Holiday apartment in Travale: the Middle Ages, language history and trails

Travale can be discovered as a destination where local history, linguistic records and active pursuits make it possible to enjoy a variety of holiday experiences. The themes range from the medieval fortress and the Carta di Travale to a walkable route, a long cycling tour, regional products and a traditional fair. This range is complemented by geothermal energy and the Corniolo Gigante in the surrounding area.

Fortress history and linguistic features

In the Middle Ages, Travale was an important fortress of the Pannocchieschi family. The Church of Santi Michele e Silvestro dates back to the 14th century.

Of particular importance is the parchment document known as the “Carta di Travale”, dating from 1158, which is also called the “Guaita di Travale” and is kept in the Historical Archive of the Diocese of Volterra. It is considered one of the earliest records of the Italian language. In Travale’s historic centre, a plaque also bears the sentence “Guaita, guaita male, non mangiai ma’ mezo pane”. The name “Guaita di Travale” belongs to the document; the sentence appears on the plaque in the historic centre.

On foot or by bicycle through the Metalliferous Hills

The “Trail of the Castles” is a route that can be explored on foot. In the northern part of the Metalliferous Hills Park, Travale is one of the medieval castles included on this route. Anyone planning a day on foot will find a thematic point of reference in the “Trail of the Castles” in the northern part of the Metalliferous Hills Park.

The “Gran Tour delle Colline Metallifere” is aimed at visitors who want to explore the area by bicycle. The tour is approximately 250 kilometres long and includes 4,500 metres of ascent. The distance and elevation gain are the key figures for planning a cycling tour along this route. The route length and elevation gain give the cycling tour its own time frame.

Fiera di Travale: fair, crafts and regional products

The Fiera di Travale is a century-old fair. It includes equestrian shows, a crafts market and a market selling typical regional products. Alongside the fortress history and the routes through the Metalliferous Hills, this adds an event theme that brings together crafts, regional produce and demonstrations. The crafts market and regional products also place the fair within local traditions.

Geothermal energy and a monumental tree

The regional character also includes geothermal energy and a distinctive natural feature. Travale is home to Enel power plants that generate electricity from geothermal energy. In the surrounding area of Travale stands the Corniolo Gigante, a monumental tree listed in the register of monumental trees. Alongside the fortress, church and linguistic record, energy generation and a monumental tree are therefore also part of the thematic range in Travale and its surrounding area. The power plant connection is directly in Travale, while the tree is in the surrounding area.

Other places in this travel area: Gerfalco, Boccheggiano

For the overarching travel overview: Montieri.