Farm House in Tuscany in Gambassi Terme
At the center of a territory known since ancient times for the presence of its regenerating salt water and a fundamental stop on the Via Francigena, Gambassi Terme is a place historically suited to well-being and hospitality.
Located along the main roads that already connected the major centers of Tuscany during the Etruscan and Roman times, in the Middle Ages the village of Gambassi and the nearby Pieve di Santa Maria a Chianni are remembered by the Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury between the stages of his pilgrimage towards Rome on the Via Francigena, which today represents one of the most evocative European "paths" to travel on foot or by bicycle.
A short distance from the characteristic historical center, which preserves intact many of the medieval buildings and alleys and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, is the Benestare Park, where, almost hidden by ancient trees, the Terme della Via Francigena exploit the beneficial properties of 'Pillo sauce water proposing treatments for body and spirit that blend well with the genuine flavors of the oil and wine that this land offers in abundance.
Via Francigena
Certainly Sigerico, the Archbishop of Canterbury who in 1800 traveled the 1800 kilometers that separated him from Rome to receive the investiture of his charge from the Pope, did not know that the travel diary where he wrote down every detail of his journey, would become a real and its own guide for the thousands of pilgrims who every year, for centuries, set off on the Via Francigena. Less well-known than the Camino de Santiago, but equally rich in history and charm, this itinerary, which begins in England, continues in France, touches Switzerland and crosses most of Central-Northern Italy, allows you to discover, step by step, landscapes pristine, parish churches, cities of art and monasteries, savoring every moment of the journey. The 79 stages of the original route that Sigerico traveled in 80 days, today constitute the recognized path, which can be traveled on foot, on horseback or by bicycle.
The Via Francigena crosses our territory for about fifty kilometers, touching the village of Fucecchio, where it crosses the Arno to continue towards the nearby San Miniato and continue southwards through the green countryside and the woods of Castelfiorentino and Gambassi Terme. Dedicate at least one day to the journey and walk a small part of the route, perhaps during one of the events dedicated as Gambassigena or La Via Francigena in Castelfiorentino. You will discover that, by slowing down the pace, there is more time to observe, listen and be amazed by the wonders of this territory.
Santa Maria in Chianni
Recalled at the end of the tenth century by the Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury as a twentieth resting point along the long Via Francigena, the Church of Santa Maria a Chianni is one of the most important examples of late Romanesque architecture in Tuscany and is a short distance from the historic center from Gambassi Terme.
Despite the passing of the centuries and the restoration activities it has undergone, the Church preserves much of the original appearance given to it during the period from the 12th to the 13th century and which reminds us of the façade of the Cathedral of Volterra.
The yellow sandstone façade stands out from the surrounding landscape while inside the rather austere space, typical of the Romanesque tradition, is divided into three central naves by three rows of columns, all different in size, material and above all for the fantastic capitals carved
