Valdelsa is a region stretching north of Siena, between Sienese Chianti and Val di Cecina. The Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrimage road connecting northern Europe with Rome, crosses Valdelsa, so that in the past this region played a strategic role in the Tuscan road system.

The Medieval towns of Colle Val d`Elsa, Monteriggioni and San Gimignano - which was included in the list of UNESCO`s World Heritage sites in 1990 - are rich in historical evidence of the region`s glorious past.

Like many other Tuscan areas, Valdelsa boasts an important culinary tradition, whose specialities - "pici" (a special type of fresh pasta), mushrooms, tripe and many other succulent dishes - are seasoned with saffron, the gold from San Gimignano. Those who like wines can tour along the "Strada della Vernaccia" (Road of Vernaccia): an itinerary at the discovery of the producers of one the most famous Italian white wines.

Valdelsa - A Region in Central Tuscany
Valdelsa is the name of valley of the Elsa river (hence the name). The Elsa river runs in the Arno river between Empoli and San Miniato. Valdelsa stretches in central Tuscany, in the provinces of Siena (Upper Valdesa) and Florence (Lower Valdelsa). This page, however, refers only to the Sienese part of Valdelsa, divided into the municipalities of Barberino Val d`Elsa, San Gimignano, Poggibonsi, Colle Val d`Elsa, Monteriggioni, Casole d`Elsa and Radicondoli, where the Elsa river springs.