"When I was in Tuscany filming A Room with a View, I remember being in a horse-drawn carriage near Fiesole. I looked down to see wonderful cypress trees in a landscape lit unlike any other I’d ever seen. The spell, the beauty were completely intoxicating. I never wanted to shake that feeling; I wanted it to last". —Ismail Merchant, film producer

DESTINATION: MONTAIONE

Workshops will be held in Montaione, in a charming hilltop town in Tuscany. It's 23 miles south west of Florence. This ancient town dates back to the Etruscans, this has been confirmed by the abundance of archaeological finds in the area. The urban planning in this old town is simple, it's based on three parallet streets. With Palazzo Pretorio (14th century former residence of of Michele of Giovanni De'Medici), the historical centre is the focal prominent of the town. The ancient Romanesque church, San Regolo once dedicated to San Bartolommeo--dates back to the 13th century and contains a valuable painting (Madonna with Child, 13th century) attributed to a follower of Cimabue--is located near the town center. Throughout the town there are places of historical and artistic interest. LECTURE & WORKSHOP DATES

Ancient map of the town.

View of the town from above.

Palazzo Pretorio which houses the 'Museo Civico' and 'Historical Archives' of Montaione.

The recently inaugurated Museo Civico, displays archaeological and palaeontological finds, mineral and fossils recovered in the territory of Montaione, as well as an interesting collection of prehistoric stone objects. At the entrance to the Museum we find the remains of a whale, discovered in 1980 in Castelfalfi of the type donned as 'Balaena Montalionis' and dating to approximately three and half millions years ago. Originating from the area of Santo Stefano, to the north of Montaione, are a large number of archaeological finds, including a two-raced mash in red jasper confirming the human frequentation of this are in the lower Palaeolithic period (about 100.000 year ago). ACCOMMODATIONS AND PRICES

PALAZZO MANNAIONI

We'll be staying at the PALAZZO MANNAIONI. Dating to 1598, the palazzo was first built as a feudal fortress. During the second half of the 18th century, it became the seat of the Florentine garrison of the Medici until the beginning of the 19th century when it was conquered by Napoleon's troops. Napoleon himself used the palazzo as his base for hunting during his Italian campaign, and said the beauty of the area and warmth of its inhabitants made him "feel a king in a foreign land." For four centuries, the Palazzo Mannaioni was striclty joined with the history of the town of Montaione and the Mannaioni family. The family was prominent in civic affairs; they played a key role in the public life of Montaione as notaries, magistrates, administrators, builders, land owners and - as shown by the coat of arms over the door of the building - also as master glass-makers. We will be here at this ancient four star Villa located in the former fortified walls of the town. TODAY The palazzo, adjacent to the walls of the castle, was built at the end of the 16th century. The present building dates to the 19th century. Part of the complex houses the living quarters and includes a large garden, a lemon grove, and stables as well as areas dedicated to its former incarnation as a working farm: barns, cellars and a room used to make olive oil. An interesting feature of the palazzo is the underground passage leading to Piazza della Concordia; this has given rise to many mysterious legends and tales of secret liaisons. The restaurant is housed within the former cantina of the building. Its brick arches create an original and cozy atmosphere where we'll be able to enjoy Tuscan specialities exquisitively prepared featuring such local delicacies as fresh porcini and white truffles from Montaione. The first-class menu is accompanied by an interesting local wines. ACCOMMODATIONS AND PRICES

HISTORY OF THE VALLE DELL ELSA
	Information about the History of the region. VALLE DELL ELSA