IMPRUNETA
Impruneta is located about 15 kilometers south of Florence near the Chianti valley of Greve in Tuscany and is world famous for its production of terracotta thanks to the soil on which it is found. Other traditions include those of olive and grape cultivation. Its name derives from "pineta" meaning pine because of its located in an area of pine woods which can still be seen today around itin the surrounding hillside.
In medieval times, the land was part of a tenure of the wealthy Buondelmonti family who dwelled in the castle in the nearby village of Montebuoni.
The family was later driven from their castle in 1135 by the Florentines.
The sacred Basilica sanctuary of Saint Mary found in Impruneta is well known for the image of the Virgin Mary said to have appeared here. In 1415, a constitution was implemented and the small village of Impruneta began to develop around the main basilica and it was also at this time that ceramic production began.
Impruneta and its church were severely damaged during World War II but were slowly restored.
The Basilica of S. Maria in Impruneta in Piazza Buondelmonti, houses an artistic patrimony deeply tied to the Mariano cult with numerous works from the Della Robbia and Michelozzo's workshops as well as fine paintings by Jacopo Chimenti. The church has a 16th century facade and loggias and the bell tower is of Romantic origin.
Other places in and around Impruneta to see are the Churches of Saint Lorenzo in Colline, Saint Miniato in Quintole, Saint Lorenzo in Rose and Saint Pietro in Montebuoni.
Annual events include Primavera in Piazza (Spring in the square), which takes place the last 10 days of May in Piazza Buondelmonti and the cloister of the Basilica.
Exhibitions line the square with displays of terracotta products by local artisans and flowers and plants galore.
The Grape Festival (Festa dell'Uva) dating back to 1926, takes place on the last Sunday on September. A fun event where the city is divided into its four quarters with each quarter competing to win the prize for the best allegoric cart pit together with grapes and other materials and then displayed in a performance organized by the volunteers from the specific quarter. The patron saint day festival, Saint Luca, takes place on the 18th of October. Its history dates back a 1000 years and is celebrated with the tradition of moving livestock from one field to another for trading. A fun event which included food, drink and exhibition stands.