Gambassi Terme, included in the Parco Benestare project, is a charming village well-known for its spa. The thermal water, known as "the water of Pillo," has been valued for centuries. Experts describe it as having a combination of healing properties, similar to the water found in Vichy.
Gambassi is a village rich in art and culture, thanks to the presence of significant religious buildings such as the Parish Church of S. Maria a Chianni, which was constructed in the 12th century and exhibits influences of Pisan Romanesque architecture, reminiscent of the Volterra Cathedral.
Additionally, Gambassi is renowned for its pottery and glass production by "I bicchierai." Archaeological findings are displayed in a permanent exhibition at the public library.
The legendary Giovanni Gonnelli, known as "Cieco di Gambassi" was born here. Despite being blind, he had the ability to sculpt terracotta works strongly influenced by popular religious sentiment. The castle, located in the village center, stands prominently on Via Francigena, a route traveled by pilgrims during the Middle Ages en route to Rome. Archbishop Sigeric of Canterbury, in his famous travelogue from the 11th century, mentioned Gambassi as the twentieth milestone. In commemoration of this historical period, an annual walk along the ancient route of Via Francigena takes place.
In the town center, there is a spacious and lush municipal park. The park boasts a variety of plant and tree species from different parts of the world. Gambassi serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the most important art cities of Tuscany, offering a pleasant stay due to its favorable climate.
Moreover, Gambassi provides numerous artistic and cultural attractions, as well as cultural activities.
Santa reparata was destroyed only at the end of the XIV century when works for the edification of the new one were going on.
A Roman fragment in the heart of Florence.
The Dante funeral mask, once thought real, is now believed a lost sculptural portrait. Donated to Florence in 1911, found in Ravenna in 1830.
This is the reason why you find grotesques in Florentine museums