Piazza Arnolfo di Cambio in Colle Val d'Elsa
A lively square with a contemporary character along the Via Francigena
Piazza Arnolfo di Cambio is the beating heart of the lower part of the town of Colle Val D'Elsa, which is crossed by the Via Francigena. This is where the weekly market takes place, which is a meeting place for those who live here as well as for those who come here.
The square was built in 1867 when it was decided to create an area dedicated to the market and fairs. For its construction, part of the old city walls and the ancient church of St. Jacopo were demolished, and the railway station, the arrival point of the Poggibonsi-Colle di Val d'Elsa line, was built.
Today Piazza Arnolfo di Cambio is a lively square with a contemporary face, thanks to the renovation work entrusted to architect Jean Nouvel and involving a number of contemporary artists, including Daniel Buren for the special paving and Alessandra Tesi, who created the Persiana di Cristallo (Crystal Shutter) as a tribute to the Colligiana art of glassmaking.
