Colle di Val d'Elsa is a city that is famous all over the world for the production of crystal glass. In its lower, industrial part, there are factories producing 90% of Italian crystal products. In turn, the upper part is a historic old town with medieval and renaissance buildings.
The city developed on the trade route connecting Siena and Florence. On the one hand, this location was very profitable, and on the other hand, it carried numerous threats. In the Italian wars between cities, it was often on the front line and was plundered many times. In the 15th century, papermaking and milling began to develop here. On the other hand, from the 17th century the development of glassworks, and then plants producing crystal glass, dates back. Today it is the most important Italian center for the production of this type of glass, and vases, glasses, figurines and other products can be bought in many shops in the city.
The most beautiful and attractive part of Colle di Val d'Elsa for tourists is located on a hill. It is connected to the lower part by steep streets and a city lift designed at the beginning of the 20th century by Jean Nouvel. There are medieval and renaissance tenement houses, narrow cobbled streets and several valuable churches, including an early baroque cathedral with rich sculptural decorations and the Romanesque church of Santa Maria in Canonica.
