Tuscan Walking Paths

Many tracks originated when farms were built and needed linking to neighbours farms, fields, the fattoria, church and village. Paved roads were uncommon, except along major trade routes or roads to important secular and religious centres.  The paved country roads lined with stone walls are probably medieval.  In Roman times, each village or parish was responsible for a stretch of road.  Inevitably, medieval roads followed many of the ancient routes already established by the Etruscans.  As time passed, the importance of roads changed with patterns of use.  For more info on the Etruscan civilisation

Etruscans:  In both the Chianti Pathways and Hilltown Gems of Southern Italy we get a chance to explore Etruscan sights.

The origin, of these ancient people is unclear.  By the 8C BC the Etruscan civilisation had established itself. Etruscan power was at it’s height during the 8C to the 4C BC. Quite apart from being seafarers with trading connections across the Mediterranean, the Etruscans settled and influenced other peoples in the Italian peninsula. 

Their unity lay more in language, customs and religion than in political power. They did not create a centralised state but rather held together in a loose confederation of twelve main cities. Florence was one of the twelve. This proved a weakness and the Romans conquered them in the 4C BC. The Romans did not displace them and their religion was respected.
Outside Castellina in Chianti the Etruscan tomb Montevalvario contains four sizable burial chambers which face the cardinal points.  Discovered in 1507 and excavated at the beginning of the 20C.  Tomb robbers were at work before restoration. The tomb is very interesting although a little run down.

For more information on the Etruscan civilisation
http://history-world.org/etruscans.htm

For more information on Via Francigena visit
http://www.viafrancigena.com/fra_fr_e.htm

Worth Reading

Vanilla Beans and Brodo and Bel Vino by Isabella Dusi
“Magnificent…really gives you a sense of the place”  Independent
Great background for all three walks. Isabella gives you a real feel for living in a Tuscan village.  Isabella is an Australian married to an Italian and has now lived in Montalcino for over 10 years.
For more information: http://www.vanilla-beans-and-brodo.com/

Italian Neighbours by Tim Parks
“Tough, funny and sceptical’’  Tattler 
Good to get a feel for what living in Italy is really all about

Travelers’ Tales, Tuscany
A series of interesting and varied short stories from a range of authors’ experiences in Tuscany
"For the thoughtful traveller, these books are an invaluable resource.  There's nothing like them on the market." Pico Iyer

50 Ways Italian Genius Shaped The World by Peter D’Epiro & Mary Desmond Pinkowish
A worthwhile read to bring much the talent that this amazing culture has produced together in one place

Iris Origo War in Val d’Orcia  
An Italian War diary 1943-1944
“War in Val d’Orcia is one of the most moving documents to have come out of the conflict in Italy, a masterpiece of reporting”
Sunday Times

Treading Grapes by Rosemary George
A good background read for those who’d enjoy extending their appreciation of Tuscan wines and their vignerons

Leonardo Da Vinci, The First Scientist by Michael White
“A worthy tribute to one of the great geniuses of the ages”  Frank McLynn  Glasgow Herald

Under The Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
“A wonderfully languid and evocative diary”  -  Independent
A book that has started many dreams about Tuscany.  Don’t bother with the DVD.

The World from Italy, Football, Food and Politics by George Negus
This is a travel book like no other.  It uncovers a side of Italy you won’t find in guide books and offers thought-provoking and challenging insights into how Italy works.  George Negus left 60 Minutes to enjoy a working sabbatical living in Tuscany for 15 months with his family.  It’s an easy, enjoyable read that really does explore how Italians think reflecting the sharp instincts of a seasoned journalist.

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