At the Door of the Chianti Classico

Impruneta rises over the hills surrounding Florence at only 15km and 30 minutes away by car.

Right on the edge of the Chianti Classico wine region you can find the beautiful village of Impruneta surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.

Often Impruneta would not be included in a Chianti tour but really does merit to be included as a first stop when leaving Florence. Its position is both central and close offering stunning views over the surrounding area of Florence.

What to see in Impruneta

Worth a visit in the centre square of Buondelmonte, is the church, Santa Maria in Impruneta built around the year 1300. Like many churches in the area it was totally restrucurated after the damage from world war 2. Next to the church is a small museum where you can find various works of art and ancient books. The most famous item is the cushion of Impruneta and can be found in the Santa Maria church and is the first example of European patchwaork from the end of the 14th century.

On the opposite side of the basilica, in the corner of the square, positioned in a living room with the green terracotta floor, is a basic copper stone weighing 500kg found in the area of impruneta. These days there are no more mining activities but it is still possible to find huge boulders that are nothing but pure copper.

From October to December, during the oil season, you can pay a visit to one of the many oil mills present, when local farmers bring olives to turn into excellent olive oil. In Septemeber the village of impruneta has a celebration where they have a huge challenge between the 4 districs exhibiting beautiful decorated floats with music in piazza Buondelmonti. This is a tradition that has gone on for almost a century and certainly deserves a visit.

Moreover, near the village of impruneta is the Florence American cemetery and memorial to honor the fallen of the Second World War. The cemetery is about 28 hectares wide and is home to 4000 American men who lost their lives fighting in Italy during the Second World War.

The clay found in Impruneta and its surroundings is very suitable for creating characteristic products that last over time. Many objects are made such as vases, jars statues and floor tiles. This work dates back to 1098, it is still possible to find several laboratories open to the public, Poggi Ugo, Fornace Masini, M.I.T.A.L. both for the visit and for the purchase.