Camporbiano: History, Mining and the Via Francigena

Camporbiano brings together a long history, mining and glassmaking traditions, agricultural production, and the starting point of the Sienese route of the Via Francigena. These highlights give you a concrete starting point for your search.

History from the Neolithic to the Castle

Camporbiano was already inhabited in the Neolithic period, as finds of chipped red jasper points attest. In ancient times, the Etruscans used the heights around Camporbiano to extract copper. This places early settlement and the extraction of raw materials side by side as two distinct stages. Before the year 1000, Camporbiano was a villa dependent on the Bishop of Volterra. In the High Middle Ages, one of the castles of the Counts Cadolingi of Catignano and the Alberti family stood here. Leonardo da Vinci captured the form of Camporbiano’s late-medieval castle on one of his famous maps. This reference to the map adds a depiction of the castle’s form to the town’s medieval history.

Copper and Glass as Craft Traditions

Glassmaking is also part of Camporbiano’s history. The first documented glass furnace in the Val d’Elsa, dated to 1230, was located here. Camporbiano also had a historic glassworks. The date 1230 refers to the furnace; the glassworks is a separate part of the town’s history. Together with Etruscan copper mining, these are two distinct connections to raw materials and crafts: copper extraction in the surrounding heights and glassmaking in Camporbiano.

Mining Traces at the Rio di Camporbiano

A field description from 2015–2016 reports that the Buche del Rame, historic mining pits along the Rio di Camporbiano, were visible. Remains of buildings constructed for miners could also be seen on the steep slope on the opposite side of the river. The visibility of these structures may change, so check current conditions before visiting.

The Via Francigena and Planning Your Visit

The Sienese route of the Via Francigena begins in Castagno, in the village of Camporbiano, just outside the provincial boundary. Check the route details before setting out if you plan to include this route in your trip.

Agriculture and Farm Shop

Poggio di Camporbiano keeps dairy goats and cows in Camporbiano and grows vegetables, grains, and fruit. The workshops at Poggio di Camporbiano produce dairy products, preserves, flours, products preserved in jars, and baked goods. Livestock farming, cultivation, and production thus provide a contemporary agricultural connection alongside the town’s historical themes. The farm shop can be visited daily except Sundays and public holidays. Check the latest information before visiting.

Choose Hotels in Camporbiano

If you’re looking for hotels in Camporbiano, first decide on your travel dates and the focus of your stay. Compare the details of a specific offer with your travel dates and plans.

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