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The nearest town is the 14th century village of Lucignano – which you can see on the hill in the distance from the front yard of the house. Described in several books as one of the ten most charming villages in Tuscany and Italy, Lucignano has a unique design of concentric ringed streets. Approximately 3 kilometers away, it takes about five to ten minutes to drive there. Parking is easy: free parking spaces are located just outside the gates. The village has two cafes just at the main gate, where it is pleasant to sit outdoors for a morning cappuccino or an afternoon drink. Inside the walls are a newsstand that sells the International Herald Tribune, all the Italian papers and magazines, and other foreign (non-Italian) newspapers; several outstanding trattorias and restaurants (including two recommended by the Slow Food Guide and by all the important Italian restaurant guides); a gelateria that makes its own delicious ice cream; a grocery store and meat market; a bank with ATM machine; a post office; pharmacy; and hairdressers. The village also has a small museum which features the “tree of gold,” and several historic churches. The commune’s website (which can tell you about upcoming events) is: http://www.comune.lucignano.ar.it/
Approximately five kilometers away (in the other direction) is the slightly larger hilltop village of Monte San Savino. Monte San Savino (birthplace of the Renaissance sculptor Andrea Sansovino) is “younger” than Lucignano, in that most of its historic buildings date from the Renaissance rather than the 14th century. The commune’s website is: http://www.comune.monte-san-savino.ar.it
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