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 The
rural area outside Florence was known as the “contado”, the countryside where
thousands of peasants and farmers cultivated the land belonging to the rich
families living in town, monasteries and religious institutions (hospitals and
orphanages).
Peasants and farmers used to live in large houses and in large families. The
share-cropping system (mezzadria) was very common and survived until the 1950’s,
when it was legally abolished.
 Thousands
are the rural houses and monuments witnessing that time, when the only function
of our territory was to supply Florence with agricultural products: houses with
their own fortified stone towers (typical of the 12th-13th centuries), houses
with front arcades and central towers that served as dovecots (end of the 18th
century).
After a period of abandon, these houses have been restored, to become today the
most wanted type of residence in the countryside. Many families from Florence
have decided to live here, commuting to town every day.
Some of the most beautiful rural houses have been transformed into holiday
accommodation, farm houses and the like, offering the tourist the chance to
enjoy the charm of the Tuscan countryside.
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