Val di Chiana Aretina
Hotels Val di Chiana Aretina
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It had not, however, always been a paradise. After Hannibal's crossing, the
Valdichiana experienced other historical episodes which later led to the
formation of the Tuscan state: the Battle of Pieve al Toppo (1288) in which the
Aretini inflicted a decisive blow on the Senesi who were at that time closely
allied to the Florentine Guelph faction; the so-called Scannagallo battle (1554)
fought near Foiano and renowned for the large number of French mercenary
soldiers killed. The outcome of this conflict was a determining factor in the
subjugation of the Republic of Siena to the rule of Cosimo de' Medici, the first
Grand Duke of Tuscany.
Such episodes, when all is said and done, were alien to the historical reality
of the area. The people of the Valdichiana, in fact, were impassioned more by
art than arms. It is true to say, that no condottiere of any great importance
came from this valley whereas the list of artistic genius is impressive, the most
outstanding to note being Luca Signorelli, Pietro da Cortona, Andrea Sansovino
and, from this century, Gino Severini.
The Autostrada del Sole and the main Rome-Milan railway line cut through
the valley; two state highways, the Umbro-Casentinese and the eastern section
of the Cassia which follow the natural contours on both sides, all guarantee
communication links between the larger inhabited centres, whilst the dense
network of good secondary roads permit easy access in all directions and the
possibility of discovering remote, secluded spots of captivating beauty.
Moreover, following ancient Etruscan and Roman routes, beyond the slopes
and wooded ridges of the Cortona mountain range to the east, passing through
broad, open valleys characteristically dotted with houses, churches and ruins
of earlier fortresses, you reach the Tiber Valley - Valtiberina.
The Valdichiana was once the granary of Etruria and even today it is still the
only area specializing in the raising of the highly prized breed of beef cattle
known as the Chianina, which can be directly traced back to the "bos
primigenius" of prehistoric times.
This natural bent towards agriculture characterizes the valley's economy as
a whole, where activities connected with the production of cereals, sugar beet,
high quality oil and local wine, Bianco Vergine, all flourish and prosper.
Yet, established firms concentrating in the manufacture of furniture, shoes
and clothing are well represented.
In Monte San Savino, the ceramic industry is still thriving, producing refined
pottery wares according to long-standing, local tradition.
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At Val di Chiana Aretina, there is tourist accommodation available in hotels, farm holiday, farmhouse, residence self-catering accommodation, b&b, rooms for rent, holiday homes, camp sites and tourist villages.
Val di Chiana Aretina
