Barberino  Val  d'Elsa​

By Dion Protani
Latest update: 30 January 2024
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.
Related links
Profile
Barberino Val d'Elsa is a charming hilltop town located in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. Situated between Florence and Siena, Barberino Val d'Elsa is known for its medieval architecture, breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside, and its historical significance. ​
History
Barberino Val d'Elsa has ancient origins dating back to Etruscan times, and its name is derived from the Barberini family, who ruled the area during the Middle Ages. The town was strategically positioned along the historic Via Francigena, an important medieval pilgrimage route connecting Rome to the north.

Throughout history, Barberino Val d'Elsa was involved in various conflicts between the cities of Florence and Siena due to its location on the border between the two rivaling city-states. Today, the town's historical center retains its medieval charm, with narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, and ancient walls.
Highlights and nearby attractions
  • Historic Centre: Explore the medieval centre of Barberino Val d'Elsa, where you can visit the Church of San Bartolomeo, the Oratory of Santissimo Pietro, and the Palazzo Pretorio, which houses the town's historical archives.
  • Piazza Barberini: Relax in the town's main square, Piazza Barberini, and enjoy the charming ambiance of the surrounding buildings and cafes.
  • Rocca di Barberino: Visit the ruins of the Rocca di Barberino, a medieval fortress that once played a significant role in defending the town.
  • Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside and vineyards from various viewpoints in and around Barberino Val d'Elsa.
  • Wine and Food: Discover the excellent local wines, including the famous Chianti Classico, and savor traditional Tuscan cuisine in the town's restaurants and trattorias.
  • Nature Walks: Take leisurely walks in the surrounding countryside, exploring the olive groves and vineyards that characterize the Tuscan landscape.
  • Nearby Attractions: Barberino Val d'Elsa is well-located for exploring other famous Tuscan destinations like Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, and the Chianti wine region.
Barberino Val d'Elsa - frazione di Barbarino Tavarnelle
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

Barberino  Val  d'Elsa​​  Gallery

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via my Italy Review Blog for which you'll find links below to the Facebook and Twitter pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 
Booking.com

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone.