Situated halfway between Florence and Siena, Lorenzo Village is perfectly located for guests to visit some of Tuscany's best sites. Whether visitors want to explore the beautiful countryside, take in the art and culture or savour the delicious local food and wine, this part of Tuscany will suit all needs.
Siena is 30 minutes by car, and Florence is 45 minutes. San Gimignano, with its beautiful towers, is just a few kilometres away.
The Ancient Lorenzo Village was a home and place of worship for the Goths. In 1963, people excavating around the village discovered the 'Treasures of Gologano': a Eucharistic kit, composed of four different goblets, a spoon and a paten, which is now housed at the Museum of Sacred Art in Colle Val D'Elsa.
This discovery led historians to unearth the history behind the village. The treasure was buried by locals when the invasion was announced between the Alemanni and Franchi tribes after the defeat of Teia, the last king of the Goths, in Campania in 553 AD.
In medieval times, the village belonged to the noble Sienese family, the Tolemei. It became a place of hospitality, as it was on the pilgrimage route for merchants and travelers from northern Europe to Rome.
Within the complex is the little Church of San Lorenzo (9th century) built on the remains of an older building dating from the 5th century. The altar is adorned with a fresco depicting the Madonna and Child Enthroned between San Lorenzo and San Sebastian painted by Pier Francesco Fiorentino (15th century). According to popular tradition, Lorenzo Village was the meeting place between San Franesco of Assisi and San Lucchese.
Getting there:
The nearest towns are Poggibonsi, 10 minutes away, Colle di Val d'Elsa and San Gimignano. The estate is very easy to access from the Autostrada connecting Florence and Siena, which passes close to Colle di Val d'Elsa and Poggibonsi (exit E35 Colle di Val d'Elsa Nord).
