Residenze di Rivalto is situated in a hamlet of the Chianni commune, in the province of Pisa.
Rivalto, the little medieval town we happen to live in, has less than a 100 inhabitants. It’s perched on top of a Tuscan hill and looks down on the Valdera valley. The stunning view is filled with farm fields that change colours according to the slow rhythm of the seasons. The bright yellow in summer changes into deep red in autumn and lush green in spring.
Here you can still enjoy the uniqueness of the typical small towns that are scattered throughout the gently sloping hills of Tuscany. A place where the townspeople all know one another and where nobody worries about locking their doors. You’ll find tranquillity of other times and a sense of authenticity that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
The town livens up during the special town feasts like the Chestnut Feast of Rivalto, which is held on the second Sunday of October. The Farmer’s Feast instead, which is celebrated mid August, takes us back to the town’s rustic roots. If you love meat, you don’t want to miss out on the Wild Boar Food Festival of Chianni which takes place for two consecutive scrumptious weekends in November. At about five kilometres’ distance you’ll find Casciano Terme, a well-known thermal spa destination in Tuscany. With its thousand-year-old history, the Centro Termale di Casciana has become a real thermal spa gem in Italy (over the years). The thermal water gushes directly from its source Mathelda into the two spa pools. The biggest one is to be found outside and is equipped with hydromassage jets, waterfalls and fountains, whilst the other one is indoor and provides for perfect moments of pure relaxation. The thermal spa also boasts a wellness centre where its lush pampering will allow you to regenerate both body and soul.
We’re situated in the heart of Tuscany, which isn’t only famous for its views, but also for its art cities. At about 45 kilometres you’ll find the splendid city of Pisa, world famous for its Leaning Tower and its Square of Miracles. The cradle of Renaissance, Florence, with its Old Bridge, The Uffizi Gallery and the majestic Dome is to be found at about an hour’s drive.
The Etruscan city of Volterra is only a 45 minute drive away, while reaching Medieval Manhattan, as San Gimignano is called due to its towers, takes you about an hour. Lajatico with its fascinating outdoor concert venue the Teatro del Silenzio, is only at a stone’s throw away and boasts an impressive list of international performers like Andrea Bocelli.
Last, but not least we’re only thirty kilometres away from the marvellous Etruscan Coast, with Castiglioncello as its beach holiday gem, renown for its crystal-clear waters and gorgeous cliffs. Fall in love with one of the most romantic sunsets you’ll ever see, while sipping away at your exquisite Bolgheri wine. If you’re into archaeology, make sure you don’t miss the Baratti Gulf with its nearly intact necropolis and one of the most beautiful seaside spots of Tuscany.