Poggio Alla Malva Vacation Apartment

The Etruscans who settled in the Artimino area as early as the seventh century B.C., used the Arno River for their flourishing trade Tuscany and beyond. They built an acropolis and what later became the site of villa of the hundred chimneys at Artimino, where remains of tombs have also been found. Other necropolises have been located at Montefortini, Prato di Rosello and Comeana, while traces of a settlement have been discovered at Pietramarina. Etruscan relics are collected in the Museo Comunale Archeologico at Artimino.ARTISAN CRAFTSStone carving has been a specialty of Carmignano since Etruscan times, when pietra serena for cutting and sculpting was extracted from caves along the right bank of the Arno river. In the Middle Ages, stone was quarried along the Ombrone stream at the village of Comeana where stonecutters known as Scalpellini della Gonfolina were renowned for their work. Hand cut stone, often of masterful realization, adorns villas, churches, palaces, fountains, gates and even simple country homes of the area. The craft continues today among scalpellini, assisted by machinery that makes their work easier and safer though none the less artistic.HIKING, BIKING AND HORSEBACK RIDINGThe commune of Carmignano has organized four hiking trails that follow specific itineraries and themes.Itinerario Mediceo leading to villas and other historic sites originated by the Medici. Starting at the Villa Medicea of Poggio a Caiano, the path leads to Barco di Bonistallo, Condotti Medicei, Villa Medicea di Artimino, Barco Reale Mediceo, Barachetto della Pineta, Fattoria Le Ginestre and ends at Artimino. Distance 12.4 kilometers. Estimated walking time 5 hours.Itinerario Archeologico leading to archaeological sites, primarily Etruscan. Starting at the Etruscan tomb at Boschetti the trail leads to Montefortini, Grumaggio, Prato di Rosello, Pietramarina to end at Artimino. Distance 10.30 kilometers. Estimated walking time 4 hours.Itinerario delle Fonti leading to noted fountains and wells of the area. Starting at La Fontina the trail leads to the fountains of Nocchio, Docciolina, Scodellino, Frescolini, Bruceto, Rio di Fornia, Gattice, Rio Dell’Acqua Calda, Il Pilino, Fosso degli Ontani, Palla, Fondo (or Fossi di Fornia), Piaggi, Borri to end at Castagnati. Distance 23.4 kilometers. Estimated walking time 9 hours and 30 minutes.Itinerario delle Abbazie leading to the noted churches, abbeys and chapels of the area. Starting at San Michele in Carmignano (with Pontormo’s painting of the Visitation) the trail leads to San Lorenzo a Montalbiolo, San Leonardo, Abbazia di San Martino in Campo, Abbazia di San Giusto, Prioria di Santa Cristina a Mezzana, Pieve di Bacchereto to end at the Chiesa di Verghereto. Distance 23.6 kilometers. Estimated walking time 9 hours and 30 minutes.