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Poggibonsi (29,000 inhabitants) is an important industrial town of Val d'Elsa, located at 116 metres above sea level, in the province of Siena, of which is the second largest city by population after Siena. 

The area where rises Poggibonsi was inhabited since ancient times, it is shown by the many archaeological discoveries made in the area. Poggibonsi evolved from medieval times, first along the river valley with the name of Borgo Marturi, and then in the twelfth century on a hill overlooking the valley, where was founded the imperial city of Poggiobonizio, which was an important cornerstone of imperial interests in the area until its destruction in 1270, when it was conquered by the troops of Florence. 

After the destruction of Poggiobonizio, the town was again moved to the valley in the ancient Borgo Marturi, since then called Poggibonsi, the city was then part of the domains of Florence and was surrounded by walls. In 1488, by order of Lorenzo the Magnificent, on top of the hill where, in the past, was located Poggibonizio, work began to build the fortress of Poggio Imperiale, the vast fortress was never completed, due to the conquest of Siena and the loss of its utility, but what was done and that is visible even today allows us to admire this great military work, witnessed of the transition from the era of the swords to that of gunpowder, the fort was the work of Giuliano and Antonio da Sangallo. 

USEFUL INFORMATION:

Weekly market in Poggibonsi: Tuesday.
Via Redipuglia (Hours: 7.00-14.00).

Weekly market in Staggia Senese: Saturday
Via del Pollaio (Hours 8.00-13.00)

Tourist Information Office - Poggibonsi
Piazza Mazzini, 6
tel. +39 0577 935113 - fax +39 0577 982509