"In the heart of Tuscany" Poggibonsi by Mikebond

Poggibonsi joins the advantages of lying right in the middle of Tuscany, halfway between Florence and Siena, to a long and important history as industrial town at the crossing point of many routes connecting the North to the South of the Italian paeninsula.
Its name comes from Latin Podium Bonitii, i.e. Hill of Bonizio, the owner of this land, where he built a fortified castle around 1150, called Poggiobonizio. The position of the castle was strategical, due to the continuous rivalry between Florence and Siena, and helped the town gain an important role as trade centre among Florence, Siena, Empoli and Volterra.
The history of Poggibonsi dates back to the prehistory and, later, to the Etruscan and Roman age, while it reached its greatest growth and development in the Middle Ages, between the 10th and 12th century, thanks to the Via Francigena.

Today, Poggibonsi is a medium-sized town with around 25,000 inhabitants and plays an important role as industrial centre. It doesn't have so much to show to tourists as its renowned neighbours, but it offers a more quiet and authentic atmosphere.

• Pros:not invaded by tourists
• Cons:maybe too underrated
• In a nutshell:The ideal basis to visit the Chianti and Val d'Elsa regions!