Barberino Val d'Elsa
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Latest page update: 24 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Barberino Val d'Elsa
Barberino Val d’Elsa offers a range of charming accommodation surrounded by vineyards and olive groves in the heart of the Chianti region. Most properties occupy restored farmhouses or villas, providing scenic views and easy access to both Florence and Siena.
Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda Relais, situated just outside the village, offers elegant rooms, a wellness area, outdoor pool and on-site restaurant, frequently praised for its service and facilities (€€€). Villa San Filippo, overlooking the surrounding countryside, combines Tuscan-style interiors with modern comforts, featuring multiple pools and a restaurant with panoramic terraces (€€€). For a more intimate setting, Agriturismo Le Torri provides rustic-style accommodation with a pool, gardens and a focus on local hospitality and produce (€€).
Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda Relais, situated just outside the village, offers elegant rooms, a wellness area, outdoor pool and on-site restaurant, frequently praised for its service and facilities (€€€). Villa San Filippo, overlooking the surrounding countryside, combines Tuscan-style interiors with modern comforts, featuring multiple pools and a restaurant with panoramic terraces (€€€). For a more intimate setting, Agriturismo Le Torri provides rustic-style accommodation with a pool, gardens and a focus on local hospitality and produce (€€).
Where is
Where is Barberino Val d'Elsa?
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The town of Barberino Val d'Elsa is situated within the Metropolitan City of Florence province and stands at an elevation of 373 metres above sea level. It has a population of around 1,000 inhabitants.
Places of interest nearby include the Val d'Elsa, Certaldo, San Gimignano and Greve in Chianti. |
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Barberino Val d'Elsa - frazione di Barbarino Tavarnelle
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Comune: Barberino Tavarnelle
Province: Metropolitan City of Florence Region: Tuscany Elevation: 373 metres Fly to: Florence Airport - 45 minutes by car (40 km) Close by: Val d'Elsa, Certaldo, San Gimignano, Greve in Chianti Recommended accommodation: Hotel Villa San Giorgio (5 km) |
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)
Listed since: 2003
1 of 24 in Tuscany listed by Touring Club Italiano
Listed since: 2003
1 of 24 in Tuscany listed by Touring Club Italiano
What People Ask About Barberino Val d'Elsa
Is Barberino Val d'Elsa worth visiting?
What are the main attractions in Barberino Val d'Elsa?
How do I get to Barberino Val d'Elsa?
When is the best time to visit Barberino Val d'Elsa?
How long should I stay in Barberino Val d'Elsa?
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Discover
Discover Barberino Val d'Elsa
Barberino Val d’Elsa is a medieval village in Tuscany, situated between Florence and Siena in the Chianti hills. Set at around 370 metres above sea level, it stands on a ridge overlooking the Elsa Valley, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and gently rolling countryside. The village retains its fortified layout, with stone walls, narrow streets and two main gates that mark its thirteenth-century origins.
Among its main landmarks are the Church of San Bartolomeo, the Palazzo Pretorio, and several well-preserved towers that hint at its former defensive role. The historic centre remains largely intact, with buildings constructed from local stone and brick. The surrounding area is known for the production of Chianti Classico wines and features numerous rural hamlets and farmhouses. Barberino Val d’Elsa lies close to Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, with convenient road access to San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Certaldo, and both Florence and Siena.
Among its main landmarks are the Church of San Bartolomeo, the Palazzo Pretorio, and several well-preserved towers that hint at its former defensive role. The historic centre remains largely intact, with buildings constructed from local stone and brick. The surrounding area is known for the production of Chianti Classico wines and features numerous rural hamlets and farmhouses. Barberino Val d’Elsa lies close to Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, with convenient road access to San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Certaldo, and both Florence and Siena.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Barberino Val d'Elsa
- Centro Storico di Barberino Val d’Elsa is a beautifully preserved medieval village where narrow cobbled streets wind among stone houses, brick towers, and arched gateways. Terracotta roofs, wooden shutters, and small squares add warmth and character to the architecture. The village sits on a ridge in the Chianti area of Tuscany, surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves. Its atmosphere blends quiet rural life with echoes of its historic importance on the Via Francigena.
