Barberino Val d' Elsa is a fortified village situated on a hill over the Elsa River valley, the village is found half way between Florence and Siena in the north-western area of the Chianti.

Barberino Val d'Elsa was founded by the Republic of Florence as a castle in a strategic position along the Via Cassia, the village was founded after the destruction, work of the Florentine troops, of the fortress of Semifonte, stronghold of the Counts Alberti, the destruction took place in 1202. Thanks to its location along an important route of communication, Barberino Val d'Elsa became one of the most important villages in the Florentine countryside. 

Entering in the old village through the south gate, Porta Senese (14th century), on the left we find a noble palace: called Palace of the Cardinal, on its door it's the emblema of the Barberini family, that of Pope Urbano VIII.

Proceeding on the main road on the right it's the Palazzo Pretorio, now headquarters of the Propositura di San Bartolomeo, with its beautiful Renaissance facade adorns of 35 coats of arms of the magistrates dating back to the 15th century. On the opposite part of the square it's a loggia that in the past had the function of pubblic loggia. Inside the Church of Barberino, that was radically renewed in the 1910 by Castellucci architect, can be admired some fragments of frescoes of the 14th-15th century, a bust in bronze of the Beato Davanzato therefore a teca with his remain. For a wonderful panorama over the surronding hills of the Chianti it's advisable to stop at the lookout in the vicinities of the church, here are also a good pizzeria and a typical restaurant.

In the vicinities of the Porta Fiorentina (the door to the north) is the Hospital of the Pilgrims, built in 1365, in which there are some frescoes and a grave. The palace, recently restored now accommodates the Communal Library. A statue has been recently placed in the square of the municipal palace, in commemoration of Francesco da Barberino, writer of 14th century native of Barberino.  

WHAT TO SEE IN THE AREA:

Tignano (small medieval village/castle). Petrognano (medieval village, situated where was the town of Semifonte, destroyed by Florence in 1202) and the chapel of San Michele (chapel that is a faithful reprodution in 1:8 scale of the dome of the Cathedral of Florence). Sant'Appiano (romanesque church). Linari (medieval village). The ruins of the castle of Cepparello. Badia a Passignano. Certaldo. San Gimignano.

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Barberino Val d'Elsa, Florence
Ospedale dei Pellegrini, Barberino Val d'Elsa, Florence	Landscape, Barberino Val d'Elsa, Florence	Palazzo del Cardinale, Barberino Val d'Elsa, Florence
Porta Senese, Barberino Val d'Elsa, Florence	Barberino Val d'Elsa, Florence	Porta Fiorentina, Barberino Val d'Elsa, Florence