Fattoria Poggio Alloro

www.fattoriapoggioalloro.com

info@fattoriapoggioalloro.com

Tel. +393455307767 / +390577950153

Nice wine farm, with amazing view of San Gimignano skyline! They also organize cooking classes at the farm. Also there is an awesome road to drive to reach this place if you take the gravel road that passes from Castello di Fulignano and the small church of Cusona!

Montese Cooking Experience:

-https://www.montesecookingexperience.com/en/

+393453000867 (suggest to call directly for a faster reply)

They are in San Gimignano, so just 10 km from the Castle!

They know the castle owners very well so tell them you had their contacts from Nicola of Castello di badia. IMPORTANT - A cooking class here is only possible if the group stays at their property.

Cucina Giuseppina Italian Cooking Family – Cooking and truffle experience

(Scuola di cucina in Certaldo)

www.cucinagiuseppina.com Tel. +393805803708 Address: Via del Castello, 34 Certaldo (FI)

SiChef Cooking Experience – Chianti Bistro

www.sichef.cooking

Tel. +390550494153 Email: info@sichef.cooking

Address. Strada Spoiano, 1 Barberino tavarnelle (FI)

Gelato class is very different from a normal cooking class. However it could be a nice experience while visiting San Gimignano (one town over):

https://www.dondoligelatoclass.com/

Tel: prenotazioni@dondoligelatoclass.com

Mobile: +393935448969

Address: Via del Castello, 15 San Gimignano

MOTOR VESPA, BIKES AND eBIKES RENTAL:

- https://it.tuscanyonwheels.com (bikes, tuk tuk and motor vespa rental. Also tours available) This is the closest to the castle, about 3 km. Has to be booked largely in advance.

All info and contacts on the web site. Tel. + 393938363746 (Whatsapp available)

Email: info@travelonabudget.it

Motor Vespa

- www.gippobike.com

email: gippo@gippobike.it Tel. +390577904405

Motor Vespa and Bikes

- www.bellinibruno.com - Info and contacts on their web

site).

The shop is in San Gimignano. One day tour of the San Gimignano Countryside could be a great experience.

Bikes

- www.ciclosportporciatti.com

Via Lazio, 19 Poggibonsi (Siena) info@ciclosportporciatti.biz

or Tel: +390577938507

Our venue owners recommend to email this group for more information, prices and so on. They are friends of the Castle so you can tell them that Nicola and Roberto of Castello di Badia are sharing their contact information.

Email: info@firenzemongolfiere.com

Website: https://www.firenzemongolfiere.com/

IG official page: Firenze Mongolfiere Ballooning

Poggibonsi is known for its castle and fortresses and is in the wine country of Tuscany. Explore all that Poggibonsi has to offer including:

1. Fortezza Medicea di Poggio Imperiale

This Medici fortress is a piece of medieval architecture realized by the da Sangallo brothers upon request of Lorenzo il Magnifico...but was never finished due to his death. Left untouched for almost more than 500 years, it now stands as a park and public area where during the summer there are shows and concerts, a restaurant with a stunning panoramic position and lots of space to enjoy a stroll overlooking the land that divides Florence and Siena. The wide sidewalk, adorned with benches and pieces of modern art, winds its way above the present day Poggibonsi and promises a bird's eye view of the landscape - simply perfect.

2. Archeodromo

Located within the park of Poggio Imperiale, this extraordinary activity is coordinated by those who truly love the mysteries of the past and what is really surprising - it is actually free! Every Sunday you can roam the permanent exhibition of a small town with “actors” dressed according to the time period - they "work" at activities that demonstrate the skills and jobs that were part of the everyday life for those who once lived in the what is now one extensive archaeological dig. Keep up with the activities by visiting their Facebook, which is updated frequently (as opposed to their site, which is not.)

3. Fonte delle Fate

Dating from the 1300’s this beautiful fountain composed of 6 stone arches, was most probably constructed by talents that came from northern Italy. It was actually buried during the construction of the Fort because history will tell us it was considered a sin to destroy any source of water (and due to its position on the via Francigena...this was a very important source of refreshment). It was only brought back to light in the 1800’s. Surrounded by a spacious public park, this architectural wonder from the medieval times rests in a unique setting filled with local activity and life. Visit not only the fountain but the park with its contemporary art and shady green areas - a great place to stop in the summer months mixing some down time for the kids with a bit of stimulating culture.

4. Convento di San Lucchess

This church is one of the few examples of the Gothic style of architecture - and it is found right here in Valdelsa (the valley of the river Elsa). The church is named in honor of Saint Lucchess, who after leading a life of greed and usury followed the example of St. Francis; he gave his worldly goods to the poor and lived (together with his wife) in poverty. The church, located on a hill overlooking the Fortress, is particularly rich with artwork inside and its panoramic position just outside the Poggibonsi city center is worth the visit.

5. Church of San Lorenzo

This churches dates in the 1300’s, and has been reworked several times, leaving many evident signs of the work of the face lifts and dramatically changing its appearance. However, the value of this church lies more with its place in history than with its architectural and artistic patrimony. It served as the meeting place between the invading Charles VIII of France and Girolamo Savonarola in 1495. Unfortunately many of the distinguishing artworks and affrescos have long disappeared however, there are still a few pieces that adorn the interior.

6. Rocca di Staggia

Take a medieval castle with its thick fortified walls and mix it with contemporary art and you will find a truly unique way to explore Tuscany. Stuck in the middle of the continuous battle between Florence and Siena, the Rocca di Staggia has led a tumultuous life; each step of which is explained to you in the guided tour available with the ticket. Visit the towers, the walls, learn the history of the cross roads of via Francigena, via Romana and Cammino di Compostela, find out how the influence of the Crusades and the work by Brunelleschi impacted the castle and its part in history. Then take a walk around the small town and its quiet country roads and truly appreciate the beauty of this area.

7. Castello Magione

In 2012 it was nominated one of the 1000 Wonders of Italy, the castle built in the 1100’s, conserving evident signs of its medieval architecture it has been restored and it is possible to admire its beauty. The complex was part of the medieval "Mansio" (residence) which originally belonged to the Templar Knights. The structure, near the via Francigena and the now destroyed bridge Bonizio, includes a church and the “spedale” (hotel) for the pilgrims make this holy journey.

On April 28th Poggibonsi dresses up to celebrate the Patron Saint of the town, San Lucchese, who became saint thanks to a life inspired by humility, faith and assistance towards others.

The festival has booths and vendors to celebrate the Patron Saint. It begins during the day and ends with a parade in the evening. This may be fun to check out during the day before the wedding!