Castelnuovo D'elsa
Discover Castelnuovo d'Elsa, a medieval Tuscan village
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about Castelnuovo d'Elsa, an ancient village located in the metropolitan city of Florence, in Tuscany. If you like the history of the medieval era, then this place will leave you speechless!
History of the village
Castelnuovo d'Elsa was one of the thirty-six castles belonging to the district of San Miniato and dates back to the early twelfth century. The community managed to resist the siege of the troops of Christian of Mainz and remain independent. However, during the fourteenth century, following the fall of San Miniato, the village became part of the orbit of Florence. Despite this, it maintained the autonomy of its rural community administration until 1774, when it was suppressed and annexed first to Montaione and then to Castelfiorentino.
Religious buildings to visit
The village has two churches that are worth visiting. The Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Castelnuovo d'Elsa is located in the upper part of the village and towers above the area. The bell tower rests on the foundations of the keep and inside there is a valuable "Annunciation" by Neri di Bicci. The building underwent heavy renovations in the eighteenth century. The Church of Saints Lorenzo and Barbara in Castelnuovo d'Elsa is of medieval origin and the only remaining example of Gothic architecture in the village. Dominating the central square, it has a nave ending with a semicircular apse. The main altar preserves a cycle of frescoes attributed to Paolo Schiavo (1397-1478).
Photos of the village
For those who want to get an idea of what Castelnuovo d'Elsa looks like, we have some photos to show. The first is of the bell tower of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which can be seen from afar. The second photo shows the interior of the aforementioned church. The third photo shows the Church of Saints Lorenzo and Barbara and finally, the fourth photo shows one of the streets of the village.
Conclusions
Castelnuovo d'Elsa is a village with a very ancient history, still visible today through its streets and its churches. If you love the Middle Ages, I recommend visiting it and taking a look at its most interesting parts!
