Introduction to Impruneta

Impruneta is a town in Tuscany, on the edge of the Chianti region and it has a population of about 14,000 people. It dates back to Etruscan times, it was a place of worship in the 500s and in the Medieval times it became an important town politically and economically, attached to Florence.

It is also known for its centuries old brick and terracotta production, producing terracotta wares that characterise Tuscany, and are shipped all over the world.

In 1060 the Sanctuary of Santa Maria was founded following the discovery of a sacred image of the Madonna. This Sanctuary has developed a strong following of pilgrims to this day.

The Basilica of Santa Maria all'Impruneta in Piazza Buondelmonti. In 1944 this church suffered massive bombing damage. (more details later)

Summer is festival time in Italy and most cities, towns and villages are divided into rione; territorial subdivisions within a town or village. In some places they are called contrade, terzieri or quartieri The people are very passionate about their birth rione and at these festivals the rione compete for various rewards. The Palio in Siena is the most well known of such competitions. 

Impruneta has the oldest Festival of the Grapes in Italy, held on the last Sunday in September. Already the banners for each rione are up and declaring their allegiance.

The Piazza Buondelmonti is the main piazza with the church and civic buildings around it.  Since we last visited, it had been divided to create parking spaces and an area for eating, music, festivals and exhibitions.

Aperitivo time, with a view