- Chiesa di San Bartolomeo stands prominently in the village, with a simple stone façade and an inviting interior. Inside are frescoes, wooden altars, and sacred artworks reflecting local craftsmanship. The church remains central to religious life and village gatherings. It’s a peaceful place to visit while exploring Barberino Val d’Elsa’s medieval streets.
- Piazza Barberini serves as the social heart of the village, edged with historic buildings, small shops, and cafés. Locals and visitors gather here for conversations, markets, and festivals. Outdoor seating offers views of the surrounding countryside. The square reflects the gentle, welcoming rhythm of village life.
- Porta Senese is one of the village’s ancient gateways, built of stone and brick and still marking the entrance to the medieval centre. Walking through the archway feels like stepping back in time. From this point, visitors can enjoy views over the Chianti hills. It’s a symbol of Barberino Val d’Elsa’s medieval heritage.
- Guided cultural walks and wine tastings in Barberino Val d’Elsa introduce visitors to the village’s history, architecture, and culinary traditions. Local guides share stories about medieval pilgrimages, local artisans, and regional wines. Tours often include tastings of Chianti wines paired with Tuscan specialities. It’s a delightful way to connect with the cultural and gastronomic richness of the Chianti region.
Tours and Activities
Barberino Val d'Elsa Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Barberino Val d'Elsa Photo Gallery
Tuscany Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
1. Florence
2. Siena
3. Val d'Orcia
4. Pisa
5. Lucca
6. San Gimignano
7. Giglio
8. Volterra
9. Pienza
10. Elba
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Tuscany
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Barberino Val d'Elsa
By Rail: Barberino Val d’Elsa does not have its own railway station. The nearest station is in Poggibonsi, about 10 kilometres away, on the Empoli–Siena line operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect Poggibonsi to Florence in approximately 50 minutes and to Siena in about 25 minutes. From Poggibonsi, Barberino Val d’Elsa can be reached by car, taxi, or local bus along the SP101 road.
By Road: The village is situated in the Chianti area of Tuscany, between Florence and Siena. From Florence, the distance is around 35 kilometres, with a driving time of roughly 40 minutes via the Raccordo Autostradale Firenze–Siena. From Siena, the journey is approximately 40 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes along the same route. Parking is available near the historic centre and around the main access roads.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The village is situated in the Chianti area of Tuscany, between Florence and Siena. From Florence, the distance is around 35 kilometres, with a driving time of roughly 40 minutes via the Raccordo Autostradale Firenze–Siena. From Siena, the journey is approximately 40 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes along the same route. Parking is available near the historic centre and around the main access roads.
Nearest International Airports:
- Florence Peretola Airport: Located about 45 kilometres from Barberino Val d’Elsa, with a driving time of around 45 minutes. It provides domestic and European flight connections.
- Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport: Approximately 90 kilometres away, the journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. It offers a wide range of European and seasonal intercontinental flights.
- Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport: Roughly 130 kilometres from Barberino Val d’Elsa, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes. It serves numerous international and domestic destinations.
Private Transfers
Barberino Val d'Elsa Private Transfers
Barberino Val d’Elsa is a hilltop village in Tuscany, located between Florence and Siena in the heart of the Chianti region. Set at around 370 metres above sea level, it overlooks the rolling countryside of vineyards, olive groves and cypress-lined roads that define this part of central Tuscany. The village retains its medieval layout, enclosed by ancient walls and accessed through two main gates that date back to the thirteenth century.
Within the historic centre, the Church of San Bartolomeo and the Palazzo Pretorio reflect the town’s former importance as a fortified outpost along the Via Cassia. Traces of its medieval towers and stone-built houses remain visible along the main street. The surrounding area is dotted with historic farmsteads and wineries producing Chianti Classico wines. Barberino Val d’Elsa lies close to Tavarnelle Val di Pesa and offers easy access by road to San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Certaldo, and both Florence and Siena.
Within the historic centre, the Church of San Bartolomeo and the Palazzo Pretorio reflect the town’s former importance as a fortified outpost along the Via Cassia. Traces of its medieval towers and stone-built houses remain visible along the main street. The surrounding area is dotted with historic farmsteads and wineries producing Chianti Classico wines. Barberino Val d’Elsa lies close to Tavarnelle Val di Pesa and offers easy access by road to San Casciano in Val di Pesa, Certaldo, and both Florence and Siena.
