Gerfalco between the Cornate, medieval townscape and Early Music

Gerfalco combines a distinctive natural environment with medieval local history, mining research and a special cultural event. The Cornate reach 1,081 metres and form one of the few habitats with a montane character in southern Tuscany. In the town itself, the largely preserved medieval urban structure and the Church of San Biagio shape the historic townscape; the Festival delle Viole is based here and is dedicated to Early Music.

Natural environment and geo-trails

The Cornate e Fosini Nature Reserve is a Natura 2000 site. The designation Natura 2000 refers to a European network of special conservation areas. A distinctive geological trace is formed by the caves of Rosso Ammonitico on the Cornate: they provided red material for paving Siena Cathedral. The specific material connection therefore extends from the Cornate to Siena. For visitors interested in nature, both the montane habitat and the geological traces are central attractions in Gerfalco.

The Gerfalco visitor centre is the access point to the adjacent Poggio Mutti Geosite. This geosite includes the quarries and mines of Poggio Mutti. The Trench Route of Cornate di Gerfalco is also one of the park's geo-trails. Anyone interested in geological connections, mining or routes through the natural environment can note the Gerfalco visitor centre, the Geosite and the Trench Route of Cornate di Gerfalco as separate points when planning a day's activities during their stay.

Townscape, church and mining research

Gerfalco is known for its largely preserved medieval urban structure. The Church of San Biagio was consecrated in 1323. Gerfalco is also regarded as a centre of mining research. In the town, the medieval urban structure and the church consecrated in 1323 stand alongside the subject of mining research. For visitors interested in culture, local history, sacred architecture and mining research are therefore among the specific subjects to explore in Gerfalco.

Festival delle Viole

The Festival delle Viole di Gerfalco is based in Gerfalco, began in 2011 and reached its 13th edition in 2023. It is a festival of Early Music unique in Italy and focuses particularly on the viola da gamba and instruments belonging to the Baroque and Renaissance repertoire. The viola da gamba and instruments from two formative eras of Early Music are therefore at its centre.

Places of interest in the surrounding area

The immediate surroundings of Gerfalco include the ruins of the Canonica di San Nicolò a Montieri and Poggio di Montieri. Poggio Montecchi and Poggio le Soline are located in the area around Gerfalco. The ruins of the Abbey of San Galgano are also nearby. Poggio alle Guardie is likewise located in the area around Gerfalco. In the wider regional area are Castello Di Montemassi and Castello di Montarrenti.

More places in the travel overview: Boccheggiano, Travale.

For the higher-level travel overview: Montieri.