Pontassieve

Pontassieve is an Italian town in Tuscany. It has about 20,600 inhabitants.

Geography

Pontassieve is located about 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) east of Florence, the capital of both the Metropolitan City of Florence and the Tuscany region, at the confluence of the Arno and Sieve rivers. It is part of the Mountain Community of Montagna Fiorentina.

The municipality includes the frazione (hamlets) of Acone, Colognole, Doccia, Fornello, Le Falle, Le Sieci, Lubaco, Madonna del Sasso, Molino del Piano, Montebonello, Monteloro, Monterifrassine, Petroio, Podere Prato, San Martino, San Martino a Quona, and Santa Brigida.

Pontassieve borders the municipalities of Bagno a Ripoli, Borgo San Lorenzo, Dicomano, Fiesole, Pelago, Rignano sull'Arno, Rufina, and Vicchio.

The municipality ranges in elevation from approximately 70 metres (230 ft) above sea level at the Arno River near Le Falle to 992 metres (3,255 ft) at Monte Giovi.

History

The name Pontassieve means "bridge over the Sieve". The bridge connected Florence with the Sieve valley and historically held strategic importance. It was protected by the Castello di San Michele Arcangelo, around which the town's historic centre developed. Three of the town's original gates have survived.

Main sights

• The bridge over the Sieve was built in 1555. It rests on stone piers, while its arches are constructed of brick.
• The Clock Tower, part of the town's 14th-century fortifications.
• Palazzo Sansoni Trombetta, now the town hall, built between the 17th and 19th centuries. One of its halls contains frescoes by Ferdinando Folchi depicting famous heroines.
• The Fabrizio De André River Park (Parco Fluviale), named after the Italian singer-songwriter, also serves as a venue for public events, including concerts and open-air cinema screenings.

Twin towns

• Griesheim, Germany
• Saint-Genis-Laval, France
• Tifariti, Western Sahara
• Znojmo, Czech Republic

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