
prestige of the family, but also for the many
works donated to the churches in this area.
Among the things to see are: the church
of San Martino, San Giusto and the
Sanctuary of Santa Maria della
Pace, built in the seventeenth century.
• ITINERARI - CITTA DA VISITARE
VINCI
SAN MINIATO
In the footsteps of Leonardo
Capital of white truffle
distance from Podere Casanova > 21 km
The village of Vinci is situated on the slopes of
Monte Albano, in the below Val d’Arno, to visit is
the imposing Castle of the Counts Guidi
with its tower and its high and rugged battlements,
followed once the trend of the hill, according to its
elliptical shape still evident today. In the panoramic
square behind the castle there is the large sculpture
of Mario Ceroli, l’uomo di Vinci (1987), which
interprets and displays the image of the Vitruvian
Man by Leonardo. A few meters from Piazza dei
Guidi with its striking geometric shapes indicate
the entrance to the Museum Leonardian,
dedicated to scientific and technical studies
of Leonardo and to the history of the art of the
Renaissance. The path continues into the Castle
of the Counts Guidi which displays over sixty
models of machines, each of which have specific
references to the drawings and handwritten notes
of the artist. The end of the trail leads to the
panoramic Piazza of the tower from which you
can admire a picturesque landscape, depicted by
the artist in his papers and landscapes. Within the
walls perimeter is the Leonardo Library, it is
a specialized documentation center of Vincinianos
works. Along the way below Montalbano the old
cellars of the castle of Vinci, today house the
Museum Ideale Leonardo Da Vinci,
with it’s private collection.
In the center of the Freedom Square is located
the Leonardo’s Horse of the sculptor Nina
Akamu inspired by an unfinished project of
Leonardo for an equestrian statue of Francesco
Sforza. The crossroads between Empoli and
Cerreto Guidi we find the Sanctuary of the
Annunciation which preserves the valuable
painting of the Annunciation of Pistoia Fra ‘Paolino
in 1295. In the north, through the olive groves
along the ancient path called “green road”
or the scenic route, one reaches Anchiano the
Birthplace of Leonardo, where the he was
born. In this area you can enjoy visiting : Capraia
and Limite, Cerreto Guidi, Empoli, Montelupo
Fiorentino and Fucecchio, appreciated for its
museums, historic villages and the production of
good quality food and wine.
distance from Podere Casanova > 22 km
Where,how&when eating
info
ristorante la torretta
Via Torre, 19 - Vinci - tel. 0571 56100
www.ristorantelatorrettavinci.com
You can enjoy the real traditional Tuscan cuisine,
such as pappardelle with wild boar or the delicious
steaks and grilled meats.
Enoteche
antica cantina di bacco
Piazza Leonardo, 3 - Vinci - tel. 0571 568041
Wine bar serving food, the environment is small,
but cozy, great selection of wines accompanied by
Tuscan dishes, ideal for those looking for a quick
bite to eat from one visit to another.
antica borgo allegro
Via R. Fucini, 20 - Vinci - tel. 0571 567866
Cozy wine bar in addition to offering cutting boards
with cheese, bruschetta, Tuscan salami dishes
with seasonal produce. All adds up to a wide
selection of wines ranging from Tuscan wines to
those from Trieste and South Tyrol.
info
Capital of the “white trufflle “San Miniato” is
located in the lower Arno valley, on the southeastern hills dominating the river plains, halfway
between Pisa and Florence. The medieval
village of San Miniato is in the centre of Tuscany
and it preserves an historic centre set on the hill
top with the Cathedral, the Episcopal Palace,
the Municipal Palace and the Tower Fortress
dominating all the surrounding Arno.
San Miniato is an extremely ancient settlement,
as is demonstrated by the discovery of
Where,how&when eating
sergio falaschi
Via Conti, 18/20 - San Miniato - tel. 0571 43190
www.sergiofalaschi.com
Local butcher shop specializing in Cinta Senese
pork - typical of the breed Sienese area - including
the mallegato (blood sausage), a sausage Slow
Food presidium. Other local products that are
worth looking in the menu are the artichoke
sansminiatese, which is in April and May;
chestnuts and mushrooms are harvested in
autumn; goat cheese hills of San Miniato and
Chianina beef.
prehistoric artifacts in the area. San Miniato’s
importance in the Mediaeval period was
above all due its position at the meeting point
of the rivers Arno and Elsa, and of the road
from Pisa to Firenze and the Via Francigena.
Its origins seem tied to a village developed
around a chapel founded in the 8 C and given
in yearly lease in 938 to a noble from Lucca. It
was already highly populated and surrounded
by a moat in 999, and it was fortified in the XII
C. In 1178 and 1185, Federick Barbarossa
stayed here. As a Ghibelline municipality with
a certain autonomy, San Miniato received
numerous privileges from Emperor Federick
II, who stayed there in 1226 and initiated
an urban restructuring that was largely for
military purposes. At the same time, he made
it the Seat of an Imperial Vicar who was be
forced to abandon Tuscany in 1284 after the
defeat of Pisa, his most important protector,
at Meloria.
San Miniato is one of the most productive
truffle-rich areas of Europe. The white truffle
(which is usually a pale ochre in colour) that
grows in the San Miniato hills is the most
valuable type known. However, if the San
Miniato truffle is unique, there are numerous
other agricultural products that contribute to
the taste and flavours of San Miniato cookery.
The wines and olive oils are the produce of a
territory that is particularly suited to them.