Terranuova Bracciolini, Italian comune
Terranuova Bracciolini is a small town in the province of Arezzo in Italy, located on the right bank of the Arno River with a mix of flat land and gentle hills. The area is marked by characteristic balze, tall eroded rock formations about 100 meters high with warm colors mixed with green vegetation, creating a distinctive landscape.
The town was founded in 1337 by the Republic of Florence as Castel Santa Maria but was renamed in 1862 to honor humanist historian Poggius Florentinus. It served as a fortified defensive site with walls and towers to protect the valley from invaders.
The town's name honors Poggius Florentinus, a humanist and historian born in the area, reflecting its connection to local notable figures. Residents keep alive traditional recipes and handmade crafts through local markets and cafes, where products like Zolfino beans and Tarese pancetta are presented with local pride.
The town is easily accessible by car or bus from larger cities like Florence, Siena, and Arezzo, making it a practical base for exploring the surrounding area. Visiting on market days, especially the second Sunday of the month for the antiques fair or in September for the Festa del Perdono, offers better insight into local life and food.
The landscape painter Leonardo da Vinci was inspired by the local balze cliffs and painted them as background in some of his most famous works, showing how the area's dramatic geology fascinated artists across centuries. These eroded rock formations with their warm colors and steep walls are considered among Tuscany's most striking natural landscapes.
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