Tavarnelle Val di Pesa
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The village of Tavarnelle is mentioned as early 780 as a place famed for its inns. It rose on
the old Roman road as a market-town and center of hospitality not far from San Pietro in Bossolo, where the Lombard kings and Imperial legates had the right of “albergheria”, to be lodged at public expense. The first group of houses grew along the road near the Romanesque Church of Santa Caterina, which once stood at the entrance to the village. The unfortified town was repeatedly devastated by attacks so there are few remaining traces of its Medieval origins. By 1260 Tavarnelle rnust have been densely populated, as the parish priest of San Pietro in Bossolo was recorded to be the largest contributor of grain for the Florentine soldiers traveling towards Montaperti. The Monastery and Church of the Borghetto, founded here by the Franciscans in the first half of the 13th century, is further proof of its importance. The town underwent major development in the first half of the 19th century, when many new houses and roads were built. In 1895, the town’s main square, piazza Matteotti, was built on a plot of land bought from the Marquis Luigi Torrigiani. In 1893 the Palazzo Cornunale, or Town Hall, was built, which was renovated after the Second World War. At the same time the hospital and the Carabinieri headquarter were constructed, both financed by the Marquises Torrigiani. The strange looking turreted building on piazza Matteotti, designed in a somewhat neoGothic style, was built in the 1920s to house the Fascist Party Headquarters. In town, one can still see buildings with 16th and 17th century decorations: ashlar doorways, shields, and stone window frames. The Church of Santa Caterina has been turned into a private residence, while the 19th century Chapel of Sant’Anna, at the corner with via delle Fonti, is still a consecrated church.
Osteria La Gramola is a typical Tuscan restaurant in the center of Tavarnelle. The building was a stage-post and tavern up until the 19th century. The Osteria is run by a young Tuscan family who welcome guests “at home” in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Massimo, Cecilia, and their children, Ugo and Emma, have always been in love with this region; their choice of life was prompted by the desire to preserve its traditions, history and their roots. The authentic food combines an excellent quality of ingredients with a faithful rendering of traditional recipes, representing the true flavours of the land. The Osteria’s cuisine is a journey through the culture and traditions of Tuscany: wine, oil, prosciutto coated in a “skin” of pepper, cured meats, bread which is obstinately unsalted, excellent soups and meat prepared exactly as the “contadini” did in their farmhouses. These are the gastronomic masterpieces which the chef defends with conviction, proud of the tradition of “doing things the right way”, and of being able to reproduce the tastes of the past. The remarkable wine and oil list has been carefully compiled by the Sommelier Massimo Marzi, who has chosen to include the most prestigious labels along with the best traditional wines of the area. In perfect harmony with the restaurant’s cuisine, the wine list is in constant evolution and the Sommelier is always there to suggest the best combination to enhance the guests’ choices.
Address: Via delle Fonti, 1 Tavarnelle Val di Pesa Phone +39 055 8050321 e-mail: osteria@gramola.it Site: www.gramola.it
Via della Leccia Along the road on the left hand side amidst cypresses, stands the elegant chapel of the Peppoli. The small building is preceded by a portico on Tuscan columns and is dedicated to the Blessed Umiliana de’Cerchi, a Florentine mystic who lived in the 13th century. The chapel was built in the 16th century by the Cerchi, owners of the nearby stately home. Two roads off to the right of the provincial road lead to Villa di Terciona and Villa Montignana respectively. Villa Montignana was the property of the convent of San Gallo in Florence from the 15th century on. The building and its small chapel have 17th century decorations.
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