Ancient alabaster and crystal: Colla Val D´Elsa and Volterra
This itinerary is a plunge into past to learn about noble crafts from another time still present in the Tuscan craftsmanship.
We will be in Volterra, a suggestive turreted medieval town surrounded by XII century walls. Here the ancient art of modelling alabaster is performed only by a small number of masters. You will also visit the Civic Museum where important paintings by Ghirlandaio, Signorelli and Rosso Fiorentino are conserved.
We will stop in San Gimignano, the town world famous for its towers, to admire the intact beauty of its historical centre. It will be an occasion to walk through the handicraft shops and to taste Vernaccia, the white wine of San Gimignano.
We will reach Colle Val d’Elsa to see another example of fascinating art: the working of crystal. In fact 95% of the crystal produced in Italy is done so here. You will visit the Crystal Museum, the only one of its kind in Italy, to admire the unique ancient and contemporary pieces shaped by the hands of Colligiani grinders and artists. It will be an occasion to understand the secrets of this ancient art.
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