The oldest part of the town is the "colle alta", the higher part, with a well preserved medieval center. The town developed along the river from the 11th century building an artificial canal to power various industrial activities, such as wheat mills and paper factories.
We stayed at the pilgrim's accomodations of Seminario Vescovile San Cuore.
Here, the atmosphere suddenly changes: narrow paved lanes, magnificent 15th and 16th-century noble houses (notable are Palazzo Luci, Palazzo Morozzi, Palazzo Giusti, Palazzo Dini), fascinating tower-houses (notable is the one where Arnolfo di Cambio was born).
The Parco fluviale Alta Val d'elsa was superb.
L'Officina della Cucina Popolare serves cibo delizioso.