ABOUT QUARRATA

Quarrata is a small town situated in the heart of Tuscany. It lies at the foot of the Montalbano Hills from which olive trees and grapes are cultivated. The name is derived from the latin word "Quadrata" which refers to the camps set up by Roman soldiers who would pass through the area during that time.

The town is located 30 Km (20 miles) west of Firenze (Florence) and 10 Km east of Pistoia. Its central location in Tuscany makes it the perfect place from which to visit the many other wonderful cities of the region including Florence, Pistoia, Lucca (30 minutes), Pisa, Sienna, San Gimignano, Monteriggioni, Volterra, Certaldo and many other historical and artistic cities.

Quarrata offers a number of Agriturismi. Agriturismo is a combination of the words "agriculture" and "tourism." Essentially it's a farmhouse that's been turned into a vacation home or apartments. They are located in the hills in beautiful, relaxed settings surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. Most of them are associated with restaurants that offer typical, traditional dishes of the area prepared with natural ingredients that are locally produced.

Quarrata is also home to the Villa La Magia, founded 7 centuries ago in 1320. Over many years the Villa has been restyled by the different families who inhabited it. Between 1574 and 1587 Francesco I de' Medici (the famous family from Firenze) bought the Villa La Magia and had it restyled by their famous architect Bontalenti. The grounds of the Villa are for people to enjoy and for more information please click on this link: www.villalamagia.it.