Rapale, Italy

Geography

Geographical coordinates are 43° 22' 0" North, 11° 35' 0" East.

Rapale is located in the south-west of the province of Arezzo, in the municipality of Bucine, close to the province of Siena in Toscana, Italy. Rapale is a small village on the top of a hill (484 m) with an overview on the hills of the Chianti area, the Valdambra and the mountains of the Pratomagno.

The Pratomagno is a mountain range which has the Arno River on both sides: to the west is the upper Valdarno and to the east is the Casentino. It lies north-west of the city of Arezzo, in Tuscany, Italy. The village still has the typical aspect of a medieval castle, with a round tower, an ancient gate and stretches of walls, some of which have been merged with the houses.

The oldest archaeological ruts from the Romans were found southwest of today`s Rapale. Used as an easy abandoned settlement, it was also privileged by the climate, high over the Ambra valley.

Grain, tobacco, and Chianti grapes are harvested during the autumn harvest.

History

Due to its location on the border between the territories of Florence and Siena, Rapale was often involved in armed battles between the two rival cities. During the feudal period, the Ubertini are said to be the first lords of Rapale. They also ruled over the other castles in Valdambra. During this period, Rapale like all the other places in the valley, were plundered, occupied and set under fire by the Senese allies in 1307. The castle returned under the control of the Ubertini. Florence Republic fully protected and acquired Rapale in the year 1404. In 1430 the Senese, who had allied with the Duke of Milan against Florence and Venice, sent their troops into Valdambra and besieged many Florentine castles. Rapale fell to the Senese by treason in 1431, and was kept by them until 1433, when it was returned to Florence. Siena several times tried to conquer the castles of Valdambra, but Rapale remained under the government of Florence.

In 1552, Siena was attacked by the Florentines who had allied with the emperor Charles V. The Senese, who still ruled over some castles in Valdambra, attempted twice to take Rapale, but were driven back.

The long period of battles that had afflicted Valdambra and Rapale ended a few years later, when Siena was finally defeated by Florence. Rapale, like many other villages, carried on its existence as a small community with its own statute until the 1770's, when it was annexed to the Comune of Bucine.

First and Second World War left their spoors until today. German occupation of Rapale, it was still interesting as viewpoint, and the following aircraft attacks of the Allies are not forgotten by the native population. By means of missing jobs, many inhabitants had to leave Rapale. But, as in many Tuscanian places, international guests and new immigrants from Great Britain and Germany together with Italian people, today stimulate the traditional atmosphere of Rapale.

Festivals and Celebrations

Calici di Stelle

Calici di Stelle, known as Chalices of Stars is a yearly celebration of the nightly sky above Rapale and its telescopic observation Calici di Setlle is a traditional summer event created by Movimento Turismo del Vino that, singing the praises of Bacchus, one of the most fascinating nights of the year, offers tourists the chance to enjoy "the rain of tears of St. Lawrence" in the company of a quality wine.

On August 10 of each year, in city centers and in the Italian squares, including courts of unexpected beauty and castles, lovers of good drinking wine lovers can taste the best wines from member wineries combined with typical quality products, an expression of local heritage each region hosting the event.

Shooting stars reinforcing the unique combination of wine and art, offering close to tasting masterfully guided by skilled sommeliers and renowned Italian wine maker, a rich set of initiatives that will cheer nicely with jazz and classical music concerts, historical parades, theatrical performances and games Pirici, the many Italian and foreign tourists who choose a new concept of summer vacation to discover the art city.